Pakistan should be seen as more than an anti-terror ally: Pak envoy to US

Washington, Sep 1 : Pakistan's Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani has said that his country needs to be seen in its many colours and dimensions, and not just as an anti-terrorism ally.

Highlighting Pakistan's cultural heritage and the excellence of its people in a host of development areas at an event held at the Embassy here, Haqqani said: "Pakistan need not be discussed just as an anti-terrorism ally, which it is in fact, it is a crucial ally. But, Pakistan needs to be seen with its many colours and with its many dimensions."

The event, an informal evening that included Pakistani writer Bapsi Sidhwa, was part of a series of programmes to mark Pakistan's Independence Day celebrations.

"As the Ambassador of Pakistan, I will try to ensure that security interests alone do not shape how Pakistan is looked at. Pakistan is a nation of 160 million people and hardworking Pakistanis are contributing competitively to development in every sphere of life in countries around the world, Daily Times quoted Haqqani, as saying.

Haqqani also attended a Pakistan Independence Day Festival in Maryland, where he applauded Pakistani Americans for projecting the image of the country through arts and craft,.

Praising Sidhwa's work, Haqqani said her books have captured the culture and the liveliness of life in Pakistan in many facets.

Sidhwa works, including her novel Cracking India, which is taught at American universities, An American Brat, The Pakistani Bride and The Crow Eaters, are widely acclaimed.

ANI