WASHINGTON D.C.: Prime Minister Imran Khan, who is on a three-day maiden tour to the United States upon the invitation of President Donald Trump, received a rockstar’s welcome at the packed to the rafters Capital One Arena in downtown Washington as he arrived on Sunday evening (early morning in Pakistan) to address a gathering of over 30,000 Pakistani expatriates.
The arena, however, offers a sitting capacity of only 20,000.
The moment when PM Imran Khan arrived. A magical reception for a people’s leader. The countdown, the arrival, the echoes of the crowd. This is the stuff of dreams. The dreams of Naya Pakistan.
#PMIKJalsaInUSA pic.twitter.com/qsaX8U3wxB
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 21, 2019
Never seen before moment : this is the impact of an honest leadership!
National Anthem being played upon PM’s arrival #PMIKJalsaInUSA pic.twitter.com/oFC9Kzog2x
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 21, 2019
The event, which was streamed live on news channels and social media, was viewed by millions across the US and back home.
The prime minister’s address was distinctive in this way because, previously, visiting Pakistani leaders used to address the expatriates in community halls or closed-door rooms at hotels.
Pakistan was made on the basis of a massive dream. The dreams of two great leaders. Quaid e Azam and Allama Iqbal. I want you to tell your children In the US what this dream was :: @ImranKhanPTI #PMIKJalsaInUSA pic.twitter.com/ynZiwEULSH
— PTI (@PTIofficial) July 21, 2019