By: Farooq Mirza
New York: The Pakistani American Public Affairs Community Organisation came together in New York to celebrate Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day with great enthusiasm, pride and a renewed commitment to strengthening the bonds between Pakistan and the United States.
The well-attended event was organized under the auspices of APPAC, with Chairman Dr. Ijaz and his team making special arrangements to bring together representatives of Pakistani American organizations, community leaders, women’s organizations, media representatives, professionals and members of the broader community.
Despite heavy rain and difficult weather conditions, community members traveled considerable distances to attend the celebration. Several speakers noted that the severe weather did not discourage people from coming together because of the importance of the occasion and the opportunity to celebrate Pakistan’s independence in the presence of distinguished guests, particularly U.S. Senator Cory Booker.
Dr. Ijaz said the central objective of the organization was to promote Pakistan’s name and image at the international level and to build stronger relationships between the Pakistani American community and American political, business and diplomatic circles.
He highlighted his longstanding personal friendship with Senator Cory Booker, saying that Booker had a deep affection for Pakistan and had played an important role in supporting Pakistan during times of crisis, including efforts that helped secure special assistance for victims of devastating floods.
Dr. Ijaz said Senator Booker’s presence at the Pakistan Day celebration was evidence of the growing friendship and close relationship between the people of Pakistan and the United States.
A physician specializing in cardiology, Dr. Ijaz has also remained active in developing relationships between the Pakistani American community, American business leaders, politicians and members of the diplomatic community. Through APPAC, he has promoted Pakistani music, culture and heritage while working to increase Pakistani Americans’ participation in American civic and political life.
Delivering the keynote address, Senator Cory Booker said he normally does not prepare formal remarks for such events, but decided to prepare something special because of the importance of the invitation and his friendship with members of the Pakistani American community.
He explained that he had been attending events in the Hamptons before having to return to New Jersey for an early start to his 21-county tour, but said the Pakistan Day celebration was particularly important to him because the invitation came from friends.
He said a genuine friend was someone who told the truth rather than simply saying what another person wanted to hear. He recalled his conversations with Dr. Ahmad about the vision behind the organization and said he had been so impressed and inspired by that vision that he had committed himself to doing everything he could to help the organization become stronger.
Booker emphasized that the strength of the Pakistani American community was, in his words, the strength of America.
He said the friendships he had developed in the room were the reason he had made the effort to attend the event, but added that while friendship was vital, leadership was particularly critical at the present time.
He praised the extraordinary leadership of APPAC over the years, saying the organization had helped build bridges, strengthen the community and ensure that Pakistani Americans had a more powerful voice in the civic life of the United States.
He thanked everyone at APPAC for welcoming him, for their friendship and for honoring him by inviting him to serve as keynote speaker as the community celebrated 79 years of Pakistani independence
He said that 79 years ago, a new nation had stepped into a complex world and claimed its place among the nations of the world, bringing with it a large population, a rich heritage and great promise and destiny.
He highlighted what he called an extraordinary
He said the friendship between Pakistan and America therefore began literally at the birth of the Pakistani nation.
However, Booker said he did not want to focus only on relations between the two governments. Instead, he wanted to talk about the relationship between two peoples.
According to Booker, the most important relationship between America and Pakistan was not found merely in trade agreements or diplomatic leval
He said it was also found in communities such as the Pakistani American community, which had made him feel privileged to be part of their gathering.
Booker praised Pakistani Americans as some of the greatest people in the world, saying they came to the United States with dreams and determination.
He noted that Pakistani Americans had established businesses and become doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs and public servants.
They had raised children while also teaching them to remember where they came from.
Booker said Pakistani Americans should never have to choose between being Pakistani and being American, or between loving Pakistan and loving the United States.
He said people could come to the United States and bring their heritage, faith, language, food, music, traditions and stories with them, and that America did not become weaker because of those contributions.
He said he understood the power of that idea because he had grown up hearing stories in his own family about generations of Black Americans who loved their country even when the country did not always love them back.
He said Pakistani Americans had also experienced bigotry and prejudice but continued to love America and remained determined to help make the country live up to its ideals.
He said the same determination could be seen among immigrant communities, Muslim Americans and Pakistani Americans across the United States.
Dr. Mahmood Alam said it had taken him two hours and 35 minutes to travel from New Jersey to Long Island, but the inclement weather had not deterred the community from coming together.
