American Pakistan Foundation, APF, Pakistan diaspora American Pakistan Foundation (APF) Mission The mission of the American Pakistan Foundation is to catalyze support for projects and initiatives that are important to the future of Pakistan and its relationship with the United States.​  Background Pakistan stands at profound crossroads today and is facing grave domestic and foreign policy challenges. On the domestic front, there is a significant shortfall of energy and major cities are experiencing massive blackouts, having a dire effect on economic productivity. Regarding education, 1 in 10 of the world’s children that do not go to primary school lives in Pakistan. Additionally, 66% of Pakistanis are under the age of 30 and according to the UN projections, Pakistan’s population will rise to 240 million in 2030. An estimated 36 million jobs will need to be created in the next ten years to absorb the youth bulge. The current scenario presents a grim outlook for the future. ​ We, at the American Pakistan Foundation, believe that it does not have to be this way. Providing the young people with opportunities can set Pakistan on a path of economic progress which will be beneficial not just for Pakistan but also for the global community. Our Inception The American Pakistan Foundation was formed in 2009 as the result of a meeting in New York City, at the invitation of the Foreign Minister of Pakistan, Shah Mahmood Qureshi. The meeting included representatives of the Pakistani American Diaspora, the private sector and public policy makers. The attendees of the May 2009 meeting concluded that the private sector had a vital role to play in the future direction of Pakistan and that promoting greater understanding and trust between the U.S. and Pakistan was imperative.  ​ APF was formally launched in December 2009 with an inaugural benefit in New York City featuring U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, Dr. Moeen Qureshi and former Secretary of State General Colin Powell.