Afternoon Tea and Discussion with Senator Ben Cardin

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

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.

PAKPAC’s New Washington, DC Office

PAKPAC is proud to announce the opening of its new Washington, DC office.

Located just three blocks away from the US Capitol, PAKPAC intends to use this flagship address to take its long record of advocacy to the next level. From the breathtaking views of our new rooftop to conference facilities inside, we look forward to welcoming Pakistani American leaders from across the country to exciting programs in the months and years ahead.

Tele-townhall with Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick

Last night, over 40 Pakistani American leaders joined from over 15 states for an informative and inspirational discussion. Congressman Fitzpatrick is a proven Republican leader on the Foreign Affairs and Homeland Security committees.

The Senator spoke eloquently from the heart why he believes the President’s recent Executive Order on immigration “misses the mark”. He also made clear that he is committed to bipartisanship and civility. Most importantly, he observed that in his first month in Congress, he already sees the importance of communities and interest groups staying organized and speaking in one unified voice.

This was organized by PAKPAC as a free public service for the community. PAKPAC endeavors to not only provide the community access to key policymakers – but influence! During these trying times, the community must stay professionally engaged in the political process. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick and other key Democrats and Republicans are ready to be our champions.

Senator Jeff Flake (R-Arizona) Tele-Townhall

Updated: Jun 12, 2018

Last night, over 70 Pakistani American leaders from over 15 states joined for an informative and inspirational discussion. Senator Flake is a Republican leader on the Foreign Relations Committee the community should be honored to call a friend.

The Senator spoke eloquently from the heart why he finds the President’s recent Executive Order on immigration “unacceptable”. He also made clear that it is very possible the President may add Pakistan to a future list of countries. He shared a deeply personal story how his father in law’s life was saved after 11 hours of surgery by two Muslim immigrant physicians.

This was organized by PAKPAC as a free public service for the community. PAKPAC endeavors to not only provide the community access to key policymakers – but influence! During these trying times, the community must stay professionally engaged in the political process. Sen. Flake and other key Democrats and Republicans are ready to be our champions.

Informative and stimulating dinner discussion with Senator Maggie Hassan

After her first full month in Washington our new Senator Maggie Hassan joined my wife, Romana, and another Granite State Pakistani American couple, Tariq and Tanweer Rahman, for an informative and stimulating dinner discussion. She sits on the Homeland Security Committee and while we hoped to keep the discussion light, we could not help but turn to policy and politics.

Earlier in the month, Senator Hassan used her questions during the confirmation process of Secretary John Kelly to discuss ways the Department of Homeland Security can constructively engage Muslim Americans. She received a pledge from the new Secretary that he values the importance of this dialogue.

We also discussed how grateful we are that her senior Senator, Jeanne Shaheen, used her questioning during the confirmation hearing of Rex Tillerson his thoughts on a “Muslim ban” and “Muslim registry”. We are encouraged that our two Senators will embrace the Article 1 powers of the Constitution using maintaining checks and balances on the Executive Branch.

PAKPAC provides a platform where we can be advisers to our elected leaders. It is through PAKPAC that we not only have access, but that we have the most effective influence.

Congressman Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican leader on the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees and Congresswoman Grace Meng a New York Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, joined over 75 Pakistani American leaders from across 15 states today. Community leaders gathered in Washington to welcome the new Congress in what has become a biennial tradition for PAKPAC. The inspiring day included a community town hall where we discussed how a PAC functions and policies we can expect in the year ahead. The night concluded with bipartisan Senators and Congressmen visiting with community leaders for dinner and inspirational words about the importance of activism in these uncertain times.

PAKPAC Welcomes 115th Congress

Congressman Joe Wilson, a South Carolina Republican leader on the Foreign Affairs and Armed Services Committees and Congresswoman Grace Meng a New York Democrat on the Appropriations Committee, joined over 75 Pakistani American leaders from across 15 states today. Community leaders gathered in Washington to welcome the new Congress in what has become a biennial tradition for PAKPAC. The inspiring day included a community town hall where we discussed how a PAC functions and policies we can expect in the year ahead. The night concluded with bipartisan Senators and Congressmen visiting with community leaders for dinner and inspirational words about the importance of activism in these uncertain times.

Immigrant Heritage Month

PAKPAC was honored to take part in the third annual Immigrant Heritage Month activities in Washington. PAKPAC members were invited to a reception on Capitol Hill and a half day conference at the White House.

Immigrant Heritage Month – enacted by a resolution in the Congress -has celebrated the millions of stories that make up our nation’s interwoven narrative during a joyous, month-long celebration.

We are a nation of immigrants. Whether you are an immigrant from Pakistan or the child of an immigrant from Pakistan or you stand with Pakistani American immigrants, it’s on all of us to ensure that we continue to recognize the role immigrants continue to play at the core of this amazing country.