On a crisp winter evening of 2020, I, a new PhD student, explored Balboa Park, a vibrant cornerstone of San Diego’s heritage. Established in 1868, Balboa Park began as a barren mesa that civic leaders transformed into a city park. Over the decades, it has evolved into a renowned landmark celebrated for its stunning architecture, engaging exhibits, and a rich calendar of cultural events. I was particularly captivated by the House of Pacific Relations (HPR) —a collection of 32 charming single-story houses, each representing a different nation. The HPR displays both historic cottages from the 1935 exposition and newer structures, each offering unique insights into various cultures and traditions. The term "Pacific" here embodies the idea of "peaceful," a sentiment chosen by Frank Drugan in 1935 amid rising global tensions and economic hardship. After moving to San Diego in 1933 and falling in love with the city’s geography and history, Drugan envisioned a space where local residents could connect with and appreciate the diverse cultures within their community.
I continued my stroll through HPR, determined to find the House of Pakistan among the park's diverse collection of cottages named after various countries. Each building, from The House of Ireland to The House of Palestine, The House of Hungary, and many more, was celebrated for showcasing local artists and performers, enriching the park's vibrant cultural mosaic. As I meandered through, my anticipation to discover the House of Pakistan grew. Yet, despite my thorough search, it remained elusive. As dusk settled, I felt a mix of curiosity and unease, wondering why this significant cultural symbol was absent from a park that otherwise celebrated a wide array of communities. Given the vibrant Pakistani-American presence in San Diego, it seemed particularly surprising that such a key element of their culture was missing.
As time went on, I established connections with Pakistani Americans in San Diego and had the opportunity to meet with Tasneem Rehmani, the president of the Pakistani American Association of San Diego and CEO and vice president of GFR Resources. I considered her the most relevant person to address a question that had been on my mind for months: Why is the House of Pakistan not situated in Balboa Park? This inquiry revealed a detailed account of the House of Pakistan's journey to join the House of Pacific Relations in the historically significant and frequently visited Balboa Park. The task unfolded as a formidable challenge, a true test of perseverance and skill. Yet, at last, it stands accomplished. I gained firsthand insight into this through my involvement in several revisions of the House of Pakistan's bylaws and by observing President Tasneem Rehmani's unwavering commitment. She attended numerous committee meetings and worked diligently to engage Pakistani Americans in this endeavour.
The addition of the House of Pakistan to Balboa Park is a major milestone for the local and Pakistani-American communities. Celebrating Pakistan Independence Day at this new cultural landmark emphasises its impact and significance
The membership application for House of Pakistan was initially submitted in 2013 by Tasneem Rehmani. However, the formal application process did not commence until 2021, when HPR invited new house applicants. The review process by the Bylaws Committee took two years and only gained significant progress after House of USA President Inki Welsh took a personal interest in the application. Under her guidance and support, the House of Pakistan's membership was officially approved in April 2024 and in May 2024 during Asian American Pacific Islander Month, provided them with a 30-minute slot to make a formal announcement of the House of Pakistan at Balboa Park.
On 10 August 2024, a historic occasion was celebrated at Balboa Park in honour of Pakistan Independence Day. Hosted by Tasneem Rehmani, President of the House of Pakistan, and Inki Kim Welsh, President of the House of the USA, the event recognised exceptional individuals for their contributions and leadership. Dr Rubina Feroz Bhatti and Inki Kim Welsh were awarded the Women’s Leadership and Legacy Award for their globally recognised impact, while Muhammad Naeem Rajput received the Heritage and Community Service Award. The award also went to six dedicated House of Pakistan volunteers: Kasim Mahmood, Faisal Mushtaq, Aniqua Hijazi, Sara Ahmed, Roohi Darugar, and Shaheen Ghaznavi. The celebration featured spirited performances by Pakistani American youth, showcasing their pride and energy. Attendees enjoyed a vibrant display of Pakistani culture through traditional food, clothing, and jewellery. In her remarks, Dr Bhatti, a former member of the National Commission for Child Rights, Government of Pakistan highlighted the challenges faced by women and immigrants in achieving such milestones. She also acclaimed Tasneem Rehmani for her significant contributions, such as advocating for California and Punjab to be designated as sister states and her efforts to facilitate the integration of Pakistanis into American society.
This establishment of House of Pakistan has been widely appreciated both in Pakistan and the USA, as evidenced by the heartfelt congratulations from MNA Naveed Aamir Jeeva and the Consul General of Pakistan, Mr Asim Ali Khan. MNA Naveed Aamir Jeeva conveyed his warm congratulations on this remarkable achievement. In his message, he lauded the Pakistan Peoples Party’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity through the exchange of cultural heritage. He also extended his deep admiration to the President of the House of Pakistan, commending her dedication and patriotism. He remains steadfast in his commitment to supporting her in facilitating key discussions with political leaders in Pakistan, mirroring the support he provided during her prior visits. While the Consul General of Pakistan Mr Asim Ali Khan expressed his sincere appreciation, stating, “I extend my deepest gratitude to Tasneem Rehmani for her outstanding efforts and congratulate our vibrant community on Pakistan Independence Day and the inauguration of the new House of Pakistan. Your dedication and achievement in establishing this new landmark are truly laudable.”
The addition of the House of Pakistan to Balboa Park is a major milestone for the local and Pakistani-American communities. Celebrating Pakistan Independence Day at this new cultural landmark emphasises its impact and significance. Support from Pakistani officials highlights its importance, symbolising a deep connection between Pakistan’s heritage and San Diego’s cultural landscape, enriching the park’s diversity.