Despite the chill in the air, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, was met with warmth and enthusiasm during his two-day visit to Connecticut in November.
The trip brought together local political leaders, business figures, and members of the Pakistani-American community to strengthen ties between Pakistan and the United States.
A key highlight of the visit was a meeting with Congressman John Larson (CT-01). Their discussion focused on the central role of the Pakistani diaspora in deepening bilateral relations and emphasized the mutual value of expanded economic cooperation.
Ambassador Sheikh also held talks with Chris DiPentima, President and CEO of the Connecticut Business and Industry Association (CBIA). Both leaders emphasized that Pakistan and Connecticut are “open for business,” highlighting shared interests in trade and investment. The meeting was also attended by Zahir Sharif, a prominent Pakistani-American businessman, and Aamir Ahmed Atozai, Pakistan’s Consul General in New York.
In Hartford, the Ambassador met with Mayor Arunan Arulampalam, underscoring how Pakistan-U.S. relations are not only shaped at the national level, but also through vibrant engagement with local communities. The Ambassador later connected with members of the Pakistani diaspora – many of whom live in the broader New York City metro area, home to one of the largest Pakistani communities in the U.S.
The visit reinforced a key message: that the Pakistan-U.S. partnership is rooted not just in policy, but in people.
Pictured, L to R: Aamir Ahmed Atozai, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, U.S. Rep. John B. Larson (CT-01), and Zahir Sharif. (Courtesy Embassy of Pakistan USA X)
