PHOTO RELEASE: 
August 14, 2024 

MEDIA CONTACT:
Derek Sands
Dsands@bergencountynj.gov

BERGEN COUNTY CELEBRATES INDEPENDENCE DAY OF PAKISTAN

Commemorates the 77th Anniversary of Pakistani Independence



Above:
Bergen County Commissioner Chair Pro Tempore Dr. Joan Voss, Bergen County
Commissioner Rafael Marte, Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur, Bergen
County Commissioner Chairwoman Germaine Ortiz, Bergen County Commissioner Vice
Chairwoman Mary Amoroso, Consul General to the Consulate General of Pakistan in
New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai, New Jersey District 37 Assemblywoman Shama Haider,
and New Jersey District 40 Assemblyman Al Barlas stand with a proclamation of
the Independence Day of Pakistan.

HACKENSACK, NJ – On Tuesday, August 13, the County of Bergen, in partnership with the Cultural Society of Bergen County, Darul Islah, and the Love Pakistan Community, hosted its Annual Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony in the Piazza of One Bergen County Plaza.

The Independence Day of Pakistan is observed annually on August 14 and commemorates the day in 1947 when Pakistan was declared a sovereign state—effectively ending British rule in the region. The County of Bergen held its first-ever Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration in 2023.

Welcome remarks were given by New Jersey District 37 Assemblywoman Shama Haider—one of the first Muslim women to ever be elected to the New Jersey state legislature.

Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Mary J. Amoroso presented a proclamation recognizing August 14 as Independence Day of Pakistan. The proclamation was presented to Consul General to the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, the Honorable Aamer Ahmed Atozai.

Attendees enjoyed vocal performances by Sherman Shane of Bergenfield, and a cultural dance performance by the Heeray Bhangra Team.

The event culminated in the raising of the flag of Pakistan while the Pakistan National Anthem was performed. Refreshments were donated by Parathas and Platters of Hackensack.

The County also presented “2024 Pakistan Outstanding Service Contribution Awards” to members of the community.

2024 Pakistan Outstanding Community Service Contribution Honorees:

  1. Amber Qamar Ahmad, Mom’s Food Pantry, Cultural Society of Bergen County
  2. Dr. Khalid Chak, United States Army, Vietnam Veteran
  3. Dr. Neil Javed, Valley Hospital, Paramus
  4. Mirza Zakir, Harrington Park
The Bergen County Board of Commissioners, state, and local officials stand with Outstanding Community Service Honorees at Bergen County’s Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration at One Bergen County Plaza.
Consul General to the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai addresses the audience at Bergen County’s Annual Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration at One Bergen County Plaza.
Sherman Shane of Bergenfield performs a traditional Pakistani song for the audience at Bergen County’s Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration and Flag Raising Ceremony.
The audience records as dancers from the Heeray Bhangra Team perform at Bergen County’s Annual Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration at One Bergen County Plaza.
Bergen County Commissioner Vice Chairwoman Mary Amoroso presents an Outstanding Service Award to a member of the community at Bergen County’s Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration.
Attendees at Bergen County’s second annual Independence Day of Pakistan Celebration hold up the Flag of Pakistan in the Piazza of One Bergen County Plaza.
Consul General to the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York, Aamer Ahmed Atozai, and New Jersey State Trooper Mudduser Malik raise the Pakistan Flag in the Piazza of One Bergen County Plaza as the audience sings along to the Pakistan National Anthem.

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