[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 110 (Wednesday, July 30, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S8379]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE INDEPENDENCE OF PAKISTAN

 Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the people of 
Pakistan on the occasion of the fiftieth anniversary of their 
independence. In August of 1947, Pakistan gained its independence from 
the British Empire. For the past fifty years, the people of Pakistan 
have shared with the people of the United States a common interest in 
the establishment of democracy. In recent years, Pakistan has 
reasserted its committment to democratic government and is deserving of 
both our recognition and our support.
  The friendship between the United States and Pakistan goes back many 
years. In the mid-1950's, Pakistan and the United States joined 
together in a security agreement to resist Soviet expansion in South 
Asia. In late 1955, Pakistan joined the South East Asia Treaty 
Organization and the Central Treaty Organization, demonstrating 
Pakistan's committment to the Free World. This commitment proved 
invaluable during the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, as our two 
nations united in opposition to Soviet aggression. Without a doubt, a 
close, constructive friendship between the United States and Pakistan 
has been essential to the security of both nations.
  Beyond the affairs of state, there are the economic and cultural 
exchanges which spur growth and development and enrich the lives of our 
nations. In 1996, the total value of U.S. trade with Pakistan was $1.3 
billion. Pakistan has recently embarked on an ambitious economic reform 
program to jumpstart the economy of Pakistan and provide the necessary 
foundation for free and fair trade. The United States should support 
these efforts, as Pakistan has the potential to one day become a model 
for the newly independent states of West and Central Asia.
  Pakistani-Americans are a vibrant part of American cultural and 
economic life. Across the nation, Pakistani-Americans share their 
knowledge and heritage with other Americans, contribute to our economy, 
and create homes and neighborhoods which are a vital contribution to 
the American dream.
  And so, on this the fiftieth anniversary of the independence of 
Pakistan, I rise to honor the people of Pakistan and their commitment 
to forge a free and democratic society. I look forward to many years of 
continued friendship between the people of Pakistan and the United 
States.

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