Pakistan 75th Independence Day & flag Hosting Ceremony in Chicago

The Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago organized a simple and dignified ceremony at Daley Center Plaza (Chicago) to celebrate the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan on August 13, 2021. Mr. Tariq Karim, Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago hoisted the Pakistan flag at the Plaza.

The ceremony was attended by a large number of Pakistani-American community members representing various segments, with an equally impressive number of locals. Mayors of various cities, members of consular corps, Federal, State & City officials, Cook County Treasurer, representatives of the Attorney General and Mayor of Chicago were also present. Messages of felicitations were also received from the Mayor of Chicago, US Congressman Bradley Schneider, Cook County Treasurer, Illinois Secretary of State, State Representative Denyse Stoneback and Mayor of Bolingbrook.

In his remarks, Consul General Tariq Karim congratulated the Pakistani-American community on this landmark occasion while highlighting the historic importance of Pakistan Independence and Quaid-I-Azam’s vision of a modern, democratic and welfare Islamic State. Highlighting Pakistan’s geo-strategic importance and its enormous natural and human resources, the Consul General stated that Pakistan had made tremendous progress in every field since its independence. He highlighted the plight of oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK) and their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination.

The Consul General stated that the present government had embarked upon the path of socio-economic development of the country with focus shifting from geopolitics to geoeconomics. He underlined peaceful neighborhood, regional connectivity and economic prosperity as key priorities of the government. The government was determined to make the country a vibrant economy and its economic policies coupled with rapid industrial and infrastructure development offered an attractive environment for foreign investment in almost every sector of the economy, he said.

Consul General Tariq Karim, while highlighting the U.S. as an important development partner for Pakistan, stated that there was an immense potential for the two sides to expand and deepen their relations in diverse fields.

The Consul General stated that the government of Pakistan recognized overseas Pakistanis as an asset and was committed to ensure their welfare by initiating policies to involve them in economic and governance activities. He highlighted various schemes launched by the government to facilitate overseas Pakistanis including Roshan Digital Account (RDA) and Naya Pakistan Certificates which have attracted immense interest and outstanding success. The Consul General lauded the services and contribution made by large, hardworking and thriving Pakistani Diaspora in the U.S. Midwest. He said that Pakistani-American community continues to positively contribute to the socio-economic development of not only their adopted country but also to their motherland. He urged them to continue to play their role as a bridge between the two countries to promote mutually beneficial partnership. The ceremony concluded with prayers for the progress, prosperity and well-being of Pakistan and its people.

The Consul General also cut the 75th Independence Day of Pakistan cake.

The program concluded with performance by prominent singer Asif Siddiqui who sung national songs. Kids and ladies also performed during the cultural event.

Several Pakistan Flag hoisting ceremonies have been planned in Washington, New York, Houston, San Francisco and Atlanta