India Post News Service

CHICAGO: The Pakistan Independence Day Parade taken out on Sunday August 26 reflected unity and understanding among four groups having odds with each other for a long time, on Parade authority. The rival group leaders moved together for the phenomenal Pakistan Independence Day spirit, thanks to a strong stand taken by 50th Ward Alderman Bernard Stone.

For last few years the Raja Yakoub group, Syed Ummer group, Hameedullah Khan Group, Chaudhry Nematullah Group - all claiming to be the pioneer in making Pak Parade, approached City of Chicago for Pak Parade permit under their authority. This year, however the unity was forced upon all by no other than Bernie Stone. It is learnt that the Alderman asked all the groups claiming authority for the parade to come under one banner and take out a united parade. He ordered Parade Permit only when all groups signed for a united parade.

A waving and smiling Alderman looked happy as he went through the parade in his open top car. The 60th Independence Day Parade at Devon Ave was taken out from Damen Ave to Western Ave on Devon under the chairman ship of Ali Bakhtiari. Raja Yakub, Syed Ummer, Hameedullah Khan, Salman Aftaab, Chaudhry Nematullah, Munir Chaudhry, Rashid Sheikh, Saleem Mukhi, Tariq Malik, Niaz Toni were seen marching in Parade along with the guest of honor Illinois Lieutenant Governor Pat Quinn, Pak Consul General Dr Oman Rashid and other dignitaries. Later Parade leaders addressed from the stage near Western Ave and congratulated Pakistani community for 60th Independence Day anniversary.

Many colorful floats from different business houses followed the parade marshals. This year Federation of Indian Association had an Indian tricolor going through Pak Parade in FIA sponsored float. Chaudhry Nematullah hailed the Indian community spirit to foster Indo-Pak friendship as the float carrying Indian leaders Raghu Nayak, Iftekhar Shareef, Balvinder Singh, Keerthi Kumar, Sher Mohammed Rajput, Sohan Joshi and media persons Vandana, A. Siddiqui passed from the stage. People in large number stood on both sides of the street for the parade. They later joined a Mela on Warren Park for food and entertainment program.