08/16/2026
Pakistan Independence Day Flag-Raising Ceremony in Northern California | Santa Clara County, San Jose California | August 14th, 2026.
Pakistan’s 79th Independence Day was celebrated with a flag-raising ceremony and cultural program in Santa Clara County, in the City of San Jose, Northern California, organized by American Muslim Voice Foundation.
At the heart of this annual celebration is Samina Sundas, founder of the American Muslim Voice Foundation, who has been the driving force behind this flag-raising tradition since 2003. For more than two decades, Sundas has worked to bring the Pakistani American community together while promoting Pakistani culture, identity, civic engagement, and friendship among diverse communities.
The celebration, held on Friday, August 14, 2026, brought together members of the Pakistani American community, women, youth, community leaders, and local representatives to commemorate Pakistan’s Independence Day.
The ceremony began with the American national anthem, “The Star-Spangled Banner,” performed by Machelle Ahmed, followed by the National Anthem of Pakistan, performed by Reshma Hyder.
Following the flag-raising ceremony, guests moved to the chambers for a Pakistani cultural program emceed by Noor Navaid.
Santa Clara County Supervisor Otto Lee and Senator Dave Cortese welcomed the community and extended his greetings on Pakistan’s Independence Day. Reshma Hyder also spoke about the history and significance of Pakistan’s national anthem.
During the program, Senator Dave Cortese presented a special recognition, which was received by Machelle Ahmed.
The event also paid special tribute to Abdus Sattar Ghazali, one of the founding board members of the American Muslim Voice Foundation. Senator Dave Cortese recognized Ghazali with a Certificate of Commendation honoring his contributions and community service. He was introduced by the organization’s National President, Khalid Saeed.
Women and youth were an important focus of this year’s program. Alisha Junaid spoke about educating and empowering young Pakistani women through sports, while Zainab Ali highlighted the life, leadership, and legacy of Fatima Jinnah, remembered as the Mother of the Nation.
Pakistani legends were also honored through a special presentation of “Ay Watan Pyare Watan,” introduced by Naeem Raza.
The cultural celebration continued with patriotic songs and popular Pakistani music performed by community members, including Shahida Malik, Muneeba Zeeshan, Almas Shabvani, Machelle Ahmed, Syeda Samra Faisal, Rayan Qadri, and Naimah Habib.
Performances included well-known songs such as “Tera Pakistan Hai, Yeh Mera Pakistan Hai,” “Lazim Hai Ke Hum Bhi Dekhenge,” “Bol Ke Lab Azad Hain Tere,” “Yeh Watan Tumhara Hai,” “Dil Dil Pakistan,” and “Sohni Dharti Allah Rakhe.”
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Shamsa Rafay, a board member of the American Muslim Voice Foundation, who expressed appreciation to the guests, performers, volunteers, community members, and everyone who helped make the celebration possible.
Founded in July 2003, the American Muslim Voice Foundation was created to work for and with all Americans. Under the leadership of Samina Sundas, the grassroots organization has worked to build friendships across cultural and religious lines, based on the belief that stronger relationships and greater understanding among Americans contribute to the safety, security, and peace of the country.
For Samina Sundas, the annual Pakistan Independence Day flag-raising ceremony has become much more than a celebration. Since 2003, she and her team have worked to keep this tradition alive in Northern California, providing an opportunity for younger generations of Pakistani Americans to connect with their heritage while also strengthening relationships with the wider American community.
From the raising of Pakistan’s green and white flag to patriotic songs and the voices of “Pakistan Zindabad,” the celebration in San Jose, Santa Clara County, carried a message of pride in Pakistani heritage, community unity, and friendship between Pakistan and the United States.
Reported by Faisal Quddus
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