Washington D.C., In a significant acknowledgment of her contributions to strengthening Pakistan-U.S. relations, Samantha Power, the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), has been awarded the Hilal-e-Quaid-i-Azam (Civil) by the President of Pakistan. This prestigious award was presented in recognition of Power’s dedicated efforts towards fostering cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, particularly in addressing humanitarian and socio-economic challenges.
According to Embassy of Pakistan – Washington D.C, Power has been at the forefront of USAID’s mission to assist Pakistan, especially in combating the adverse effects of climate change and the catastrophic floods of 2022. Her leadership has been instrumental in mobilizing significant U.S. humanitarian assistance, amounting to $215 million, in addition to rallying support from American citizens and companies, who contributed over $37 million towards the relief efforts.
In her video message, Power expressed her gratitude towards the people of Pakistan, viewing the award as a testament to the strong partnership between USAID and the Pakistani community. She reminisced about her visit to Pakistan during the floods, emphasizing the profound impact of witnessing the extensive devastation firsthand. Power also highlighted the ongoing commitment of USAID to support Pakistan’s recovery and resilience-building efforts through initiatives like the US-Pakistan Green Alliance, which aims to enhance water management and promote Climate Smart Agriculture.
Ambassador Masood Khan, congratulating Power on her achievement, praised her as a true friend to the people of Pakistan. He commended her humanitarian services and leadership, which have significantly contributed to strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two nations.
This accolade not only celebrates Power’s contributions but also underscores the importance of international collaboration in addressing global challenges and advancing mutual interests.