WASHINGTON: Pakistani-Americans residing in the US state of New Jersey organized a big, colourful parade in Edison on Sunday to mark the 76th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence.
The annual Parade, which attracted thousands of people primarily dressed in national attire, featured floats showcasing Pakistani goods, music, dance, cultural shows, arts, and cuisine. Masood Khan, Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US, urged his countrymen to maintain their solidarity and continue contributing to their motherland’s advancement.
“Keep contributing and investing back to Pakistan,” he urged them. Pakistani Ambassador said, “You are a catalyst for bringing Pakistan and the U.S. closer through the people-to-people exchanges.”
Pakistan, he claimed, survived numerous difficulties. He told the crowd to cheers, “It will prosper in the years and decades to come.” The ambassador also strongly denounced the attacks on churches in Jaranwala, Pakistan, saying they were part of a plot against the country and that those responsible would face justice.
The late Abrar (Sam) Khan, who founded the Parade, was also honoured by Masood Khan, who remarked, “His spirit lives on.”
In his remarks, he expressed appreciation for Shama Haider, an assemblywoman from New Jersey, for being the first Pakistani-American woman elected to the state assembly. Begum Nusrat Bhutto, the former First Lady of Pakistan, had Haider as her secretary.
In their remarks, elected officials congratulated Pakistan on its independence and praised the Pakistani diaspora for contributing to New Jersey’s development. They included Speaker of the Assembly Craig Coughlin, Representative Frank Pallone, and Assemblywoman Shama Haider. —APP
