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Author: World News

  • COPO dispatches relief goods to the earthquake victims of Turkey, Syria via Turkish Airlines

    New York: The Council of People’s Organization (COPO) has dispatched a container of relief goods to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria through Turkish Airlines from US.

    The relief items include food items, warm clothes, blankets, shoes, medicines and surgical stuff.

    On this occasion, the head of COPO Muhammad Rizvi said that the New York Police Department’s  Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) and other organizations have been participating in all the activities.

    Muhammad Rizvi and officers of the Muslim Officers’ Society of the New York Police were also present on the occasion of the loading of trucks.

    The post COPO dispatches relief goods to the earthquake victims of Turkey, Syria via Turkish Airlines first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • New York: Pakistani-American Student injured after being hit by School Bus

    Web Desk:

    Pakistani-American student got injured in an accident when a school bus driver hit him on his way home.

    Sixteen-year-old  Zaeem student in Grade 11th at Edward R. Murrow High School in Brooklyn was going back home from school, Suddenly a school bus hit him after breaching the stop sign near Ocean Parkway and Avenue M.

    The incident has been filed in the 66th precinct. Zaeem said in a statement that after the collision, the bus driver asked him if he was Jewish, and after refusal, he fled from the scene.

    Zaeem, who was injured in the accident, is being treated at a local hospital.

    The post New York: Pakistani-American Student injured after being hit by School Bus first appeared on VOSA.

  • MOS steps up to help the victims of devastating earthquake in Turkiye

    New York: After conducting large scale relief activities in Flood-battered Pakistan, the New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) has now stepped up to help earthquake victims in Turkiye.

    Muslim officers of the New York police have started collecting aid for for the people affected by recent earthquake that jolted Turkiye.

    Aid supplies will be sent to Turkiye soon.
    MOS will help the families of those who died in the devastating earthquake in Turkiye and the injured and homeless.

    Citizens in different mosques of New York City and Long Island have started handing over warm clothes, blankets, medicines and other essential items including food items for children to the Muslim Officers Society to help the victims of the earthquake in Turkiye.

    When the MOS members arrived at the Islamic Center of Long Island, the president of the mosque, Habib Ahmed, and other board members actively participated in the loading of relief materials in the police truck.

    NYPD officers and MOS members are volunteering to collect the relief items from various mosques in the city and deliver them to the NYPD’s central warehouse, from where, in the next few days, this aid will be transferred to the containers and sent to the earthquake victims of Turkiye.

    A huge earthquake killed more thousands of people across a swathe of Turkey and northwest Syria, with freezing winter weather adding to the plight of the thousands left injured or homeless and hampering efforts to find survivors.

    As per Reuters, the magnitude 7.8 quake brought down whole apartment blocks in Turkish cities.

    The earthquake was the biggest recorded worldwide by the U.S. Geological Survey since a tremor in the remote South Atlantic in August 2021.

    In Turkey, Syria death toll surpasses 33,000 till Monday, the Disaster and Emergency Management Authority (AFAD) said, making it the country’s deadliest earthquake since a tremor of similar magnitude in 1999 devastated the heavily populated eastern Marmara Sea region near Istanbul, killing more than 17,000.

    Earlier, (MOS) also carried out relief work in the flood-hit Pakistan. The MOS dispatched relief container from US to Pakistan through air cargo on different occasions after the ruthless floods wrecked havoc in the South Asian Nuclear Muslim State.

    It has also built a number of new houses for the flood victims in Pakistan, and the construction phase is still underway, with full swing.

    The post MOS steps up to help the victims of devastating earthquake in Turkiye first appeared on VOSA.

  • Community Op Ed: Cannabis Justice for All

    Community Op Ed: Cannabis Justice for All

    By Eric Adams, New York City Mayor

    Legalizing cannabis was a major step forward for equity and justice in our city. But legalization is about following the new laws, not a free pass to sell unregulated cannabis products. 

    Over the last few months, illegal cannabis retailers have taken advantage of decriminalization efforts, with unlicensed smoke shops popping up all over the city. This “Wild West” attempt to gain market share will not be tolerated. New York City has changed the laws, but we intend to enforce them — fairly, equitably, and thoroughly.

    For many years, people of color in our communities were routinely targeted when it came to cannabis law enforcement. Cannabis criminalization was used to harass, arrest, and prosecute our brothers and sisters.

    Advocates rightly pushed for an end to these practices, and fought hard to put racial equity at the center of New York’s cannabis legalization

    efforts. Past convictions were automatically expunged or suppressed. People with past convictions for marijuana and their family members are being given priority for these licenses. 50 percent of licenses have been set aside for social and economic equity applicants.

