Kundi hosts US Consul General at luncheon

ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 30th Mar, 2026) Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Faisal Karim Kundi Monday hosted a luncheon in honour of US Consul General Thomas Eckert and members of the consulate’s diplomatic staff at his residence in Islamabad.

During the meeting, both sides held detailed discussions on Pakistan–US bilateral relations and matters of mutual interest, said a news release issued here by the party secretariat.

The regional situation, particularly law and order in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, promotion of sports activities, and progress on declaring Peshawar and New York City as sister cities, also came under review.

The governor expressed concern over reports regarding a proposal to close the US Consulate General office in Peshawar, saying that the facility serves as an important diplomatic and facilitative center for the people and government of the province.

He emphasized that its services should continue and urged the US consul general to raise the matter with the US Embassy and Congress.

Welcoming the initiative to grant sister-city status to Peshawar and New York, Kundi stressed the need for its early implementation so that people of both regions could benefit from shared experiences and opportunities.

He also highlighted the importance of developing sports infrastructure, saying that promoting sports is essential for sustainable peace and development in any region.

The governor said that police and security forces were actively working to restore and maintain peace in the province.

Speaking on the occasion, Thomas Eckert appreciated the governor’s vision for strengthening ties between Peshawar and New York, adding that work on the initiative was underway with cooperation between authorities in both regions.

He reaffirmed that the US government and its people remain committed to advancing partnership-based initiatives aimed at the development and prosperity of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The US consul general also thanked the governor for the warm hospitality extended during the luncheon.