Glendale Heights celebrates Pakistan Independence Day with passion
Hundreds of Pakistani Americans gathered in Glendale Heights to honor Pakistan’s 77th anniversary of independence. The flag-hoisting ceremony took place on Sunday, Aug. 4, in Camera Park.
Approximately 4,000 people attended the historic ceremony, including members of the American, Asian, and Pakistani communities as well as various American journalists and local and government authorities.
The program’s host was Tauseef Siddique.
Ismael Siddiqui recited the Holy Quran while providing translation.
Subsequently, the national anthems of both Pakistan and the United States were performed, and the green crescent and star flag was raised by Pakistani consul general Tariq Kareem in the company of Glendale Heights Mayor Chodri Ma Khokhar, a Pakistani American, and several other local dignitaries.
The mayors of different nearby cities, including members of state senators, and representatives. Many people took part in the historic event, including Judge Linda Davenport, state Sen. Suzy Glowiak Hilton, Streamwood Park District Park Board President Raees Yawer, Pakistani American Police Commissioner Talat Rasheed, and numerous members of the DuPage County Board and municipal officials from the Chicago North suburbs were present. The organizers acknowledged the majority of dignitaries and local leaders.
Khokhar, who was the chief guest of the Glendale Heights Pakistan Day event, complimented the Pakistani Americans for achieving 77 years of freedom on this historic day. The mayor said, “Our community has stood strong in the face of multiple challenges, but we are the main partner of the American political system.”
The general consul of Pakistan, Asma Tariq Karim, also spoke at the event and congratulated the Pakistani community on Independence Day.
“Our country Pakistan is making every effort to realize the Quaid’s vision of a modern, democratic, and prosperous Pakistan,” remarked consul general Tariq Karim.
Throughout the entire event, local singers performed live renditions of Pakistani national periodic songs for the benefit of the Pakistani community. The music event, which included several popular national songs performed by well-known worldwide singer and candle dancer Amjad Rana, invited families to participate in the celebration of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Saima Jahan, a well-known Ghazal classical and playback singer, has given several performances in the mala. She is well known for being the legendary vocalist Noor Jahan’s niece. For this occasion, she specifically traveled from Pakistan. She entertained the audience with sporadic performances of national tunes. Local companies set up shop and lined the aisles with kiosks selling everything from colorful clothes and scarves to meals from the neighborhood restaurants.