Marka-e-Haq’ takes center stage in Dallas’s grand Independence Day Quaid Mela festival
By: Raja Zahid Akhtar Khanzada
Dallas, Texas: The largest Pakistan Independence Day celebration in Dallas, the “Quaid Mela,” was organized under the banner of the Pakistan Society of North Texas (PSNT). The event drew thousands of Pakistani Americans from Dallas and surrounding areas, who passionately expressed their love for Pakistan. Pakistan’s Ambassador, Rizwan Saeed Sheikh, attended the Quaid Mela as the chief guest.
In his address, Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh said that the strong relations between Pakistan and the United States are not new. “On the very next day after Pakistan came into existence, the American President wrote a congratulatory letter to Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. Pakistan–US relations are as old as Pakistan itself. In recent days, these ties are ascending to new heights. I am here to further strengthen this enduring friendship.”
He emphasized: “As Ambassador, I am entrusting full authority to you all. You are Pakistan’s ambassadors in America. We must make collective efforts here to strengthen Pakistan–US ties. Operation Bayyan al-Marsous cannot be considered complete until we make Pakistan economically strong.” He appealed to all Pakistanis living in the U.S. to make efforts at the community level for the prosperity of their homeland and assured them of his full support.
Ambassador Rizwan Saeed Sheikh also briefed the audience about the details of Operation Bayyan al-Marsous, stating: “Pakistan’s defense is strong. On the night of May 6–7, Pakistan conducted an action under Article 51 of the United Nations Charter, naming it Operation Bayyan al-Marsous. In three hours and 45 minutes, Pakistan’s armed forces targeted and completely destroyed 26 major Indian military installations. Before this, India had targeted unarmed civilians of Pakistan while its officials and media spread lies. During this time, Pakistan’s defense officials kept the global powers informed of the real situation. Finally, on May 7, Pakistan gave a befitting response, and the whole world witnessed that we are by no means weak.”
Earlier, Naeem Sukhia, President of the Pakistan Society of North Texas, thanked the participants in his opening remarks. He said: “When the meaning of Pakistan is La Ilaha Illa Allah, then it is Allah Himself who will protect it. We must have this faith, but it does not mean we should neglect our responsibilities. The passionate participation of all of you in this Quaid Mela organized under PSNT is living proof of your love for our beloved homeland.”
The event was also attended by PSNT officials, including Ameen Jiwani, Abid Baig, Chairman of the Board of Trustees Dr. Riaz Haider, members Hafeez Khan, Abid Malik, Barkat Basaria, Amir Ali Rupani, and Shah Rukh Siddiqui. Shields were presented to the society’s volunteers for their services.
The Quaid Mela also featured musical performances by renowned Pakistani singers Amir Ali and Saima Jahan, who enthralled the audience with their songs. Amir Ali performed national songs, and the crowd swayed along to the patriotic tunes. Men, women, youth, and especially children waved the green crescent-and-star flag with great enthusiasm, celebrating Pakistan’s Independence Day with passion and zeal.
The event was hosted by Kiran Hayat and Hassan Soomro. Traditional Pakistani food stalls, clothing, jewelry, and other services attracted attendees’ attention. The largest Muslim organization in America, ICNA Relief, also set up a free medical camp, where participants benefited from free screenings and medical consultations.
