Islamabad, Aug 3: Hundreds of Pakistani-Americans flocked to Iselin, New Jersey, in the US for the Pakistan Independence Day Parade, commemorating the 78th anniversary of their country’s founding.
A loud chorus of “Pakistan Zinda Bad” and “Quaid-e-Azam Zinda Bad” was chanted by men, women, and children, the majority of whom were dressed in national costumes, as the procession made its way from Iselin to the neighboring city of Edison. The procession floats and cars were adorned with American and Pakistani flags.
To honor Pakistan’s rich cultural legacy, the event brought together public officials, local leaders, and members of the community. Aamir Ahmed Atozai, the consul general of Pakistan in New York, and Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, the ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, were present during the parade. Ambassador Sheikh emphasized in his speech the value of the Pakistan Day Parade in establishing a link between the younger generation and their cultural heritage.
He praised the parade’s organizers for their commitment to making sure that it captures the variety and inclusivity of New Jersey’s thriving communities in addition to Pakistan’s cultural heritage. The parade’s significance in honoring Pakistan’s cultural variety and fostering community ties was underlined by Consul General Aamir Atozai.
According to Atozai, the occasion celebrates the contributions made by Pakistani-Americans to the larger American community while providing a stage for exhibiting Pakistan’s varied traditions, which range from music and folklore to fashion and cuisine. Pre-parade events for the parade included a flag-raising ceremony, remarks by dignitaries and government leaders, and traditional Pakistani food.
The occasion ended in a cultural and musical concert at Edison’s Mela, where guests were mesmerized by performances by prominent Pakistani vocalists, including Ustad Rafaqaat Ali Khan and Nadeem Abbas Loonewala.
Congressman Frank Pallone, Senator Patrick Diegnan, Assemblywoman Shama Haider, Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak, Commissioner Charles Tomaro, Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe, Mayors Sam Joshi of Edison, John McCormac of Woodbridge, Brad Cohen of East Brunswick, Fozia Janjua of Mount Laurel, and Eman El-Badawi of Cranbury were among the U.S. officials who attended the New Jersey Pakistan Day Parade.
A flag-raising ceremony, speeches by dignitaries and political officials, and traditional Pakistani food were among the pre-procession events that accompanied the parade. A cultural and musical concert at the Mela in Edison marked the event’s culmination. Renowned Pakistani vocalists Ustad Rafaqaat Ali Khan and Nadeem Abbas Loonewala, among others, captivated the audience with their performances.
Several American officials also attended the New Jersey Pakistan Day Parade: Middlesex County Democratic Chairman Kevin McCabe; Congressman Frank Pallone; Senator Patrick Diegnan; Assemblywoman Shama Haider; Assemblyman Robert Karabinchak; Commissioner Charles Tomaro; Mayor of Edison Sam Joshi; Mayor of Woodbridge John McCormac; Mayor of East Brunswick Brad Cohen; Mayor of Mount Laurel Fozia Janjua; and Mayor of Cranbury Eman El-Badawi.
