Thousands Celebrate Pakistan’s Independence at Devon Ave Chicago

During hot warm weather day a large Pakistani Americans community from all over from Illinois gathered in Devon Avenue, Chicago Illinois last Sunday, August 12, 2018 to celebrate the 71th Independence Day of Pakistan.

Pakistan gained independence from Britain on Aug. 14, 1947. In Pakistan, it’s a national holiday. But in Chicago Pakistani Americans always celebrate on the weekend before or after August 14. Pakistan and India became independent from British rule at the same time - they mark the event differently.

The parade was organized by the Pakistan united Parade committee with support from other local groups and supporters. Parade this year was led by Chairman Mubasher Feroze. He is a well-known Pakistani Community Member & Social worker.
Parade Exactly 12:30 p.m. Parade start from Devon Avenue and Damen Avenue intersection with young boys and girls in green and white attire in the lead. A large group of prominent Pakistanis and local dignitaries followed.

Parade Chairman Mubasher Feroze joined the ranks of Marshals with Directors of the Parade Committee Raja Yaqoob (President) Ishraq Uddin (Coordinator), this year 2018 the Grand marshal of the parade was Muhammad Khalil Chaudhry. In the first row Guest of honor Safa Sert, Vice Turkish Consulate General in Chicago. Lieutenant Governor of Illinois Evelyn Sanguinetti, Treasurer of Illinois Mike Frerichs, Pakistan Consulate General in Chicago Faisal Niaz Tirmini, Pakistan Commercial Consulate General Amir Tareen in Chicago Cook County Clerk Dorothy Brown and many others.

Waving the Pakistani national flag and chanting ‘Jetway Jeeway Pakistan’, More than 10,000 people gathered around to watch the marchers embrace Pakistani culture. This year’s parade includes more than 23 colorful decorated floats in the parade. Pakistani patriotic and National songs played on floats. Marchers waved Pakistan’s green and white flag to the sound of traditional music. Mostly youngster and children raised loud "Pakistan Zindabad", Happy Independence Day, and God Bless America". Men, women, and children all were beautiful Pakistani dressed for the occasion. Women wore their beautiful and colorful traditional dresses. The men wore their traditional Kameez Salwar, Sherwani and other national Cultures outfits. The Guest of Honor Consul General of Pakistan Faisal Niaz Tirmizi and the Grand Marshal and others walked to the Claremont Street, where a stage was set for the viewing of the floats and short ceremony. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Riaz ul Haq. The American national anthem and then the Pakistan national anthem played on stage. After anthem Speeches were started. Many leaders performed short speech. All the speakers congratulated the organizers and the participants on the 71th year of celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day. The speeches were brief but impressive. The host of the parade Stage program was Yasin Chohan & Shah Jahan Qureshi.

The parade was well organized. Attendees will be remembered long time.