KARACHI: The New York State Assembly’s delegation led by Deputy Speaker Philip Ramos on Wednesday visited the Karachi Press Club here and said that the purpose of the visit to Pakistan is to further improve Pakistan-US relations.
Brooklyn Assembly member Eric Brock, President American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee – APPAC Imtiaz Rahi, Chairman APPAC Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, President Imtiaz Rahi and board members were also present on the occasion.
On arrival at KPC, President KPC Saeed Sarbazi, Secretary Shoaib Ahmed, Member Governing Body Noor Mohammad Kalhoro, Shoaib Khan, Rana Javed and others welcomed the delegation.
President PFUJ Afzal Butt, Secretary PFUJ (Dastoor) AH Khanzada, former secretary KPC Arman Sabir and others were also present on this occasion.
President Press Club Saeed Sarbazi and Secretary Shoaib Ahmed welcomed the guests and said that the visit of delegations of friendly countries to Karachi Press Club is welcoming.
They said that KPC is a symbol of democracy and freedom of expression in the country. Karachi Press Club has been playing the role of an umbrella for democratic forces.
Philip Ramos said that he is grateful to all Pakistanis for the wonderful welcome and hospitality.
He said that relations between Pakistan and US will further improve by establishing people-to-people contacts at the bilateral level. He said that the budget of the state of New York is equal to the annual budget of the whole of Pakistan.
He said that during the visit to Pakistan, the government of Punjab and Sindh has approved the sister state resolution with New York State. Our message is New York and long live Pakistan, he said.
He said that there is a shortage of nurses and pharmacists in New York and, there are trained nurses in Pakistan who undergo professional training every year. We want trained nurses and pharmacists from Pakistan to come to America, he said.
He said that there is a need to promote cooperation in education and health sectors on a bilateral basis.
He pointed out that earlier, the US visas for Pakistanis were issued in 400 days but, now the period of issuance of American visas for Pakistanis has become 100 days due to their efforts.
Opposition leader in the New York State Assembly Alec Brooke-Krasny said that he wants cooperation with Pakistan in the fields of education, health and trade. The purpose of our visit is not only to help Pakistan but also to help America, he added.
