A prestigious launch event related to the upcoming FIFA World Cup was held at the U.S Embassy in Islamabad, bringing together prominent figures from sports, government, and various sectors of society.
Federal Minister for Railways Hanif Abbasi, President of Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) Mohsen Gilani, Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, and Lahore Qalandars Chief Executive Atif Rana were among the distinguished guests in attendance.
Addressing the ceremony, U.S. Chargé d’Affaires to Pakistan Natalie A. Baker said it was an honor that the first special FIFA World Cup-related event was being hosted in Pakistan. She expressed happiness over the positive progress being witnessed in the promotion and development of football in the country and noted that Pakistan is playing an important role in the FIFA World Cup. Natalie Baker highlighted that Pakistan is manufacturing world-class footballs for global use, while the FIFA World Cup to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico will be the biggest in history, featuring 48 teams for the first time. She said the United States is fully prepared to welcome fans from around the world and celebrate the historic tournament in a grand manner.