New York: Pakistani American Community of Long Island (PACOLI) New York celebrated a grand multicultural night titled ‘Culture, Community and Success’ in which the new cabinet was elected, office bearers took oath whereas the outgoing cabinet was honored with appreciation shields in recognition of their valued services to the community during their tenure.
Madeeha Mustafa and Atique Qadri welcomed the guests of the event which was held at a private hotel in New York.
Dr. Ijaz-ul-Hasan recited a few verses of the Holy Quran to officially begin the ceremony, followed by the presentation of the national anthems of America and Pakistan.
A large number of people from different walks of life in the Pakistani-American community participated in the event.
A moment of silence was observed at the beginning of the ceremony to honor and remember the martyrs of the Army Public School, Pakistan Army, and Police personnel in the December 16 tragedy.
Other US officials, including New York’s Nassau County Executive Bruce Blackman, were invited as special guests.
In his address to the participants, Nassau County Executive said that people of every religion and nationality live in America and this is the beauty of this country. In the development of this city and country, the Pakistani community has also played a key role in every sector, which is always looked at with great respect.
Consul General of Pakistan in New York Aamer Ahmed Atozai, President of New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers Society, Commanding Officer Adeel Rana and officials of other organizations of the Pakistani community also participated in the ceremony.
In his address to the participants, Aamer Ahmed Atozai said that the way PACOLI has united the community in various fields and united them is worthy of emulation.
On this occasion, the first female president of the Pakistani American Community of Long Island, Azra Dar, who led the PACOLI team for two years from 2021 to 2023, addressed the participants and said she made all out efforts to make the organization stable in two years, and has done everything possible to create and provide community services. He hoped that the new leadership will also steer the organization even better.
On this occasion, Madeeha Mustafa gave a detailed introduction to the historical background of PACOLI New York and its founder Bashir Qamar.
Later PACOLI’s newly selected team for the coming year was invited and the officials were introduced.
Bashir Qamar, the founder of PACOLI and a respected figure in the Pakistani American community in New York, took the oath from the new cabinet of his organization.
Bashir Qamar presented the awards to the officials who managed the organization for two years from 2021 to 2023 in recognition of their outstanding performance and community services.
PACOLI’s new leadership consists of three vice presidents including the president, comptroller, joint secretary, information secretary and general secretary.
Abdul Rahman, the newly elected president of PACOLI, said, “I am principled and full of promise, but any team leader always needs a good team. I would like the team members to benefit the community through civic projects of public interest.”
PACOLI Senior Vice President Humayun Sheikh expressed his gratitude to the founder Bashir Qamar and the new leadership for the selection and appreciated the efforts of the previous team.
On this occasion, the new Vice President Atique Qadri dedicated the award for mother and wife, while Vice President Madeeha Mustafa attributed his award and achievements to the support of his family.
PACOLI’s elected vice-president for next year, Salman Sheikh, who held the responsibilities of comptroller in the previous cabinet, reiterated his commitment to do the best for the community in his address.
On this occasion, Information Secretary Kashif Idrees addressed the participants and said that efforts will be made to make the community more stable and united, while General Secretary Asim Malik said that PACOLI is a symbol of unity and it is an honor for him to be a part of it.
On this occasion, Tasneem Qamar, the wife of PACOLI’s founder Bashir Qamar, expressed her gratitude to the new team and all the guests participating in the event.
She said Bashir Qamar had many ups and downs in his life but he never lost courage.
Music was also arranged to entertain the participants in the event and this musical night was capped off by the singing of singer Sheri Khan and traditional Bhangra by Salman Sheikh.
On this occasion, famous singer Elizabeth Roy also performed and mesmerized the audience with his magical voice.
