WASHINGTON: The California State Senate has unanimously approved a resolution recognising the “enduring relationship” between Pakistan and the United States and acknowledging the “significant contributions” of Pakistani-Americans to California’s economy, culture and society.
The resolution, introduced by State Senator Melissa Hurtado, highlighted the “pivotal role” of the Pakistani-American community in California and praised its contributions across various sectors. It also encouraged Californians to celebrate the longstanding friendship between Pakistan and the United States.
The measure goes beyond simply recognising the Pakistani-American community, linking its achievements with California’s broader relationship with Pakistan and encouraging greater public support for closer ties between the two countries.
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, visited California during the process and met with state lawmakers to discuss expanding political and economic cooperation between Pakistan and California.
The California State Assembly also passed a separate resolution supporting stronger relations with Pakistan. It called for greater involvement of Pakistani-American businesses and investors in strengthening economic links between Pakistan and California.
Ambassador Sheikh welcomed the Senate resolution and praised Senator Hurtado for her efforts. He said Pakistan remained committed to “deepening people-to-people ties” and building on the “current positive trajectory” in Pakistan-US relations.
Sheikh also met Senator Eloise Gomez to discuss expanding trade, investment and economic cooperation between Pakistan and the United States. Gomez acknowledged Pakistan’s contribution to regional peace and stability, while Sheikh invited her to visit Pakistan.
The ambassador later hosted Assembly member Matt Haney and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva for a working lunch, where they discussed bilateral cooperation and opportunities for stronger engagement. Sheikh also extended invitations to both lawmakers to visit Pakistan.
The Council of Pakistan, headed by Dr Imran Sharief, also contributed to efforts that led to the Senate resolution.
The California resolutions come as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its economic and political engagement with the United States while developing closer relations with individual US states.
For Islamabad, the initiative is significant not only for its recognition of the “enduring relationship” between Pakistan and the United States, but also for highlighting the Pakistani-American community’s potential role in expanding political, economic and people-to-people ties between the two countries.
