Pakistani American in Chicago celebrates Independence Day in Chicago with national zeal and enthusiasm
Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago celebrated the 73rd anniversary of Pakistan's foundation of Pakistan with traditional zeal and fervor at the Daley Center Downtown Chicago in the noon of August 14, 2019.
Over 200 people, representing the Pakistani, Asian, and American communities, local government officials, members of the diplomatic corps and Local and American media attended the historical event. The flag hoisting ceremony, organized at the Daley Center in downtown Chicago. The ceremony began with the recitation of the holy Quran by Ibrahim Khan, and as Ms. Rabia Shafiq, Acting Consul General hoisted the green-crescent-and-star, the national anthem was played. The mayors of Chicago & Bolingbrook, US Congressman Brad Schneider (10th District), Attorney General of Illinois and City Treasurer sent their messages of felicitations, which were read out by their representatives at the Ceremony.
In her remarks on the occasion, Acting Consul General Ms. Rabia Shafiq conveyed President and Prime Minister's message of felicitation to the attendees. She highlighted the importance of the Independence Day and said that this Day reminded us of the epic democratic struggle of our forefathers for securing a separate homeland for the Muslims of the Sub-Continent where they could fashion their lives according to their religious, cultural and social values.
Ms. Shafiq further said, "The Government of Pakistan had decided to observe this Independence Day in solidarity with brave Kashmiris and their just struggle for their right of self-determination. She reiterated Pakistan's strong condemnation and rejection of the recent steps taken by India to change the status of an internationally recognized disputed territory. She also reaffirmed Pakistan's resolve to continue to provide its political, moral and diplomatic support to the Kashmir cause."
She Highlighted, Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan undertook a very successful visit to the US last month and held comprehensive discussions with the US leadership on building a broad-based and enduring partnership and strengthening cooperation between the two countries to bring peace, stability and economic prosperity in South Asia.
She also commended the services and contributions of large, hardworking and thriving Pakistani Diaspora in the US and said that Pakistani Diaspora continues to positively contribute to the socio-economic development of not only their adopted country but also to their motherland. She assured them that the Government of Pakistan recognized them as an asset and was committed to ensuring their welfare by initiating policies to involve them in economic and governance activities.
The ceremony concluded with prayers for the progress, prosperity and well-being of Pakistan and its people.
Several Pakistan Flag hoisting ceremonies have been planned in Washington, New York, Houston, San Francisco and Atlanta.