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Association hosts 25th Taste of Pakistan Independence Day Celebration

Chicago IL: The Association of Pakistani Americans hosted its 25th Pakistan Day Celebration in Bolingbrook, IL. The organization's Silver Jubilee was a smashing event that brought out over three thousands Pakistani Americans. The festival has been experiencing a growth in attendees due to the high caliber of the organization's management, support of local community businesses, and encouragement from numerous elected officials that attend the all-day festivity in late August annually.

On Saturday, Aug. 27, 2016, the Association of Pakistani American (APA) completed its Flag Hoisting Ceremony for the twenty-fifth year. Elected officials in attendance included Deputy Mayor Leroy Brown who presented the proclamation on behalf of Mayor Roger C. Claar. Among the other officials there were Tonia Khouri, DuPage County Board Member and candidate for the Congress from this district, Stephanie Holderfield Illinois State Director for Donald Trump, Bill Mayer DuPage Township supervisor, Steve Quigley School board President, Stan Bond State central committee, Mark Dietzen Sen. Kirks office, Mike from State Comptroller's office, Bolingbrook Chamber of Commerce Director Kevin O'Keefe, Adventist Bolingbrook Hospital CEO Rick Mace, Library Board Dennis Raga and Ruth Newell, Township Trustee Sheldon Watts, Park District President Denise Allen, Bolingbrook Public Safety Director Tom Ross, Mike Lawler, Village Trustee. The APA presented speakers and representatives of the community with decorative marble elephants, made exclusively in Pakistan for the event, in recognition of the twenty-fifth anniversary celebration.

As the Chief Guest of the ceremony, Consul General of Pakistan Faisal Niaz Tirmizi praised the APA in his speech and encouraged young Pakistani-Americans to aim at becoming active participants in local politics. He requested the crowd to assist organizations such as the APA in bringing positive exposure toward Pakistan. Noting in his speech that the APA has been working tirelessly and the Taste of Pakistan is a small showcase of the positive contributions Pakistani-Americans can make within their local communities.

Talat Rashid, founder of the APA and Mir Ali, who was also the emcee of the event have devoted their efforts into bridging the gap between the US and Pakistan. They brought together Pakistan's Consul General Faizal Niaz Tirmizi and Mayor Roger C. Claar of Bolingbrook to sign a sister city agreement between Bolingbrook and Sialkot (a major city in Pakistan). In addition, Talat Rashid announced that Bolingbrook will be the first city in the US that will be developing a 'Pakistan House' in Bolingbrook.

H.E. Ambassador Jalil A Jilani send a video Message which was shown during the program where ambassador nothing but good words for Mayor Claar. He also said he was very much impressed by the work of APA and its accomplishments especially sister city agreement between Sialkot and Bolingbrook and his meeting with Mayor Claar last may when he visited Bolingbrook

The Grand Sponsors of this event were Dr. Nadim Longi and Dr. Moazzam Saeed of Advanced Pediatric, who have earned a great respect from the association and audiences for making this event a great success and have been supporting the APA for many years. Mr. Asad Malik, President of Absolute Health Care Systems Inc. had joined the rank as a Premier sponsor this year. The APA's sponsors who joined this year were Mr. Atlas Khan of Tandoori restaurant, Mashallah Restaurant in Plainfield, Jadoo TV, Sling Urdu, Energy Smart, CPSA, Shalimar Banquets, SARA's Grill Naperville, Human Development Organization, IFANCA and Chiro One were also there to support us. Mr. Munir Chaudhry another a longtime supporter could not make to the event because of his prior engagement. The APA's regular sponsors included Dr. Murtaza Arain a longtime supporter, Dr. Sher Ahsan Niazi, Dr. Tahir Rohail, Bismillah Market & Restaurant, Chamber of Commerce, DuPage Township, AMITA Adventist Hospital, and Inspire Multiband for putting on an excellent fashion show which was the center of attraction for everyone.

The APA did have a moment of silence due to the sudden death of a longtime friend, community member and supporter Mr. Nabil Choudhry.

There were over 45 booths. People from all walks of life were there and traveled from far distance to attend the event. Emcee of the program Mir Ali, the Associations key member did a fantastic job in conducting the entire program at its best. The APA is very thankful to all the media, that includes Javed Rana of Pakistan News, Suresh Bodiwala of Asian media, Tariq Khawaja of Urdu Times and Urdu Times Global an internet based TV program., Nadeem Khan of Pakistan news, Mr. S Khalil of Chicago media, Bolingbrook community TV, Mr. Azeem Quadri of Asia Times, Mr. Nadeem of Sada-e Pakistan, Ansar Rizvi of GEO'S Safeer Pakistan TV show, Sami from Next TV and Mr. Charandeep Sing of Desi Junction. At the end several awards were given to all the volunteers who worked hard to put this event together. The recipients were, Hamid Bhatti, Aziz Vayani, Zulfi Ahmed, Faisal Rashid, Ali Zaman, Zafar Chaudhry, Faheem Shehzad and Kamran Rashid.

A variety of entertainment was provided for the entire family: Clothing bazaar, food booths, toy booths, a plane ride, face painting, a balloon maker, and jumpy houses. with the highlight of the evening comprising of musical performances by Pakistan's young talent, Shujat Ali Khan and Haider Afzal. In addition, renowned comedian Kashif Khan entertained the crowd with his comical performance. At the end several awards were given to all the volunteers who worked hard to put this event together. The recipients were, Hamid Bhatti, Aziz Vayani, Zulfi Ahmed, Faisal Rashid, Ali Zaman, Zafar Chaudhry, Faheem Shehzad and Kamran Rashid.

The APA's raffle gave out exceptional prizes such as TV's, laptops, iPods, tablets, and two round-trip airline tickets from Pleasant Travel and MI travel.

At 11 p.m. the thrill came to an end as thousands walked away with memories of a lifetime and looking forward to next year's Taste of Pakistan in Bolingbrook.

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