Lahore (Syed Javed Hassan Shah): Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) President Syed Mohsen Gilani held a high-level meeting with Chargé d’Affaires of the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan, Ms. Natalie A. Baker, in a significant engagement aimed at strengthening cooperation through football and promoting Pakistan’s positive image on the global stage.

During the meeting held at the Freedom 260 Liberty Bell Initiative, themed “Let Freedom Ring” launched by the US Mission in Pakistan, President Gilani shared the PFF’s renewed vision under the current leadership and outlined plans to work closely with the US Embassy in areas where sport, particularly football, can serve as a bridge between nations. He emphasised that football has the power not only to develop athletes but also to promote unity, youth engagement, and a progressive international image of Pakistan.

During the meeting, President Gilani articulated a vision where the PFF and the US Embassy work in tandem to amplify Pakistan’s international profile. He briefed the Ambassador on the robust support the federation has received from the Prime Minister’s Office and the Ministry of Sports, particularly regarding grassroots initiatives.

Expanding on these efforts, Mr. Gilani remarked: “Our collaboration with the Prime Minister’s Office is not merely about sport; it is a dedicated mission to empower the youth of Pakistan. By aligning our internal operational framework with global standards, we are preparing a generation that can represent the true, vibrant spirit of our nation on the world stage.”

Ambassador Ms. Baker lauded the rapid institutional progress achieved under Mr. Gilani’s leadership over the past six months, noting the visible surge in fan engagement and government backing. The discussions culminated in a mutual pledge to prioritize three pillars of development: the advancement of women’s football, high-performance youth programs, and a massive promotional drive for the FIFA World Cup 2026, which the United States will co-host.

Reflecting on the global significance of the tournament, President Gilani stated: “Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the United States in its journey toward a successful World Cup. This campaign is a golden opportunity to showcase a positive image of Pakistan through our shared passion for the game, and we intend to be a key partner in celebrating this global spectacle.”

Beyond the World Cup campaign, the PFF President emphasized that the federation is treating women’s football as a cornerstone of its modernization strategy. He expressed his gratitude to the Pakistani government for providing the necessary “administrative backbone” that has enabled such significant milestones in a remarkably short timeframe.

As the meeting concluded, both leaders reaffirmed that this partnership transcends the pitch, serving as a powerful tool for cultural exchange and long-term institutional governance that will ensure Pakistani football never regresses into the stalemates of the past.