Democratic US Senator Cory Booker has called for diplomacy and dialogue instead of military action, saying the United States needs diplomacy, not bombs, to address conflicts in the Middle East. Speaking at a Pakistan Independence Day event in New York, Booker said Pakistan was in a strong position to play a constructive role in promoting peace across the Middle East. He stressed that dialogue should take precedence over war and urged greater diplomatic efforts to resolve ongoing conflicts. Booker also highlighted the humanitarian consequences of conflicts in the region, saying every human being deserves dignity and respect. He said children in Palestine and Iran deserve the same consideration and protection as American children. “When a humanitarian tragedy is unfolding, none of us should remain silent,” Booker said, emphasizing the need to continue raising voices for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Iran. The senator also praised the role of Pakistani Americans in strengthening ties between the United States and Pakistan. Referring to the efforts of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), he said the organization had worked to bridge communities and ensure that Pakistani Americans receive their rightful place and representation at the local level. Discussing bilateral relations, Booker said the friendship between the United States and Pakistan began soon after Pakistan’s independence and has continued to develop over the decades. He noted that Pakistani Americans have made significant contributions in a wide range of fields, including medicine, engineering, public service and business. He said the success of Pakistani Americans also contributes to the strength and prosperity of the United States, stressing the importance of ensuring that the community has a strong and influential voice in American society. Booker further spoke out against discrimination and Islamophobia, saying that when a Muslim faces prejudice in the United States, it is not only a problem for the individual or the Muslim community but a problem for the entire country. He recalled his efforts to combat anti-Muslim hatred and said he had introduced legislation aimed at addressing Islamophobia and protecting Muslims from discrimination. The senator’s remarks came as Pakistani Americans gathered in New York to mark Pakistan’s Independence Day and celebrate the community’s contributions to American society. The event, organized by APPAC, brought together senior officials, community leaders and prominent Pakistani Americans. APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmad and other speakers also addressed the gathering, highlighting the role of the Pakistani-American community in strengthening people-to-people ties and promoting closer relations between Pakistan and the United States. The event also underscored the growing role of Pakistani Americans in civic and public affairs, with speakers calling for greater representation and continued engagement between the two countries.
