NEWYORK: US Congressman Tom Suozzi has acknowledged Pakistan’s sacrifices in the war against terrorism, saying that Pakistan has been the country most severely affected by terrorism.
He was speaking at a ‘meet-and-greet’ event held at the residence of Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Chairman of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) in New York.
The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), which is at the forefront of encouraging the Pakistani-American community to engage in the political and electoral process, organized a ‘meet-and-greet’ in honor of Congressman Tom Suozzi, who also serves as a co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus.
Dr. Ijaz Ahmed welcomed Congressman Suozzi. He also described the recent demise of Tariq Khan, a founding member of organization’s board, as an irreparable loss.
Participants gave Tom Suozzi a warm welcome and presented him with bouquets. During the event, Dr. Hadi, President of the APPAC Political Action Committee, praised Tariq Khan’s community services and offered prayers for him.
A large number of prominent figures from the political, social, and business circles of the Pakistani-American community attended the ‘meet-and-greet.’
Addressing the participants, Congressman Tom Suozzi identified terrorism as a grave issue.
He clarified that while the United States does not support military interference in Pakistan’s government or politics, it is essential for the military of any nuclear-armed nation to remain strong and stable.
He emphasized the need to ensure secure investment environments and suggested that improvements within the civilian government are necessary to foster development in the economic, agricultural, and tourism sectors.
To a question, Tom Suozzi said that their adversaries cannot defeat them in the economic or military arenas; instead, they perceive our diversity and freedom as weaknesses.
He said that whether in the United States or Pakistan, there is a concerted effort to sow hatred and divide people through social media, a challenge that must be confronted.
President of APPAC Dr. Parvez Iqbal, along with board members Mirza Khawar Baig, Asad Chaudhry, and others, posed various questions to Tom Suozzi regarding the reconstruction of Gaza, U.S.-Pakistan relations, immigration issues, and the challenges faced by the Pakistani community.
Responding to the questions from the APPAC board members, Tom Suozzi expressed his support for the Abraham Accords.
He said that the United States, along with nations in Europe and the Muslim world, all desire the reconstruction of Gaza so that its people can reintegrate into the mainstream of life.
Earlier, Ali Malik, Arsal Ejaz, Arisa Ejaz, and others from the APPAC Youth Wing also shared their views.
During the ‘Meet and Greet’ event, Congressman Tom Suozzi identified inflation, illegal immigration, crime, and healthcare among other issues as significant concerns. He further said that he fully understands the issues facing the Pakistani community and pledged to work even more effectively if re-elected.
