Pakistan 71st Independence Day and flag Ceremony in Chicago

Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago celebrated the 71st anniversary of Pakistan's foundation of Pakistan with traditional zeal and fervor at the Daley Center Downtown Chicago in the noon of August 14, 2018.

Over 300 people, representing the Pakistani, Asian, and American communities, attended the historical event. The flag hoisting ceremony, organized at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago, was attended by many Pakistani-Americans as well as members of the diplomatic community and representatives of State leaders. Special messages from the representatives of Governor Bruce Rauner, Mayor Rahm Emanuel of Chicago, Mayor Roger C. Claar of Bolingbrook, State Representative Ms. Laura Fine, Congressman Peter J. Roskam, Attorney General of Illinois Lisa Madigan were read out to the audience. Ms. Dorothy Brown, Clerk Circuit Court of Cook County, who is also mayoral candidate of 2019, attended the event and congratulated the Pakistani-American community. Governor Jeff Colyer of Kansas, Senator Garry C. Peters from Michigan also conveyed their congratulatory messages for the occasion.

In his remarks, Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Faisal Niaz Tirmizi, congratulated the Pakistani American community of the Midwest on the 71st Independence Day. Mr. Tirmizi said that despite challenges in these past 71 years, Pakistan is a robust democracy of 200 million people. The Consul General expressed his believe that Pakistan, after the second successful transition of democratic government, would soon be a front runner in Asia. He specially focused on the young audience and said that it is heartening that the new generation of Pakistan is imbibed with the love of the country and is filled with passion to sincerely work for its development. He further said that the younger generation of Pakistan is endowed with exceptional talent which must be harnessed well for positive contribution to Pakistan’s betterment. He urged the young generation of Pakistani-Americans to actively participate in the social and political life of United States and be a bridge between the two great nations.

Consul General introduced the audience with two brilliant Pakistani students Mr. Ibrahim Khan and Ms. Alaleh Zafar. Mr. Ibrahim Khan won the presidential scholar award for 2018 and was one of the 161 students from all over the United States who were recognized by the Secretary of Education for demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, artistic excellence, leadership, citizenship, service, and contribution to school and community. Mr. Khan has been accepted by Harvard University on full scholarship. He aims to join a public office after completion of his law degree. Consul General also encouraged Pakistani community to generously contribute to the Diamer Basha and Mohamd Dam Fund-2018.

The Consul General raised a 50x30 feet Pakistani flag 200 feet in the central square of downtown Chicago to the tune of Pakistan’s national anthem. Performances by children in Pakistani cultural dresses were also presented to the audience.

The Pakistani community in the Midwest region celebrated the 71st Independence Day of Pakistan with nationalistic pride. Earlier Pakistan Day Parade took place at Jinnah Avenue on August 12, 2018 continuing a 27 years long tradition.

A series of celebrations is also being organized during the month of August in Cleveland, Kansas, Glendale, Bolingbrook, Detroit and other cities in the Midwest with significant Pakistani diaspora