On Monday, August 21, 2017, Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. met with the Bronx Community Council, a Pakistani advocacy organization, and the Consul General of Pakistan, Raja Ali Ejaz, to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
The gathering was held to commemorate the country’s declaration of independence from the British Raj in 1947.
“Our country is great because of our diversity and our growing Pakistani community not only adds to a different flavor to The Bronx, but also makes our great borough a better place to live and work in,” said Bronx Borough President Ruben Diaz Jr. “I want to thank Shabbir Gul, founder of the Bronx Community Council, whose organization does so much for Pakistanis and Muslims around The Bronx, as well as Consul General Raja Ali Ejaz, for helping build bridges between our communities.”
“I think it’s a great opportunity for Pakistanis living in The Bronx to come and celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day with the Borough President of The Bronx, Ruben Diaz Jr.,” said Raja Ali Ejaz, Consul General of Pakistan. “I talk with many Pakistanis from the great borough of The Bronx and they hold Mr. Diaz in very high esteem. And this was amply proven today, he spoke from his heart. Pakistanis from across the borough give this gentleman great accolades for what he is and what he is doing for our community. I’m very proud to be a part of this event, very proud to be celebrating Independence Day in The Bronx and we look forward to celebrating this event in future days.”