NYC First Responder Kashif Hussain on The Tragic Event in New York City

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PAKPAC’s New Intern: Zoya Sattar

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Zoya Sattar is a sophomore at the Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland majoring in International Studies. Raised in Oklahoma, Zoya has a passion for Conflict Resolution. Growing up in such a conservative part of the country helped her realize the importance of bipartisan efforts and dialogue in making change happen. She aspires to focus in conflict resolution and become a diplomat to resolve the increasing global tensions in this rapidly changing world.

Hoping to focus on the Middle East and South Asia in terms of foreign policy, Zoya is currently learning Arabic, and brushing up her Urdu-speaking skills.

During her time at Johns Hopkins till now, Zoya has been a member of the Model United Nations team, the Awareness Director for the JHU Chapter of Nourish International, and the External Community Relations Chair for the Muslim Student Association Board. Through all of these positions, she hops to foster conversations on how we can all come together to work for a common goal.

Zoya is excited to intern with PAKPAC this semester and looks forward to empowering the community during these critical times.

PAKPAC ACTION ALERT: YOUR PRIVACY

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Social media surveillance by the Department of Homeland Security: What you need to know.

DNC Eid Celebration

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On Wednesday night, the Democratic National Committee hosted an Eid celebration. PAKPAC was honored to be invited and celebrate religious freedom and the diversity that makes America great. Over 100 community leaders representing Arab, Turkish and African American leaders joined this special night. Congressmen Keith Ellison and Andre Carson, both Muslim, spoke passionately and held private conversations with PAKPAC members.

Inspiring Tele-Townhall

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After spending almost six hours canvassing door to door, I came back to the office and sank into my chair, breathing a sigh of relief. The wall in front of me displayed a map of the targeted neighborhoods. Gigantic is an understatement to describe the mammoth that was our task at hand. As I stared at the map on the wall, I tuned out the fact that my legs burned, my body ached, and I had not drunk water in four hours; but I felt numb. In fact the fatigue provided a sense of fulfillment. This fulfillment is transcendent, incomparable and a feeling seldom experienced solely because it is attached to a personal belief or an application of altruism. I was first acquainted to this feeling when I was working on President Barack Obama’s reelection campaign as an Organizing Fellow.

I was reminded of this inspiring feeling once again on July 5th on a tele-townhall with over 30 national community members and Congressman Mark Takano (D-CA).

Rep. Takano has faced many battles and has exemplified perseverance throughout his life. Being the son of Japanese immigrants who were victim to discrimination and systematically oppressed by internment camps, Takano chose to make a difference. He devoted his life to Public Service and never looked back. The congressman is the first openly gay representative of color and his unapologetic candor sets inspiring precedent for the aspiring youth. As a young Pakistani American, Rep. Takano showcased for me the possibility of succeeding by making the odds work in your favor.

It is no secret that the current political climate has made young Pakistani Americans weary of who they are, where they are and what they believe in. These facts of life aren’t singular and it is important to remember that in order to dispel misconceptions and break free of labels we must not internalize but express and become active. We have a duty that was bestowed upon us by the nature of chance. Although we cannot control the actions of others, as a community we can control our reactions. As Rep. Takano devoted his life to government and public service even though the aforementioned republic oppressed his family, we have a compelling duty to do the same.

I implore my fellow Pakistani Americans to educate and to learn about the political process. Get out there. Get involved. Ignite a political passion in your local community.

Join PAKPAC this summer!

Mr. Ahsan Ali, New York

Remembering Nabra

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In these times, our hearts are heavy. We are a community in mourning. We have been in mourning for our allies as their communities have suffered the consequences of a racism that continues to be embedded in our social fabric. We are in mourning most recently for the crimes against our own community borne of that same racism that shows its face in the form of islamophobia against the innocence of a teenage girl during the holiest of months. When there should have been peace, there was instead violence. Where there should have been children, there is now tragedy. Our hearts grieve for Nabra Hassanen, who was murdered in Virginia on one of the last ten holy nights of Ramadan.

In times like this it’s easy to feel isolated. Fortunately, leaders in Congress have spoken out. As a community, we need to applaud Republican Congresswoman Barbara Comstock and Democratic Congressman Don Beyer. Immediately after this awful tragedy they released public statements and personally assured their Muslim American constituents about their commitment to support us.

Even if you are not from Virginia, we must applaud and thank our federal elected officials who have given their support. It’s crucial that our pain and our needs as a community are recognized as a first step to preventing tragedies like this in the future. Please take three minutes to send a quick note to thank our congressmen and congresswomen and ask that they encourage their fellow members of Congress to take a stand.

