Gilgit-Baltistan Independence Day Celebrated in New York with Great Enthusiasm and American Spirit

(Isstories Editorial):- Clifton, New Jersey Nov 1, 2025 (Issuewire.com) – The Gilgit-Baltistan American community marked Gilgit-Baltistan’s Independence Day with great enthusiasm and patriotic spirit in Queens, New York, under the banner of the Gilgit-Baltistan Sohni Wattan Organization, led by Mr. Nasim Gilgiti.

The event highlighted the unity and pride of Pakistani Americans who have established their lives in the U.S., while upholding common values of freedom, opportunity, and community service.

A large, jubilant crowd filled a local hotel’s event hall with cheers, flags, and songs celebrating the friendship between Pakistan and the United States.

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Esteemed Participants

Prominent dignitaries and political leaders from both the United States and Pakistan were present, including:

• Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, Senior Leader of the Republican Party (GOP), USA
• Raja Nasir Khan, Minister of Planning for Gilgit-Baltistan
• Senator Rana Mahmood-ul-Hassan, Chairman of the Senate Standing Committee on Cabinet Affairs, Pakistan
• Mr. Pervez Rafique, two-time member of the Provincial Assembly (Punjab)
• Mr. Amir Atozai, Consul General of Pakistan in New York
• Mr. Rao Usman Ghani, community leader and spiritual figure
• Senior representatives of PPP, PML-N, and PTI, who united in a rare display to honor the bond between the U.S. and Pakistan.

Keynote Address by Dr. Athar Mujtaba

The highlight of the celebration was Dr. Athar Mujtaba’s keynote speech, where he officially announced his run for the U.S. Congress from New York’s 14th District, covering Corona, Queens, and nearby areas.

A son of Pakistani immigrants and a proud American by birth, Dr. Mujtaba shared a deeply personal story of faith, service, and gratitude to the United States — a nation that rewards hard work, not entitlement.

He introduced himself as a dual-doctoral professional (DNP and MD), trained in Internal Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Endocrinology at Duke University, and licensed in Family Practice in New York. For over eight years, he has operated a community health clinic in Queens, continuing the legacy of his parents, who founded the first 24-hour pharmacy in Queens decades ago.

Immigrant Roots and American Opportunities

Dr. Mujtaba emotionally reflected on his family’s journey, saying:

My parents immigrated to the United States not searching for socialism but seeking opportunity — for freedom, education, and economic growth. They believed that hard work, not handouts, determines destiny.

He added that, as Muslims by faith and loyal American citizens by birth, his family believes that faith and freedom complement each other, and that the American dream thrives on individual effort, entrepreneurship, and moral responsibility.

Without naming anyone, he contrasted sharply with some radical ideas, stating:

“Immigrants did not come to dismantle the very institutions that protect our neighborhoods. We came to build, not to divide — and I reject any idea of weakening or defunding our police. As a New Yorker, I stand with the NYPD and with every law-abiding citizen who believes safety is the foundation of progress.”

His remarks received applause from the audience, emphasizing that immigrant patriotism is firmly grounded in American values — not ideology.

Family Legacy and Service

Dr. Mujtaba honored his mother, the first Pakistani American woman to obtain a New York State pharmacy license after graduating at the top of her class from Karachi University in 1975. She is also the niece of Pakistan’s founding Prime Minister, Liaquat Ali Khan.

He honored his father, Dr. Gholam Mujtaba, a Distinguished Honor Graduate of the U.S. Army Medical Command, a former Provincial Cabinet Member of Pakistan, and a current elected GOP official in New Jersey, saying:

My parents taught me that loving one’s ancestral homeland doesn’t conflict with loving America — it completes it.

Commitment to Service and Leadership

Recalling his work during the COVID-19 pandemic, Dr. Mujtaba said:

When fear took hold of our city, our clinic’s doors never shut. I cared for patients day and night — because that’s what Americans do. We come together in times of crisis.

He explained that his campaign for Congress was inspired by a desire to expand that service beyond medicine — to represent families, small businesses, and working Americans in the halls where national policies are made.

Vision for a Stronger America

Dr. Mujtaba’s platform aims to enhance opportunities and rebuild public trust.

• Equal Opportunity – Guaranteeing every child access to education and healthcare.
• Economic Growth – Supporting small businesses and fostering innovation.
• Healthcare Equity – Expanding access to preventive care and telemedicine.
• Security and Freedom – Promoting law enforcement and enhancing community safety.
• Faith and Unity – Encouraging interfaith harmony and mutual respect across all communities.

A Standing Ovation

The crowd gave a standing ovation as Dr. Mujtaba finished:

When I go to Congress, I don’t go alone — I go with you.
Every small-business owner in Jackson Heights, every student in Flushing, every mother and father in Corona will be in that chamber with me.
Because when immigrant Americans rise, America rises.

Event Conclusion

The evening ended with cheers, patriotic songs, and American and Pakistani national anthems played side by side, symbolizing friendship, freedom, and shared values.

Dr. Athar Mujtaba expressed his gratitude to Mr. Nasim Gilgiti and his team for their outstanding efforts and conveyed heartfelt appreciation to the Gilgit-Baltistan community for their unity and love for both nations.

The event showed that the Pakistani-American community strongly supports democracy, faith, and hard work — and opposes divisive ideologies that threaten American unity.

Issued by:
Media & Communications Office
Pakistan Policy Institute USA
Queens, New York | November 2, 2025

This article was originally published by IssueWire. Read the original article here.