NEWYORK: Pakistani American Merchants Association organized historical Brooklyn Mela on the occasion of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day at Coney Island Avenue.
The event began with recitation of Holy Quran by the PAMA President Pervez Akhtar followed by Naat in honor of Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him) by Rana Akhlaq and Asghar Chishti.
A large number of Pakistani American community participated in the fair.
Pakistani American Merchants Association General Secretary Aziz Butt moderated the event and introduced the Brooklyn Mela committee to the participants.
Council of Peoples Organizations Chairman Mohammad Rizvi introduced New York Governor Kathy Hochul and other American officials.
Governor Kathy Hochul congratulated the Pakistani American community on Pakistan’s Independence Day, saying that this day is an opportunity to pay tribute to Pakistan’s independence, its glorious traditions and dreams of a bright future.
She extended her heartfelt greetings to all members of the Pakistani community on this joyous occasion.
Addressing the audience of Brooklyn Mela, congresswoman Eve Clark said that it was an honor for her to come Brooklyn, a little Pakistan, on the occasion of the 79th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence.
She paid tribute to the Pakistani community, saying that it has made a prominent place in New York City, the state and the United States through its culture and traditions. She thanked the Pakistani Fair, COPO and other organizations for their role in strengthening the community.
Other US officials also congratulated the festival organizers and wished them a happy Independence Day. They said they would continue to work with the community for the betterment of the city.
When the chairman of the Brooklyn Festival Committee 2026 arrived, he was warmly welcomed by beating drums and playing bhangra.
Addressing the participants, Salman Butt congratulated everyone on Independence Day and said that this festival is held with great enthusiasm every year and the success of this festival includes the hard work of the entire committee.
Brooklyn Mela President Sohail Syed also thanked all the guests for coming and appreciated the efforts of the organizers. Other speakers also praised the Brooklyn Mela committee calling it a historic event in the New York.
Brooklyn Mela was also attended by the first Pakistani-American Inspector of the New York Police Department, Adeel Rana, and other senior police officers. On this occasion, Adeel Rana and Waheed Akhtar also congratulated the community on Independence Day.
The members of the PAMA, Brooklyn Mela committee, police officers and US officials were awarded certificates of appreciation and awards at the Brooklyn Mela in recognition of their services.
The event witnessed the spring of green crescent flags and the participants were also dressed in clothes similar to the colors of the national flag. They also chanted slogans of Long Live Pakistan.
Renowned singers performed on stage and sang famous national songs which captivated the audience.
Stalls of oriental costumes, jewelry and foods were also set up in the Brooklyn Mela.
