SACRAMENTO: The California State Senate has unanimously passed a landmark resolution to commemorate the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan, recognizing the vital role of the Pakistani-American community in social, educational, community and cultural services and reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States.
The resolution states that Pakistan established close relations with the United States after gaining independence on August 14, 1947, and its history has inspired nations around the world in their pursuit of freedom, justice and equality.
The resolution, which received a unanimous vote of 31–0, was introduced by Senator Melissa Hurtado, the youngest woman ever elected to the California State Senate and Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture.
In a notable cultural gesture, Senator Melissa Hurtado arrived at the Senate floor wearing traditional Pakistani attire and adorned with henna, as she presented the resolution celebrating Pakistan-U.S. relations.
Senator Hurtado highlighted the enduring and multifaceted relationship between Pakistan and the United States, and praised the contributions of the Pakistani-American diaspora to California’s economy, culture, and society.
She emphasized that the partnership between the two nations is rooted in shared values such as resilience, democracy, and human dignity.
The Senator said, “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.” She added that the story of Pakistani-Americans is one of “sacrifice, dignity, and perseverance.”
During the proceedings, the California Senate extended a warm welcome to Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, and acknowledged his presence as a symbol of friendship and cooperation.
Senator Hurtado expressed gratitude for the Ambassador’s service and leadership, and lauded his commitment to strengthening Pakistan-U.S. relations.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh thanked Senator Hurtado for her leadership and also appreciated the efforts of the Council of Pakistan in bringing this important initiative to fruition.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to further deepening people-to-people ties and building on the current positive trajectory of relations between Pakistan and the United States.
The Ambassador noted that the resolution by the California Senate reflects strong bonds between the peoples of both nations, going beyond formal diplomacy and extending into communities and shared values.
California, known as “The Golden State,” is home to a vibrant and growing Pakistani-American community whose contributions continue to enrich the cultural and economic fabric of the state — the world’s fourth-largest economy.
Rizwan Saeed later spoke to Pakistani journalists outside the House and said that the approval of this resolution, which recognizes the outstanding work of the Pakistani community in the development and promotion of the economy of California, shows that the relations between the two are not only on a solid foundation, but are also constantly increasing.
Acting Consul General of the Pakistani Consulate in Los Angeles Mohammad Mubashir Khan, President of the Council of Pakistan American Affairs Adnanul Haq Khan, Dr. Irfan, Asif Haq Jinnah, Founder Engineer of TSI Engineering Maqsood Ali, Ariful Haq Arif, CEO of V1 Health Ijaz Arif, President of iPsychiatry Dr. Jawad Arif, President of CFOs Advisors Imran Zafar and Azmi Gul were also present.
To a question, the Ambassador said that the New York State Assembly has also passed a similar resolution and we are trying to get the assemblies and Senate of other states to pass such resolutions.
The resolution further acknowledged that the Pakistani American community, through their hard work, sacrifice and perseverance, has transformed the new settlements of California into prosperous and respectable communities and has made their future generations active and productive citizens.
It was further gratified that Pakistanis living on American soil are today an integral part of American mainstream society and have played a prominent role in every field, including finance, law, medicine, education, technology, sports, media, arts, military and government.
The resolution stated that the people of California celebrate Pakistani-American relations as a recognition of their achievements and services and appreciate the challenges and opportunities before them.
The Senate also recognized that Pakistani Americans are teaching the new generations the values of their ancestors, cultural heritage and commitment to their roots so that they can better contribute to the diverse civilization and culture of California.
The resolution paid tribute to the services of the Pakistani American community and the organizations that promote Pakistani culture, traditions and Promoting achievements.
