Amb Rizwan Saeed Sheikh Honored at California State Senate
By Elaine Pasquini
Sacramento, CA: The Honorable Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, was honored and recognized in the California State Senate on August 19, 2025, during passage of a Landmark Resolution marking the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan.
The California State Senate unanimously passed a historic Resolution with a vote of 31–0 celebrating the enduring relationship between Pakistan and the United States while recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani American diaspora to California’s economy, society and cultural fabric.
Introduced by Senator Melissa Hurtado, the youngest woman ever elected to the California State Senate and Chair of the State Senate Committee on Agriculture, the Resolution highlights the longstanding and multifaceted ties between Pakistan and the United States. It acknowledges the significant role of Pakistani Americans in shaping California, the world’s fourth-largest economy, and commends their contributions across diverse fields.
“Today I rise to recognize and celebrate the rich history of Pakistani-American relations and the many contributions Pakistani Americans have made to the state of California,” stated Senator Melissa Hurtado in her remarks while presenting the landmark Resolution. “Their story is one of sacrifice, dignity and perseverance,” she said.
The Resolution underscores the pride and cultural affinity of Pakistani Americans, particularly younger generations, which strengthens their ability to contribute meaningfully to California’s vibrant, diverse communities. It also honors the residents and organizations that have consistently supported and promoted Pakistani American culture, traditions and achievements.
“As we reflect on Pakistan's independence, we also recognize the enduring partnership between the United States and Pakistan. That relationship is built not only on trade and diplomacy, but on shared values, resilience, democracy and human dignity,” said Senator Hurtado.
“Please join me in extending a warm welcome and our deepest gratitude to our guest for service, leadership and commitment to strengthen the bonds between our nations,” said the Senator while recognizing the presence of the Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, during the proceedings.
Expressing gratitude to Senator Hurtado for her leadership, Ambassador Sheikh acknowledged her pivotal role and the one played by the Council of Pakistan, in advancing the important initiative. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to deepening people-to-people connections and building on the current positive trajectory of Pakistan-United States relations.
The Resolution by the California Senate marking the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan reflects our strong ties that transcend the governmental level and permeate to the peoples of our two countries, stated the Ambassador.
Known as “The Golden State,” California continues to thrive as a global economic powerhouse and a hub of cultural diversity, enriched by the contributions of Pakistani Americans.
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
