by: Farooq Mirza
NEW YORK: The Pakistan Day Parade Committee has issued a public statement assuring the Pakistani-American community that its primary objective is to safeguard community funds, ensure transparency and accountability, and uphold the dignity and reputation of the annual Pakistan Day Parade.
In its statement, the committee responded to recent allegations suggesting that the current leadership had unlawfully taken control of the Pakistan Day Parade’s bank account. The committee categorically rejected the claim, describing it as false and misleading.
According to the committee, the bank account is not the personal property of any individual but belongs to the Pakistan Day Parade and, by extension, the entire Pakistani community. It stated that the committee has a responsibility to ensure that all funds are used solely for parade-related activities and other community-approved expenditures.
The committee further stated that, during its review of the bank statements, it identified a number of financial transactions for which it said no documented approvals or supporting records were available within the committee’s files. The transactions cited in the statement include:
* June 4:** Restaurant Depot — $345.05
* June 4: Apna Bazar Supermarket — $85.92
* June 4: Valley Park Halal Meat — $75.00
* June 8: Check No. 1005 — Ali Baba Sweets — $1,700.00
* June 8: Check No. 1002 — Dinner Expense — $1,950.00
* June 15: Cash Withdrawal — $1,950.00
* June 25: ATM Cash Withdrawal — $1,000.00
The committee added that these are only some of the transactions currently under review and that the bank statements contain several additional transactions that are also being examined as part of its ongoing financial assessment.
The committee emphasized that its actions are intended solely to protect community assets and maintain public confidence in the management of the Pakistan Day Parade. It reiterated that transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of community funds remain its highest priorities.
The statement did not identify any individual responsible for the transactions and did not allege wrongdoing. It noted that the review process is ongoing and that the committee remains committed to keeping the community informed while ensuring that all financial matters are handled in accordance with proper procedures.
