The inauguration of the new USEFP Islamabad building marked a major step in advancing educational and cultural links between Pakistan and the United States, commemorating 75 years of bilateral exchange and cooperation. The modern facility is designed as a central hub to support students, deepen academic exchanges, and strengthen people-to-people ties across both countries.
SHARP was represented at the ceremony by Mr. Mudassar, who held productive discussions with senior U.S. Embassy and USEFP officials. Among those in attendance were Mr. Andy Halus, Minister Counselor for Public Diplomacy; Ms. Sherry Keneson-Hall, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Bureau of Educational & Cultural Affairs; Dr. Peter K. Moran, Executive Director of USEFP; and Ms. Karina Keating, Branch Chief of the Office of Academic Exchange Programs. Conversations reflected shared commitments to expanding opportunities for Pakistani students and institutions.
Dialogue centered on priorities including scholarship opportunities, exchange programs, and practical avenues for future collaboration. Stakeholders discussed how the new USEFP Islamabad facility can streamline outreach, advise prospective scholars, and foster partnerships between Pakistani universities and U.S. academic institutions.
For Pakistani students and academic leaders, the upgraded USEFP Islamabad presence promises more accessible guidance on scholarships, clearer pathways for study abroad, and reinforced networks for research and leadership development. SHARP emphasised the importance of sustained investment in youth engagement and cross-cultural learning during its meetings.
Looking ahead, SHARP anticipates strengthening collaborative efforts that promote learning, leadership, and cross-cultural engagement, using the new USEFP Islamabad building as a platform to broaden scholarship access and deepen US-Pakistan academic cooperation for years to come.
