[:en]By Asim Shahzad
LAHORE: Acting Punjab Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan met with a delegation led by Mr. Phil Ramos, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly at Governor House.
The delegation included Angela M Ramos, Alice Brook, Christian Macario, Miguel Meana, Athar Tirmizi, Rosario Rodr Iquez, Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, Imtiaz Rahi, Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Rukhsana Mahmood, Dr. Parvez Iqbal, Tariq Khan, Ashfaq Ahmad, Amir Memon, Iftikhar Saeed, Dr. Sadia Tahir, Imtiaz Pirzada, Naeem Haroon, Imran Rashid, Suleman Rashid, Haroon Rashid, Faraz Naseer, and Naeem Akhtar.
During the meeting, they discussed the proposal of establishing a “Sister State” relationship between New York and Punjab. The conversation also covered Pakistan-U.S. relations, parliamentary affairs, and the promotion of education, health, and other sectors. Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan agreed to the resolution on making New York and Punjab Sister States.
On this occasion, Acting Governor Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan stated that the resolution would enhance cooperation in trade, health, and education between the American state and Pakistani provinces. He added that the legislative assemblies of Punjab and New York could learn from each other’s experiences. He emphasized that Pakistan desires peace and is a partner in global efforts to achieve it.
The Acting Governor further remarked that improving the economy and promoting education are top priorities for the government. The Punjab Assembly is playing its role in establishing a strong democratic system.
On this occasion, Deputy Speaker of the New York State Assembly Phil Ramos stated that they would actively contribute to enhancing cordial relations between the U.S. and Pakistan. He emphasized that the U.S. values its relationship with Pakistan and expressed a desire to sign an agreement with the Government of Punjab to improve the nursing sector.
Subsequently, Acting Governor Punjab Malik Muhammad Ahmad Khan presented gifts to Deputy Speaker New York State Assembly Mr. Phil Ramos.
Provincial Minister for Local Government Zeeshan Rafiq, Assembly members Zakia Shahnawaz, Asma Ihtisham-ul-Haq, Malik Ahmad Saeed, Chaudhry Iftikhar Hussain and Arif Mahmood Gull were also present at the meeting. From the Assembly Secretariat, Secretary General Chaudhry Amir Habib, Advisor to the Speaker Usama Khawar Ghumman, Staff Officer Imad Hussain Bhalli, Punjab Assembly Spokesperson Rao Majid Ali, and Public Relations Officer to the Governor Punjab Lala Rukh were also in attendance.[:]
