LA Celebrates Pakistan
Independence Day
A Pakistan Link Report
Pictures
above: Pakistan Independence Day celebrations at the
Exposition Park |
Los Angeles, CA: The Pakistan
Independence Day celebration at the Exposition Park organized
by Friends of Pakistan on August 12 was a spectacular success.
Both the star artists – Abrar-ul Haq and Rahim Shah
- who were to perform at the function were not present on
the day yet their absence did not dampen the spirit of the
charged crowd that had turned up in record numbers to spontaneously
cheer Haroon Rashid and other artists who spiritedly sang
popular national songs and gave a truly scintillating performance.
The arrangements were meticulously planned and executed to
perfection. No wonder, the program was telecast live by ARY
to 125 countries. The organizers - Sarfraz Khan, Zafar Abbas,
Qazi Asad, Zubair Rawda, Ismail Ebrahim, Yousuf Ebrahim, Sameer
Moosani et al - deserve accolades for their efforts in arranging
the highly enjoyable and entertaining program.
A large number of dignitaries, including Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa
of Los Angeles, Consul General Syed Ibne Abbas, Sheriff Lee
Baca of Los Angeles, Sheriff Mack Winbish of Kern County,
Raza Aqes (representing Congresswoman Jane Harmen), and Jimmy
Hills (Deputy Fire Chief of Los Angeles) graced the occasion.
It was for the first time that the Mayor of Los Angeles attended
a function marking the Independence Day of Pakistan.
The presence of the surging crowd that according to one estimate
approximated 10,000 seemed to testify to the overwhelming
support extended by the community to the program organizers.
Their presence till the very end of the function was vividly
indicative of the mood. Major restaurants in LA and a large
number of vendors had also put up stalls in the sprawling
lawns of the Exposition Park to serve their choicest dishes
to the mirthful community of Pakistani Americans and they
certainly added to the gaiety and jollity of the occasion.
The speeches were brief but impressive. Mayor Villaraigosa
congratulated members of the Pakistani-American community
on the Independence Day. He also acknowledged the multifarious
contributions of the community in enriching the LA scene –
socially, culturally, academically and professionally. Sheriff
Baca recounted his visit to Pakistan and paid tributes to
the people of the country. He said he was proud in having
something akin with the Pakhtuns. Consul General Syed Ibne
Abbas, who has just taken charge of his assignment, appeared
suave and blend and impressed everyone with his civil disposition.
Local singers, besides the better-known artists, also impressed
the gathering with their rendering of popular qawwalis and
Madam Noor Jahan’s famous hits. All in all, it was a
highly enjoyable Independence Day celebration.
Pictures
above: Pakistan Independence Day celebrations at the
Whittier Narrows Park |
Another Independence Day
function was held at the Whittier Narrows Recreation Park
at Rosemead Blvd. It was organized by Safeer-e-Pakistan, Council
of Pakistan American Chamber of Commerce, Urdu Writers Society
Inc., Karachi Club, Chance of Life, Friends of South East
Asia, Pakistan Journal, Pakistan Chronicle, South Asian Biz
Alliance Network, PAKMD network, Pakistan Arts Council, Pakistan
American Association, Pakistan Sheriff Advisory Council, Travel-N-Tours,
Scope, Pakistan Veterans, AlShifa, APPNA and SCOR.
The Independence Day celebration, a family-oriented program
as the organizers called it turned out to be such, and attracted
a large number of community members.
There were an impressive number of booths selling Pakistani
clothes, jewelry, and paintings. Several local restaurants
provided food; there were other booths advertising their businesses.
Complimentary items attracted many mela-goers.
|
 |
LA
Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa gives an award to FOP President
Sarfaraz Khan and Qazi Asad. Zafar Abbas is on extreme
left |
To
the delight of the Pakistani-American crowd, Faakhir
gives a stunning performance at the Whittier Narrows
Park function organized by CPACC et al
|
Plenty of fun was in store
for the kids, including moon jumps and free space to run around
and enjoy. Attired in colorful dresses, the kids had a pretty
good time. To be sure, they will carry many happy memories
of the happy day. So would the community members who thoroughly
enjoyed the family-oriented program and were visibly appreciative
of the organizers’ efforts.
Fakhir lived up to his reputation: he sang beautifully though
he was slightly indisposed. In all, he sang four songs which
charged the crowd. First Fakhir stunned the gathering with
“Jiya Na Jaye.” He had everyone snapping his or
her fingers to “Mahi Ve.” The handsome singer
electrified the crowd with two fast numbers “Sub Tho
Sohniye” and “Dil Na Lagay” which ignited
the Pakistani spirit in everyone.
The Consul General of Pakistan Mr. Ibne Abbas was also present
and read out the ambassador’s message. Other guests
included Sheriff Lee Baca and Gladwill Gill who was the biggest
contributor to the event. Mr. Arif Mansuri, a popular community
activist and President of the Council of Pakistan American
Chamber of Commerce, who was also the lead organizer, also
addressed the gathering.
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