WASHINGTON: The California State Senate has unanimously passed a resolution marking the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan and celebrating the enduring partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
The resolution passed with a vote of 31–0 also recognised the significant contributions of the Pakistani-American community to California’s economy, society, and cultural diversity.
Introduced by Senator Melissa Hurtado — the youngest woman ever elected to the California State Senate and Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture — the resolution highlights the deep and longstanding relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
It recognises the vital role Pakistani-Americans have played in shaping California, the world’s fourth-largest economy, and praises their contributions across a wide range of sectors.
“Today I rise to recognise and celebrate the rich history of Pakistani American relations and the many contributions Pakistani Americans have made to the state of California,” stated Senator Melissa Hurtado in her remarks while presenting the landmark Resolution.
“Their story is one of sacrifice, dignity, and perseverance,” observed the Senator.
The Resolution underscores the pride and cultural affinity of Pakistani-Americans, particularly younger generations, which strengthens their ability to contribute meaningfully to California’s vibrant, diverse communities.
It also honors the residents and organizations that have consistently supported and promoted Pakistani-American culture, traditions, and achievements.
She added that the partnership between the US and Pakistan is built on shared values of resilience, democracy, and human dignity, extending beyond diplomacy and trade.
“As we reflect on Pakistan’s independence, we also recognise an enduring partnership between the United States and Pakistan, that relationship is built not only on trade and diplomacy, but on shared values, resilience, democracy, and human dignity,” said Senator Hurtado.
“Please join me in extending a warm welcome and our deepest gratitude to our guest for service, leadership, and commitment to strengthen the bonds between our nations,” said the Senator while recognising the presence of the Pakistan Ambassador to the United States, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, during the proceedings.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed expressed his gratitude to Senator Melissa Hurtado for her leadership, acknowledging her key role—as well as that of the Council of Pakistan—in advancing this important initiative.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties and building on the current positive momentum in Pakistan-US relations.
Honored to be present and recognized on the California State Senate floor as it unanimously passed a Resolution on positive 🇵🇰🇺🇸 ties, recognising and identifying Pakistan’s Independence Day , historic friendship with the US and vital contributions of Pakistani-Americans to… pic.twitter.com/VOm1rQrcal
— Amb. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh (@AmbRizSaeed) August 20, 2025
Commenting on the California State Senate’s resolution marking Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day, the Ambassador said it reflects the enduring strength of bilateral relations—extending beyond governments and rooted deeply in the connections between the peoples of both nations.
Known as “The Golden State,” California continues to thrive as a global economic powerhouse and a hub of cultural diversity, enriched by the contributions of Pakistani-Americans.
