APPAC arranges study visit of students to Capitol Hill

WASHINGTON D.C: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee has started practical training of students to ensure involvement of young people in American politics.

APPAC arranged a study visit of a delegation comprising of high school and college students to Capitol Hill where students also met with the legislators.

A delegation of about 30 students from high schools and colleges of New York headed by APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed left to visit the Capitol Hill building. APPAC’s Athar Tirmizi informed the students about the main objectives of the visit.

The delegation of APPAC youth wing met Senator Cory Booker at Hart Senate Office building. All the students and other members including APPAC youth wing President Arsal Ijaz introduced themselves to the Senator.

Senator Cory Booker warmly welcomed the students and expressed his happiness that students want to understand the US politics and political and electoral system.

APPAC’s chief patron Dr. Sadia Tahir also guided the children. Later, the students visited the office of Congressman Tom Suozzi.

Tom Suozzi showed the live proceedings of a sub-committee meeting of the House of Representatives to the youth wing of APPAC. Later, Senator Suozzi explained the students about parliamentary system at the civic, state and federal levels and also briefed them on the electoral process.

Students asked various questions to Congressman Tom Suozzi about the political and electoral system, climate change and its negative impacts and urged the Senator that US government should cooperate with Pakistan with regard to climate change.

Tom Suozzi explained the importance of democracy to the student delegation and said that the rule of law and empowerment of local governments is essential for development.

Later, the delegation of APPAC’s youth wing had a detailed tour of the Capitol Hill building where they were shown a documentary based on American history while the tour guide guided them and informed them about the establishment and historical background of the building.

The student delegation also visited Senator Kirsten Gillibrand’s office where her staff gave them a briefing.