Senate Resolution No. 140

BY: Senator PARKER

MEMORIALIZING Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim
March 23, 2023, as Pakistan Day in the State of New
York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with
its time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to those who
foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which
strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is justly proud to memorialize
Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 23, 2023, as Pakistan Day in the
State of New York; and

WHEREAS, Pakistan Day is a national holiday in Pakistan
commemorating the Lahore Resolution passed on March 23, 1940, and the
adoption of the first constitution of Pakistan during the transition of
the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on March
23, 1956, making it the world's first Islamic republic; and

WHEREAS, Each year, the citizens of Pakistan come together to
celebrate this special day with a full military and civilian parade in
the capital, Islamabad; these are presided by the President of Pakistan
and are held early in the morning; after the parade, the President
confers national awards and medals on the awardees at the Presidency and
wreaths are also laid at the mausoleums of Muhammad Iqbal, regarded as
having inspired the Pakistan Movement and Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the
founder of Pakistan; and

WHEREAS, Pakistan Day provides an excellent means by which all New
Yorkers can learn more about the rich Pakistani heritage, while
fostering an appreciation for this ancient culture among future
generations; and

WHEREAS, New York City is the home to 194,000 American-Pakistanis;
the community of people who came to New York from Pakistan, or who have
ancestral ties to the homeland, share their cherished culture and
traditions with Americans of all backgrounds, and they uphold the
principles of freedom and democracy that are fundamental to life in our
great country; and

WHEREAS, Members of the Pakistani-American community demonstrate a
strong work ethic that has enabled them to realize many accomplishments
and find continued success in this State and Nation, and they continue
to excel in a wide range of professions such as education, medicine,
science, technology, business and industry; and

WHEREAS, This Legislative Body is proud to acknowledge various
cultures of people who add to the overall diversity of our State and, on
this occasion, we take the opportunity to recognize the contributions
made by the Pakistani-American community and extend best wishes to all
of its members as they hold appropriate ceremonies to commemorate this
historic milestone; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
memorialize Governor Kathy Hochul to proclaim March 23, 2023, as
Pakistan Day in the State of New York; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to The Honorable Kathy Hochul, Governor of the State of New
York; and the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG).