Bolingbrook's Taste of Pakistan attracted a record-breaking crowd.

The Bolingbrook Pakistani community celebrated Pakistan's 76th Independence Day on August 26, 2023, with extraordinary zeal. There were several activities in and around Chicago to mark the 76th anniversary of Pakistan's independence past weeks

An equally impressive number of locals, including Pakistan Consul General Tariq Karim, attended the flag-raising ceremony and the "Taste of Pakistan" event at Bolingbrook hosted by the Association of Pakistani Americans (APA), Bolingbrook, at the event, which drew thousands of participants from the Pakistani American community from various backgrounds. An estimated 10,000 individuals showed there to benefit from the occasion.

"The people of Pakistan continue to be the greatest strength of the Boiling Brook Pakistani community," Pakistan Consul General Tariq Karim remarked at the ceremony to raise the flag. I implore the Association of Pakistani Americans (APA) to strive tirelessly for 32 years to maintain the Pakistani flag flying.

The occasion began with the customary translation-assisted recital of the Holy Quran. Talat Rashid, the APA founder, greeted the gathering. The event and celebration was started 32 years ago by Talat Rasheed, the founder of the Association of Pakistani Americans. Currently he is working as a Bolingbrook police commissioner.
The event was attended by a number of representatives from the Village of Bolingbrook, high-ranking businesspeople from nearby cities, state and local representatives, prominent community leaders, dignitaries including the Mayor of Bolingbrook, a representative of the Governor of the State of Illinois, representatives of many Illinois state officials, the chair of the school board, the village commissioner, and many others. roughly 6:30 p.m. The Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago, Tariq Karim, Mayor Mary Basta, Aurora Mayor Richard Irvin, Talat Rasheed, and a number of other leaders hosted the raising of the Pakistani flag. On this occasion, both the American and Pakistani national anthems were sung.

The Consul General gave a speech during the event, thanking the APA and the Village of Bolingbrook for starting and maintaining the tradition of holding the Pakistan flag hoisting ceremony every year, which has been going on for 32 years this year. Along with the historical significance of the day, he emphasized the accomplishments Pakistan has made since gaining independence as well as the government's reforms and initiatives in a number of areas, notably those that pertain to the facilitation of Pakistani-American living abroad. He was also appreciative of what the Pakistani-American community in the Midwest had contributed.
In 1991, Mr. Talat Rashid established an organization. Over 10000 or more people visit the APA (Association of Pakistani Americans Bolingbrook) annually. There were over several elected officials in the APA.
The evening, which featured food, entertainment, and music, was packed with thousands of attendees. The doctors from Advanced Pediatric Care, Nadeem Longi and Moazzam Saeed, supported the event. They have supported this event for the previous 15 years. They also contribute to and support the Balochistan water project.

The program's moderator, Mir Ali, has done a fantastic job making sure that it runs well. An exciting musical concert with several local singers and legendary, talented singers Nadeem Abbas Rufi and Fizza Javed sets the tone for the entire evening.
The Pakistani consul general in Chicago remained until the very end and took pleasure. He commended the organizers and the community and emphasized the need for the community to remain unified and to play an important role in American society.
At every level, the event was a big success. The APA has once again shown that they are leaders in teaching America about all the beneficial contributions Pakistani Americans continue to make to its success and that they truly bring out the best in the Pakistani American community.
Talat Rashid, the founder and president of APA, extends his gratitude to all of the sponsors for their support and labor of love in making the event a success.