07-R125
2007 -- S 0884
Enacted 03/21/07
S E N A T E R E S O L U T I O N
COMMEMORATING THE
ANNIVERSARY OF THE PAKISTAN RESOLUTION PASSED
ON MARCH 23, 1940
Introduced By: Senator
Daniel J. Issa
Date Introduced: March 21,
2007
WHEREAS,
During the period of time that India was attempting to gain their
independence
from Great Britain, the subcontinent was also torn by an internal conflict
between
its
Hindu and Muslim populations. Each of these two communities wanted a separate
area over
which
they could rule; and
WHEREAS,
The Muslims of India struggled to establish a separate homeland on the
basis
of the Two Nation Theory. Despite their long association and interactions at
various levels,
the
Hindus and Muslims of India had remained two separate and distinct
sociocultural entities;
and
WHEREAS,
On March 23, 1940, the All India Muslim League, at Lahore, adopted a
resolution
calling for a separate, independent Muslim homeland. Mohammad Ali Jinnah,
founder
of
Pakistan, working alongside leaders of the Indian subcontinent, freed Muslims
from 200 years
of
oppression under the British rule, paving the way for millions of Muslims to
consider self-rule
and
governance that would allow them to live freely according to their own
religious and political
ideologies
in life; and
WHEREAS,
This day, called "Pakistan Day," is observed in order to commemorate
the
passage
of this resolution. It is a national holiday in Pakistan, celebrated throughout
the country
with
parades, military air shows, patriotic singing and traditional dances; and
WHEREAS,
After passage of the Pakistan Resolution, the Muslims of India embarked on
a
path leading to a full independent homeland. On August 14, 1947, under the
provisions of the
Indian
Independence Act from Great Britain, a predominantly Muslim Pakistan was
established;
and
WHEREAS,
Rhode Islanders of Pakistani lineage proudly remember their roots and the
strong
cultural heritage they have brought with them from throughout the four
provinces of
Pakistan;
they identify with the history of Rhode Island, which was also formed on the
basis of
religious
freedom over three hundred fifty years ago; they feel a kinship with the people
of this
state
who are their neighbors, colleagues and friends; now, therefore be it
RESOLVED,
That this Senate of the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations
hereby
commemorates the 67th Anniversary of the adoption of the Pakistan Resolution.
We
congratulate
the people of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan as they celebrate this momentous
day
and
recognize the myriad of significant contributions Pakistanis and Pak-Americans
have
provided
to our communities and the State of Rhode Island.
=======
LC02694
=======