In a landmark show of solidarity and inclusion, New York City Mayor Eric Adams hosted a high-level roundtable meeting with prominent Pakistani-American community leaders at City Hall. This gathering marked the largest such event between a NYC Mayor and the Pakistani-American community, underscoring the administration’s ongoing commitment to supporting immigrant communities across the five boroughs and the Tri-State area.
Among the distinguished attendees were Ahsia Badi, Executive Director of the NYC Children’s Cabinet, and Asif Rahman, Commissioner and Chief Administrative Law Judge at the Office of Administrative Trials and Hearings (OATH). Senior Pakistani-American NYPD officers, including Inspector Adeel Rana, Deputy Inspector Jahangir Ashraf, Waheed Akhtar, and Masbah Noor, were also present, reflecting the community’s growing leadership in public service.
The meeting brought together high-ranking officials from key city agencies, including the NYPD, Department of Finance, Department of Sanitation, Department of Health and Mental Hygiene (DOHMH), Taxi and Limousine Commission, Small Business Services, Mayor’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, and the Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) program.
“The Pakistani-American community is an integral part of New York City’s story,” said Mayor Adams. “From cultural vibrancy to public service, your contributions make our city stronger. My administration does not just make promises—we deliver results.”
Mayor Adams highlighted several historic milestones achieved under his leadership to empower the Pakistani and broader Muslim communities, including:
- The first-ever hoisting of the Pakistani flag in Manhattan
- Introduction of halal meals in public schools
- Allocation of prayer spaces in government offices
- Appointment of Pakistani-Americans to high-ranking city positions
- Approval for mosques to broadcast the call to prayer on loudspeakers
During the session, community leaders raised pressing concerns and presented recommendations related to the underreporting of Islamophobic incidents, halal food access, religious holiday awareness, language translation services, guidance for accessing government grants and contracts, and the expansion of halal food pantries.
Mayor Adams responded with concrete commitments, pledging to:
- Intensify efforts to combat Islamophobia and hate crimes
- Provide immigration-related information and legal resources
- Expand halal food access through partnerships with DOHMH
- Host resource fairs to assist Pakistani-Americans in accessing city-funded programs and business opportunities
The roundtable was moderated by Atiya Shehnaz, Muslim Women’s Liaison for the Mayor’s Office, who presented a comprehensive overview of initiatives led by the Adams administration in support of the Pakistani-American community.
In his closing remarks, Mayor Adams praised the social, educational, and economic achievements of the Pakistani-American community, calling them a “source of pride for New York City.” He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to enhancing community engagement, representation, and equitable service delivery.
