FROM THE OFFICE OF STATE SENATOR KEVIN PARKER (D-21)
Contact: Ricja Rice | rrice@nysenate.gov [2] | 518-455-2580 ph |518-426-6843 fax
For Immediate Release: July 18, 2011
(Brooklyn, NY) Senator Parker (D-21) presented Faqir Syed Asif Hussain, Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, with a Senate resolution commemorating the 71st Anniversary of the signing of the “Pakistan Resolution” and to reaffirm the bonds between New York State and Pakistan.
Over 71 years ago, Muhammad Ali Jinnah, Sikander Hayat Khan amongst others recognized the need to overcome the yolk of colonialism. They reached an accord based on self-determination and democracy, for what would one day become the nation of Pakistan. Pakistanis celebrate this occasion as their National Day.
Senator Parker and Consul General Hussain focused on how to increase people to people relations. The two discussed methods of improving education, immigration, and trade. Specifically, the Consul General expressed concerns over the extraordinary delays in processing visas for students accepted to American colleges and universities. As a result many talented students who pay full tuition, are now applying to schools in Europe.
“I am proud to represent tens of thousands of Pakistani Americans in my district and to recognize their rich heritage. I have worked with the community and witnessed it prosper even amidst adversity,” said Parker. “Now more than ever as we face challenging economic times, rather than closing our shores, we must work together to build educational and economic opportunities for both New Yorkers and the people of Pakistan,” continued Parker.
About Senator Kevin Parker
Senator Kevin S. Parker is intimately familiar with the needs of his ethnically diverse community that consists of 311,000 constituents in Flatbush, East Flatbush, Midwood, Ditmas Park, Kensington and Borough Park. He represents the largest Pakistani community outside of Pakistan in his district. He is the Ranking Member of the Senate Energy and Telecommunications Committee, former Majority Whip, and Chair of the Democratic Task Force on New Americans.
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