Pakistan Day Celebrations in Los Angeles
By Saman Mahmood
Photos by Amjad Ali
Pakistan Day, celebrated on March 23 rd every year, holds paramount historical importance in the country's history. On this day in 1940 at Minar-e-Pakistan, the mandate for creating an independent sovereign state was called for, in accordance with the Lahore Resolution, by the All-India Muslim League. March 23rd commemorates the birth of the idea of an ideological state of Pakistan.
The Pakistan Consulate in Los Angeles has been actively celebrating Pakistan Day with community members for many years. This year, the event took place during Ramadan at the residence of the Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, also known as Pakistan House, in collaboration with Friends of Pakistan (FOP).
FOP is a group of highly accomplished individuals who have united to initiate, support, and participate in all positive and productive activities related to Pakistan and its community. FOP is led by its Chairman, Mr Arif Mansuri, and President, Mr Jamal Khawaja. Both gentlemen are eminent leaders in the Pakistani community of Southern California.
The celebration commenced promptly with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an by Mr Kamal Zafar. Following the recitation, speeches were delivered by the Deputy Consul General of Pakistan in LA, Mr Shahras Asim, and the Consul General of Pakistan in LA, Mr Asim Ali Khan.
Mr Shahras Asim elaborated on the historical significance of Pakistan Day, emphasizing the occasion for Pakistanis, both domestically and internationally, to commemorate the birth of the idea of Pakistan and reaffirm their connection to their homeland. Pakistan's National Anthem resonated, and the flag-hoisting ceremony took place, with CG Asim Ali Khan hoisting Pakistan's flag to the delight of the joyous crowd. The Consul General warmly welcomed the esteemed gathering of Pakistani Americans and read the official messages of the President and Prime Minister of Pakistan. Additionally, Mr Khan highlighted various areas of national progress and shared an encouraging recent statistic from Goldman Sachs, predicting Pakistan's emergence as the world's sixth-largest economy by the year 2075.
FOP Chairman Mr Arif Mansuri conducted the second half of the event and served as the master of ceremonies for this segment of the evening's program. Mr Mansuri eloquently acknowledged the deep emotional connection the Pakistani American community maintains with Pakistan. He emphasized that the community's ongoing engagement with various charities, events, and projects serves as a testament to their unwavering commitment to Pakistan. He articulated the significance of the Pakistan Resolution Day and emphasized that the sole agenda of Friends of Pakistan (FOP) is devoted entirely to Pakistan and its welfare.
This was followed by soulful renditions of naats by FOP Director Mrs Nikhat Khan and Dr Tauseef Qureshi. Mrs Abida Ahmed, the General Secretary of FOP, shared her welcoming remarks and thanked the Consulate for their hospitality.
The next speaker, President of FOP Mr Jamal Khawaja, expressed his vision of the Pakistani American community coming together for more philanthropic and development projects for communities at large. Mr Khawaja stressed the importance of diversifying efforts to benefit a greater section of communities in the US. Mr Khawaja also shared the heart-warming news of the FOP going nationwide and creating a chapter in many other states. This news was received with much applause and appreciation.
A renowned religious personality, Dr Ahmed Soboh, who is the Chairman of the Islamic Shura Council of Southern California and religious director of the Islamic Center of Yorba Linda, brought a sense of spirituality and well-being to the gathering with his edifying words. As a Palestinian American, he shared his observation that he finds the Pakistani American community immensely proud of their Muslim and Pakistani identities. FOP Director Mr Qazi Asad concluded the event with a prayer, followed by iftar and dinner.
The March 23rd celebratory event was a resounding success. The collaboration between the Pakistan Consulate and Friends of Pakistan (FOP) is paving the way for new avenues, positive growth, and a bigger vision for the Pakistani American communities in the US.
