Report: Tabish Kafili
HOUSTON, Texas: The Quaid-i-Azam Foundation USA hosted a special commemorative event in Houston to celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the United States of America, bringing together members of the Pakistani-American community, diplomats, professionals, educators, and civic leaders to honor America’s enduring legacy of freedom, democracy, and opportunity.
Held at the Jinnah Library, the event marked the nation’s Semiquincentennial and highlighted the values that have defined the United States for two and a half centuries while recognizing the contributions of immigrant communities, including Pakistani Americans, to the country’s continued success.
Delivering the keynote address, Dr. Asaf Riyaz Qadeer, Chairman of the Quaid-i-Azam Foundation USA, reflected on the opportunities America has provided to millions of immigrants.
“As a Pakistani immigrant to America, I speak with gratitude in my heart. America gave us opportunity, dignity, freedom and the right to dream. It taught us that the promise of liberty is not written in the history books; it lives in the daily struggle of its people to build a better future.”
Dr. Qadeer said America’s 250-year journey is a testament to the resilience of its people and the strength of the ideals upon which the nation was founded. He noted that immigrants from around the world have embraced these principles and helped shape the country’s economic, scientific, and cultural progress.
Consul General of Pakistan in Houston, Aftab Chaudhry, congratulated the American people on reaching this historic milestone and praised the democratic values that have guided the nation since its founding.
“The United States of America has always tried to live up to the ideals of its Founding Fathers—the rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”.
He congratulated the Pakistani-American community on their contributions to these ideas through their hard work, dedication and commitment to American society.
The Consul General said the Pakistani-American community has earned distinction through its contributions in medicine, business, engineering, education, technology, and public service, strengthening the relationship between Pakistan and the United States.
The Chief Executive officer of the foundation, Tanveer Ahmed while speaking at the ceremony, described America’s commitment to freedom as one of the most remarkable achievements of the modern world.
“Our American heritage is one of the greatest legacies of the modern era. Nothing quite like it has existed in history, and it is unlikely that the future will produce another example like it. Freedom is the hallmark of our society. No comparable model existed in the past, nor can it be found in many other advanced nations. Yet these principles have taken root in the hearts and minds of Americans—including me and countless others.”
Reflecting on his own journey, he added, “I was born in Pakistan and I was raised in United states, Pakistan has given me identity however success that I have is from the United States, so I’m proud to call both countries my home countries.”
The event also featured addresses by internationally renowned leadership expert Dr. Jeffrey Magee, who spoke about the importance of visionary leadership and civic responsibility in preserving democratic institutions. Dr. Ayesha Khattak emphasized the role of education, inclusion, and community engagement in strengthening democratic societies, while Dr. Barkat Charania highlighted the achievements of Pakistani Americans and encouraged younger generations to continue serving their communities while upholding the values of freedom, responsibility, and public service.
Throughout the ceremony, speakers reflected on the significance of America’s 250-year journey, describing the anniversary as an opportunity to celebrate not only the nation’s remarkable history but also the timeless ideals of liberty, equality, opportunity, and democracy that continue to inspire people across the world.
The gathering concluded with a renewed commitment to fostering civic engagement, strengthening the bonds between the Pakistani-American community and the broader American society, and celebrating the shared values that have enabled generations of immigrants to pursue the American dream while remaining proud of their cultural heritage.
