LAHORE:
US Consul General Lahore Kristin K Hawkins has said that Pakistan and the United States share a longstanding and enduring relationship, with cooperation expanding across sectors including agriculture, trade, education and cultural preservation.
In an exclusive interview with Express News, Hawkins stated that agricultural experts from both countries are working jointly to tackle farming challenges faced in South Punjab and the US. She added that bilateral programmes in areas such as trade and agriculture can further strengthen mutual support.
“Our focus is to provide modern educational opportunities to Pakistan’s youth,” Hawkins said. She highlighted the success of the English Access Micro-scholarship Program, launched in 2004, which has benefitted more than 27,000 Pakistani students, including 6,000 from Punjab.
🇺🇸 and 🇵🇰 are jointly preserving Multan’s history and culture!
CG Hawkins visited the City of Saints, where the U.S. is supporting restoration work at Multan’s historic Ghanta Ghar. She also congratulated 150 students who completed a 🇺🇸-supported skills training program!… pic.twitter.com/NkLcNBVtg8
— U.S. Consulate General Lahore (@USCGLahore) July 14, 2025
“These students are contributing to a safer and more prosperous future for both nations,” she said. Over the last two years, the programme has expanded, reaching over 1,000 new students in Punjab, with 400 students from cities across South Punjab.
Responding to a question on cultural initiatives, Hawkins said the US has supported nearly 35 cultural preservation projects in Pakistan under the Ambassadors Fund for Cultural Preservation (AFCP). Notable efforts include the conservation of historical landmarks such as Multan’s Ghanta Ghar and local shrines.
She also mentioned the establishment of 19 Lincoln Corners across Pakistan to provide students with access to modern technology, including 3D printing, digital libraries, and research journals, offering access to more than 40,000 scholarly articles.
Lincoln Corners across Pakistan are hubs for learning, dialogue, and connection. 📚
In Multan, CG Hawkins visited Bahauddin Zakariya University and met with Lincoln Corner volunteers who shared how the space has helped them grow, personally and professionally, by providing a… pic.twitter.com/IqFefMOxUs
— U.S. Consulate General Lahore (@USCGLahore) July 14, 2025
These centres also provide guidance on higher education opportunities in the US, while promoting technology and cultural exchange.
“In South Punjab, Lincoln Corners have been set up at Bahauddin Zakariya University in Multan and the University of Education in Vehari,” she said.
Hawkins reiterated the US’ commitment to fostering educational and cultural cooperation, particularly for youth empowerment in underserved regions.
