Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh Holds Fruitful MeetingsWith Diaspora Pakistanis and Groups in NYC
By Elaine Pasquini
New York City: Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, wound up the month of October with a busy schedule of meetings and events in New York City.
The Pakistani American Community of Long Island (PACOLI) hosted the ambassador at a reception attended by its members and president Humayoun Shabbir, and Consul General Aamer Ahmed Atozai.
The gathering focused on initiatives to enhance community welfare and strengthen economic ties between the United States and Pakistan, including skilled labor opportunities for Pakistani professionals in the healthcare and IT sectors.
Ambassador Sheikh commended PACOLI’s efforts in promoting local political engagement and discussed the potential for collaboration in various areas. Emphasizing the importance of leveraging networks of Pakistani Americans to bolster business linkages and address community concerns, he also reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to supporting its diaspora in the United States.
In a meeting with the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), the ambassador discussed avenues for cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, particularly focusing on expanding opportunities for Pakistani professionals in the US and supporting APPAC’s initiatives in strengthening community ties.
In addition, Ambassador Sheikh emphasized, under Pakistan’s Special Investment Facilitation Council (SIFC) framework, Pakistan’s commitment to providing facilitation and support for US-Pakistan business and investment linkages, pointing out the mutual benefits for both countries with investment in Pakistan’s key sectors, including healthcare, education, IT and skilled labor.
Ambassador Sheikh appreciated APPAC’s efforts toward shared goals for the welfare of the Pakistani diaspora with particular reference to the Sister States arrangements between New York and the provinces of Punjab and Sindh in Pakistan and assured them of his support.
While in New York, Ambassador Sheikh also attended a luncheon hosted by the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG), which included local community leaders, state Senator John Liu, New York Assembly member David Weprin and Council member Linda Lee.
The ambassador lauded APAG’s efforts in promoting Pakistani heritage and identity in American communities and highlighted the importance of working with local representatives to enhance educational, economic and social opportunities for the Pakistani-American community.
Together with APAG members, Ambassador Sheikh visited the newly dedicated “Allama Iqbal Avenue” in the Queen’s neighborhood of Richmond Hill. The roadway was recently renamed in honor of Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Iqbal, and as a tribute to Pakistan’s heritage in New York City. The ambassador expressed appreciation for the group’s efforts in securing this honor, which serves as a symbol of pride for the Pakistani diaspora and strengthens cultural connections between Pakistan and the United States.
Ambassador Sheikh also met with Tariq Khan and members of the Organization for Pakistani Entrepreneurs to discuss strengthening ties between the US and Pakistan in the areas of entrepreneurship, investment and digital transformation. Avenues were explored to empower Pakistani startups and expand tech and trade collaboration.
A special event for the ambassador during the busy week was viewing the documentary “Sister States: Pakistan and New York” at the Boulton Center for the Performing Arts in Bay Shore, New York. The screening was hosted by deputy speaker of the New York State Assembly Phil Ramos, in collaboration with Assemblymember Alec Brook-Krasny and the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee.
The documentary highlighted the landmark visit led by Deputy Speaker Ramos to Pakistan earlier this year, which forged historic ties between New York state and the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. This bipartisan initiative aims to create new avenues of collaboration with lasting impact for both New Yorkers and the people of Pakistan.
In his remarks, the ambassador recognized the initiative as a testament to the deep-rooted friendship and cooperation between Pakistan and the United States, and highlighted the contributions of the Pakistani diaspora in New York. “Our community in New York is not only a bridge between Pakistan and the United States but also a catalyst for furthering bilateral cooperation across various sectors,” he said. The ambassador reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to enhancing partnerships that foster mutual growth and understanding.
The event underscored the importance of meaningful cooperation in strengthening ties between the people of Pakistan and the United States, with a shared commitment to exploring new areas of collaboration for mutual benefit.
Prominent business leaders of Pakistani origin also hosted Ambassador Sheikh. These innovators represented key sectors, including travel and tourism, petroleum, textiles, IT services and food imports. Their discussions focused on enhancing bilateral trade, fostering economic collaboration between the US and Pakistan, along with emphasizing mutual growth and investment opportunities.
The ambassador listened enthusiastically to their suggestions and concerns, assuring them of his commitment to supporting their important efforts. He encouraged them to continue exploring investment and partnership opportunities to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries.
Another important event the ambassador attended in New York City was a community gathering held at the Pakistani Consulate General. The groups of community members and leaders from New York and New Jersey expressed their views on enhancing bilateral relations, trade and investment opportunities between the United States and Pakistan.
Ambassador Sheikh provided insights into the positive economic outlook for Pakistan and outlined the government’s efforts to support the diaspora, including initiatives aimed at facilitating trade and investment. He also pledged the Embassy’s full support to the community and highlighted the significance of their suggestions in addressing Pakistan’s challenges and discussed pathways toward solidifying bilateral relations.
Before leaving the New York City area, Ambassador Sheikh attended a community meeting hosted by Dr Abid Sheikh which emphasized initiatives to boost trade, investment and community support. He also outlined efforts to strengthen Pakistan’s relations with the United States and foster greater collaboration in the many areas of mutual interest.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
