The Pakistani community in New York gathered for a momentous event organized by the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC). The event was presided over by APPAC President, Dr. Parvez Iqbal, with key dignitaries and prominent community leaders in attendance, including Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Chaudhry Akram, Nahid Bhatti, Asad Chaudhry, Soni Dastgir, Mohsin Shah, Advocate Ansari, Dr. Faraz, Atiq Qadri, Zaman Afridi, Tahira Dean, Dr. Hassan Dogar, Awon Naqvi, Humayun Shabir, Rahila Islam, Ruby Malik, Rashid Ansari, Nawab Din, Dr. Safdar Chaudhry, Badar Bhatti, Haroon Ramey, Dr. Bashir Akhtar Zahir Mehr, Chaudhry Farooq Wadach, Shafqat Tanveer, Atif ur Rahman, Jabran Akram, and many other esteemed figures.
The event commenced with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of the United States and Pakistan. Advocate Ansari performed the duties of the Master of Ceremonies.
Dr. Parvez Iqbal, in his speech, warmly welcomed all community leaders, emphasizing the remarkable bravery and resilience displayed by the Pakistani nation, particularly its armed forces, in the face of Indian aggression. He praised the efforts of Pakistan’s military in safeguarding national sovereignty, thwarting India’s destabilizing intentions. Dr. Iqbal acknowledged the invaluable contributions of President Trump, Vice President J.D. Vines, and Secretary of State Marco Rubio, highlighting their timely efforts in supporting Pakistan’s cause.
Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, Chairman of APPAC, also saluted Pakistan’s national and military leadership, commending the courage of the armed forces in defending the country. He highlighted the leadership role played by President Trump and his administration in facilitating global peace efforts, and reiterated Pakistan’s commitment to achieving sustainable peace in the region. He stressed the importance of diplomatic engagement to ensure regional stability.
Consul General Amir Ahmad Atozai expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all representatives of Pakistani-American organizations for standing in solidarity with Pakistan during challenging times, playing a vital role as ambassadors for the nation. He urged the community to raise awareness among the American public about Pakistan’s peace initiatives and to counteract Indian propaganda.
The ceremony also honored the courage and valor of Pakistan’s armed forces, with participants expressing unwavering support for the military in defending the country’s sovereignty. Community leaders commended the role of Pakistan’s military in ensuring national and international security.
The event concluded with the cutting of a celebratory cake by Consul General Amir Atozai, Dr. Ijaz, Dr. Parvez Iqbal, and other leaders. The venue was filled with chants of “Long Live Pakistan” and “Salute to the Pakistan Army,” reflecting the collective spirit of unity and pride within the Pakistani-American community.
