Connecticut’s state Capitol flew Pakistani flag on its prestigious facade to celebrate the South Asian nation’s 76th Independence Day on August 14.
Pakistani American Association of Connecticut in collaboration with the state legislature and the state government organized a simple but impressive ceremony on the State Capitol in Hartford to hoist the flag.
Connecticut Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz speaking at the flag-raising ceremony in Hartford on August 14.
Connecticut State Rep Tom Delnicki addressing the ceremony on August 14.
Pakistan origin Connecticut State Senator Dr Saud Anwer addressing the independence day event in Hartford.
PAACT Vice President Dr Saqib Naseer addressing the Independence Day ceremony.
PAACT leader Sania Zaheer addressing the event.
Youth activist Zainab Khalid addressing the event.(Photos courtesy PAACT)
The flag raising ceremony was attended by Connecticut’s Lt. Governor Susan Bysiewicz, Pakistan-origin State Senator Saud Anwar, State Assembly Representative Tom Delnicki, PAACT president Zaheer Sharaf, PAACT vice president Dr Saqib Naseer, youth speakers Zainab Khalid, Sania Zaheer along with other organizers.
The event was addressed among others by Lt Governor Bysiewicz, Zaheer Sharaf, Dr Saqib Naseer, Saud Anwer, Tom Delnicki and others. Masters of ceremony were Sania Zaheer and Ojala Naeem.
More than 300 Pakistani Americans and their American compatriots traveled Fromm different parts of the state to attended the event. Special awards were given away to prominent Pakistani Americans for their community services, including Dr Anis Ur Rahmaan, Ahsan Saghir, Bilal Avaaz, Ojala Naeem, Shahid Khan, Dr Khawar Ghumman and Bill Carbone.
Winner of PAACT Cricket team Captain Raja Shawkat was awarded trophy by Naeem Khalid, a well known businessman of the CT-based community.
At the end of speeches the participants came outside to watch the Pakistani flag raising on the state capitol where the Pakistani annd American anthems were recited by the attendees and lead by the famous singer Naila Khalid.
Glimpses of the event
(Photos courtesy PAACT)
Pakistani American Association of Connecticut Givin a Shield To Vanguard Service Brigade International Lt Governor Susan Bysiewicz ,Zaheer Sharaf President PAAC,Tom Delnicki Mayor Hartford,Dr Saud Anwer Senator State of Connecticut pic.twitter.com/jITW4BMXqi
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