NEWYORK: New York city Mayor Eric Adams congratulated Pakistani community on the eve of 77 th Independence Day.
Speaking at flag-hoisting ceremony, Mayor Adams said that New York is the Islamabad of America.
He said that he knew Pakistani community well from his days of being Brooklyn borough president and watched the strength and resiliency along Coney Island Avenue, along McDonald Avenue, and just watching what’s happening from Little Pakistan in Brooklyn to—and Queens, and the growth of this community.
“You believe in those things that many immigrant communities believe in. You believe in family, you believe in faith, you believe in small business, and you believe in public safety,” he said.
“And as you watch the immersion and the growth of the men and women in the New York City Police Department that are from the Pakistani community, you’re seeing how much you have fully integrated in what this city is about. And I think the commissioner is right,” he said.
“This country, you do not have to abandon your motherland to embrace your adopted land. In fact, we ask just the opposite. We ask that you hold on to your culture, your food, your song, your dance, your dress. Everything that you brought from your motherland, we want to incorporate into America. That’s what American energy and spirit is about,” he said.
“We notice you from every aspect, from your mosque. We notice you from how you walk the streets. We notice you, and you are part of the fabric of the city, and you’re joined by many of the other immigrant groups that came here to pursue the American dream,” he said.
“Only country on the globe where dream is attached to its name. It’s a real dream, and we should never deny anyone any aspect of being able to achieve that. It doesn’t matter if you’re in a Baptist church, a synagogue, a mosque, a Buddhist temple, no matter where you pray or if you don’t pray. This is a city that is inclusive to everyone,” he added.
Consul General of Pakistan in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai said that 14 August is a highly momentous day in our history, in our national history.
Commissioner Asim Rehman from office of administrative trials and hearings, who is also chief administrative law judge at oath, expressed thanks to APAG and all the members of city hall who worked hard to get today’s event together.
Addressing on the occasion, American Pakistani Advocacy Group’s President Ali Rashid, who also co-host the flag-raising event with NYC Mayor office, and his son Farhan Rashid said that Mayor Eric Adams played an important role in hoisting the green crescent flag at this place. They said that we are proud of our civilization and culture and always will be.
A large number of Pakistani American community participated in the flag hoisting. President of Muslim Officer Society of NYPD Inspector Adeel Rana said that America and New York city share love with everyone.
On the joyful occasion of the flag hoisting, everyone’s faces were smiling, including the children who dressed in green and white clothes.
On this occasion, Assemblyman David Weprin said that this place is of historical importance and the flag of any country and nation should remain high in the air and it always feels good. He said that Pakistani community achieved prominent position in the field of education, health and business.
Women participating in the event also expressed their views. They said that women also have an important role in the Pakistan Movement which cannot be forgotten. Famous singer Saima Jahan sang national songs with her melodious voice.
