ISLAMABAD: “On behalf of the United States of America, it is my honor to be here with all of you to celebrate this historic event. Today (Monday 8th Dec, 2025) after almost four years of enormous effort, we are proud to open the new US Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) building”, said US Embassy’s Chargé d’Affaires (CDA) Natalie A Baker on the occasion of USEFP ribbon-cutting ceremony here.
According to details Baker joined Minister of State for Education Wajiha Qamar as they inaugurated a new purpose-built building of the USEFP here marking a major milestone in the longstanding Pak-US educational partnership. 2025 also marks the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright program in Pakistan.
CDA Baker noted that as the United States approaches its 250th anniversary in 2026, the new USEFP building will highlight America’s founding ideals and global impact, using this milestone to further strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations.
Designed to serve as a central U.S.-supported resource for learning and exchange, the new USEFP building is a five-story, 9,755-square-meter complex which will expand access to educational resources, empower Pakistani students and educators, and foster innovation. By bringing together EducationUSA advising services, a Lincoln Corner, training spaces, and public programs under one roof, the building will equip Pakistan’s next generation with the skills and knowledge needed to thrive in a global economy.
CDA Baker and Minister of State Qamar officially opened the building during a ribbon-cutting ceremony. U.S. Department of State’s Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary for Educational and Cultural Affairs Sherry Keneson-Hall, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs Shelly Seaver, USEFP Executive Director Peter Moran, USEFP Chair Kamal Uddin Tipu, artist and poet Dr. Raja Changez Sultan, and many distinguished guests from Pakistan’s academic and government sectors also attended the event.
Speaking on the occasion, CDA Baker emphasized the long-term impact the new public building will have on advancing education in Pakistan and strengthening the Pak-US bilateral relationship. “This is more than a building. It is a symbol of the deep commitment both the United States and Pakistan have to education, innovation, and building a safe, stronger, more prosperous future together. It will also be used as a public space for Pakistanis to learn more about the United States and a place where people can come to exchange ideas on issues that affect us all,” she remarked.
Established in 1950 as a binational commission, USEFP promotes mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchanges and is one of 49 Fulbright Commissions worldwide. More than 9,000 Pakistanis and nearly 1,000 Americans have participated in USEFP-administered exchanges, enriching academic and cultural ties between the two countries.
Natalie A Baker said: “I would like to take a moment to thank those that made this possible, including: Peter Moran and the USEFP team, for your tireless work in overseeing all aspects of this project; The USEFP board, who dedicate their time to ensuring that the educational ties between the United States and Pakistan are strong; Nayyar Ali Dada & Associates for your incredible vision for this structure;…
“Astral Constructors who have been working, especially these last few weeks, to make sure every detail is perfect; Dr. Raja Changez Sultan was incredibly generous in donating pieces from his recent retrospective of his wonderful career for the building opening. It is an honor to have an artist, who shares such strong connections to the United States help mark this occasion.
“I also want to thank sincerely KFC Pakistan, McDonald’s, and the BajCo Group for their support. As American businesses in Pakistan, they are helping make this event possible. Your partnership shows the positive difference, businesses can make in our communities. We are truly grateful for your role in helping us celebrate U.S.–Pakistan ties. I would also like to recognize some special visitors who have traveled all the way from Washington, DC to celebrate this momentous occasion:
“The US Department of State’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs’ Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary Ms. Sherry Keneson-Hall, and from the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs, Deputy Assistant Secretary Shelly Seaver. We are so deeply grateful for such fantastic support from our colleagues in Washington in building ties between Americans and Pakistanis in this important way, so thank you to both of you for being here.
“Finally, it is a privilege to have such a wonderful partner in the Government of Pakistan as we carry out important educational initiatives such as this one. I am pleased that Minister of State at the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, my friend, Ms. Wajiha Qamar, is here, and I look forward to continuing to achieve great work together. We are grateful that the Government of Pakistan helped secure the land for this space at a greatly reduced rate, making this incredible structure possible.
“This is more than a building; it is a symbol of the deep commitment both the United States and Pakistan have to education, innovation, and building a stronger future together. It is also especially fitting because this is the 75th year of the Fulbright program here in Pakistan. Over the past 75 years, more than nine thousand students and scholars have studied in the United States, and more than nine hundred U.S. students and scholars have come to Pakistan to learn from your beautiful culture and vibrant academic institutions.
“It is not possible to quantify the impact these programs have had on both of our countries. Perspectives have been broadened, our engagement deepened, our business networks expanded, but most importantly, our friendships have increased. That is why opening a new USEFP building is such an immense opportunity. It will allow the critical work that USEFP and the bilateral Fulbright Commission do to continue well into the future.
“I am pleased that the USEFP building will also be used as a public space for Pakistanis to learn more about the United States and a place where people can come to exchange ideas and discuss issues that affect us all. The building will host a Lincoln Corner, with free educational and informational resources, and EducationUSA advising services for all those who are interested in learning more about studying in the United States.
“We will also have a beautiful auditorium that can be used for speakers and trainings and various events. “Our joint vision for a shared, public space for education and innovation has been realized, but now the real work begins. Each of us contributed and so that many will benefit, and we cannot wait to see what incredible things will come from this space. Welcome and thank you for being here!”
CDA recently visited Karachi. https://pk.usembassy.gov/u-s-charge-daffaires-natalie-baker-inaugurates-new-usefp-building-to-advance-u-s-pakistan-educational-partnership/
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