NEWYORK: Pakistan’s 78th Independence Day celebrations have begun in New York. Allama Iqbal Community Center organized Independence Day celebrations with zeal and national enthusiasm.
A contingent of New York Police Department personnel marched and saluted at the opening of the 78th Independence Day celebration of Pakistan organized by the Allama Iqbal Community Center on Coney Island Avenue. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat in honor of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him).
A large number of members of the Pakistani community participated in the ceremony. Mufti Sajjad Madani was moderating the ceremony. The national anthems of America and Pakistan were also sung on this occasion.
Addressing the audience, Malik Nasir Awan, the founding chairman of the Allama Iqbal Community Center, congratulated the participants on Independence Day. He said that the Pakistani community proved that their hearts beat with Pakistan by participating in such large numbers.
Stalls of oriental costumes and jewelry were also set up at the Independence Day celebration.
Special guest of the even New York City Mayor Eric Adams was warmly welcomed with a bouquet of flowers on his arrival.
A barbecue and various types of food were prepared for the participants of the Independence Day celebration.
Addressing the participants, NYC Mayor Eric Adams congratulated the Pakistani-American community on Independence Day. He said that his and Pakistani community’s partnership has spanned over two decades, and this relationship will only grow stronger.
Awards and citations were presented to New York Police officers, the Allama Iqbal Community Center team, and other community figures for their services.
The event witnessed the spring of green crescent flags while the participants also wore traditional national flag’s color dresses. Children also sang national song.
Muslim Women’s Liaison Officer at the Mayor’s Office Atiya Shahnaz, who participated in the Independence Day ceremony, said that Mayor Eric Adams has always been with the community, not only during his election campaign.
Famous singers Asad Ali and Saima Ashraf enthralled the audience by singing national songs.
New York City Public Advocate Jummane Williams and other American officials also participated in this festival and expressed their views.
Earlier, Rubina Aziz, President of Allama Iqbal Community Center Women’s Wing, announced an Umrah ticket for Mufti Sajjad Madani.
A great tribute was also paid to the martyrs of the Pakistani armed forces. Pakistan’s Deputy Consul General in New York, Omar Sheikh, also participated. Addressing the audience, he said that love for the homeland is the real strength of Pakistanis.
Later, Pakistan’s famous singer Ahmed Jahanzeb performed the magic of his voice.
