US Congress members extend best wishes on Pakistan Day

WASHINGTON: A number of US members of Congress have congratulated and extended heartiest wishes on the Pakistan Day while appreciating Islamabad's efforts to bring peace in Afghanistan.

"For years, the ties between the United States and Pakistan have somewhat been strained but these ties have never been broken," Senator Chris Van Hollen said, adding that the people of Pakistan and the US share a set of common goals and aspirations. The senator, in his video message, shared one of the known sayings by the founding father of Pakistan, Mohammad Ali Jinnah. "Democracy is in the blood of Muslims who look upon complete equality of mankind and believe in fraternity, equality and liberty," the senator quoted Jinnah and further said that those guiding principles live on and go hand in hand with “our shared interests in regional stability, peace and economic prosperity.”We must continue our march forward to achieve these goals and stay committed to the work ahead," Senator Hollen said, acknowledging that Pakistan has played an essential role in seeking to forge a peace agreement in Afghanistan.

Congressman Tom Suozzi complimented the Pakistani diaspora in the US "because of their high level of education and dedication", stating that they have contributed "so much to our communities, especially over the past year's coronavirus, so many medical professionals, so many doctors, so many healthcare workers that have helped us over this very difficult times." The congressman sprinkled his video message with Urdu words like Mubarak and Pakistan Zindabad in congratulating the nation.

Similarly, Congressman Jim Banks from Indiana expressed best wishes and appreciated the diaspora's contributions as well. "You make a difference in America. We are proud that all of you are American citizens and proud of you for everything you do to contribute to our great country."

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, who's also the chairperson of Congressional Pakistan Caucus, called Pakistan and the US longstanding partners and friends. "Our two great nations share democratic values, our history is founded on democratic values. Traditions hold supreme the aspirations of our people to lead better lives and build a peaceful and prosperous world," the congresswoman said, adding that nearly one million diaspora members are a strong bridge.

Meanwhile, the Pakistani flag lit up the iconic Times Square in New York the evening earlier. A simple flag hoisting ceremony took place at the Embassy of Pakistan here. Ambassador Asad Majeed Khan raised the national flag and read out messages from President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan. The ceremony concluded with a special prayer for the prosperity of the country and safety of all Pakistanis in the wake of the coronavirus pandemic.