Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan

3517 International Court NW, Washington, DC 20008

Nayyar Ali Dada paired a long office block with a lower reception pavilion whose curved roof recalls Lahore Fort. A courtyard of red paving joins the two; the mission moved here in 2003. President Pervez Musharraf inaugurated the chancery in June 2003.

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Pakistani Ambassador’s Residence

2343 S Street NW, Washington, DC 20008

The former James B. Aleshire house has three balcony doors beneath carved semicircular panels, a notched slate roof, and a long rear garden. Wood, Donn & Deming designed the brick-and-stone residence in 1909. Pakistan acquired it in 1948 for an early chancery; it later became the ambassador’s residence.

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Recognition and diplomatic relations

1947-08-15

The United States recognized Pakistan and established diplomatic relations on 15 August 1947. Pakistan’s first ambassador in Washington, M. A. H. Ispahani, presented credentials to President Harry Truman on 8 October, beginning the incoming ambassadorial record.

A secret channel to China

1971-07-09

Pakistani intermediaries carried messages between Washington and Beijing and enabled Henry Kissinger’s secret July 1971 journey to China. The opening occurred during the Pakistan army’s crackdown in East Pakistan; U.S. diplomats condemned the atrocities and challenged Washington’s support for Yahya Khan.

The embassy in Islamabad is attacked

1979-11-21

A mob attacked and burned the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad on 21 November 1979. American and Pakistani employees died. The assault exposed a severe breakdown in protection of the mission and left a lasting memorial within the bilateral relationship.

Nuclear tests bring U.S. sanctions

1998-05-30

After Pakistan’s May 1998 nuclear tests, President Bill Clinton issued a determination on 30 May triggering U.S. sanctions under the Arms Export Control Act. Nuclear proliferation placed the relationship under renewed pressure.

Relief after the earthquake

2005-10-09

Following the devastating 8 October earthquake, the United States began airlifting relief supplies and helicopters to Pakistan. Joint relief work connected American transport capacity with the urgent needs of communities cut off in mountainous terrain.

Abbottabad strains the partnership

2011-05-02

U.S. forces killed Osama bin Laden in Abbottabad on 2 May, local time. President Barack Obama announced the operation in Washington the previous evening. Pakistan’s cabinet defence committee condemned the unilateral action as a violation of sovereignty while reaffirming its commitment to counterterrorism.