U.S. consular representative emphasizes U.S.-Pakistan relationship
During his recent visit to Hyderabad and Jamshoro, Pakistan, U.S. Consul General Scott Urbom showcased several initiatives that are advancing cooperation between the two nations, particularly in academic excellence, water management, and trade.
Academic Excellence and Capacity Building
Urbom engaged with local universities and research institutions to promote academic partnerships and knowledge exchange. The aim was to bolster educational standards and research collaboration in Pakistan's Sindh province. This aligns with ongoing U.S. efforts to enhance educational ties and capacity building in Pakistan.
Water Management Cooperation
The visit underscored the U.S.'s interest in supporting Sindh's water conservation and management projects. Given the water scarcity and management challenges in Pakistan, bilateral initiatives are being introduced to share expertise, technology, and best practices in sustainable water usage and infrastructure development.
Trade and Economic Collaboration
The visit came amid significant developments in U.S.-Pakistan trade relations. In 2025, the two countries finalized a bilateral trade deal, reducing tariffs and promoting cooperation in sectors such as energy, critical minerals, hydrocarbons, and emerging technologies like IT and cryptocurrency. This deal is expected to boost economic ties and open pathways for U.S. investment in Pakistan’s resource-rich regions like Balochistan and Sindh.
The USPCAS-W at MUET Jamshoro
The US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro, established with a $12 million investment from the U.S. government in 2014, serves as a center for academic excellence and innovation. Urbom praised the USPCAS-W as a model of sustainable U.S.-Pakistan cooperation.
The USPCAS-W's initiatives include training municipal staff in Jacobabad on solid waste segregation, recycling, and composting. The center conducts applied research, develops community solutions, builds public partnerships, and strengthens capacity. The USPCAS-W leads efforts to address Pakistan's critical water challenges and recently contributed to the US-funded Water Governance for Sindh Activity.
Strengthening Municipal and Provincial Water Management
The USPCAS-W's work extends to strengthening municipal and provincial water management, improving water and sanitation services, and promoting sustainable environmental practices in Sindh. An additional $10 million was invested by the U.S. government to partner with the University of Utah to enhance MUET's capacity.
English Proficiency and Leadership Skills
Urbom also attended the Sports Day celebration of the English Access Scholarship Programme at Peoples School Jamshoro. The U.S. government's Access Program helps Pakistani youth strengthen their English proficiency and leadership skills.
Poultry Industry Collaboration
Poultry feed manufacturers at a meeting expressed a preference for American soybeans due to their higher nutritional quality. Urbom met with executives from Al Fateh Oil Industries, which imports American soybeans. This preference reduces poultry production costs, making chicken and eggs more affordable in Pakistan while improving their nutritional value for consumers.
Scholarships and Expertise
The USPCAS-W awarded 250 scholarships, including 87 for women, for master's and doctoral degrees. The center equips future generations to tackle water and environmental challenges by transferring skills and connecting with US-supported experts.
Urbom's visit represents a continuation and deepening of efforts across academia, resource management, and trade, reinforcing strategic cooperation frameworks strengthened during 2025 under the Biden administration and earlier efforts by the Trump administration.
- The U.S. Consul General Scott Urbom's visit highlighted the interest in sharing American expertise and technology in sustainable water usage and infrastructure development as part of the ongoing water management cooperation.
- Urbom's engagement with local universities and research institutions is aimed at bolstering educational standards and research collaboration in line with the U.S.'s efforts to enhance educational ties and capacity building in Pakistan.
- Poultry feed manufacturers in Pakistan have shown a preference for American soybeans due to their higher nutritional quality, reducing poultry production costs, making chicken and eggs more affordable, and improving their nutritional value for consumers.
- English proficiency and leadership skills are being nurtured in Pakistani youth through the U.S. government's English Access Scholarship Programme, as showcased by Urbom at the Sports Day celebration of Peoples School Jamshoro.
- In an effort to strengthen educational standards, research collaboration, and capacity building in Pakistan's water sector, the US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro was established with a $12 million investment from the U.S. government. The center offers scholarships, training, and research opportunities aimed at addressing Pakistan's critical water challenges.
