A Conversation with Ambassador Siddiqui on the Future of Pakistan

Building the Future: Freedom, Prosperity, and Foreign Policy with Dan Runde - A podcast by CSIS | Center for Strategic and International Studies

In this episode, Dan is joined by Ali Siddiqui, Pakistan’s Ambassador for foreign investment, to discuss the future of Pakistan and U.S.-Pakistan relations. They examine how Pakistan went from being a close U.S. ally and “one of the potential Asian tigers” in the 1950s, to being largely associated with the legacy of the war in Afghanistan. Ambassador Siddiqui discusses the efforts that Pakistan has been making in rebranding itself and explains that the story of Pakistan is one of culture, music, art, ancient civilizations, literature, business, and opportunities. He highlights that the strengthening of Pakistan’s relationship with China should serve as a wake-up call to the United States. If the U.S. takes a proactive approach, there is huge opportunity for the U.S. boost its ties with Pakistan.