Independence Day Festivities
By Jawed I. Shami
Riverside, CA
I attended Pakistan’s Independence Day celebrations on September 8, 2012 and was shocked to see a number of Indian booths/stalls at the festival. I have been noticing that Indians and Indian businesses have been very successful in systemically penetrating our independence day celebrations. This time, there were no stalls of Ashiana or Bismillah, Noorani or other halal Pakistani restaurants but instead there were Indian restaurants (2), Ambala sweets, Indian Pan shops, Indian jewelry, Indian Dhamaka entertainment stalls, etc. They even played a role in the Parade.
I have been here in California for a long time and have not noticed Indians giving any noticeable business to Pakistanis. Any Pakistani businessman will tell you that how difficult it is for a Pakistani to establish and succeed in Indian markets like Artesia. Further, Pakistani halal food restaurant owners (even though they advertise Indian/Pakistani food) will also tell the same story. And, if the organizers thought that it was an international event, then how come Middle Eastern, American, Chinese, Thai or other Oriental restaurants were not invited. I am sure these restaurants would have paid the rental fee and would have loved to come to this event, if asked to.
I am outraged, offended and very disappointed at the organizers. The organizers must recognize that Pakistan Independence Day is entirely a Pakistani event. This event should be and must be strictly used to promote only and only Pakistani culture and Pakistani businesses.
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