Here's where you can celebrate Pakistan Independence Day in OKC

Carla Hinton, The Oklahoman
·2 min read
The Skydance Bridge is expected to be illuminated with green light on Monday, which is Pakistan Independence Day.
The Skydance Bridge is expected to be illuminated with green light on Monday, which is Pakistan Independence Day.
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Oklahomans of Pakistani heritage will host a "Pakistan Day Celebration" set for 7 to 11 p.m. Aug. 12 at Scissortail Park, 300 SW 7.

The event is being held in celebration of Pakistan Independence Day, which commemorates Aug. 14, 1947, the day Pakistan become independent of British rule.

Dr. Fazal Ali is coordinator of the event, which is being sponsored by the Oklahoma chapter of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America. He said Oklahoma City residents and people from other communities are invited to the celebration to enjoy live music, food, entertainment and an opportunity to learn more about Pakistani culture.

Organizers said a musical performance by internationally recognized Pakistani recording artist Komal Rizvi will be featured. They said there also will be activities for children and families, plus food trucks offering different food options.

Dr. Faisal Wasi, president of the Oklahoma chapter of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America, said Oklahomans who attend the festivities will have a chance to embrace cultural diversity and build connections.

"It's a celebration of unity, fostering understanding and appreciation" for all attendees, he said.

Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt recorded a virtual message ahead of Saturday's festivities in which he encouraged members of the community at large to attend the festivities.

"We have a thriving Pakistani-American community in our city and it contributes to our city's progress in so many ways," Holt said in his video. "The Pakistani-American community has also given us an opportunity, in recent years, to learn more about their culture."

Several mayors from surrounding cities are expected to attend the celebration, along with Muhammad Aftab Chaudhry, consulate general of Pakistan in Houston.

Event organizers said a building near Scissortail Park will be lit up in green on Saturday evening because the Pakistan flag is green. They said the Skydance Bridge is expected to be lit with green light on Monday, which is Pakistan Independence Day.

For more information, go to https://www.appnaok.org/appnaok-events.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Pakistan Day Celebration at Scissortail Park August 12 in OKC