He said the community had gathered despite difficult conditions because of the importance of celebrating issues that mattered to them, particularly in the presence of their chief guest, Senator Cory Booker.
Dr. Alam explained that he normally did not prepare a formal speech when attending events. Instead, he said, he usually thought about a few points while driving to the venue.
However, because of the severe weather, he had to concentrate on the road and was unable to prepare his remarks in his usual manner.
When he finally sat down to speak, he said, deciding what to say had become a “moving target” because all of the speakers before him had delivered focused, inspiring and meaningful remarks.
While commemorating the sacrifices of those who created Pakistan 79 years ago, Dr. Alam referred to remarks by Professor Faizan concerning resistance to British imperialism and colonialism.
Dr. Alam said enough had already been said about Pakistan’s Independence Day and that he did not want to repeat what other speakers had already expressed so effectively
Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal opened his remarks by referring humorously to the heavy rain.
He said he had just received information from his office that water was leaking onto computers and other equipment. He joked that he had told his staff not to worry and that he would find out the following day what was happening.
Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal said it was wonderful to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day and particularly meaningful to have Senator Cory Booker among them.
Addressing Senator Booker directly, he said it was a great honor and pleasure to have him at the celebration and that his presence made the event especially meaningful for the Pakistani American community.
He said that while Pakistani Americans were celebrating Pakistan’s independence, they were also celebrating the extraordinary contributions Pakistani Americans had made to the United States.
“We are proud of our heritage, we are proud of our faith, we are proud of our culture, and equally proud to be Americans,” he said.
Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal highlighted Pakistani Americans’ contributions to the economic, social, medical, academic, law enforcement and civic life of the United States.
He sincerely thanked Senator Booker for his friendship and service to the community, saying Booker had demonstrated through his actions that his commitment to justice, equality and inclusion went beyond words
Dr. Irfan began his remarks by acknowledging Sister Naheed, Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal, Dr. Hadi, other distinguished guests and Senator Cory Booker.
He thanked Senator Booker for attending the celebration and referred to him as a future President of the United States.
As an educator, Dr. Irfan said he wanted to draw Senator Booker’s attention to an important historical connection.
Quoting the words, “Come all you lads who know no fear, embark in our Hyder Ali,” he explained that the words were associated with the launch of the ship Hyder Ali following the War of Independence and were connected with the historical legacy of Hyder Ali and Tipu Sultan.
Dr. Irfan told Senator Booker that the blood and sacrifices of people from the Indian subcontinent were also part of the broader historical foundation of the United States.
He referred to Hyder Ali’s resistance against British colonial rule and said the struggle against British power extended from the late 18th century into the early 19th century.
He also highlighted the role of Hyder Ali’s son, Tipu Sultan, who died fighting the British in 1799.
He said people from the Indian subcontinent had also given their blood and made sacrifices and therefore had every right to consider America their own.
Concluding his historical remarks, Dr. Irfan said America did not need to be made great again because, in his view, America was already great, having been built through the blood, contributions and sacrifices of people from many communities.
Another speaker Dr Hadi welcomed leaders, friends and members of the
APPAC family and extended greetings to everyone attending the celebration of Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day.
He said August was a special month for every Pakistani because it not only reminded people of the sacrifices made for independence but also reminded them of their responsibility to carry forward the values of freedom, opportunity, democracy and service to future generations.
“Pakistan is the country of our heritage, and the United States is the country we proudly call home,” he said.
He emphasized the importance of building bridges between Pakistan and the United States and strengthening relations between the people of the two countries.
The APPAC , he said, wanted the community to build relationships, support public servants who shared their values and open doors for the next generation.
He said Senator Booker had been associated with the organization from its early days and that his friendship with the Pakistani American community was not limited to election seasons.
One of the community’s proudest moments, he said, was its advocacy for Zahid Quraishi, whom he described as the first Muslim American federal judge confirmed under Article III of the U.S. Constitution.
He said APPAC had strongly advocated for Quraishi’s nomination and that Senator Booker had played an important role in supporting and advancing the historic nomination.
He said the achievement was bigger than one individual or one organization because it sent a powerful message to millions of young Muslim Americans that there was a place for them at every level of American society.
“You can serve this country, you can lead this country, and no door should be closed to you because of your name, your faith, or where your family came from,” he said.
He said Senator Booker’s friendship was deeply valued because Booker had spent his career speaking about dignity, justice, opportunity and bringing people together.
