Chicago Sister Cities International Host Community Iftar Dinner

Dr. Tariq Butt, Chair of the Lahore, Pakistan Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI) held an Interfaith Ramadan Iftar dinner and program on Monday April 17th, 2023, at Alhambra Palace Restaurant. About 400 residents, elected officials and community leaders attended the event, allowing the CSCI to honor supporters and community partners prior to the meal which started after 7:35 p.m.

Chicago and Pakistan’s 2nd largest city Lahore had been Sister City Since 2007. The Official Signing of the Chicago-Lahore Sister City Agreement took place at the Chicago Cultural Center on Tuesday, February 6, 2007. The agreement was signed by The Honorable Richard M. Daley, Mayor of Chicago and The Honorable Mian Amir Mahmood, District Nazim of Lahore, Pakistan. The purpose is to establish a union that honors the rich Pakistani community within Chicago while also paving a way to promote business, tourist expansion, Innovation in Access to Health Care and Education.

Dr. Tariq Butt, Chair of the Lahore, Pakistan Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International (CSCI), hosted the iftar dinner. During his speech he highlighted between both sister cities Partnership. He said, “Pakistan and America longways partnership and Lahore is the gateway to whole world. Chicago and Lahore have work with each other through health, education, and trade co-operating based on their partnership values and commonalities day after day.”

The event was emceed by Mrs. Farhat Khan Welcome and opening remarks were conducted by Dr. Omar Nasib and honorable consulate general Pakistan Tariq Karim attended as well as PPS leadership young physicians from Pakistan-Descent Physicians Society and APPNA attended the event. Chicago support Lahore during pandemic through Chicago Medical society.

One minute silence was observed for Pakistani community leaders Hameed Ullah Khan and Kamran Khan, who passed away in past year ago.

Regional Director U.S Dept of Health & Human Services Michael Cabonargi addressed the gathering as keynote speaker. His address focused on the Challenging time during pandemic between world and countries.

Consulate General Pakistan Tariq Karim share the similarities between both sister cities Lahore and Chicago. He said, “Both cities are economical and financial partner. He hopes both partnerships will be stronger in coming years. both cities’ partnerships will achieve many goals and developmental milestones.”

During an interview, Dr. Tariq butt said, “I am proud to serve on the Lahore Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International with so many incredible members that have worked through our organization, and many others, in sending much-needed financial and humanitarian support to Pakistan. Working closely with our other sister cities, in particular the Lahore Committee of Chicago Sister Cities International, we have work together.”

Iftar dinner was attended by several elected officials including Cook County Assessor Fritz Kaegi, City Treasurer Melissa Conyears-Ervin, & Alderman Ervin, & MWRD Commissioner Daniel Pogorzelski and others.

Before the breaking the fast, a call to prayer was announced with its meaning in the subtitles, followed by a prayer.