New USEFP headquarters opens as Fulbright Programme celebrates 75 years in Pakistan

ISLAMABAD (Dunya News) – The United States Chargé d’Affaires, Natalie A Baker, together with Minister of State for Education, Wajiha Qamar, inaugurated the new United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) building in Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in the longstanding educational partnership between the two countries.

The event coincides with the 75th anniversary of the Fulbright Programme in Pakistan.

Speaking at the ceremony, Baker noted that as the United States prepares to observe its 250th anniversary next year, the new USEFP facility reflects the enduring principles that have shaped the country and their influence across the world. She emphasised that the building would further deepen Pakistan-US relations while representing a renewed commitment to advancing learning, innovation and international exchange.

The five-storey building spans 9,755 square metres and has been constructed with American support to enhance learning and cultural collaboration. It is designed to widen access to educational resources, support Pakistani students and teachers, and foster innovation. The facility brings together EducationUSA advising services, a Lincoln Corner, training centres and public programming spaces, creating a single hub aimed at equipping the next generation with knowledge and skills essential for participation in the global economy.

Baker and Wajiha Qamar jointly performed the ribbon-cutting to formally open the building. The ceremony was attended by Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Educational and Cultural Affairs, Sherry Kinnison Hall, Acting Deputy Assistant Secretary for South and Central Asian Affairs, Shelley Sewer, USEFP Executive Director, Dr Peter Moran, USEFP Chair, Kamaluddin Tipu, poet and artist Dr Raja Changhez Sultan and guests from various government departments.

In her remarks, the Chargé d’Affaires underlined the long-term value of the public facility in promoting education in Pakistan and strengthening bilateral ties. She said the building represented more than a physical structure, describing it as a symbol of the United States’ and Pakistan’s joint dedication to education, innovation and the pursuit of a safer and more prosperous future. She added that the space would also serve as a public platform where visitors could learn about the United States and engage in discussions on shared global issues.

USEFP was established in 1950 as a bi-national commission promoting mutual understanding through educational and cultural exchanges. It is one of 49 Fulbright Commissions operating internationally. More than 9,000 Pakistanis and nearly 1,000 Americans have participated in USEFP-sponsored exchange programmes, contributing to stronger academic and cultural linkages between the two nations.