Pakistan Independence Day celebrated at New York C…
NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated at the historic New York City Hall this year in a landmark event highlighting the growing presence and contributions of the Pakistani-American community.
The ceremony marked the first time that Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations were held inside New York City Hall, making it a notable occasion for the Pakistani diaspora and a significant moment in Pakistan-US community relations.
The event was jointly organised by New York City Council Speaker Julie Menin and Council Member Linda Lee, with support from the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG).
Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, addressed the gathering and praised APAG and the participating elected representatives for their efforts in arranging the historic celebration. He described the event as a proud and memorable moment for Pakistani-Americans and said holding the ceremony at City Hall reflected the organisers’ strong connection with Pakistan.
A large number of Pakistani-Americans, elected officials, community representatives and members of the media attended the ceremony.
Speaking at the event, Speaker Julie Menin acknowledged the valuable contributions of the Pakistani-American community to New York City. She highlighted the community’s role in the city’s development while maintaining strong ties with both Pakistan and the United States.
Other lawmakers and speakers also commended the Pakistani-American community for its dedication, resilience and continued contributions. They highlighted its role as an important bridge between Pakistan and the United States and recognised its growing influence in the city’s civic, economic and social life.
The historic celebration at New York City Hall underscored the increasing significance of the Pakistani-American community and its positive contributions to New York, while also highlighting the enduring people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States.
Moreover, Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts to promote peace and stability, including its role in mediating during the recent US-Iran tensions, were highlighted at an Independence Day ceremony held at Pakistan House in New York.
Speaking at the event, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said Pakistan had consistently sought peaceful solutions amid growing international instability and conflicts. He urged renewed commitment to the country’s founding principles, sovereignty, security, peace and socio-economic progress.
The ambassador paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, describing him as a visionary statesman whose leadership led to the creation of Pakistan. Reflecting on the country’s journey since independence, he praised the resilience and achievements of Pakistanis despite significant challenges.
Ahmad also commended the armed forces for their sacrifices in defending the country and protecting its people, while recognising the achievements of Pakistanis abroad in fields ranging from innovation and sports to the arts.
He reaffirmed Pakistan’s diplomatic and political support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and for the rights of Palestinians. He also stressed the importance of combating terrorism while advancing economic development and national progress.
Consul General Aamer Ahmad Atozai also paid tribute to the leaders and workers of the Pakistan Movement, emphasising that freedom carries both a legacy and a responsibility. He highlighted the Pakistani-American community’s contributions through investment, remittances, philanthropy and expertise, describing it as an important bridge between Pakistan and the United States.
The ceremony featured the hoisting of the Pakistani flag and the national anthem, while messages from Pakistan’s leadership were also read out. Addressing children at the gathering, Ambassador Ahmad described them as the country’s future and called for collective efforts to build a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive Pakistan.
The event concluded with calls for greater national unity and continued commitment to peace, diplomacy and Pakistan’s progress on the global stage.
