Celebrating Pakistan’s independence
An important milestone in Pakistan’s history has been celebrated in Palmerston North.
August 14 is Pakistan Independence Day and members of Manawatu¯ ’s Pakistan community raised a flag in The Square yesterday morning, in celebration of the day Pakistan became an independent nation in 1947.
A small group gathered to raise the Pakistan and New Zealand flags, then sang the national anthems of both countries. They shared traditional Pakistan food afterwards.
Ajmal Khan, the president of Pakistan New Zealand Friendship Association, said Independence Day was a significant event.
‘‘For our community, we really want to show the love and solidarity to our nation, from where they originally came from.’’
Khan said independence day was a ‘‘huge celebration’’ in Pakistan and it was important for the 40 to 50 families from Pakistan in Palmerston North. ‘‘This is to get them to come here and to show our kids that this is Pakistan’s day so they can get a feel about Pakistan.
‘‘They are also Kiwis and they understand the culture here.’’
Imran Muhammed said he loved Independence Day and the feeling of freedom. ‘‘It’s a really great feeling. We moved here in 2007 and our kids grew up here.
‘‘My eldest started year 1 here and now she’s year 13. She’s very much a Palmy girl.
‘‘It’s about having a connection and relationship with the country back home.’’
The group was also supporting people in Indian-administered Kashmir.
The region, between Pakistan and India, has been in security lockdown for the past week, with communications cut off, after Kashmir was stripped of a status that gave it autonomy from the rest of India.
The Pakistan New Zealand Friendship Association is also holding Eid-ul-adha celebrations this weekend.