IRVING, TEXAS: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) Texas hosted a major community unity and networking event at the Wyndham Hotel near DFW Airport in Irving, Texas, bringing together elected officials, business leaders, investors, professionals, and prominent members of the North Texas community.
The event celebrated two important themes: strengthening unity among the diverse communities of North Texas and recognizing Pakistan’s proud contribution to the global game of football through the production of world-class footballs for the international market.
The gathering attracted an impressive representation of North Texas leadership, including six DFW-area mayors, approximately 10 city council members, two Texas state representatives, county commissioners, economic-development leaders, investors focused on North Dallas, and approximately 150 local VIPs and community leaders.
One of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of footballs made in Pakistan to the attending elected officials and dignitaries.
Chairman of APPAC Texas Nadeem Akhtar personally presented the footballs to the dignitaries as a symbol of friendship between the American and Pakistani communities and recognition of Pakistan’s important place in the global sporting-goods industry.
APPAC Texas created an environment where elected officials, entrepreneurs, investors, professionals and community members could meet one another, exchange ideas and develop relationships.
Community members had the opportunity to interact directly with mayors, council members, state representatives, commissioners and business leaders in an informal and welcoming setting.
The event also provided an opportunity for North Texas leaders to learn more about the growing Pakistani-American community and its contributions to business, healthcare, technology, education, professional services, entrepreneurship and civic life.
APPAC Texas believed that meaningful community engagement begins when people from different backgrounds come together, communicate and build lasting relationships.
“This event was about bringing communities together,” said Nadeem Akhtar, Chairman of APPAC Texas.
“We wanted our elected officials, investors, business leaders and community members to meet one another personally. At the same time, we were proud to recognize Pakistan’s contribution to the world of football by presenting our distinguished guests with footballs made in Pakistan. Sports can bring nations and communities together, and that spirit of unity was at the heart of this evening.”
The presence of leaders representing different cities and levels of government demonstrated the increasingly important role that Pakistani Americans play in the civic, professional and economic landscape of the Dallas–Fort Worth region.
Another important objective of the gathering was to encourage economic development and business networking across North Texas.
Investors and entrepreneurs had opportunities to connect with elected officials and community leaders, discuss the continued growth of North Dallas and the broader DFW region, and explore ways that businesses and communities can work together to create jobs, investment and economic opportunity.
APPAC Texas viewed these relationships as an important part of its mission: creating bridges between the Pakistani-American community, elected leadership and the wider American community.
