New York, Aug 4 : Representatives of Pakistan’s mainstream political parties came together for the first time at a colourful parade held by Pakistani-Americans living in and around New York to mark the country’s 62nd Independence Anniversary.

Rainy spells did not dampen the enthusiasm of the participants, who came in large numbers on Sunday to renew their dedication to their homeland and its founding father — Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah.

Federal Minister and chairperson of the Benazir Income Support Programme, Farzana Raja, PML-N leader Javed Hashmi and Dy Speaker Punjab Assembly, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, called for national unity at this critical hour in the country’s history.

They also underscored the need for translating the Quaid-e-Azam’s motto of “Unity, Faith and Discipline’ into reality and work together in raising Pakistan’s stature.

Men, women and children, mostly clad in national dresses participated in this annual event in an unwavering show of enthusiasm and liveliness in the city, The Nation reported.

New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg joined the Pakistani-American community in marking the annual festivity that celebrates birth of the country on August 14, 1947 and pays tribute to the founding fathers.

Raising “Pakistan Zindabad” slogans and waving the national flag, Pakistanis warmly cheered the parade as it moved down one of New York City’s main avenue. The route from Madison Avenue’s 41th Street - the starting point- was decorated with Pakistani and American flags.

The high point of the parade was a cultural programme. Prominent artists from Pakistan such as Arif Lohar and Shaukat Ali as well as some local artists enthralled the crowd with their hit songs. (ANI)