KARACHI: New York State Assembly’s delegation led by Deputy Speaker Philip Ramos visiting Karachi Press Club said that purpose of 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 present.

On arrival at KPC, President KPC Saeed Sarbazi, Secretary Shoaib Ahmed, member Governing Body Noor Muhammad Kalhoro, Shoaib Khan, Rana Javed and others welcomed delegation.

President PFUJ Afzal Butt, Secretary PFUJ (Dastoor) AH Khanzada, former secretary KPC Arman Sabir and others were present. Saeed Sarbazi and Secretary Shoaib Ahmed welcomed guests and said that visit of delegations of friendly countries to Karachi Press Club is welcoming. They said that KPC is symbol of democracy and freedom of expression in country. Karachi Press Club has been playing role of an umbrella for democratic forces.

Philip Ramos said that he is grateful to all Pakistanis for wonderful welcome and hospitality. Relations between Pakistan and US will further improve by establishing people-to-people contacts at bilateral level. He said that budget of state of New York is equal to annual budget of whole of Pakistan. He said that during visit to Pakistan, government of Punjab and Sindh has approved sister state resolution with New York State. Our message is New York and long live Pakistan, he said.

He said that there is 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 pointed out that earlier, the US visas for Pakistanis were issued in 400 days but, now period of issuance of American visas for Pakistanis has become 100 days due to our efforts. Alec Brooke-Krasny said that he wants cooperation with Pakistan in fields of education, health and trade. Purpose of our visit is not only to help Pakistan but also to help America, he added.