LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION congratulating the people of Pakistan upon the
occasion of their first successful transition from one democratically-e-
lected government to another, on May 11, 2013

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body to recognize signif-
icant events which represent turning points in history and which have a
profound impact on the unfolding of our great Nation, as well as the
lives of residents within this great Empire State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to congratu-
late the people of Pakistan upon the occasion of their first successful
transition from one democratically-elected government to another, on May
11, 2013; and
WHEREAS, Pakistan is the world's fifth largest democracy, and the
world's second largest Muslim democracy after Indonesia; and
WHEREAS, General elections were held in Pakistan on May 11, 2013, to
elect the members of the 14th National Assembly and to the four provin-
cial assemblies of Punjab, Sindh, Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa;
the elections took place in 272 constituencies, whilst a further 70
seats were awarded to parties having been reserved for women and minori-
ty groups; and
WHEREAS, Held in all four provinces, the federal capital territory of
Islamabad, and in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas, this historic
election marks the first civilian transfer of power following the
successful completion of a five year term by a democratically-elected
government in Pakistan; and
WHEREAS, President Barack Obama declared that the United States stands
with all Pakistanis in welcoming this historic peaceful and transparent
transfer of civilian power, which is a significant milestone in
Pakistan's democratic progress; and
WHEREAS, New York State is the proud home of many Pakistani Americans
and immigrants, with the New York metropolitan area hosting the largest
Pakistani population of any region in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Pakistani Americans and immigrants have shaped the economy,
culture and character of New York State; this vibrant community is well
represented in the fields of medicine, engineering, finance and informa-
tion technology, as well as in the local economies of many of our cities
and towns through markets, restaurants and small businesses; and
WHEREAS, The successful transfer of civilian authority in Pakistan
reaffirms our own commitment to the democratic process, and our unshake-
able faith in the principles of government of the people, by the people,
for the people; and
WHEREAS, Through their long and sustained journey towards freedom, the
people of Pakistan have so heroically advanced that spirit of united
purpose and shared concern which is the unalterable manifestation of our
shared humanity; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
congratulate the people of Pakistan upon the occasion of their first
successful transition from one democratically-elected government to
another.