LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim March 23, 2010, as Pakistani-American Heritage Day in the State
of New York

WHEREAS, It is the sense of this Legislative Body, in keeping with its
time-honored traditions, to recognize and pay tribute to organizations
which foster ethnic pride and enhance the profile of cultural diversity
which strengthens the fabric of the communities of New York State; and
WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its long-
standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to recognize
the many contributions of the Pakistani-American community residing
throughout the State of New York; and
WHEREAS, Under the direction of President Shahid Ali Khan, the mission
of the Pakistani-American Association of North America (PAANA) is to
operate exclusively in the pursuit of charitable purposes for the Pakis-
tani-American community of North America by promoting understanding of
Pakistani-American culture and fostering its integration into the great
American democracy and culture; providing monetary aid and relief during
disasters, such as hurricanes, earthquakes, economic depressions, and
other difficult circumstances; providing discussion groups, lectures,
and seminars on voting rights, housing rights, and civil rights on Long
Island; establishing a forum for interfaith dialogues among Muslim,
Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist Americans in Nassau and Suffolk
Counties; defending human and civil rights secured by law; and eliminat-
ing prejudice and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, In addition, PAANA has encouraged Pakistani-American people
to first register and then vote at election time, and its members have
generously donated turkeys to many churches during the Thanksgiving
season helping to feed the needy; and
WHEREAS, It is the custom of this Legislative Body that when organiza-
tions of such noble aims and accomplishments are brought to our atten-
tion, they should be celebrated and recognized by all the citizens of
this great Empire State; now, therefore, be it
RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
recognize the many contributions of PAANA and the Pakistani-American
community residing throughout the State of New York; to welcome its
members to the State Capitol in Albany, New York, on March 23, 2010; and
to memorialize Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim Tuesday, March 23,
2010, as Pakistani-American Heritage Day in the State of New York; and
be it further
RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be tran-
smitted to The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the State of New
York, and to Shalid Ali Khan, President, Pakistani-American Association
of North America.