US diplomat lauds Pakistan-US partnership at NIT’s America 250 celebration

NIT announces 250 scholarships amid celebration of US 250th Independence Day

LAHORE: (UrduThe National Institute of Technology (NIT) , powered by Arizona State University, celebrated the 250th Independence Day of the United States on Friday with a special ceremony attended by students, faculty members, parents, and distinguished guests. US Consul General in Lahore Stetson Sanders was the chief guest at the event, where he highlighted the growing partnership between Pakistan and the United States. During the ceremony, NIT also announced 250 scholarships for talented students under its new Future Innovators Scholarship (FIS) program.

Addressing the gathering, US Consul General Stetson Sanders began his speech by greeting the audience with “Assalamu Alaikum” and thanking Chancellor Shahzeb Awan for inviting him to the event.

He said that every visit to NIT fills him with excitement because the institute is creating something special for the future of Pakistan.

“It is an honor to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary here at NIT,” Sanders said, adding that the institution’s focus on innovation, creativity, and education makes it an ideal place for such a celebration.

He said that while Americans celebrate their Independence Day, the evening was also a celebration of the strong partnership between Pakistan and the United States.

Recalling American history, Sanders said that 250 years ago the founding fathers of the United States declared that all people are created equal.

He said the Declaration of Independence was based on the belief that free people can govern themselves and enjoy the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Sanders said the United States believes that strong nations build strong partnerships and that the relationship between Pakistan and the United States is strongest when it creates opportunities for the people of both countries.

He also referred to his recent visit to Islamabad, where he attended the launch of the United States’ America 250 celebrations at the US Embassy alongside Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif.

He said the embassy has planned a series of events throughout the year to mark the 250th anniversary of American independence and celebrate democratic governance.

Quoting US Chargé d’Affaires Natalie Baker, Sanders said the United States considers Pakistan “a true strategic partner, not merely a transactional one, but a partner grounded in mutual respect, aligned interests, and a shared vision for security and prosperity.”

The consul general praised the partnership between NIT and Arizona State University, saying it reflects the excellence of American higher education and supports Pakistan’s vision for a stronger future.

He said the collaboration is helping students gain the knowledge and skills needed to build successful careers and contribute to society.

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Sanders also appreciated NIT’s announcement of the Future Innovators Scholarship, calling it a fitting tribute to America’s 250th anniversary.

He said the initiative will support around 250 students over the next 10 years, providing each selected student with four years of fully funded education at NIT.

Describing the scholarship as a meaningful investment in Pakistan’s future, Sanders said it would promote talent, innovation, and educational opportunity.

Congratulating NIT on the initiative, he thanked Chancellor Awan, the faculty, students, parents, and guests for making the celebration memorable.

“I couldn’t imagine a better place to celebrate this historic occasion,” Sanders said, wishing everyone a Happy Independence Day and a Happy Freedom 250 celebration.

Earlier, welcoming the guests, NIT Chancellor Shahzeb Awan thanked everyone for joining the celebrations at the National Institute of Technology.

He said it was a pleasure to host the event marking the 250th Independence Day of the United States.

Awan noted that the year carries special significance because while America is celebrating 250 years of freedom, Pakistan is approaching nearly 80 years of independence, which it will celebrate on August 14.

He said the two important milestones reflect the friendship between two nations whose relationship continues to grow stronger.

The chancellor extended a warm welcome to US Consul General Stetson Sanders and thanked him for taking the time to attend the ceremony.

“We are delighted to have you with us this evening,” Awan said, adding that he hoped the guests would enjoy meaningful conversations, memorable moments, and the warm hospitality of NIT.

Speaking about the new scholarship initiative, Awan announced the launch of the Future Innovators Scholarship (FIS) in the spirit of America’s 250 years of freedom.

He said the program will provide 250 scholarships to bright young students who have the potential to become future innovators and leaders.

According to Awan, the scholarship is both a tribute to America’s historic milestone and a commitment to expanding educational opportunities and building a better future for Pakistan’s youth.

The event concluded with applause from the audience as participants celebrated the growing educational partnership between Pakistan and the United States and expressed hope for greater cooperation in education, technology, innovation, and people-to-people ties in the years to come.