Pakistani Americans celebrate Pakistan Day with great enthusiasm

To mark the 82nd Pakistan Day, the Consulate General of Pakistan, Chicago, organized a simple but dignified Reception on Wednesday, March 23rd, 2022, at Holiday inn Skokie Ballroom The event was attended by a large gathering of around 500 guests from all walks of life including senior elected officials, federal/States officials, representatives of Consular Corps, think tanks, academia, journalists, and members of Pakistani-American Community. Ms. Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County (the second-most-populous county in the U.S.) was the Chief Guest at the occasion. The master of ceremony was Arshia Hasnain. A prayer from the Quran recited by Munib Siddique began the event.

Consul General Tariq Karim, Mrs. Aasma Tariq and other officials of the Consulates greeted the guests. In his remarks, Consul General Tariq Karim congratulated Pakistanis all over the world, particularly in the U.S. Midwest region on the 82nd Pakistan Day, which also coincided with the 75th anniversary celebrations of our Independence. He recalled the historic struggle for Pakistan’s freedom and paid rich tribute to the founding fathers who resolved at Lahore on 23 March 1940 to establish a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent. He also referred to the messages of felicitations from the President and Prime Minister.

The Consul General also expressed solidarity with the oppressed people of IIOJK while reiterating Pakistan’s political, diplomatic, and moral support in their just struggle for right to self-determination under the UNSC Resolutions.

The Consul General highlighted that, in the last 75 years, Pakistan had made tremendous progress in every field by overcoming various challenges. He added that the Government’s focus has been shifted to geo-economics with greater emphasis on peaceful neighborhood, regional connectivity, and economic development. The Consul General also highlighted the importance of expanding Pakistan-US partnership in different fields including trade and economy, investment, energy, climate change and people-to-people contacts.

The Consul General lauded the contribution made by the Pakistani American community in the socio-economic development of the two countries and their bridge building role. He highlighted that it has been a key priority of the government to facilitate overseas Pakistanis through various schemes and initiatives. The Consul General thanked the Pakistani American community for their contribution and support and hoped that they will continue to play their role with same vigor.

The Consul General also shared with the audience extracts of several messages of felicitation received on Pakistan’s National Day from U.S. Congressmen and State/cities’ elected officials, which, inter alia, recognized the contribution made by the vibrant Pakistani American community and the importance of bilateral relations.

In her remarks, Ms. Toni Preckwinkle extended felicitations on the Pakistan Day while recognizing the contribution made by the Pakistani American community. Other speakers included Illinois’ Representative Justin Slaughter, Cook County Commissioner Kevin B. Morrison and DuPage County Sheriff James Mendrick. They also recognized the important role being played by the Pakistani American community.

There was also a cultural segment of the event with diverse performances and Pakistani music. Prominent singers sung national songs while a group of children presented tableau. Guests were also served with the traditional Pakistani cuisine.