The resolution was co-sponsored by Salman Bhojani (D/HD-92) and Dr. Suleman Lalani (H/HD-76), the two Pakistani American members of the Texas House of Representatives. “I immigrated to America when I was only 19 years old. 24 years later, I had the immense honor of recognizing Pakistan Day at the Texas Capitol,” said Bhojani in a Tweet to celebrate the historic resolutions. It is a historic day for the Pakistani American community as they are being recognized by one of their own,” Bhojanni said while speaking in support of the resolution in the assembly.
I immigrated to America from Pakistan when I was only 19 years old.
24 years later, I had the immense honor of recognizing Pakistan Day at the Texas Capitol.
Seeing my community being honored and appreciated on the Texas House floor meant so much.
Happy Pakistan Day! 🇵🇰 pic.twitter.com/AqLKJn888m
— Salman Bhojani (@BhojaniForTexas) March 22, 2023
Texas Assembly’s resolution 581 states: “The success of Texas has been bolstered by Pakistanis and Pakistani-Texans through their professional work, cultural background, and values of peace and prosperity. Today, the State of Texas joins Pakistanis in celebrating Pakistan Day and in promoting diversity, inclusion, education, and the appreciation of Pakistani culture and the Pakistani community residing in our state.”
The resolution comes on the eve of the March 23 celebrations of the Pakistan Resolution, also known as the Lahore Resolution. Austin is home to a rapidly growing Pakistani community and has been in the headlines because of distinguished Pakistani businessmen like Iqbal Sheikh. The president and CEO of
Bhojani and Lalani made history in last year’s election when they became the first Pakistani Americans, Muslims, and South Asians ever to be elected to a Texas legislature. Texas state capital Austin-based Pakistani American Collaborative of Texas has joined hands with the two legislators to invite the members of the Pakistani community to join the historic occasion. Hosuton-based Pakistan’s Consul General Abrar Hashmi is among the guests expected to join the event.
“Join us in the Texas House chamber (in the house floor gallery on the 3rd floor) to celebrate and be recognized as the Pakistan Day resolution is presented on the floor of the Texas House,” says the invite posted by PACT.
The event will offer an opportunity to the participants to meet in person with the Texas House Reps and State Senators. Texas is home to one of the largest populations of Pakistani Americans in the US.
PACT’s mission is to promote participation, recognition, and representation of the Pakistani American community by engaging in social, civic and political advocacy activities.
