STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Hundreds of Staten Islanders gathered at Snug Harbor Cultural Center in Livingston Sunday afternoon to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence and the 25th anniversary of Pakistani Civic Association of Staten Island.
“Honored guest, honorees, children, ladies and gentlemen, it is a tremendous honor for me being a president for the civic association for the last 25 years,” the association’s president, Dr. Mohammad Khalid, said. “The association was formed by some great friends… We all had a vision that we want to form something which will be great for the coming generation[s] of us, and will continue to make sure the cultural, religious value, of our institution, our organization will continue.”
Seamlessly blending American and Pakistani culture, the event warmly welcomed residents to delicious delicacies, live performances, and a community bond that runs deep between each resident.
“Pakistan gave us our roots, heritage, culture, resilience. America gave us wings, freedom, opportunity and a future for our children. And here in Staten Island, we stand at a crossroads of both. Pakistani Americans are entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, neighbors and friends,” Harris Khan, the chair of the board of directors of the association, said. “This afternoon is not just about Pakistan or America. It’s about building bridges. It’s about unity. When we stand together, there is no ‘them’ or ‘us.’ It’s just us.”
Awards were given out at the event to celebrate achievements and milestones for the Pakistani American community.
Asim Rehman, a native Staten Islander, was the first American Pakistani to be appointed to the New York City Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings — better known at the OATH court. He received the association’s excellence award.
“In a democracy, everyone should be able to challenge their government. Everyone should get due process. Everyone should get a fair hearing. At OATH, we are the place you come to get a fair hearing. It’s a great pride for me to run an agency of exceptional public servants… I’m one of the senior-most Pakistani New Yorkers in city government, but we have many more, and we need more,” Rehman said.
The board of the association surprised Dr. Khalid with a 25th anniversary award, as well, to which he said, “This award is for all my board, for all the members of the civic association who have worked very hard to bring this thing where we are today.”
Many of the speakers — friends and members of the association — applauded the police keeping the event safe and the political representatives from local offices.
Rep. Nicole Malliotakis, State Sen. Andrew Lanza, State Sen. Jessica Scarcella-Spanton, and District Attorney Michael McMahon sent delegates on their behalf to the celebration.
Staten Island’s Administrative Judge Raymond L. Rodriguez was also in attendance.
“You have enriched not only your community, but more importantly, you have enriched Staten Island. And I salute you for that… I am proud to call you not only friends, but neighbors,” Rodriguez said.