Hundreds Celebrate Pakistan Independence Day In Athens (VID)

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Hundreds of members of Greece’s Pakistani community gathered at Kotzia Square in central Athens on Thursday to celebrate Pakistan’s Independence Day, filling the square with flags, smiles and traditional food.

The celebration took place in a festive atmosphere, with members of the Pakistani community who live and work in Greece coming together to mark the national holiday.

Pakistan celebrates Independence Day on August 14, commemorating the country’s independence in 1947 following the end of British rule in the Indian subcontinent.

Speaking to Orange Press Agency, Javed Aslam, president of the Pakistani Community of Greece, highlighted the importance of the day for Pakistani workers living in Greece.

“Today is August 14, so hundreds and thousands of workers from Pakistan gather because it is our day of freedom,” Aslam said. He added that the community wants justice, rights, respect and the rule of law, including a government in Pakistan free from corruption.

Aslam also thanked Greek society and institutions for supporting the Pakistani community.

“I want to thank every Greek man and woman who has stood and continues to stand beside us in every struggle and every celebration,” he said, also thanking the Municipality of Athens, MPs and political and labour organisations.

“We are working-class people and we are all here for one thing: work, respect and solidarity, without racism,” he added.

Ahmad Younes, who has lived and worked in Greece for more than 30 years, also spoke about his experience in the country.

“I have been in Greece for 32 years and I am doing very well. Muslims, Christians, we all love each other and get along,” Younes said.

Despite having difficulty walking, Younes attended the celebration because of its significance to him and the Pakistani community.

He also delivered a broader message of unity.

“It is not about whether you are Pakistani, Greek, German or American. We are all the same. First of all, we are human beings, and then come religion and everything else,” he said.

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