Pakistan 75th Independence Day & Flag Hosting Ceremony in Chicago
The Consulate General of Pakistan in Chicago celebrated the 75th anniversary of Pakistan's foundation of Pakistan with traditional zeal and fervor at the Daley Center Downtown Chicago at noon on August 16, 2022.
To celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the Independence Day of Pakistan, Pakistan's Consulate General in Chicago held a simple and dignified ceremony at the Daley Center Plaza. Mr. Tariq Karim, Consul General of Pakistan hoisted the Pakistan flag at the Plaza.
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 Syed Abdan Ullah.
The mayors of Chicago, Glendale Heights & Bolingbrook, US Congressman Sean Casten (6th District), Attorney General of Illinois and City Treasurer sent their messages of felicitations, which were read out by their representatives at the Ceremony.
Consul General Tariq Karim, in his remarks, congratulated the Pakistani American community on the Diamond Jubilee of Pakistan while emphasizing the historic significance of the Independence Day and vision of the Founding Fathers of Pakistan. He also drew attention of the international community on 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, despite various challenges, Pakistan has achieved several milestones in the last 75 years. He highlighted that Pakistan's geographic location, its demographic dividend and market size, democratic orientation, rich human and natural resources, and liberal investment policies have made Pakistan an important economic and transit hub, investment, and tourist destination in the world. He also shared Pakistan's achievements in a variety of areas, including the fight against terrorism and the COVID-19 pandemic. He stated that Pakistan has shifted its focus from geopolitics to Geo-economics with greater emphasis on peaceful neighborhood, regional connectivity, human security, and economic development.
The Consul General highlighted the importance of longstanding and broad-based relations between Pakistan and the United States as the two countries celebrate the 75th Anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations. He stated that there was an immense potential for the two sides to further enhance and widen their relations in different fields. The Consul General lauded the role and services of large, hardworking, and thriving Pakistani Diaspora in the US. He underlined the contribution of the Pakistani American community in the socio-economic development of the two countries and their bridge building role. He shared various success stories of innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals, scientists, educationists, managers, and artists from Pakistani Diaspora in the Midwest who are actively contributing to the welfare of society. He assured the community that the Government of Pakistan recognized them as an asset and was committed to ensure their welfare by initiating various policies and initiatives.
The event included cultural performances by Pakistani artists. The ceremony concluded with prayers for the progress, prosperity and well-being of Pakistan and its people.