Sacramento: In a landmark move, the California State Senate has unanimously approved a resolution recognizing the invaluable contributions of the Pakistani-American community toward strengthening Pakistan–U.S. relations and enriching California’s economy, culture, and society.

The resolution was introduced by Senator Melissa Hurtado, the youngest elected female member of the California Senate and Chair of the Senate Committee on Agriculture. In a gesture of cultural respect, Senator Hurtado donned traditional Pakistani attire and applied henna as she entered the chamber to present the resolution.

Highlighting the shared history between the two nations, Senator Hurtado noted that the journey of Pakistani-Americans in the United States has been defined by sacrifice, dignity, and resilience.

The session was attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the U.S., Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, who lauded Senator Hurtado and the Council of Pakistan for their role in securing unanimous support for the resolution. He emphasized that the move reflects the strong bonds between Pakistan and the United States ties that extend beyond governments and thrive in people-to-people connections.

Ambassador Sheikh further stated that the resolution, passed on the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day, serves as a testament to the enduring friendship between the two countries and the growing role of the Pakistani-American community in California, the world’s fourth-largest economy.