Co-chairs of the Congressional US-Pakistan Caucus Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) with PAKPAC leaders.

Massive Day for PAKPAC on Capitol Hill

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Co-chairs of the Congressional US-Pakistan Caucus Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) with PAKPAC leaders.

Co-chairs of the Congressional US-Pakistan Caucus Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY) with PAKPAC leaders.

 

Last week, Pakistani-American community leaders from across the nation gathered in Washington, DC, where they met with the offices of over 170 members of Congress.

In our discussions with the congressional offices we discussed the need to:

  • Put pressure on the government of Pakistan to release former Prime Minister Imran Khan from his illegal imprisonment.
  • Work with the government of Pakistan to support the average Pakistani by decreasing energy costs.
  • Improve American aid to Pakistan to ensure it has real impacts on the ground

Community members also met in the Capitol building with Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Congressman Tom Suozzi (D-NY), the bipartisan co-chairs of the House US-Pakistan Caucus.

(Top): Congressman Eric Swalwell (D-CA) giving remarks at the Pakistan Caucus’s Capitol Hill Reception in the House Armed Services Committee Hearing Room. (Right to left) Senator Bob Casey (D-PA) dropping by our pre Day on the Hill Advocacy Training and speaking with PAKPAC President Asad Malik and National Board Member Dr. Jalil Khan. Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) with National Board Member Naeem Ahmed and Sobia Shakeel. (Bottom) Congresswoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) speaking with PAKPAC National Board Members.

The Congressional US-Pakistan Caucus, which community members invited each Congressional office they met with to join, plays a vital role in advocating for policies that bolster Pakistani democracy and foster economic growth, regional stability, and advance US-Pakistan friendship.

We can’t wait to see how much the Congressional Pakistan Caucus will grow as a result of the dedication and hard work carried out by our community leaders.

If you weren’t able to attend yesterday, you can help strengthen our advocacy efforts by becoming a member! Click here to become a PAKPAC member.

[Top] PAKPAC community leaders with: Congressman Andy Harris (D-MD), [Middle] Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL), [Bottom] Congressman Tim Walberg (R-MI).

Remembering Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Remembering Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

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Remembering Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

Last week, Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (D-TX), who represented Central Houston in the House of Representatives, passed away after a battle with pancreatic cancer. Congresswoman Jackson Lee was one of the longest-serving Democrats in the House.

One of PAKPAC’s close allies in the House, Congresswoman Jackson Lee, was co-chair of the Congressional Pakistan Caucus which she relaunched at PAKPAC’s 2019 Bipartisan Congressional Iftar, and was a fierce advocate for the Pakistani-American community in Congress.

She was fearless at all times, always speaking the truth and gracefully and dignifiedly representing the people of Houston. The long serving Congresswoman left a legacy of advocating for civil rights legislation. Her legacy and dedication to public service will live on.

We will remember Congresswoman Jackson Lee for her invaluable service to our community. Our thoughts are with her family and staff.

See how your member of Congress voted on H.Res.901

See how your member of Congress voted on H.Res.901

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See how your member of Congress voted on H.Res.901

H.Res.901 passed on Tuesday 368-7. Only 7 members of Congress voted against the legislation while 56 members of Congress did not vote either because they were unable to make the vote or because they did not want to vote on the legislation.

See how your member of Congress voted on this important legislation here.

House Passes H.Res.901 - "Expressing support for human rights and democracy in Pakistan"

House Passes H.Res.901 – “Expressing support for human rights and democracy in Pakistan”

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House Passes H.Res.901 - "Expressing support for human rights and democracy in Pakistan"

On Tuesday, Congress voted 368-7 to pass H.Res.901 “Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan” which calls for a “full and independent investigation” of Pakistan’s election and “condemns attempts to suppress the people of Pakistan’s participation in their democracy” through “harassment, intimidation, violence, arbitrary detention.”

The massive victory was the culmination of decades of work by PAKPAC to raise the Pakistani-American community’s voice on Capital Hill. Throughout the halls of Washington and Islamabad, the voice of the Pakistani-American community was heard loud and clear and it is thanks to your hard work, activism, and support.

Read the PAKPAC National Board’s Statement below:

Read the PAKPAC National Board's Statement below:

Welcoming PAKPAC's New President-Elect Dr. Uzma Rehman Ali

Welcoming PAKPAC’s New President-Elect Dr. Uzma Rehman Ali

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Welcoming PAKPAC's New President-Elect Dr. Uzma Rehman Ali

We are honored to announce the ascension of Dr. Uzma Rehman Ali, who currently serves as National Board Secretary, to President-Elect of the PAKPAC National Board!

Dr Uzma Rehman Ali is a board certified Orthopedic Hand surgeon and practices in the Metro Detroit area. Within her practice she is also involved in the education of the next generation of orthopedic surgeons. She previously served as President of the PAKPAC Michigan Chapter.

She lives in Troy Michigan with her husband, Azhar, and 3 children.

Dr. Ali will step into her new role as President in January 2025.

