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

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

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

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

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

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!

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

Congress Speaks out on Elections in Pakistan

Over the past week numerous PAKPAC allies in Congress, along with key Committees and Committee Chairs have spoken out about irregularities with last weeks election in Pakistan. Thank you to all of our members who have painstakingly built relations with these members of Congress and educated them on Pakistan, your efforts are paying off as exemplified by the statements below.

Scroll down to see some of these statements. 

House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans:

House Foreign Affairs Committee Republicans:

Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA): 

Congresswoman Susan Wild (D-PA):

Congressman John James (R-MI):

Congressman John James (R-MI):

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA):

Congressman Ro Khanna (D-CA):

Congressman Bill Huezinga (R-MI):

Congressman Bill Huezinga (R-MI):

Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV):

Congressman Steven Horsford (D-NV):

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA):

Congressman Jim McGovern (D-MA)

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN):

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar (D-MN)

Congressman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX):

Congressman Jasmine Crockett (D-TX)

Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-MN):

Congresswoman Elissa Slotkin (D-MN)

Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-MI):

Congressman Joaquin Castro (D-MI)

Pakistani American

PAKPAC’s Statement on Pakistan Elections

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PAKPAC Calls on Biden Administration & Congress to Review Concerns about Interference in Pakistan’s Election, Announces 75 Congressional Co-Sponsors on Resolution regarding Democracy in Pakistan

Washington D.C. – The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) joins in the chorus of concerns of vote counting irregularities by the Pakistani Election officials to overturn the clear will of the Pakistani people.

As a demonstration of the growing support in the US Congress for democracy in Pakistan, PAKPAC is also announcing that its members have secured 80 cosponsors in the House of Representatives for H. Res. 901, “Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.”

The resolution affirms strong support for democracy in Pakistan, including free and fair elections reflecting the will of the people of Pakistan, and condemns attempts to suppress the people of Pakistan’s participation in their democracy, as well as any effort to subvert the political, electoral, or judicial processes of Pakistan. H. Res. 901, introduced by Rep. McCormick (R-GA) and Rep. Kildee (D-MI), urges Pakistan’s government to uphold democratic institutions, human rights, and the rule of law. The resolution also calls on the President and the Secretary of State to work with the government of Pakistan to ensure democracy and human rights are upheld.

Given the recent strong statements by House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Michael McCaul, Ranking Member Gregory Meeks, and other prominent lawmakers in support of Pakistani democracy, we urge the Biden Administration and Congress to look into strong concerns of vote counting irregularities and ballot tampering.

The discrepancy between the preliminary and final results raises serious concerns about the fairness of the elections and threatens the democratic principles we hold dear.  We urge the Biden Administration and Congress to advocate for transparency and accountability in Pakistan’s electoral process, supporting the people of Pakistan in their demand for a just electoral outcome.

PAKPAC

Clockwise left to right: PAKPAC members and Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), PAKPAC Georgia Chapter Vice President Munzir Naqvi and Sponsor of H.Res.901 Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) at PAKPAC's reception after the Day of Action, Syed Furqan Zaidi President of PAKPAC’s Maryland Chapter and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV), PAKPAC members and Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) at his Capitol hill office

Day of Action for Pakistan 2024 Recap

Clockwise left to right: PAKPAC members and Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), PAKPAC Georgia Chapter Vice President Munzir Naqvi and Sponsor of H.Res.901 Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) at PAKPAC's reception after the Day of Action, Syed Furqan Zaidi President of PAKPAC’s Maryland Chapter and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV), PAKPAC members and Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) at his Capitol hill office

Clockwise left to right: PAKPAC members and Congressman Jack Bergman (R-MI), PAKPAC Georgia Chapter Vice President Munzir Naqvi and Sponsor of H.Res.901 Congressman Rich McCormick (R-GA) at PAKPAC’s reception after the Day of Action, Syed Furqan Zaidi President of PAKPAC’s Maryland Chapter and Congresswoman Susie Lee (D-NV), PAKPAC members and Congressman Glenn Thompson (R-PA) at his Capitol hill office

 
On Wednesday, January 17th, 2024, despite a massive winter storm that cancelled flights and disrupted Capitol Hill along with DC’s roads and airports, more than 45 PAKPAC members from California to Connecticut travelled to Capitol Hill for our 2024 Day of Action for Pakistan to garner support for H.Res.901 “Expressing support for democracy and human rights in Pakistan.” 

Despite the challenges posed by the weather, our PAKPAC members visited more than 100 Congressional offices, engaging with both staff and representatives, bringing attention to the issues of democratic backsliding and the worsening human rights situation in Pakistan.

We extend our deepest appreciation to our community for their hard work and dedication and we can’t wait to see how many members of Congress sign on to this resolution as a result.

New Cosponsors for Pro-Pakistani Democracy Legislation H.Res.901

New Cosponsors for Pro-Pakistani Democracy Legislation H.Res.901

Pakistani-American community leaders from across the nation have been hard at work urging their members of Congress to support H.Res.901.

Since the bill was introduced late last month, the following member of Congress have signed onto the resolution:

New Cosponsors for Pro-Pakistani Democracy Legislation H.Res.901

Spring Internship Opportunities on Capitol Hill!

Spring Internship Opportunities on Capitol Hill!

Spring Internship Opportunities on Capitol Hill!

As we approach Spring 2024, Congressional Offices are beginning to take applications from highly motivated college students interested in learning about politics and the legislative process. These internships take place in Washington, DC, and involve working directly with members of Congress and their staff.

  • The Office of Congresswoman Jennifer McClellan (VA-04) is seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Press Intern to work in her Washington, DC office for the Spring 2024 term. This is a paid internship. To Apply: Visit https://mcclellan.house.gov/services/internships and complete the application form.
  • The Office of Congressman Kweisi Mfume (MD-07) is seeking to hire a motivated, detail-oriented, current college student or recent graduate wishing to gain Capitol Hill internship experience in an exciting Washington DC office.  Interested applicants should email a resume, a cover letter, and a writing sample in one PDF to MD07Resumes@mail.house.gov with “First Name Last Name – DCInternship” in the subject line.
  •  The Office of Congressman Matt Cartwright (PA-08) seeks motivated, detail-oriented, and energetic individuals for legislative internships in Washington, DC for the Spring 2023 semester. To apply for an internship in the Office of Congressman Cartwright, please submit an application, including a resume, cover letter, and a short writing sample at the following link: cartwright.house.gov/services/internships
  • New Mexico Senator Ben Ray Luján seeks interns for the spring in his Washington, DC office. This is a paid position.  Interested applicants should send a resume, cover letter, and the names and contact information of 2 references as one PDF attachment to internship@lujan.senate.gov
  • The Office of U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is looking for an individual who is interested in a full-time, Press Internship, starting in December. To apply: Please fill out the DC Press Internship Application which can be found HERE.
  • The Office of Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) is seeking hardworking, organized, and enthusiastic interns to assist staff with administrative and legislative work in the Washington D.C. office for the Spring of 2024. To apply for an internship with Congressman Evans, please fill out the internship application form on our website (evans.house.gov/services/internships)