AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
Sacramento: The California State Senate has unanimously passed a landmark resolution to commemorate the 79th Independence Day of Pakistan, recognizing the vital role of the Pakistani-American community and reaffirming the strong bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States.
According to Radio Pakistan, 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.
In her remarks, 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.
In response, 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.