Community Corner
Pakistani Consul General visited General Assembly. obtains proclamation establishing March 23 Pakistan day
Consul General received proclamation during his meeting with President of the Illinois Senate Don Harmon, declaring March 23, Pakistan Day
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, Mr. Zaman Mehdi, the Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago, made a historic visit to the Illinois General Assembly in Springfield. There, he met members of the Illinois Senate and House of Representatives and discussed opportunities to improve cooperation between Pakistan and the State of Illinois, as well as the contributions of the Pakistani-American community.
Deputy Consul General Saeed Ali, Asif Malik, trustee from Maine township, Rana Javed Khan, renowned Pakistani American journalist and bureau chief of Pakistan News, renowned Pakistani American journalist Syed Khalil Ullah, and photojournalist Khurram Khan were among those who had visited the State Capitol Springfield.
During the visit, the Consul General received a proclamation during his meeting with President of the Illinois Senate Don Harmon, declaring March 23, 2026 as Pakistan Day in the State of Illinois. Senator Laura Murphy was also present on the occasion.
Additionally, Senator Laura Murray stated that a resolution (SR0640) to formally recognize March 23, 2026, as "Pakistan Day" in the state has been submitted to the Illinois Senate and Illinois House of Representatives and will be approved by both Chambers very soon..
The resolution would acknowledge the hard work and active participation of Pakistani Americans in enhancing Illinois's social fabric, economy, and culture.The resolution refers to the Lahore Resolution on March 23, 1940, as a significant step toward independence and highlights its historical significance.
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The Consul General also briefly interacted with State Senators Rachel Ventura, Karina Villa, Laura Ellman, and Laura Fine, and met State Representatives La Shawn Ford, Justin Cochran, Daniel Didech, Nabeela Syed, and Maura Hirschauer.
The visit reflected the growing visibility and contributions of the Pakistani-American community in Illinois and reaffirmed a shared commitment to deeper engagement, mutual understanding, and stronger partnership between Pakistan and the United States.
