NEW YORK: A large number of Pakistani-Americans gathered at New York City's Madison Avenue on Sunday for the annual Pakistan Independence Day Parade marking the 66th anniversary of the establishment of their homeland.
They raised loud "Pakistan Zindabad" slogans and waved the national flag, as the parade moved along the flag-bedecked avenue from 38 to 23 street.
Men, women and children -- mostly clad in national dresses -- participated in this annual event in an unwavering show of enthusiasm and liveliness as they exchanged Independence Day greetings.
Speaking on the occasion, Pakistan's Consul General in New York, Faqir Asif Hussain, who was the chief guest, underlined the significance of the day and Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah's golden words to the new nation: Unity, Faith and Discipline.
Pakistan, he said, became a reality as a result of the constitutional and democratic struggle led by the Quaid. Its objective was to create a democratic society in which human rights of the people were respected and minorities protected.
Referring to the challenges Pakistan was facing, the consul general said the nation would overcome them through hard work and determination. "We are a resilient people." He said the rise of terrorism and extremism had caused immense damage to Pakistan and as a result the people had suffered greatly.
Asif Hussain called for unity among the ranks of the Pakistanis, and called on members of the Pakistani community that, as ambassadors of Pakistan, they should do their best to improve the country's image.
Some New York City officials also attended the parade. Mayor Michel Bloomberg sent a message praising the contribution of the Pakistani community to the development and progress of the city. About a dozen floats, with some depicting Pakistan's progress in various fields, while others sponsored by local Pakistani businesses, also wound their way past the dais.
Spaced out in the parade were bands which struck up patriotic songs. The parade was rounded off with a cultural programme in which well known singers Waris Baig and Faakhir entertained the crowd. They received thunderous ovation. The Pakistan Day Parade Committee organized the event in which many people were involved.
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