The Federal Minister for Interior Government of Pakistan, Aftab Ahmed Khan Sherpao, extended a message of support and thanks to the Lord Mayor of Manchester.

Mr Sherpao said, "It is a matter of great happiness that you have been chosen for the high post, as the first ever Pakistani Lord Mayor in the history of Manchester. The Government and people of Pakistan are proud of you, and hope and pray that you will be able to use the tenure of your office to serve well not only the community of British Pakistanis and other resident communities in Manchester but also contribute in furthering the warm and good relations existing between the communities of Britain and Pakistan. "May I also take this opportunity to extend my best wishes to you and the Lady Mayoress for an eventful year and a prosperous future."

Cllr Afzal Khan said, 'It was indeed a great honour to meet with the Federal Minister of Pakistan. Manchester enjoys strong relations with Pakistan and I will continue to play a constructive role to further strengthen these relations between Pakistan and Manchester.'

While at the town hall the Minister signed the dignitary's guest book as well as receiving a copy of 'Mancunian Way' as a gift from the city.