Texas designates March 23 as 'Pakistan Day' to honor Pakistani Texans

The Texas House of Representatives passed a resolution designating March 23 as "Pakistan Day" to commemorate the 85th anniversary of the Lahore Resolution and celebrate the "societal, religious, linguistic, and economic contributions of the people and families who have immigrated to Texas from Pakistan."

The resolution, which was adopted on March 20, states that "Pakistan Day is observed annually on March 23rd by over 80,000 Pakistanis that call Texas home and by Pakistanis all over the world. This occasion provides the opportunity to recognize the societal, religious, linguistic and economic contributions of the people and families who have immigrated to Texas from Pakistan." 

The resolution, authored by Rep. Suleman Lalani, continued, "The success of Texas has been bolstered by Pakistanis and Pakistani Texans through their professional work, cultural background, and values of peace and prosperity. Today, the State of Texas joins Pakistanis in celebrating Pakistan Day and in promoting diversity, inclusion, education, and the appreciation of Pakistani culture and the Pakistani community residing in our state."

Lalani wrote on March 23 marking the day, "Honored to recognize March 23, 2025, as Pakistan Day on the Texas House floor, marking 85 years since the historic Pakistan Resolution—also known as Qarardad-e-Pakistan. This pivotal moment in 1940 laid the foundation for Pakistan’s independence and remains a source of pride for Pakistanis worldwide. Today, we celebrate Pakistan's rich history, resilience, and vibrant cultural heritage. Proud to commemorate this important day!"

Five representatives voted "no" on the resolution: Andy Hopper, David Lowe, Mike Olcott, Keresa Richardson, and Joanne Shofner, who submitted to the House Journal explaining the group’s "no" vote, "I support the persecuted Christians of Pakistan."

The resolution comes as Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating a real estate development affiliated with the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) that has been dubbed a "Sharia city." On March 25, Paxton announced that he had issued a Civil Investigative Demand (CID) to Community Capital Partners, LP as part of an investigation into the CCP’s real estate development, EPIC City. 

The city includes "Islamic Schools, college, masjid, retirement home for elderly (including assisted living), clinics, retails shops, and more....all within walking distance, surrounded by a loving, safe community in a neighborhood of friends and family," and is open to "non-Americans as well."

"To be clear, Sharia law is not allowed in Texas," Abbott wrote in February. "Nor are Sharia cities. Nor are 'no go zones' which this project seems to imply. Bottom line. The project as proposed in the video is not allowed in Texas."

On Monday, Texas Governor Greg Abbott announced that construction for EPIC City could not move forward because EPIC and affiliated entities did not obtain the required authorizations or permits needed for construction and development. 

“The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality found that the group behind the proposed EPIC compound did not submit the required permits to begin construction,” said Governor Abbott. “They must confirm within seven days that they are immediately ceasing any construction of their illegal project or face the full weight of the law. The State of Texas will enforce its laws and protect our communities from unlawful actions or threats posed by EPIC or its affiliates.”