The Pakistan American Patriot Association (PAPA) recently hosted a grand Independence Day festival in Dallas, Texas, celebrating Pakistan’s 77th year of independence with great zeal and enthusiasm. The event, which took place in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, attracted a large gathering of Pakistani Americans from the surrounding cities, all eager to celebrate their heritage and express their love for their homeland.
The festival was a vibrant display of Pakistani culture, featuring a variety of attractions that delighted attendees of all ages. Renowned Pakistani singers Ali Haider, Shehzad Roy, Hadi Uppal, and Malaika Faisal headlined the event with electrifying performances, delivering patriotic songs that resonated deeply with the crowd. The audience, adorned in green and white, waved Pakistani flags and sang along, creating a sense of unity and pride that filled the air.
In addition to the musical performances, the festival featured numerous stalls offering traditional Pakistani food, clothing, jewelry, and other cultural items. These stalls were a major draw, allowing attendees to indulge in a taste of home while shopping for unique goods that reflect Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage. The event also included a special stall by the Dallas chapter of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), led by Imtiaz Rahi, which provided information on public services and community engagement opportunities.
The festival was a sea of green, with attendees showing their patriotic spirit by dressing in national colors and participating in various activities. Women, children, and people of all ages danced to the rhythm of patriotic songs, waving flags and celebrating their Pakistani identity with pride. Many attendees expressed that, despite living in the United States, they keep Pakistan close to their hearts and pray for the country’s prosperity and success.
Inamullah Sherwani, President of PAPA, shared his joy at the overwhelming response to the event. “We have been organizing the Independence Day festival for several years now, and it’s heartwarming to see such a large turnout,” he said. “The hall was filled to capacity, a testament to the love and loyalty that our community feels for Pakistan. I am immensely grateful to our entire team, volunteers, and sponsors who made this event possible.”
Dr. Rabia Khan, Vice President of PAPA, emphasized the significance of freedom and the importance of celebrating it. “Freedom is a precious gift, and we understand its value deeply. Even while living in the U.S., we cherish our homeland’s independence and celebrate it with great enthusiasm,” she said, proudly waving the Pakistani flag.
The event was a resounding success, with attendees praising the organization and the variety of activities available. Ifti Khan, General Secretary of PAPA, congratulated Pakistanis worldwide on Independence Day and expressed his gratitude for the event’s success. He also lauded the PAPA team for their dedication and hard work in bringing the community together.
After his performance, Shehzad Roy commented on the warmth and patriotism of the Pakistani American community in Dallas. “The Dallas Independence Festival was an incredible event. The love and patriotism here are palpable, and it’s an honor to perform for such a dedicated community,” Roy said. Hadi Uppal echoed these sentiments, expressing his pride in representing Pakistan abroad and his joy at seeing the continued patriotism of Pakistanis living far from home.
Ali Haider, another star performer, shared that even though they are far from Pakistan, the spirit of Independence Day is alive and well in the U.S. “We may be miles away, but our hearts are with Pakistan. Celebrating Independence Day here with such fervor is a testament to our enduring love for our country,” Haider remarked.
As the festival drew to a close, attendees expressed their appreciation for PAPA’s efforts in organizing such a memorable event. Many voiced their hope that PAPA would continue to host similar celebrations in the future, bringing the community together to honor their shared heritage and celebrate the pride of being Pakistani.
