[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 112 (Friday, August 1, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1613]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF PAKISTAN'S INDEPENDENCE

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                          HON. DAVID E. BONIOR

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 31, 1997

  Mr. BONIOR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of 
Pakistan on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of their nation's 
independence.
  Pakistan gained its independence on August 14, 1947, from the 
British, after 90 years of struggle to establish a homeland. In the 
1930's, Dr. Allam Muhammad Iqbal and Quaid-e-Azam helped provide the 
vision for the people of Pakistan's goal of independence.
  Today, Pakistan and the United States share many common interests. We 
both seek to promote and preserve democracy. We both seek to ensure 
that south Asia becomes a stable and peaceful region of the world. We 
are allies in peacekeeping efforts, and in programs to combat illegal 
drugs and terrorism. And our ties, strengthened by trade and 
investment, continue to grow.
  These ties have also been strengthened by the friendship and 
understanding brought to us by Pakistani-Americans. Pakistani-Americans 
have contributed greatly to the advancement of knowledge and the 
enrichment of cultural life in the United States.
  With this anniversary, we should strive to renew our commitment to 
cooperation on issues of mutual interest. Let us use the occasion to 
broaden and deepen the friendship of the United States and Pakistan for 
the benefit of the people in our two nations.
  The people of Pakistan have made great advancements towards 
democracy, stability, and peace over the past 50 years. It is a solid 
foundation on which to build a lasting commitment to these ideals in 
the future.

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