What's next for H.Res.901 after Passage in House Foreign Affairs Committee

What’s next for H.Res.901 after Passage in House Foreign Affairs Committee

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What's next for H.Res.901 after Passage in House Foreign Affairs Committee

As you may know, in March, H.Res.901 “Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan”, passed 50-0 within the House Foreign Relations Committee – a massive victory for supporters of human rights and free and fair Democracy in Pakistan and a testament to the tireless work of PAKPAC in cultivating strong relationships with the Foreign Affairs committee’s membership.

Now that the bill has passed committee it awaits passage by the House.

Rather than facing a massive vote on the house floor, the more likely way that the bill will be passed is through voice vote. In Congress, “the vast majority of actions decided by a voice vote” are ones for which “a strong or even overwhelming majority favors one side,” or even unanimous consent. Because the House Foreign Affairs Committee voted 50-0 for this legislation and thanks to the resolution’s uncontroversial nature and bipartisan support this is a likely potential route that the resolution’s passage could take.

Once it is passed, resolutions do not require the approval of the Senate nor the signature of the president. When the house passes the bill we will have finished the process and the House of Representatives support for Pakistani democracy will be codified on the record.

Indiana Pak Pac

Welcoming PAKPAC’s New Indiana Chapter

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Indiana Pak Pac

The Indiana Pakistani-American community has long played an outsized role in cultivating friendships between our community and members of the Indiana Congressional delegation.

Today we are beyond excited to announce that the Indiana Pakistani-American community is taking their advocacy to the next level with the creation of the Indiana PAKPAC Chapter.

The PAKPAC Indiana chapter was instrumental in securing the sponsorship of Congressman Jim Baird (R-IN) for House Resolution 901 (Expressing Support for Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan) and we are beyond grateful for their advocacy.

Thanks in part to work from our Indiana members PAKPAC also maintains close relationships with key Indiana Congressional leaders like rising Republican star Congressman Jim Banks (R-IN), Congressman Frank Mrvan (R-IN), Congresswoman Victoria Spartz (R-IN), and Congressman Andre Carson (D-IN).

The Executive Board of the Indiana Chapter includes the following community leaders. We thank them for the hard work and leadership that went into creating the chapter.

President – Dr. Sobia Shakeel 
Vice President – Shakeel Khan 
General Secretary – Ahmer Murad 
Treasurer – Azeem Niazi 
Director of Outreach – Dr Shakeel Ahmed

Congratulations Indiana Chapter members, your hard work has paid off and we can’t wait to see all that you can accomplish!

Interested in starting a PAKPAC chapter in your state? Email info@pakpacusa.org to get the ball rolling.

House Foreign Affairs Committee votes 50-0 to protect Pakistani Democracy

House Foreign Affairs Committee votes 50-0 to protect Pakistani Democracy

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House Foreign Affairs Committee votes 50-0 to protect Pakistani Democracy

Yesterday H.Res.901, Expressing Support for Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan, received its roll call vote in the House Foreign Relations Committee and passed 50-0. Currently the bill has 102 cosponsors.

Thank you to all PAKPAC members and members of the Pakistani-American community alike who called or wrote their Congressman and or attended our Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill. Your hard work is paying off and the bills passing in the House Foreign Relations Committee and the massive amount of cosponsors we’ve amassed is testament to these efforts.

We are excited for the bill to make its way to the House floor for a vote and will keep you updated as the bill continues to make progress.

View our statement here.

Over 100 Cosponsors on H.Res.901 - Expressing Support for Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan

Over 100 Cosponsors on H.Res.901 – Expressing Support for Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan

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Over 100 Cosponsors on H.Res.901 - Expressing Support for Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan

Yesterday H.Res.901 – Expressing Support for Human Rights and Democracy in Pakistan surpassed one hundred cosponsors. 

Thank you to all PAKPAC members and members of the Pakistani-American community alike who called or wrote their Congressman and or attended our Day of Advocacy on Capitol Hill. Your hard work is paying off and the massive amount of cosponsors we’ve amassed is testament to these efforts.

We are excited for the bill to make its way to the House floor for a vote and will keep you updated as the bill progresses through the House.

Dallas Chapter Event Recap with Mayor John Huffman

Dallas Chapter Event Recap with Mayor John Huffman

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Dallas Chapter Event Recap with Mayor John Huffman

PAKPAC’s Dallas Chapter had the honor of hosting Southlake Mayor John Huffman, primary candidate for the 26th Congressional District in Texas. This massively successful fundraiser was hosted by Dr. Sunbal Zafar and Irfan Chaudhry!

Attendees heard from Mayor Huffman about the work he has done as mayor and his vision for the future as a Congressman. Attendees also got to participate in a question and answer session with the Congressman where they were able to ask him questions about US-Pakistan relations, the recent Pakistan election, his policies, and more.

Identifying rising stars like Mayor Huffman and establishing relationships with them before they even reach office is a key part of PAKPAC‘s mission and it is hard work like this which has helped us build our massive roster of allies in Congress.

Thank you to all the PAKPAC Dallas chapter members and to all members of the Executive Committee for tirelessly working to make this event a huge success!