NEW YORK: Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated inside New York City Hall for the first time, marking a historic occasion for the Pakistani-American community and underscoring its growing presence in the civic, economic and social life of the city.
The landmark ceremony 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). A large number of Pakistani-Americans, elected officials, community representatives and members of the media attended the event.
Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, praised the organisers and participating lawmakers for arranging the historic celebration. He described the event as a memorable moment for Pakistani-Americans and said holding the ceremony at City Hall reflected the community’s strong connection with Pakistan.
Speaker Julie Menin recognised the contributions of Pakistani-Americans to New York City and highlighted their continued engagement with both Pakistan and the United States. Other speakers also praised the community for its resilience, dedication and role in strengthening people-to-people ties between the two countries.
The celebrations also provided an opportunity to highlight Pakistan’s diplomatic priorities. At a separate Independence Day ceremony at Pakistan House in New York, Pakistan’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, Ambassador Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, said the country continued to support peaceful solutions to international conflicts and instability.
Ahmad called for renewed commitment to Pakistan’s founding principles, including sovereignty, security, peace and socioeconomic development. He paid tribute to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and acknowledged the resilience and achievements of Pakistanis at home and abroad.
The ambassador also recognised the sacrifices of Pakistan’s armed forces and praised Pakistani achievements in areas including innovation, sports and the arts. He reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir and Palestinian rights, while stressing the need to combat terrorism and pursue national development.
The ceremony featured the hoisting of the Pakistani flag and the national anthem, while messages from Pakistan’s leadership were also read out.
Atozai highlighted the Pakistani-American community’s contributions through investment, remittances, philanthropy and professional expertise, describing it as an important bridge between Pakistan and the United States.
Addressing younger participants, Ambassador Ahmad called children the future of Pakistan and urged collective efforts toward building a peaceful, prosperous and inclusive country.
About The Author
