Baker Institute
Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi, foreign minister of Pakistan, speaks at the Baker Institute.
As today’s deadly car bombing outside a crowded market ― the fourth in a string of deadly assaults in less than a week ― demonstrates, Pakistan faces numerous challenges in establishing a stable democracy and combating extremism. The role the United States will play is an issue being debated by policymakers.
Earlier this month, the Baker Institute hosted Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi for a talk on “Transitions in Pakistan-U.S. Relations.”
Qureshi told an audience of 70 that the United States has the resources to “help Pakistan help itself,” and he hopes engagement will help foster stability in the region. President Obama’s commitment to Afghanistan is in line with Pakistan’s position, Qureshi noted, and Obama’s sense of hope and optimism is well received in Pakistan, providing an opportunity for strengthened relations between the two countries.
Quershi also said that the country’s democratic culture is maturing under the Zardari administration in Pakistan, even amid threats of extremism and terrorism on the western border with Afghanistan. He cited as progress the recent developments in diplomatic ties with India and current military and strategic combat in response to terrorism in Afghanistan.
“Pakistan is leading our region into a new era of trans-regional cooperation in countering terrorism and development projects,” Quershi said, adding that the United States has helped in Pakistan’s struggle to stabilize the surrounding region.
“My vision,” Qureshi concluded, “is to see a strong democratic, progressive Pakistan in the next five years.”
View a webcast of Makhdoom Shah Mehmood Qureshi’s Oct. 5 presentation,”Transitions in Pakistan-U.S. Relations” at the Baker Institute.