Strong networking, greater coordination among US lawmakers of Pakistani descent to strengthen diaspora: Masood Khan

WASHINGTON, July 15 (SABAH): Strong networking and greater coordination among law-makers of Pakistani descent would serve the interests of the community by aggregating their strength and enhancing their ability to play even a greater role in U.S. politics.

Coordinated efforts will ensure synergy to the efforts aimed at promoting Pak-US relations and bringing the people of two countries closer to each other.

Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks while virtually interacting with U.S. state law-makers of Pakistani descent who are serving their respective constituencies in different parts of the United States.

The participants of the meeting included Georgia State Representative Farooq Mughal, Representative Saira Draper, Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani, New Jersey Assemblywoman Sadaf F. Jaffer, Pennsylvania State Representative Tarik Khan, Maryland State Delegate Sarah Wolek and NJ Assemblywoman Shama A. Haider.

The Ambassador expressed satisfaction over the increasing role of Pak-American politicians in political arena and expressed the hope that the services of Pak-origin law makers would contribute positively towards US politics and serving the interests of the community and their constituents.

“We are proud of your accomplishments and we would like to see you playing a greater role towards cementing Pak-US ties,” said the Ambassador.

Referring to the landmark resolution successfully introduced by Rep. Farooq Mughal in Georgia for establishing sister-state relations between Sindh province and the state of Georgia, Masood Khan said that the agreement provided a blueprint for other law-makers to facilitate similar arrangements of Pakistan with their respective states.

Masood Khan stressed that enhanced Pak-US trade ties and promoting people-to-people relations was a foremost priority and Pak-origin law makers could play a critical role towards building robust networks among professionals, business community, lawmakers, students and others of the two countries.

Discussing matters related to Pakistani diaspora, Ambassador Khan told the participants that Pakistani diaspora could freely travel to Pakistan on their NICOP and there was no truth to the rumors about lists being prepared to target overseas community members.

Masood Khan called upon the law-makers to help removing misperceptions and rejection of rumors. “Overseas Pakistanis are our greatest asset and we value their contribution towards the motherland,” he concluded.