Little Pakistan Will Get Its Muhammad Ali Jinnah Way

BROOKLYN, NEW YORK -- Little Pakistan is about to get its Muhammad Ali Jinnah Way.

The strip of Coney Island Avenue between Avenues C and H will be co-named to honor the founder of modern Pakistan and the nation's people during a public ceremony Friday afternoon, organizers said.

"After 9/11, people from my community felt unsafe, I myself felt unsafe," said Waqil Ahmed, president of the Pakistani American Youth Organization.

"This sign will bring them hope that we are accepted in New York and we are free here."

City councilman and Public Advocate candidate Jumaane Williams, who sponsored co-naming efforts, will join the PAYO on Coney Island and Foster Avenues at 2 p.m. for an official ceremony at the heart of Little Pakistan, PAYO announced.

The sign will honor Jinnah, known as 'Quaid-I Azam' or 'Great Leader,' who campaigned for an independent Pakistan as Great Britain began releasing its hold over the territory in the 1940s and conflict arose between Hindus and Muslims.

Honoring Jinnah means honoring Pakistan and the Pakistani people who live and work in the Brooklyn, Ahmed said.

"This will break the barriers," he said. "It's gonna make us feel proud. Look, we're accepted."

Photo courtesy of the Pakistani American Youth Organization