Pakistani flag flies at Calgary city hall to celebrate Independence Day
Calgary's Pakistani community is gathering in front of city hall on Tuesday for the 71st anniversary of independence from British colonial rule.
As part of the festivities, the Pakistani flag will fly in front of city hall while celebrations take place across the street in Olympic Plaza.
"This is open to everyone to attend," said Tanveer Taj, president of the Alberta chapter of the Pakistani Canadian Cultural Association.
"There is food, there is clothing, there is cultural and musical programs that they cannot miss."
The flag raising took place at noon, while the festivities continue until about 6 p.m.
Change in Pakistan
The party is taking place during a time of change in Pakistan.
"On the eve of Independence Day, we have a brand new government, brand new leader and people are really excited about it," said Israr Kasana, a Pakistani-Canadian journalist.
He's referring to the election of Imran Khan, a cricket player turned politician who has promised to reform a system plagued by corruption.
The Alberta government has declared August as Pakistani Heritage Month.
With files from Tahirih Foroozan and the Calgary Eyeopener.
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