ILLINOIS: Association of Pakistani Americans Bolingbrook organized 34th Pakistan flag hoisting ceremony and Taste of Pakistan festival in which thousands of people, including members of the Pakistani-American community, participated.
The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Founder of the Association of Pakistani Americans and current Police Commissioner Bolingbrook Talat Rasheed welcomed the guests.
It is pertinent to mention that he started this tradition 33 years ago, which has now taken the form of a prestigious annual event.
The national anthems of Pakistan and the United States were also sang on the occasion of the flag hoisting.
Consul General of Pakistan Tariq Karim thanked the APA and the Bolingbrook administration and said that the continuity of this event for 34 years is a testament to the love and solidarity of the Pakistani community.
He highlighted the historical importance of Pakistan’s independence. He also mentioned Pakistan’s development initiatives and appreciated the role of Pakistanis abroad, especially the services of the community living in the Midwest.
Bolingbrook Mayor Mary- Alexander-Basta, teachers, top business figures, state and local representatives, school board chairmen, village commission heads and other important figures also attended the independence day event.
Dr. Nadeem Langi and Dr. Moazzam Saeed were also included in the event organizers who have been supporting the event for the past 20 years.
Awards were also conferred to Police Officer Alexia Burton, Hum TV correspondent Naveed Alam, Consul General Tariq Karim and others.
The festival continued with Pakistani food stalls, music and entertainment programs. The event also featured a brilliant performance by Pakistani singer Rahim Shah.
Participants from Chicago and the surrounding areas attended the event with their families and celebrated Taste of Pakistan Day in a grand manner with Pakistani culture, food and music.
