California Senate backs stronger Pakistan-US ties in unanimous vote
The resolution also recognised the “significant contributions” of Pakistani-Americans to California’s economy, culture and society.
The resolution was presented by Senator Melissa Hurtado and highlighted the “pivotal role” of Pakistani-Americans in the state.
It also encouraged Californians to recognise and celebrate the friendly relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
Focus on trade and community links
The resolution goes beyond recognising the Pakistani-American community and connects its role with wider Pakistan-US relations.
It calls for greater public recognition of the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.
California State Senate Unanimously Passes Historic Resolution Celebrating Pakistan-U.S. Relations And Diaspora Contributions
Pakistan’s Envoy Engages California Lawmakers Following Historic State Senate Resolution
Sacramento, California August 11, 2026
The California State… pic.twitter.com/leU4Lr4dvo
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, also visited California during the process.
He met state lawmakers to discuss ways to expand political and economic cooperation between Pakistan and California.
The California State Assembly has also adopted a resolution supporting stronger relations with Pakistan.
It called for greater participation by Pakistani-American businesses and investors in improving economic cooperation.
More talks with California lawmakers
Ambassador Sheikh welcomed the Senate resolution and praised Senator Hurtado for her leadership.
He said Pakistan was committed to “deepening people-to-people ties” and building on the “current positive trajectory” in Pakistan-US relations.
Sheikh also met Senator Eloise Gomez to discuss trade, investment and wider economic cooperation.
Gomez praised Pakistan’s role in regional peace and stability, while Sheikh invited her to visit Pakistan.
The ambassador later hosted Assembly member Matt Haney and Assemblywoman Sharon Quirk-Silva for a working lunch.
Their discussions covered bilateral cooperation, and Sheikh also invited both lawmakers to visit Pakistan.
The Council of Pakistan, led by Dr Imran Sharief, also contributed to efforts that helped lead to the Senate resolution.
The development comes as Pakistan seeks to expand political and economic engagement with the United States and individual American states.
The California resolution gives Pakistan-US ties an important state-level boost.
It also shows how Pakistani-Americans can play a bigger role in building business, political and community connections.
The focus on trade and investment could create more opportunities between Pakistan and California.
For Pakistan, stronger links with US states may also help broaden economic cooperation beyond federal-level relations.
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