Thousands Attend Pakistan’s Independence Day in Sacramento

By Ras H. Siddiqui

California has been home to people from the area that became Pakistan (on August 14, 1947) for over a hundred years now. They came primarily from the Punjab to this part of America at the dawn of the 20 th century and some families that this writer has met go back as early as 1906. All the initial arrivals were men, those who found similarities (like tortillas and chapatis) with and married local Mexican American women. This was at the time the only way that they could own land here too (Asian exclusion in force) at the time. These Punjabis were later joined by people from the Attock area, the Hindko-Pashto speaking belt in Pakistan. Along with a few others they laid the foundations of the first Muslim Mosque west of the Mississippi River in or around the year 1947. That Mosque is still proudly standing and operating today in Sacramento on V Street.

Little could these pioneers have imagined that Sacramento would one day be celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day with thousands of people in attendance. Some Pakistani Americans are still involved in agriculture (Punjabis and agriculture cannot be separated), but many now also own small and large businesses, are working professionals, including doctors, engineers, and IT workers. And many former taxi drivers have switched to Uber or Lyft. Not to forget that Pakistani American women are also employed here in similar fields and some own their own businesses.

On Saturday August 23, 2025, Sacramento’s Discovery Park, one of the largest event venues in the area, once again attracted thousands of people from all over California and beyond thanks to the grouping known as the Pakistani Community Members (PCM). They are working hard to make sure that the American born children of Pakistanis here can celebrate a day for Pakistan, where they can share and experience their culture with friends and family. And one thing is for sure: PCM thinks big and thanks to the confidence that they have earned of sponsors from the area, they are able to bring a family event celebrating Pakistan’s rich culture for everyone to enjoy (including some members of the Indian community).

Old habits die hard, and half of our community was late as usual. But they missed a great children’s and youth segment (thanks to organizers Anila Saleemi and Rukhsana Qumar) which was the real essence of this Independence Day celebration. Kids dressed in the green and white colors of Pakistan were indeed impressive. And this included the segment emcee Raniya Hassan who did an excellent job. She was introduced by PCM’s very own Sohail Shahzad, who really deserves the honor that was given to him the night before during a “Meet & Greet” with the stars for sponsors without whom this event would not have been possible.

The evening started with an inspirational introduction by young Khalil Imran. It was followed by a recitation from the holy Qur’an by Ayaan Imran Ghazi with the English translation of the verses by Haram Muazzam. The national anthems of Pakistan and the United States were played next with children up on stage singing along, waving flags, making their parents and the entire community proud. This was followed by a reflective speech in Urdu by Hamna Khan which was well received.

Next was the singing of “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long Live Pakistan) by Qasim Khan and its music thundered over Discovery Park and set the stage for the night’s theme, as this was an “Azadi (Freedom) Family Festival.” Qasim and his two friends rocked the park like no other. But that did not take away anything from the girls and other kids who performed or danced to  Dil Say Mai Ne Dekha Pakistan and Mera Pakistan. Representing our college-going youth Zaina Saleemi also shared the benefits of and pride in her dual American and Pakistani heritage, something that many families here could relate to. And the closing of the segment (with all girls on stage) swaying/singing to “Dil Dil Pakistan” really was inspiring and colorful. There is a great deal of “soft power” in Pakistani culture which needs to be relayed in the Western world, including here in America, via such performances.

Sohail Shahzad was the emcee for the next segment which started off with gifts for kids and drawing of raffle prizes. PCM President Qumar Ashraf also took the opportunity to make a short speech. Qumar hoped that everyone was having a wonderful time. “MashaAllah look at this crowd. Amazing. Amazing,” he said. He added that the PCM team worked extremely hard for this, especially during the last three months, for the community. And he thanked the main sponsors. Without them, this would not have been possible, he said. He also thanked his wife Rukhsana (who is a famous makeup artist) for doing a lot for PCM. This is the 78 th Annual Pakistani Independence Day that we are celebrating. Some officials from the state including some from Los Angeles will be coming up to the stage and speaking here shortly too. In the meantime, “Pakistan Zindabad,” said the PCM President.

The first person to address the crowd was the Acting Consul General at the Pakistan Consulate in Los Angeles, Muhammad Mubashir Khan, who said that it was a privilege for him to join everyone here for the 78 th anniversary of the independence of our beloved country, Pakistan. On this anniversary we remember the great sacrifices made by our founding fathers and the visionaries who struggled tirelessly so that we could have a free homeland where we may live with dignity, identity, and hope, he said. Today’s gathering is more than just a celebration. It is a reminder of our unity, our shared identity and our connection to our rich culture and heritage. Our community here in California is a true bridge between Pakistan and the United States, said the Consul.

Next, Patrick Henning, Chief Deputy Treasurer for the State of California came up to the stage. Henning was representing California State Treasurer Fiona Ma who could not make it. He thanked everyone and shared his own second-generation Irish immigrant roots. He said that gatherings like this are what brings California together. Henning also presented a certificate of appreciation to PCM for the occasion.

Next, Ali Sajjad Taj, the current Mayor of Artesia, California who also happens to be of Pakistani origin (a Lahori too) made a short speech. He shared his American success story with the crowd, how he came to the Los Angeles area from Pakistan in 1999 and by 2014 he was elected to the Artesia City Council and then became the mayor. He added that this is the third time that he is serving as mayor and is next running for the California State Assembly where he hopes to serve a remarkably diverse community. He also urged our community to please get engaged and involved in the local political process. Taj presented a certificate of recognition to the PCM team.

The last of the dignitaries to speak was our very own Khydeeja Alam, Executive Director of the California Commission on Asian and Pacific Islander American Affairs (CAPIAA). Her speech was an inspiration for all our young people, especially South Asians, whom she encouraged to aspire to serve in public office. She said that she was proud to be here amongst thousands of Pakistanis on behalf of her organization and presented a certificate to PCM for this beautiful occasion. PCM also presented tokens of appreciation to the dignitaries on behalf of the organization.

After announcing names of some more raffle winners, the entertainment segment began. It was headlined by Goher Mumtaz (former JAL Band member) followed by Amanat Ali for the closing. These young performers were high-energy enthusiasts and sang some crowd favorites. Their performance was greatly appreciated by the young people present.

To conclude, PCM has done it again and this time better than last year in terms of arrangements (parking was much easier). There is not much more to add except a huge “Thank You” to this group for keeping the spirit of Pakistan, its culture, and community, alive for us here in Northern California for the next generation. Keep building bridges PCM. And yes, America and Pakistan both Zindabad!