Here’s a sample thank you for you to start off with:

Dear Representative,
I am a Pakistani American (parent/teenager/recent college grad/etc) living in (HOMETOWN).
I just wanted to drop you a quick note to thank you for your leadership issuing a statement after the tragic death of Nabra Hassanen. This awful crime affected my family and me in a very personal way. Your words instantly and publicly denouncing this crime do make a difference. Please encourage your colleagues on Capitol Hill to engage with Muslim Americans.
We love this country and love the Constitution. We value the wisdom the great Virginian Thomas Jefferson who wrote, “I am for freedom of religion and against all maneuvers to bring about a legal ascendancy of one sect over another.”
Thank you for your commitment to religious liberty and engaging with our community during these troubling times.

You can email Congresswoman Comstock and send Congressman Don Meyer a message through Facebook.

Photo by Deena Elmaghrabi, Standing Against Violence: National Vigil #JusticeForNabra, Union Square, New York City

Historic Bi-Partisan Congressional Iftar

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With a full moon and unseasonably cool temperatures, 115 community members traveled from across the United States to celebrate their faith and demonstrate their patriotism on the night of June 8th. They joined Democratic and Republican Congressional leaders for an unforgettable Iftar on the rooftop of the new PAKPAC Capitol Hill office.

This is an historic time for our nation. For the first time in a generation, the White House decided not to host an Iftar. Decisions much more significant than this being made in Washington will affect all Americans.

We must engage in the political process rather than be spectators. PAKPAC is a unique community organization. Our members are at the front lines of educating Congressional leaders. You have a voice. Congress is a co-equal branch of government according to the US Constitution. Turn on the TV today and you will see the power of just one Senator in a committee hearing.

Last Thursday, we celebrated our Constitution. We awarded Champions of Religious Liberty who are eager to work with, learn from and champion the community during these critical times. Democrats and Republicans in Congress are working with PAKPAC, but we need your participation.

To quote one of our champions, Congressman Mike Quigley, “it is more important now than ever to unite around our differences rather than let them divide us further.

Political Organizing Seminar and Discussion with Congressman Mike Turner

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On Sunday afternoon, over 80 community leaders from across Central Ohio joined Congressman Mike Turner for an informative and memorable Grassroots Organizing Summit. The event was organized by PAKPAC board member Dr. Rao Kamran Ali and his wife, Saneela, in Mansfield.

In December 2015, just days after the tragedy in San Bernadino, PAKPAC began working with Congressman Turner, a Republican leader on the Armed Services and Intelligence Committees.

PAKPAC works with key leaders in Congress who demonstrate a keen understanding of the nuances of national security and a willingness to advocate for Pakistani American concerns at the highest levels of Washington.

Congressman Turner eloquently summarized our work, “Your country needs you. You have an expertise that I need and my colleagues need.”

Afternoon Tea and Discussion with Senator Ben Cardin

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100 days into the new Trump administration, PAKPAC leaders and members joined Senator Ben Cardin for an afternoon with tea. Senator Cardin (D-MD) is a ranking senator on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, a position previously held by Vice President Joe Biden. He convinced President Obama to visit a masjid, making him the first president ever to do so.

In a vibrant and informative dialogue, Senator Cardin spoke about the need to strengthen our nation’s civil liberties as well as developing better informed policies with Pakistan. Besides speaking on these crucial topics, PAKPAC members had the opportunity to ask about foreign policy, climate change, countering islamophobia, and even about importing Pakistani mangoes.

Want to learn how to develop a strategic and influential relationship with legislators? Learn more about PAKPAC here and why PACs offer an opportunity to bring a unified voice so our issues as Pakistani-Americans are heard and represented in our government.

PAKPAC Introduces its Young Professionals Advisory Council

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PAKPAC is committed to multi-generational leadership and is proud to announce the expansion of its Advisory Council to include talented young professionals from around the country.

PAKPAC believes that it is the responsibility of established diaspora organizations to provide the young professionals with opportunities to polish their skill sets which will allow them to become impactful leaders of tomorrow.

In a unique manner, PAKPAC has effectively created a platform for young professionals to truly take control of the decisions of the organization and in strategically planning for the future.

The PAKPAC board firmly believes that by including the young professionals in the organization’s strategy and leadership, it empowers them to have a voice in the very decisions of the community that affect them the most.

The young professionals are the face of our community, the heart of our community and the soul of our community.