Australia Day is marked on 26th January every year with a national public holiday.
It’s a day “for all Australians, no matter where our personal stories began, [to] reflect on being Australian, celebrate contemporary Australia and recognise our history,” according to the National Australia Day Council.
It marks the raising of the Union Jack in Sydney Cove and the official declaration of British sovereignty on the land that would become Australia.
Every year the local Pakistani community across Australia take part in the celebrations to represent their community as part of the wider society.
Pakistani Community at Australia Day Parade, South Australia 2019 Source: Raja Irtaza
For the last three years, the Pakistani community of South Australia did not take part in the parade.
Adeel Sadiq, the President of Pakistan Australian Association of South Australia (PAASA) told SBS Urdu that representing the community at the parade was not a top priority for last few years.
“The community platform of PAASA was established in 1984 and has been representing Pakistan at different social, political and cultural forums," said Mr Sadiq.
“This year we had ninety plus people representing Pakistan at the parade including kids and adults.
“The main reason for taking part this year was to promote the Pakistani culture as part of the bigger community in South Australia.”
Pakistani Community at Australia Day Parade, South Australia 2019 Source: Photo credit: Raja Irtaza
Mr Sadiq excitedly told SBS Urdu we only wanted to portray the community image.
“The principal idea on which the community agreed to come together for the parade was to represent as one rather than multiple different organisations,” said Mr Sadiq.
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“The formation of the contingent was that kids were leading, then an older couple from the community holding the Pakistani flag, women and then man.
“Our contingent was representing all provinces of Pakistan. We had people dressed up in cultural attire from Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
“The vibe was amazing. Some kids from the community saw the Pakistani flag and heard the local chants for the first time.” he further added.
The parade lasted for four hours from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm. Kids, families and adults all took part and enjoyed their time.
Pakistani Community at Australia Day Parade, South Australia 2019 Source: Raja Irtaza
“There was a lot of passion not just among our contingent but by all different communities taking part in the parade,” said Mr Sadiq.
“Pakistani community members enjoyed a lot, it was like a picnic for the families as you can see in the photos.” he further added. 
Follow SBS Urdu on and .
Pakistani Community at Australia Day Parade, South Australia 2019 Source: Raja Irtaza
Pakistani Community at Australia Day Parade, South Australia 2019 Source: Raja Irtaza
Pakistani Community at Australia Day Parade, South Australia 2019 Source: Raja Irtaza
