Resolution introduced in House of Representatives.
Masood Khan thanks Congressman Bowman for his initiative.
It was an honour to have introduced the resolution, says Bowman.
WASHINGTON: For the first time in the history of Pak-US relations, a landmark resolution was introduced in the House of Representatives by Congressman Jamaal Bowman recognising 23 March 2023 as “Pakistan Day“.
According to Radio Pakistan, the resolution was presented to “honour and celebrate the important role played by the Pakistani-American community in strengthening and inspiring the people of the United States.”
The resolution stated that it is proper and desirable for the United States to recognise and pay tribute to those who foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity which strengthens the fabric of the communities of the United States.
It further said that “Pakistan Day provides an excellent means by which all residents of the United States can learn more about the rich Pakistani heritage while fostering an appreciation for the ancient culture among future generations,”
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Masood Khan thanked Congressman Bowman for his initiative which he said would not only help further strengthening bilateral relations between the two countries but would also help bring the people of the two countries closer to each other.
He also thanked the leadership of the American Pakistan Advocacy Group, including its president and prominent community leader Ali Rashid and other officer-bearers, who had been working hard, maintaining a close liaison with the congressman for the introduction of the landmark resolution.
He said that recognising 23rd March 2023 as “Pakistan Day” and acknowledging the valuable contributions of Pak-American citizens reflects the importance of Pak-US ties and a desire to further strengthen this relation.
Masood Khan also met Congressman Bowman in his chamber, who received him warmly and shared his views about the importance of the relationship and the critical role being played by the Pakistani diaspora in various fields including education, medicine, science, technology, business and industry.
Meanwhile, talking to media outside Capitol Hill, Congressman Bowman said that it was a matter of an honour for him to have introduced the resolution.
He said: “It is incredibly important for us at this moment, as the United States government, to stand with the people of Pakistan who are dealing with a catastrophe that we have not seen in history. 10 million people still struggle to find access to clean water and energy. A third of the country was destroyed. All of this because of what some would call a natural disaster but as we know is related to the issue of climate change.”
Later, in his message to the people of Pakistan, Congressman Bowman greeted the nation on “Pakistan Day” and the commencement of the month of Holy Ramadan and conveyed his message of “Peace and love to the people of Pakistan.”
He said: “Let us continue to work together to bring our two countries together.”
According to Defense Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif, accusations made against Pakistan by Bushra Bibi, the spouse of the PTI founder, are vile and disgusting because Pakistan has historical relations to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
The defense minister stated at a press conference in Islamabad that the Kingdom should not be involved in politics for selfish reasons because of our historical, religious, and economic ties with Saudi Arabia.
2.8 million Pakistanis work in Saudi Arabia and send millions of dollars in remittances, he added, adding that making unfounded accusations against the country will hurt Pakistan’s economy.
According to him, Saudi Arabia has always stood by Pakistan throughout its most trying moments, and Pakistanis have a deep affection and connection to the Kingdom.
There is a breach among PTI ranks and files, and Khawaja Asif stated that we have never witnessed such a low point in politics.
Given the gravity of the accusation, the Minister said, former Army Chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa should respond right away.
The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government should fight terrorism rather than target the city, he said, adding that the PTI’s demand for a demonstration on November 24 is the third strike on the federal capital.
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa is not allowed to use the resources of the Provincial Government for a party protest, according to the Interior Ministry.
On November 24, the PTI has scheduled a protest, and Chief Minister Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Ali Amin Gandapur has declared his intention to participate.
The Federal Government arrested a number of Provincial Government officials who were ordered to participate in the violent protest in Islamabad by the PTI, and confiscated vehicles used by the KP Government against the state during the previous protest in October.
However, the Jinnah Supermarket Traders Union has petitioned the Islamabad High Court to halt the PTI demonstration in the capital and deem it unlawful.
In the petition, the head of the Traders Union has asked the court to rule that the PTI protest violates fundamental human rights by preventing companies from operating and removing the public’s ability to visit stores for necessities.
The petition asked the high court to protect the capital’s workers and PTI founder from unlawful protests.
Ahsan Iqbal, the Federal Minister for Planning and Development, asserts that the country’s youth are its future and that Pakistan has made great strides over the past 77 years, becoming the sixth nuclear state in the world today.
Speaking at a ceremony in Islamabad, Federal Minister for Planning Ahsan Iqbal stated that inconsistent policies have an impact on the development process.
According to Ahsan Iqbal, the CPEC got Pakistan on its path to growth, and the government is currently moving on with phase two of the project.
The country was in danger of defaulting, but the government has put it back on course, he said.