Submitted photo
Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar and the Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United States, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, sign a sister city agreement July 24.
By Laura Katauskas | Staff Reporter
In an effort to foster both goodwill and opportunity, Bolingbrook is now a sister city to Sialkot, Pakistan.
The Ambassador of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan to the United States, Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, and Bolingbrook Mayor Roger Claar signed a sister city agreement July 24.
The agreement states that since both cities desire friendship and goodwill, they agree to collaborate for their mutual benefit of their communities by exploring educational, cultural, humanitarian and economic opportunities.
The agreement reads, “…it is in the citizen’s best interest to understand and value the unique culture, needs and dreams of the residents of other countries in the world; our shared goal is peace, prosperity, stability and justice…”
Bolingbrook wants to foster enhanced educational, health, agricultural, and information technology opportunities for the residents of Sialkot while Sialkot will support educational and healthcare, business and civic organizations of Bolingbrook.
A street in Bolingbrook and Sialkot will be named after one another.
The Sister Cities Program was initiated by the President of the United States to nurture friendship and understanding between the United States and other nations.
Bolingbrook has a large population of Pakistani residents and a long history of support of the culture. The Association of Pakistani Americans of Bolingbrook has been hosting Pakistan Independence day programs in Bolingbrook for 25 years and the annual Taste of Pakistan draws thousands from nearby and out of state to Bolingbrook.
According to the APA, Bolingbrook is the only community in the United States that holds a historic ceremony where the Pakistani flag has been hoisted for 25 years and the Consulate General of Pakistan has always attended.
In addition, Bolingbrook offers a full adult and youth cricket league to the community along with participation in disaster relief efforts, family counseling, financial assistance and many other services and is home to two Mosques and a private Islamic school as well.