EDISON — This year, local Pakistani residents won’t have to travel to New York for a parade celebrating their heritage — a local group is holding its inaugural Pakistan Day Parade on Aug. 16.
Uniting the Pakistani population in the area, the parade will start in Edison and conclude in Woodbridge.
“There has been a parade in New York City for Pakistan Day, but it makes more sense for New Jersey’s sizable Pakistani population to have one in Edison/Iselin,” Sam Khan, president of the Pakistan Day Parade of New Jersey, said of why the group launched its own version.
The parade in New York will be held later this month. Both will mark the 69th anniversary of Pakistan’s Independence Day.
The Pakistan Day Parade route starts at Pakistani eatery Shezan of New Jersey restaurant and banquet hall, 1673 Oak Tree Rd., Edison, and concludes at Oak Tree Road and Middlesex Avenue in the Iselin section of Woodbridge.
The hour-long parade will begin at 1 p.m.; the festival will start afterward, and will run until 7 p.m.
The local event is likely to draw not only those from the immediate area, but also those from around the region.
“We are expecting between 10,000 and 15,000 people from New Jersey and neighboring states,” Khan said.
With that in mind, organizers started planning for the event at the beginning of the year, he added.
According to parade organizers, the event’s aim is to emphasize and celebrate the positive contributions the Pakistani community brings to the Garden State and the country as a whole, through cultural, economic and social means.
Those who are in charge of the parade plan to accomplish that goal with an event that will feature floats, merchants, food, live music and an awards ceremony. The day will conclude with the Pakistan Day Festival. Musicians slated to perform include Komal Malik, Raheem Shah and Haider Afzal.
Khan stressed that the event isn’t just for the Pakistani population.
“No matter your background, heritage or religion, this parade will be fun for everyone who attends,” he said, adding, “ … Our staff and executive committee has been working very hard to make this parade a success.”
And while this year’s parade is just around the corner, Khan said organizers are already thinking about next year’s event.
“There may be things to improve on for next year’s parade, but not by much,” Khan said. “We’re aiming to put on a professional, well-orchestrated parade to provide the most fun for everyone who attends.”
For information on the event, visit www.pakparade.org or visit www.facebook.com/pakparade.