NEW JERSEY: Pakistani American in New Jersey held annual Pakistan Day Parade and Festival on Oak Tree Road to celebrate the 79 th Independence Day of Pakistan.
Thousands of overseas Pakistanis, American political and social figures and families participated in the event which began with recitation of Holy Quran.
The national anthems of the United States of America and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan were played.
A hot breakfast of traditional Halwa Puri was arranged for the participants of the day parade and festival.
Dozens of stalls selling clothes, traditional jewelry, handicrafts and delicious Pakistani food remained the center of attention of the participants in the local market.
Dr. Maham Malik and Nuzhat Ahmed welcomed all the guests and congratulated them on the occasion of Independence Day.
A unique and historic aspect of the event was the presentation of messages in the guise of the leaders of the Pakistan Movement.
Dr. Jawad addressed the audience in the guise of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Dr. Zehri Pari addressed the audience in the guise of Mother of the Nation, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, and Dr. Rehman Bajwa addressed the audience in the guise and style of the poet of the East, Allama Mohammad Iqbal, and highlighted the objectives of the freedom movement.
Dr. Huma Irfan, Dr. Shehla Ghani and their daughters presented wonderful performances on national songs, while Dr. Abro along with her family presented a charming representation of the traditional and beautiful culture of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Peshawar. Dr. Nuzhat also presented a national song.
A trivia quiz game related to Pakistan’s history was also held during the festival to keep the audience interested, in which special goodie bags were distributed among those who gave correct answers. On this occasion, Dr. Shahnaz Akhtar addressed the event.
A magnificent and long parade was taken out from the main gate to the stage, in which participants performed bhangras to the beat of drums. Decorated floats, trucks and a convoy of beautiful vehicles also participated in the parade.
The participants were waving the flags of Pakistan and the United States. Founding Chairman Dr. Mohammad Zubair and Saira Zubair welcomed the parade and thanked the community, elected representatives, American officials and neighbors.
Chairman Malik Suleman, Kamran Khan and Mateen Abbas also spoke and highlighted the importance of Independence Day.
The special guest of the ceremony, Consul General of Pakistan in New York Aamir Ahmed Atuzai congratulated the entire administration of the Pakistan Day Parade on the successful organization and appreciated the role of Overseas Pakistanis.
Democratic candidate Dr. Adam Hamawy also spoke at the Pakistan Day Parade in New Jersey and praised the services of the Pakistani community in American society.
The Mayor of Woodbridge also attended the ceremony and expressed solidarity with the community, while New Jersey Governor Mickey Sherrill read a special congratulatory message to the Pakistani community.
Later, a colorful musical concert was organized in which Pakistan’s famous playback singer Majid Ali and renowned singer Farah Anwar sang national songs and popular songs, forcing thousands of participants to dance.
During the program, a special lucky draw was also organized for the participants in which Umrah tickets, LED TVs and other valuable prizes were distributed.
