NEW YORK – Braving hot and humid weather, thousands of Pakistani-Americansgathered here on Sunday for the annual Pakistan Independence Day Parademarking the 71th anniversary of the establishment of their homeland, withNew York Mayor Bill de Blasio congratulating them on the recent democraticelections in Pakistan that augur well for the country.
“With a huge voter turnout, the people of Pakistan have reaffirmed theircommitment to democracy,” Mayor Blasio, a liberal who is also a prominentpolitician, told the huge crowd which responded with a loud round ofapplause and slogans of “Pakistan Zinda Bad”. Also raised slogans in favourof “Naya Pakistan.”The parade was held ahead of August 14 because the venue for a Sundayfollowing that date had been booked by some other communities for theirevents.
Mayor Blasio said the voices of hate being raised in America as well assome acts of discrimination against certain communities do not representthe values of the United States. But he said that people in New York citylive in harmony with each other.
The mayor paid tributes to the Pakistani community for their hard work anddedication in contributing to the progress of this “greatest city in theworld.” This city, he said, was open and welcoming of migrants and itrespects all communities and religions.
The mayor especially praised the work of Pakistanis in the New York PoliceDepartment (NYPD), saying they were excellent professionals who uphold therule of law.Blasio concluded his brief remarks with the slogan of “Pakistan Zinda Bad”to the delight of the audience.
Hamid Syed, chairman of the Pakistan Independence Day Parade Committee,profusely thanked the mayor for his presence and assured him of Pakistanicommunity’s continued support. He hoped that Blasio would eventually becomethe president of the United States.“We now have real democracy in Pakistan … in Naya Pakistan,” Syed told thecheering crowd.Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Raja Ali Ejaz, was the chief guestat the parade.“This is a day to recall the enormous sacrifices which our forefathersrendered to achieve independence,” he said in his message. “I urge allPakistani-American community to renew their pledge to work together andcontribute to the progress and prosperity of our country. We can overcomethe daunting challenges if we demonstrate tolerance, responsibility andsolidarity.”
Ijaz Ahmad, a prominent Pakistani-American cardiologist was the GrandMarshal of this year’s parade. He urged the community members to takeactive part in American politics in order to raise their profile.
The highlight of the day was a music programme in which Pakistan’s starsinger Atif Aslam enthralled the crowd with his hit numbers. “Atif”,“Atif”, “Atif” the excited audience shouted as he came on the stage for thefirst time in New York City.
A great performer on the stage, Atif turned to all sections of the crowdand his songs are so popular that most people, especially young ones, sangwith him. He entertained many requests in his nearly two hour-longperformance which won big applause.
The afternoon’s heat did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants whoraised vociferous “Pakistan Zinda Bad” slogans to demonstrate theirdedication to the country and its founding father– Quaid-e-Azam MohammadAli Jinnah.
Men, women and children — mostly clad in national dresses — came togetherin this annual event in an impressive show of unity. They exchangedIndependence Day greetings with each other.
Raising slogans and waving the national flag, Pakistanis warmly cheered theparade as it moved down one of New York City’s main avenue. The route fromMadison Avenue’s 38th street – the start point- to 23rd street wasdecorated with Pakistani and American flags.Several decorated floats, with some depicting Pakistan’s progress invarious fields, while others sponsored by local Pakistani businesses, alsowound their way down the avenue. A group of people from Gilgit-Baltistan,in their traditional attires, also participated in the parade.
Spaced out in the parade were bands — some on the floats while others onthe ground — struck up lilting tunes. – APP