Maine Township Pakistani American celebrated Independence cultural Day celebration.

The Pakistani American community in Maine Township, Chicago, enthusiastically celebrated the yearly Independence Day cultural event. The event was held in Des Plaines' Dee Park On Sunday, August 23, 2026

which included members from all walks of life, government leaders, and representatives of the Chicago township committees in addition to the Pakistani American community. Salman Aftab was performed as emcee on the first part of the program and second part of the program emcee performed by Pakistani legend actress Fazila Qazi

The Holy Quran was recited to start the ceremony. American and Pakistani national anthems Sung at the event. Everyone stood up in respect of the national anthem of Pakistan and America and they recited the anthem in unison.

Officers of the Cook County Sheriff’s Office came on stage and described the colorful Independence Day ceremony as historic, saying that they had never seen such a large public gathering before today. Community social activist Salman Aftab introduced all the guests. Pakistan’s Deputy Consul General in Chicago, Saeed Ali was the chief guest. Deputy Consul General Saeed Ali was also present on the occasion along with his diplomatic staff. Everyone stood up in respect of the national anthem of Pakistan and they recited the anthem in unison. The event was attended by Des Plaines city Mayor Andrew Goczkowski and Park Ridge Mayor Marty Maloney, as well as prominent figures from Main Township, including Peter Gilamas, Susan Moylan-Cree, , Kelly Horvath, James Maher, and Supervisor Kimberly Jones.
State Representative Michelle Mussman, State Senator Laura Fine, State Senator Laura Murphy and State Senator Ram Villivalam and several elected officials from the state also attended the event.

The event was presided over by Pakistani American businessman Rana Zahid Hameed. He expressed his views and said that we should make collective efforts to further strengthen Pak-US relations by becoming a part of the American system. In his speech, the organizer of the event, Asif Malik, said that the enthusiasm with which we have all come together to celebrate Pakistan’s independence is unparalleled. Freedom is the best gift from God to mankind. We must recognize the value of freedom. State Representative Michelle Mussman, State Senator Laura Fine, State Senator Laura Murphy and State Senator Ram Villivalam and several elected officials also spoke at this historic event. Deputy Consul General Saeed Ali said in his address that Pakistan has crossed many important milestones in the last 79 years despite numerous obstacles. Pakistan is a major global economic center, transportation hub and investment destination due to its geographical location, market size, abundance of natural and human resources, and development of the tech ecosystem. He gave a wonderful introduction to Pakistan as a tourist destination with attractive places for tourists.
The brilliant performance of legendary singer Fiza Javed from Pakistan made everyone sway. In addition to the live performance of Fazila Qazi, Sherry Riza and Fizza Javed, local singers also sang songs and filled the sky.
Chicago's leading businessman Muhammad Ali released 300 green and white balloons in the air on the occasion of Independence Day, and everyone present in the venue raised slogans of Pakistan Zindabad. Youth of Chicagoland continued the event with pleasant music, dance, and interesting performances till late at night