LEGISLATIVE RESOLUTION memorializing Governor David A. Paterson to
proclaim March 23, 2009, 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 those organiza-
tions 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-
stranding 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 in the great
American democracy and culture; providing monetary aid and relief during
natural 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 inter-faith
dialogues among Muslim, Christian, Jewish, Hindu, and Buddhist Americans
in Nassau and Suffolk Counties; defending human and civil rights secured
by law; and eliminating prejudice and discrimination; and
WHEREAS, In addition, PAANA has encouraged Pakistani-American people
to first register and then vote at election time, and the members have
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 the Pakistani-American community
residing throughout the State of New York; to welcome its members to The
Capitol in Albany, New York, on March 23, 2009; and to memorialize
Governor David A. Paterson to proclaim Monday, March 23, 2009, as Pakis-
tani-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 Shahid Ali Khan, President, Pakistani-American Association of
North America; and The Honorable David A. Paterson, Governor of the
State of New York.