By: Noor -E- Saba
NEW YORK: The Pakistani-American community’s prominent organization, PACOLI, organized a grand festival to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day and 250th US Independence Day , attracting thousands of people and turning the event into a vibrant display of Pakistani culture, music, food and community spirit.
The festival was held in a beautiful local town that provided an ideal setting for the large-scale celebration. The turnout was so overwhelming that local town and county authorities had to make special arrangements to manage the crowds and ensure public safety.
At one point, the number of visitors became so large that the festival entrance had to be temporarily closed. Many people who had traveled to attend the event were unable to enter and had to return disappointed.
The festival featured a star-studded lineup of Pakistani entertainers. Prominent actor Javed Sheikh , singer Farah Anwar , television and film artist Ali Siddiqui , singer Mohsin Shaukat Ali , and Qawwali performer Mustafa Abu Muhammad entertained the audience with their performances.
The festival also brought together a large number of prominent Pakistani-American community leaders, executives, professionals and young people. Among those attending were Shagufta Khan, Shazia Hassan, Ali Shah Bari, Khurram Jahangir, Yusuf Sajid, Rubina Akbar, Dr. Darkhshan Tanveer, Malik Usman Afzal, Lubna Khan, Iqbal Khokhar, Momina Butt, Zafar Iqbal, Mukarram Tahir, Rizwan Raja, and Ali Fahad Rana , Noor E Saba among others.
Senior community members Bashir Qamar and his wife Tasleem were also seen actively participating in the festivities and mingling with guests, adding to the lively atmosphere of the celebration.
The festival featured numerous beautifully arranged food and cultural stalls, with live barbecue and other Pakistani delicacies proving especially popular among visitors. Families, children and young people enjoyed the festive environment throughout the day.
PACOLI Secretary General Shahid Ranjha also took to the stage and gave an impressive performance, including a Naat, which was warmly appreciated by the audience. Joint Secretary Hanif Rahman played an active role in the organization and management of the event.
PACOLI Senior Vice President Humayun Qureshi , a well-known and successful businessman, was also prominent at the festival, while Vice President Jamal Zafar actively participated in the celebrations and helped maintain the festive spirit.
PACOLI President Atiq Qadri made extensive arrangements for the event and personally welcomed and looked after guests. The overall organization of the festival was conducted under the leadership of Bashir Qamar , whose efforts were widely appreciated by the community.
The festival also recognized community members for their contributions. Awards and certificates were presented to women, men and young people for their services and achievements. Local law-enforcement officials, elected representatives and corporate executives also attended the event and presented citations to members of the Pakistani-American community.
The celebration also attracted genuine participation from residents of neighboring towns and counties, demonstrating the growing presence and engagement of the Pakistani-American community in the region.
Among the distinguished guests was Executive Director Bruce Lippman , along with his special assistant Chaudhry Akram Naqvi , Director of Community Affairs, and other members of their team.
The 4thpillar Vigilant Media Watch team also attended the festival and covered the event. Alishah Bari, President of Fourth Pillar USA ,was presented with a special citation and a Certificate of Honor in recognition of his services and contributions.
Farooq Mirza, Noor Saba, Director of International Trade, and Fourth Pillar Chairman Farooq Mirza also participated in the celebration.
The PACOLI Independence Day festival concluded as a highly successful community gathering, bringing together thousands of Pakistani-Americans and local residents in a celebration of Pakistan’s heritage, culture and national spirit.
