Fun fact you probably didn’t know, but would like to: March 23rd is “National Puppy Day.”
It’s also National Chip and Dip Day, National “Near -Miss” Day, National Tamale Day, National Melba Toast Day, and National Chia Day.
But if you’re in Texas, you might wanna grab a head scarf to go with your new furry pal or your Sour Cream Lays, as March 23 will also now be known as “Pakistan Day.”
So declares a new resolution from the Lone Star state legislature, which last week declared that it will add “Pakistan Day” to the list of officially recognized days, despite the fact that the United States is…well, not Pakistan.
Also in case you didn’t know (because let’s be honest, why the heck would you?), Pakistan Day is “a national holiday in Pakistan primarily commemorating the adoption of the first Constitution of Pakistan during the transition of the Dominion of Pakistan to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan on 23 March 1956 making Pakistan the world's first Islamic republic, which remains a member state of the Commonwealth of Nations," according to Wikipedia.
The page also adds that “The day is celebrated annually primarily by Government officials and army staff throughout the country and is a public holiday for civilians.”
Civilians of…Pakistan. Which, notably, is a nation that does not include Texas, which is, in fact, one of the 50 United States of America.
Not - and I can't emphasize this enough - Pakistan.
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So why on Earth a state legislature thinks adding a holiday celebrating the day another country adopted their constitution and became an Islamist state to their official roster of commemorative dates is absolutely beyond me.
According to the resolution, which was authored by Rep. Suleman Lalani, "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 population of Texas, by the way, is about 31.3 million, meaning those 80,000 Pakistanis make up 0.25 percent of the entire state. But okay.)
"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," Lalani wrote in a statement accompanying the resolution. "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!"
Maybe it's just me, but I'm thinking if you're a Pakistani who feels that strongly about observing the day Pakistan became a thing, maybe you should just...move back to Pakistan.