NEWYORK: The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee held its annual gala and fundraising event in New York.
APPAC President Imtiaz Rahi has completed its tenure and Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal has been elected as the new president of APPAC.
APPAC urged the Pakistani community to be active in the American political system.
APPAC’s annual gala and fundraising event, which was held at a private hotel in Long Island, began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Later, the national anthems of America and Pakistan were played. The event was moderated by senior journalist Ayza Irfan. APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmad and outgoing President Imtiaz Rahi welcomed the participants and the guests on their arrival.
They said that APPAC has achieved many successes in a short period of seven years, which is the result of our joint efforts.
The ceremony was attended by political, social and business figures of the Pakistani American community, as well as APPAC board members.
Congressman Tom Souzzi, head of the Pakistani Caucus in the US Congress, Muslim Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, Senator Saud Anwar from Connecticut, and Pakistani Consul General Amir Ahmed Atuzai participated as special guests.
Addressing the participants, Senator Tom Souzzi said that America does not believe in any kind of discrimination among people, including religion, nationality or color and race. “My Pakistani friends are very talented and I need them,” he said.
Speaking on the occasion, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar said that it may be difficult, but not impossible, to teach the younger generation that we as immigrants should remember our history and focus on how we can make our place in this society and the system here.
Consul General Aamir Ahmed Atuzai said that APPAC’s efforts to improve Pak-US relations are commendable.
APPAC’s Naheed Bhatti, Dr. Sadia Tahir, APPAC Youth Wing President Arsal Ijaz and all their colleagues also participated in the gala dinner. They said that APPAC has provided the best opportunity for Pakistanis to join the American political system.
Later, APPAC presented awards to its team members in recognition of their outstanding services, while at the end, Pakistan’s renowned singers Ustad Hamid Ali Khan, Shiraz Upal, and Hadi Upal performed with their melodious voices.
