Council Member Ms Naila Alam presented Ambassador Masood Khan a proclamation to observe 14th August 2023 as ‘Pakistan Independence Day in the Town of Herdon, Virginia USA, during a meeting at the Embassy of Pakistan Washington DC.

The proclamation was signed by Sheila A. Olem, Mayor of Herdon, Virginia.

Ms. Naila Alam is the first Pakistani to have been elected twice to Town Council Herdon, Virginia.

Ambassador Masood Khan felicitated Ms Naila Alam on the fruition of her efforts which clearly reflected her deep love for the country of her origin.

Congratulating Ms Naila Alam on her timely initiative, Ambassador Khan observed that the proclamation would help cement Pak-US ties and create greater awareness about the country at a grassroots level.

He also appreciated the services of Ms Alam to her community and encouraged her to continue with her efforts to create a greater understanding of Pakistan and the shared values of the two nations.

“Promoting people-to-people linkages and strengthening economic partnership with the United States, at every possible level, is a priority. Pak-American community has a huge role to play in bringing the two nations closer and taking Pak-US ties to new heights,” he said.

Ms Alam said that it was a matter of great honour for her to get elected twice and serve the people of her town.

She said that the adoption of the proclamation was a recognition of the immense contributions being made by the Pak-American diaspora of Herdon. “It also reflected the respect for the diaspora among the leadership of Herdon,” she said.

Ms Naila Alam reaffirmed that she was committed to working for bringing the people of the two countries closer to each other.

The proclamation stated that the “Town of Herndon takes great pride in being the home of many Pakistani Americans and on this occasion, our community celebrates the hopes, dreams, and vital contributions of Americans of Pakistani origin across all aspects of our society,”

“Therefore, the Mayor of the Town of Herndon, Virginia, hereby proclaims the 14th day of August 2023, as Pakistan Independence Day in the Town of Herndon, celebrates the 76th anniversary of Pakistan's independence, and encourages our residents to learn more about the history and culture of Pakistan honouring their contributions to the Herndon community,” reads the proclamation.

Ambassador Masood Khan wished Ms Naila Alam even greater success in her political career as well as her social and humanitarian endeavours.