NEWYORK: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee organized its annual fundraising gala NEW York which was attended by a large number of community members and political figures.
APPAC organized the event in Long Island, New York. The event was an important opportunity for the Pakistani community, with the aim of strengthening the representation of the Pakistani people in American politics and discussing issues of social justice. The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran by Dr. Mahmood Alam.
The national anthems of the United States and Pakistan were played. The event was moderated by Dr. Rizwan Naeem.
Video messages from American officials were also shown on the occasion. The keynote speaker of the event was Congressman Andre Carson. He expressed his views on the rights of American Muslims, provision of justice and public service and assured his support for the community.
APPAC President Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal described the reasons for the establishment of the organization, its goals and objectives, and its journey to success.
Addressing the participants, Chairman APPAC Dr. Ijaz Ahmed said that we are not only building a representation in the US, but we are also building a bridge between Pakistan and the US.
He said that they were providing opportunities and creating a legacy. He said that we are building a future that our future generations will proudly inherit with us.
Representatives of the newly elected Mayor of New York City Zohran Mamdani, Congressman Tom Suozzi, American officials and other important personalities also attended the event and expressed their views.
The first Muslim and Pakistani-born elected member of the New Jersey State Assembly Shama Haider, Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, and others said that the Pakistani community has become an integral part of the America, and that is why the power of the community and their political influence are being recognized.
The speakers pledged that they would further strengthen the growing voice of Muslims in American politics.
Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar also presented certificates of appreciation to the APPAC team.
The event was also attended by Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States, Rizwan Saeed, and Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Aamir Ahmed Atuzai.
Addressing participants, Rizwan Saeed said that he has been observing the APPAC for the past eight years and congratulate it from the bottom of my heart for such bold endeavor.
Aamir Ahmed Atuzai said that APPAC has become a powerful platform for empowering Pakistani Americans politically, civically, and socially.
Addressing the event, APPAC board members Naheed Bhatti and Dr. Sadia Tahir said that when the organization was founded, one of its biggest visions and missions was to empower youth through encouragement, education, and movement, so that they could become the leaders of tomorrow.
They said that under the leadership of Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, they were working to strengthen the foundation of APPAC so that we can bring Pakistani Americans together at one place and prepare our next generation to join the political process of the country.
APPAC Youth President Arsal Ijaz officially announced the nomination of Ali Malik as the new president of the youth wing and said that he thank all for giving him the opportunity to serve for the last two years. He expressed hope that Ali will take this movement further.
The newly elected president of APEC Youth Wing Ali Malik addressed the participants and thanked everyone.
At the end of the ceremony, APEC also gave awards to people for their services.
Earlier, a program was organized regarding youth awareness in which Bushra Amiwalla, a US Congressional candidate from Chicago, Illinois, Aisha Farooqui from Michigan, Karishma Manzoor, the first Muslim candidate for the US Senate from New Hampshire, and other speakers informed the youth about the importance of participating in American politics. The participants also answered the questions of the youth.
The aim of this gala was not only to shed light on the problems of the Pakistani community but also to raise funds for this community so that it could play a full role in various social and political issues. At the end of the program, participants enjoyed the music.
