Karachi: In a significant move to enhance educational and healthcare collaborations, the American Pakistan Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) and a Bi-partisan New York State Assembly delegation met with the Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah and the Sindh Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho This second visit to Pakistan by APPAC focused on solidifying previous achievements and exploring new collaborative opportunities.
Building on Prior Success:
APPAC and a bipartisan group of New York State lawmakers, under the leadership of Deputy Speaker Assemblyman Ramos, met with the Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shahd and the Education Minister Syed Sardar Ali Shah. This meeting led to the passage of a Sister State resolution between New York and Sindh, setting the stage for educational and cultural exchanges.
These exchanges aim to initiate programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade, fostering mutual cultural understanding. One such agreement has already been made between the Brentwood School District in NY and Happy Home Schools in Karachi, an institution that’s about 75 years old.
“This partnership is about more than just an agreement,” said Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, chairman of APPAC. “It’s about building bridges and creating opportunities for our children to learn from one another.” For New York, this means integrating diverse cultural experiences into schools, while for Sindh, it promises educational improvements and economic growth.
Expanding Collaboration with Sindh:
In the recent meeting with Sindh’s leadership, Deputy Speaker Ramos emphasized the importance of Sindh passing a Sister State resolution. This resolution would formalize the partnership and enhance collaborative efforts in education and healthcare.
The Health Minister Dr. Azra Pechuho discussed the idea of helping local students from Pakistan with their board exams in New York and its potential benefits for Pakistan’s young population. The Sindh Health Minister highlighted how such initiatives could create job opportunities and improve educational outcomes in the region.
“This resolution is a critical step in formalizing our efforts and ensuring long-term collaboration,” commented Deputy Speaker Assemblyman Ramos. “We are committed to working together to create sustainable educational and healthcare improvements.”
Broader Goals and Implications:
Beyond education, APPAC’s initiatives aim to promote cultural understanding and economic cooperation between the U.S. and Pakistan. This partnership has the potential to strengthen global ties, fostering peace and prosperity for both nations.
Assemblyman Alec Brook-Krasny noted, “The collaboration between New York and Sindh is an excellent example of how international partnerships can lead to meaningful change. By sharing resources and expertise, we can make a real difference in the lives of people in both regions.”
By working closely with the New York State Assembly, APPAC demonstrates a strong commitment to enhancing U.S.-Pakistan relations. These initiatives reflect a shared vision of mutual benefit and cooperation, paving the way for a brighter future.
The engagement between APPAC, the NYS Assembly, and Sindh’s leadership marks a significant step toward deepening educational and healthcare connections. With ongoing collaboration and the potential passage of a Sister State resolution in Sindh, these efforts promise lasting positive impacts, benefiting communities in both regions.
