By Rafiq Vayani
KARACHI: U.S. Chargé d’Affaires, a.i. (CDA) Natalie A. Baker conducted an extensive visit to Sindh Province from January 25 to 31, engaging political leaders, business executives, and community representatives to advance shared U.S.-Pakistan priorities in American excellence, economic growth, and regional stability.
CDA Baker’s engagements demonstrated the U.S. Mission’s ongoing commitment to U.S.-Pakistan bilateral relations in trade, commerce, and technology. She toured major manufacturing sites, including the advanced Continental Biscuits facility in Sukkur, a joint venture with U.S.-based Mondelez International. CDA Baker noted, “Nothing captures the spirit of the U.S.-Pakistan economic partnership quite like a shared success story where together we create jobs, drive innovation, and build mutual prosperity.” She emphasized that across the country, U.S. companies and technologies help industries improve efficiency, strengthen supply chains, and modernize for the future.
She also visited a sugar mill and an ethanol, CO₂, and paper plant in Mirpurkhas, where modern technology and efficiency support exports to the United States and American supply chains. CDA Baker observed, “This successful, innovative operation shows how modern industry supports the growing U.S.-Pakistan economic relationship: reducing waste, adding value, and connecting Pakistani production to international supply chains.” Her visits highlighted how strong local manufacturing and reliable agricultural inputs, supported by the Indus River, are essential for economic stability. She stressed that these elements are key to achieving lasting prosperity and growth for both countries.
In Garhi Khuda Bakhsh, Larkana, CDA Baker paid her respects at the Bhutto family mausoleum, recognizing the site’s historical and cultural significance.
Reflecting the United States’ commitment to protecting religious liberty and faith-based organizations, CDA Baker met with Hindu community leaders to discuss interfaith harmony and the importance of protecting civil liberties for all citizens.
To highlight the shared U.S. and Pakistani commitment to excellence in sports, she visited Hyderabad’s Niaz Stadium, emphasizing that cricket’s Olympic debut in the United States during the 2028 Games in Los Angeles shows how sports and shared interests unite people and create opportunities across borders. Hyderabad is also home to the PSL’s newest cricket team, which a U.S.-based investor will establish and develop.
As part of the U.S. Mission’s engagements in Sindh, Peter McSharry, Counselor for Political and Economic Affairs at the U.S. Consulate General in Karachi, met with Sukkur Mayor Arsalan Shaikh and Sindh Assembly Speaker Awais Qadir to discuss local governance and expanding fair commercial ties. At Sukkur IBA University, he met with leadership and students and reviewed the U.S.-funded STEMpowered initiative with Vanderbilt University, which strengthens workforce readiness and supports U.S.-led innovation.
CDA Baker’s visit reaffirmed the United States’ enduring commitment to a partnership with Pakistan that delivers practical results – reinforcing stability and self-reliance, strengthening institutions, and expanding shared prosperity for both nations as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of its independence.
