U.S. Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome alongside U.S. Consul General Kristin Hawkins, inaugurated the U.S.-funded EnglishWorks! program in Sialkot, welcoming 150 new students into the six-month initiative.
The program aims to enhance the English language, entrepreneurial, and leadership skills, providing young Pakistanis the tools to become future community leaders.
“These skills will help young Pakistanis become community leaders who contribute to a prosperous, proud, and peaceful future for Pakistan,” Ambassador Blome remarked during the event.
The EnglishWorks! program is part of the U.S. government’s broader educational outreach across Pakistan, with more than 6,000 students having graduated since 2015. It reflects the long-standing partnership between the U.S. and Pakistan, aiming to empower the next generation and contribute to the country’s economic and social development.
During his visit, Ambassador Blome highlighted the success of U.S.-Pakistan economic relations, including significant contributions by U.S. businesses in Pakistan. “The U.S. is Pakistan’s largest export market, and over the past decade, Pakistan’s exports to the U.S. have more than doubled,” he noted. Blome emphasized the role of American firms in training Pakistani workers, fostering job creation, and promoting local community development.
Blome also pointed to the impact of U.S. assistance in areas like education, healthcare, and climate resilience, citing examples such as infrastructure support for Pakistan’s agricultural sector and renewable energy projects. “We are helping Pakistan expand climate-smart agriculture and clean energy solutions, ensuring a more sustainable economic future,” he said.
In addition to boosting U.S.-Pakistan trade and investment ties, Blome emphasized the importance of women’s economic participation, referencing U.S.-funded initiatives like the Academy for Women Entrepreneurs and the TechGirls exchange program.
The ambassador’s visit to Sialkot also underscored the growing U.S. support for Pakistani businesses, particularly in export-oriented sectors like sports and medical equipment manufacturing. He concluded by stressing the U.S. commitment to Pakistan’s economic and educational development, stating, “Let’s work together and build on what we have already accomplished to ensure a more prosperous future for Pakistan.”
Blome’s engagement with the Pakistan-U.S. Alumni Network (PUAN) further highlighted the vital role alumni of U.S. exchanges play in contributing to local communities, strengthening the bilateral relationship, and promoting sustainable development in Pakistan.