The Roosevelt Hotel, with its storied history dating back to 1924, was not just a place of lodging; it was a testament to Pakistan's presence in America. But today, this iconic edifice has fallen from grace, succumbing to neglect and indifference, leaving Pakistani expatriates in New York in mourning for its lost glory.
The Roosevelt Hotel may be down, but it is not forgotten.
In Manhattan, amidst the towering skyscrapers and the ever-changing skyline of New York City, it was once a beacon of prestige and grandeur that stood as a symbol of Pakistan's ownership and influence.
A grand past: Roosevelt hotel's history
The historic hotel opened in 1924 and was leased by Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) in 1979, with an option to purchase the building after 20 years – which it did in 1999.
The Roosevelt Hotel proudly displayed the green and white flag of Pakistan, a symbol of the nation's ownership and pride. This architectural gem boasted 1025 rooms, 25 spacious suites, and even a presidential apartment with four bedrooms, a kitchen, and a dining room.
In 1947, it made history by becoming the first hotel in New York City to outfit all its rooms with television sets, setting a standard for luxury and innovation.
In 1979, PIA acquired the Roosevelt Hotel through an American investment firm, with additional investment from Saudi Arabia's Prince Faisal bin Khalid bin Abdulaziz.
Pakistan held a 99% stake in this prestigious establishment, while the Saudi prince owned the remaining 1%.
For decades, the Roosevelt Hotel stood as a preferred residence for dignitaries, tourists, and travelers from around the world.
The fall from grace: Neglect and desolation
However, the hotel's splendid past is now a distant memory. Pakistan's previous government made a decision that left its citizens in the diaspora in shock and dismay.
They leased all 1025 rooms of the Roosevelt Hotel to the New York City government for a mere $200 per day, for a period of three years.
Instead of hosting distinguished guests, the hotel now serves as a makeshift shelter for illegal immigrants.
The Pakistani flag, which once fluttered proudly in the New York City skyline, has been replaced by the American flag, symbolizing the hotel's transformation from a symbol of Pakistani prestige to a stark reminder of governmental neglect.
Cry for restoration
News has recently emerged suggesting that the Pakistani government is considering selling its most valuable asset in the United States.
This revelation has stirred emotions among Pakistanis who have shared a nearly half-century-long attachment to the Roosevelt Hotel.
They are profoundly saddened by the hotel's deteriorating condition and the fate it now endures. The Pakistani community in New York yearns for the restoration of the hotel's architectural splendor and the return of their beloved green and white flag to its rightful place.
