NEWYORK: Pakistani American community organized Pakistan Day Parade in New York to celebrate the 78 th Independence Day.
The 41st annual Pakistan Day Parade began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Rasool Maqbool in honor of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) on 38th Street in Manhattan, New York.
New York Police Department’s squad saluted and marched. The national anthems of the United States and Pakistan were also sung on the occasion.
Community members from different parts of New York arrived at the parade in a car rally waving the green crescent flag and chanting slogans of Long Live Pakistan.
The participants of the rally were served traditional “Halwa Puri” breakfast.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams was the chief guest and Commissioner Asim-ur-Rehman participated as the grand marshal of the parade.
Addressing the participants, Mayor Eric Adams said that he was proud to have done everything for the Pakistani community that no one could do in the past. He said that we should all be proud of the services of Pakistani-origin officers in all government departments.
A large number of the community participated in the Pakistan Day Parade, dressed in the colors of the national flag. People from all walk of life including young, men, women and the elders participated the parade. Children performed brilliantly on national songs.
The ceremony was attended by Pakistani-origin officers in the New York Police Department, delegations from the Desi Society, the Khyber Society of America, and floats from various organizations, including the chairman of APPAC and honorary grand marshal of the parade, Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, who is working to involve Pakistani Americans in politics.
Participants waved the green crescent flag to the tunes of national songs and enjoyed the celebration.
Muslim Women’s Liaison Officer at the Mayor’s Office in New York Atiya Shahnaz said that the happiness of watching the Pakistani flag waving in the city cannot be described.
The participants of the Pakistan Day Parade New York, led by Dr. Mazharul Haq, Co-Chairman Khawar Baig, President Munir Lodhi, General Secretary Haroon Ramey, Board of Trustees Ahmed Khan, Ahmed Jan and Asad Chaudhry and others, reached 26th Street.
The speakers said that we are Pakistanis first and there is a need to promote mutual unity and understanding.
The participants of the event appeared to be filled with the spirit of love for the homeland.
Board of Trustees of the Parade Committee Ahmed Khan paid tribute to the struggle of overseas Pakistanis.
Pakistan Overseas Forum Chairman Shahid Raza Ranjha and senior community leader and founder of PACOLI Bashir Qamar said that protecting the rights of Pakistanis living abroad is our top priority, living nations never forget their freedom.
When the music festival started in the Pakistan Day Parade, a local singer sang national songs and enthralled the audience.
Under the shade of the green crescent flag, the youth performed an Arabic cultural dance and won everyone’s hearts.
Famous Punjabi folk singer Nadeem Abbas Lonewala, who came from Pakistan, began his performance with the famous Qawwali of the late Ustad Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan.
Singer Nadeem Abbas Lonewala also sang his famous song “Bismillah Karan” along with many other songs on the request of the audience.
Later, prominent figures from the community, including police officers of Pakistani origin, were conferred awards in recognition of their services.
