Sudburians gather to celebrate Pakistani independence
It was a day to celebrate at the James Jerome Sports Complex as Sudburians came out, dressed in green and white, to mark the 75th anniversary of Pakistani independence.
There was singing and laughing. The ceremony started with the raising of Pakistani flag.
"We are celebrating 75 years with our Pakistani community members," said organizer, Muhammad Shakar Hussain.
"We feel really happy, we are together and we are really thankful to the city and everyone that we're able to come together," said Hussain's wife, Nadia Shakar.
"We are proud Canadians as well as Pakistani, we are white and green, red and white, it's a place of love for us."
Deputy Mayor Joscelyne Landry-Altmann called the children up to help her raise the Pakistani flag. Landry-Altmann, a life-long Sudburian, told CTV seeing so much multi-culturalism is what makes Sudbury a special place to live.
"This community has added so much in terms of a cultural mosaic to Sudbury," she said.
"We're very fortunate and very grateful to them. I was born and brought up in Sudbury at a time when it was unique to see anyone who didn't look like me, to see the diversity now, I'm so happy, we're so much better. It broadens our horizons in terms of being able to attract people to our city and allows us to communicate with the outside world so much better, it's a great day."
Naeem Ahmed was asked to give a presentation on what Pakistani independence is to the crowd.
He's lived in Sudbury for twenty years now but still remembers what someone told him to Germany, on how he should always remember his roots.
"My children, they were not born in Pakistan. Two of them were born in Germany, one was born in Canada, they haven't been to Pakistan so they don't really know much about Pakistan so this Pakistan Day gives us an opportunity to tell our kids and others in the community what Pakistan is, what our roots, what our language is, what our culture is and that's why it's very, very important," he said.
"It gives us a lot of joy, My youngest son was born in Canada, so of course he's Canadian first, but he always has been interested in learning more about Pakistan and in eventually going there some time right so this morning when he was getting ready, he brought green pants and a white shirt and said he was going to wear that and it gave me a lot of joy," added Ahmed.
For community leaders like Tay Butt, he says children should know about their roots and where they come from.
"Sudbury is a welcoming community. I'm on several boards and we've played a very important role in making this city more welcoming. We're seeing people buy businesses, sit on boards, buy real estate, we're seeing ethnic places, restaurants and grocery stores so people don't have to go to Toronto anymore. This city has become as good as Toronto for us," said Butt.
Nine year old Malik Hussain is hoping he'll be able to visit Pakistan later this year.
"Pakistan means the world to me because my dad was born there and my dad said I could go to Pakistan. Independence Day of Pakistan really inspirations my heart and it's crazy that Pakistan helped me. I have so many family members, some of them have died, but they made my life safe," said Hussain.
Pakistan Independence Day comes one day ahead of Indian Independence Day.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau issued a statement to mark the occasion writing in part:
"Canada and Pakistan enjoy a longstanding relationship, and this year also marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our two countries. We remain committed to fighting climate change, advancing women's empowerment, and promoting regional peace and stability. Our countries will keep strengthening the bilateral trade relationship and promoting investments to benefit everyone in both countries and explore new opportunities for collaboration in areas ranging from clean energy to information technologies. Canada also recognizes Pakistan's efforts in supports its Afghan resettlement program and looks forward to continuing our cooperation."
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Montreal man on the hook for thousands of dollars after a feature on his Tesla caused an accident
A Montreal man is warning Tesla drivers about using the Smart Summon feature after his vehicle hit another in a parking lot.
Denial and uncertainty are looming over a Biden-Trump rematch 6 months out from U.S. Election Day
Exactly six months before Election Day, Biden and Trump are locked in the first contest in 112 years with a current and former president competing for the White House. It's a race that is at once deeply entrenched and highly in flux as many voters are only just beginning to embrace the reality of the 2024 campaign.
Israel closes Gaza crossing after Hamas attack and vows military operation 'in the very near future'
Israel closed its main crossing point for delivering badly needed humanitarian aid for Gaza on Sunday after Hamas militants attacked it, reportedly wounding several Israelis, while the defense minister warned of "a powerful operation in the very near future in Rafah and other places across all of Gaza."
‘Love has no boundaries’: Sask. couple in their 90s and 80s get married
Eighty-two-year-old Susan Neufeldt and 90-year-old Ulrich Richter are no spring chickens, but their love blossomed over the weekend with their wedding at Pine View Manor just outside of Rosthern.
opinion You don't need to be an influencer to earn income from social media
How legitimate are claims by some content creators that the average person can earn passive income from social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram? Personal finance columnist Christopher Liew says it's quite possible, if you're willing to put in the initial time and effort.
Madonna's biggest-ever concert transforms Rio's Copacabana beach into a massive dance floor
Madonna put on a free concert on Copacabana beach Saturday night, turning Rio de Janeiro's vast stretch of sand into an enormous dance floor teeming with a multitude of her fans.
No proof man lied to brother about number of kittens born in litter, B.C. tribunal rules
A man was denied a $5,000 payout from his brother after a B.C. tribunal dismissed his claim disputing how many kittens were born in a litter.
Should you save or splurge on makeup this summer?
If you're wondering whether you should splurge or save when it comes to buying skincare products and makeup this summer, we got some answers for you.
Chemical spill could be cause of stinky water in Puslinch, Ont., new report says
People living in Puslinch, Ont. may have the answer to why their water smelled so bad last year.