Web Desk:
Pakistani-Americans holding senior positions in public and elected offices were honored at an Iftar dinner hosted by Pakistan’s Consul General in New York, Ayesha Ali.
The event was attended by New Jersey Assemblywoman Shama Haider, senior advisor to NYC Mayor, Ahsan Chughtai, Pakistani police officers serving in NYPD, and social, political, and business personalities of the Pakistani-American Community. The ceremony began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.
Consul General Ayesha Ali said the number of Pakistani-Americans in public and elected offices continued to increase last year, while 2022 has been a year of “firsts”, among them, Ahsan Chughtai, senior advisor to New York City Mayor; Assemblywomen Shama Haider and Sadaf Jaffer, and Zahid Quraishi, the first US federal judge, and many others.
Ayesha Ali called them “role models” for the next generation and thanked them for their contributions to filling the gap between Pak-US relations.
The Consul General said a strong community was the real foundation of a strong Pakistan-US partnership. “I thank you for your service and for being the tremendous role models that you are. Thank you for all you do for Pakistan”, she added.
Participants said that we should encourage our women to participate in political and social activities. We need to take appropriate steps to ensure the representation of Muslims especially the Pakistani community in the government.
A special dua for the solidarity and integrity of Pakistan and the well-being of the people was offered at the end of the ceremony.
Consul General thanked Assembly Women Shama Haider, Ahsan Chughtai, and others for attending the Iftar dinner.