He thanked Booker for standing with the community and joining them to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
He said the community should be proud to see their friend Cory Booker run for President of the United States.
Another speaker Cap Waheed who heads Intelligence Unit NYPD thanked the organizers for what he jokingly called “promoting” him and humorously said that he might run for Congress and hopefully become Deputy Speaker one day.
He expressed his gratitude to Dr. Ijaz and his team for establishing and developing AP PAC, saying the organization had given a voice to the Pakistani American community, helped bridge the gap between politicians and the community and advocated for the interests of Pakistani Americans.
He acknowledged that many other organizations were also active in the community but said he was particularly proud of
APPAC because of its unique mission and achievements.
He thanked God that the community was gathered together to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
Turning to Senator Booker, he thanked him for his support of the Muslim community.
He specifically mentioned Booker’s efforts regarding legislation to combat Islamophobia and initiatives concerning the designation of a Muslim Heritage Month.
He described these as major milestones that many people might not be aware of.
He said the community wanted politicians and leaders such as Senator Booker, Dr. Ijaz and his team, Brother Khawar, Asad Chaudhry, Sister Naheed and others present at the event to continue standing with the community.
“We are here to live. We are here to contribute, and we are not shying away,” he said.
The speaker said he had traveled from Staten Island and that the journey had taken approximately two hours.
He noted that everyone in the room had stepped outside their comfort zones, sacrificed family time and spent money from their own pockets to attend the event.
He said they had made those sacrifices for one reason: to ensure that the Muslim-Pakistani community, the broader Pakistani community and other minority groups received what they deserved.
He emphasized the desire for these communities to be treated fairly and equally rather than being sidelined or marginalized.
Referring to his own current position, he said he was regularly part of the presidential motorcade because of responsibilities connected with protecting and providing security for the president.
He jokingly suggested that perhaps Senator Booker could become the next president and one day be part of the presidential motorcade himself.
“Insha’Allah,” came the response, followed by cheers and applause.
## Muslim NYPD Officers and the Post-9/11 Experience
The speaker also highlighted the presence and contributions of Muslim officers in the New York Police Department.
He said there were more than 3,500 Muslim officers in the NYPD, representing thousands of families and more than 12,000 people when their family members were included.
He emphasized that these officers had taken an oath to protect and serve.
He noted that the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks was approaching and described the tragedy as a deeply somber event for all communities.
However, he asked which community had suffered the greatest impact from the aftermath of 9/11.
He answered: the Muslim community.
He said he became a police officer because of that experience and that the Muslim community had faced significant marginalization following the tragedy.
He stressed the need for leaders such as Senator Booker to stand up for the Muslim community and other minority communities.
He concluded with a powerful statement of identity and belonging, saying that when Muslims said they were unapologetic Muslims and proud Americans, they meant it.
“We are here to stay,” he said, drawing strong applause from the audience.
## Final Speaker Offers Appreciation and Prayers
Another speaker expressed deep appreciation for Senator Booker’s presence and engagement with the Pakistani American community.
He also recognized everyone who had attended the event, noting that many people had taken time away from their families and spent their own money to participate.
He said such sacrifices were worthy of applause.
Turning toward Senator Booker and his wife, the speaker congratulated the couple on their newlywed marriage.
He offered prayers for their marriage and told Senator Booker that if he ever needed him or required anything, he was only one phone call away.
Speakers highlighted the sacrifices behind the creation of Pakistan, the contributions of Pakistani Americans to American society, the importance of civic and political engagement, and the need to strengthen relations between Pakistan and the United States.
They emphasized that Pakistani Americans are active participants in American life — as doctors, nurses, teachers, engineers, entrepreneurs, business owners, police officers, public servants and community leaders.
The speakers also stressed the importance of equality, justice, inclusion, representation and political participation.
The audience also expressed strong support for Booker’s potential presidential aspirations, with several speakers openly saying they hoped to see him run for President of the United States.
The event ultimately conveyed a message of pride, unity and belonging: Pakistan remains a proud part of the community’s heritage, while America is the country in which Pakistani Americans live, work, serve, raise their families and contribute to the future.
The celebration concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening people-to-people ties between Pakistan and the United States, increasing Pakistani American participation in American civic life, preserving Pakistani culture and heritage, and building bridges between the two countries for future generations.
