Pakistani American Community celebrated 76 Indepence day in Chicago C

The Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago organized a simple and dignified event to celebrate the 76th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Pakistan. The Pakistan flag was raised at Daley Center Plaza and a program was held at the Consulate.

The event was attended by a large number of Pakistani-American community members representing various segments of the society, elected officials and members of the Consular Corps. As a special gesture, Mayor of Chicago honorable Brandon Johanson visited the Consulate and attended the event as Chief Guest. He was warmly welcomed by the Consul General and members of the Pakistani-American community.

In his remarks, Mayor Brandon Johnson extended his warm greetings to the Pakistani-American community while recognizing their tremendous contribution in shaping the city of Chicago’s diverse and vibrant fabric. He expressed his desire to further enhance a mutually beneficial partnership between Chicago and Pakistan.

Consul General Tariq Karim, in his address, warmly congratulated the Pakistani-American community on the Independence Day while emphasizing the historic significance of the occasion. He stated that, despite various challenges and odds, Pakistan has achieved remarkable progress in the last 76 years.

The Consul General highlighted that Pakistan’s geographic location, its demographic dividend and market size, democratic orientation, rich human and natural resources, growing tech ecosystem and liberal investment policies have made Pakistan as an important economic and transit hub and investment destination in the world. He also emphasized Pakistan as an attractive tourist destination which offers a wide range of sites for visitors. He drew attention of the international community on the plight of oppressed people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu & Kashmir (IIOJK), while reaffirming Pakistan’s support to their legitimate struggle for the right to self-determination.

The Consul General stressed the importance of longstanding partnership between Pakistan and the United States. He stated that there was an immense potential for the two sides to further enhance their relationship in diverse fields. While highlighting his key priorities as Consul General, he stated that Pakistan’s partnership with the Midwest regions was growing with increase in trade, investment and people-to-people interactions.

The Consul General lauded the contribution made by the vibrant Pakistani-American community, who have not only excelled in their respective fields but have also immensely contributed to the socio-economic development of the two countries. He stated that the community’s involvement in sectors such as healthcare, education and technology have fostered innovation and prosperity. The Consul General urged the community to continue actively playing their role in the socio-economic development of the two countries as bridge-builders.

Consul General Tariq Karim and Mayor Brandon Johnson also cut the Pakistan’s Independence Day Cake.

Messages of greetings were received from a number of dignitaries including U.S. Congressman Sean Casten, Illinois Secretary of State Alexi Giannoulias and Illinois’ Attorney General Kwame Raoul.

The event included cultural performances with national songs by Pakistani singers who were joined by the audience in celebration of the Pakistan Independence Day.

Besides the event organized by the Consulate General, the Pakistani-American community organized a series of events to celebrate the Independence Day in Chicago and across the Midwest region, including the Pakistan Day Parade at the Devon Avenue and other cultural programs.