Pakistanis Celebrate Independence Day at the Washington Embassy
By Elaine Pasquini
Photos by Phil Pasquini
Washington: Members of Washington’s vibrant Pakistani-American community gathered to celebrate the Independence Day of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan at its embassy on August 14, 2024. Dr Fareha Bugti, Chargé d’ Affaires and Acting Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, presided over the morning activities commemorating the day 77 years ago that Pakistan became independent, officially ending more than 150 years of British colonial rule. Karachi-born 70-year-old Muhammad Ali Jinnah was sworn in as the country’s first governor-general on that memorable day in 1947.
The iconic Pakistani green flag featuring a stylized tilted white crescent moon with a five-pointed star in its center and a vertical white stripe at its hoist-end, designed by Syed Amir-uddin Kedwaii, was raised as the strains of the national anthem, QaumiTarana, also known as Pak Sarzamin (Thy Sacred Land), filled the air with pride.
Opening the ceremony, Chargé d’ Affaires Bugti read the special message of Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. “On the 78th Independence Day of Pakistan I extend heartfelt facilitations to the people of Pakistan at home and abroad. Pakistan emerged as an independent and sovereign state on the map of the world on the 14h of August,1947, through the unwavering and steadfast leadership of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and the sacrifices of our ancestors. Over the years, Pakistan has achieved significant milestones. The resilience of our people has been tested through natural disasters and economic and social challenges, yet the spirit of determination and unity has always prevailed.”
Continuing his special message, the prime minister pointed out that while Pakistanis are celebrating their freedom, “we also must remember the people of the Indian illegally occupied Kashmir and Jammu and Palestine who have been fighting for the right to self-determination for over seven decades and are facing the worst form of atrocities. Pakistan continues to extend political and diplomatic support to the people of illegally occupied Kashmir and Jammu until they have the universal right to self-determination. Our support for the suppressed Palestinians shall also continue.”
Many US congressional members offered video messages in honor of Pakistan’s Independence Day, including the following senator and representatives:
Sen Chris Van Hollen (D-MD): “Over the past 77 years, the people of the United States and the people of Pakistan have built strong bonds of friendship. And I look forward to doing my part to continue to strengthen our relationship.”
Rep Susan Wild (D-PA): “My community would not be all that it is without the indelible contributions of generations of Pakistani Americans who have called Pennsylvania home. The values that drive Pakistani Americans are those at the heart of Pakistan’s Independence Day.”
Rep Thomas Suozzi (D-NY): “I serve as the chairman of the Pakistani caucus in the United States Congress, and I will do everything I can to build the Pakistani-American relationship. Let’s keep on moving forward.”
Rep Pete Sessions (R-TX): “Today is a day of celebration, honor and pride that comes from Pakistani Americans as they live in the United States of America, helping make America and Pakistan and that relationship even stronger. Commerce, medicine, and technology are all areas of contribution that so many Pakistani Americans have made.”
And, finally, in a formal press statement, US Secretary of State Antony J Blinken stated: “On behalf of all Americans, I extend my heartfelt wishes to the people of Pakistan as they celebrate their Independence Day. We look forward to continuing a partnership that makes both countries more secure as we strengthen our shared commitment to democratic principles and respect for the rule of law.”
(Elaine Pasquini is a freelance journalist. Her reports appear in the Washington Report on Middle East Affairs and Nuze.Ink.)