    An open and democratic process resulted in the progress so many wanted to see — an end to the “war on drugs” mentality, the establishment of a safe and sanctioned cannabis industry for adults, and a pathway to restorative justice for those who were unfairly prosecuted in the past.

    Legal cannabis is expected to be a $1.3 billion industry that will create thousands of jobs and generate approximately $40 million per year in tax revenue for our city. And 40 percent of the tax revenues from legal cannabis will be invested back in the communities that were most harmed by prohibition.

    We have a moral obligation to make sure that the people who were adversely affected by marijuan criminalization get their fair share of this emerging market. That’s part of the mission of the new CannabisNYC Office. his is a city agency that will make New Yorkers aware of opportunities to participate in this industry, promote equity, and help applicants navigate the licensing process.

    In the last month, the first licensed cannabis dispensaries in our city have opened for business. One is owned by a not-for-profit that supports people living with H.I.V. and A.I.D.S., the other by a formerly incarcerated entrepreneur who received priority for a license because he is one of countless Black men who was harmed by the drug war in the 1990s.

    But these legitimate businesses are facing stiff competition from shops that are not following the rules. Instead of respect for the law, what we have seen recently is the proliferation of storefronts across New York City, selling unlicensed, unregulated untaxed cannabis products.

    Those who flout the cannabis tax laws and regulations are robbing the very communities that are finally on the cusp of benefiting from a just and equitable system.

    We cannot allow that.  We’re not going to take two steps back by letting illegal smoke shops take over this emerging market, especially when so many of them are selling unlawful and unlicensed products that could seriously harm consumers.

    It is time for the operation of illegal cannabis dispensaries to end.

    Sheriff Miranda and our partners at the N.Y.P.D. recently took direct action to counter this trend. Over a two-week enforcement blitz,  the Sheriff’s Office issued 566 violations and seized $4.1 million worth of product at 53 location

    And this week, the Manhattan District Attorney’s Office sent letters to approximately 400 unlicensed smoke shops in Manhattan. The letters state that the city will commence legal eviction proceedings against commercial tenants who are engaged in illegal business activity. That includes the unlicensed sale of cannabis, the sale of untaxed cigarettes, and the sale of adulterated products.  If owners and landlords fail to initiate timely eviction proceedings against these commercial tenants, the Sheriff’s Office will take over and pursue eviction proceedings.

    While we are not ruling out criminal prosecutions for tax evasion, money laundering, or the sale of cannabis to minors, the focus of this initiative at this time is civil enforcement. We want to give New York’s legal cannabis market a chance to thrive — and deliver on the vision of safety, equity and justice that advocates fought for so long.

    The post Community Op Ed: Cannabis Justice for All first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Mandatory mask requirement ends in NYC hospitals, nursing homes

    New York:  New York City authorities ended the mandatory mask requirement in the city’s hospitals, nursing homes and other medical facilities.

    Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James Macdonald said that the epidemic is not over but we are moving towards a change.

    The ban required masks for vaccinated or unvaccinated patients, staff and visitors, which has now been lifted.

    Acting State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said that the first case of Covid was reported in New York three years ago on March 1.

    Since then, the workers working in the medical centers of the state continued their work with consistency and bravery during the global outbreak and took care of masks and other necessary safety measures to protect themselves and the patients.

    Dr. James MacDonald said that the pandemic is not over but we are moving towards change.

    The post Mandatory mask requirement ends in NYC hospitals, nursing homes first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Tribute paid to General Musharraf for his services to Pakistan

    New York: A Prayer ceremony was held for the solvation of former President of Pakistan and Army Chief General Retired Pervez Musharraf in New York State.

    Hosted by General Musharraf’s close associate Arshad Khan, the ceremony was held at a local restaurant in New York .
    The event was moderated by Wakeel Ansari.

    Addressing the event, Arshad Khan said that the people who have been in power in Pakistan for decades would not have been able to stand up to America if they were in power at the time of 9/11, but General Musharraf took steps with great courage and strategy and Pakistan pulled out of this whole vortex.

    A large number of Pakistani community members including political and social figures participated in the ceremony.

    The participants expressed their views regarding General Musharraf’s tenure and his character.

    They said that General Musharraf was a philanthropist and had a personality that mingled with people.

    Whatever steps he took in his life are commendable.

    At the end of the ceremony, prayers were also offered for the salvation of General Musharraf.

    The participants of the event paid tribute to General Musharraf’s services and thanked him for making Pakistan an international brand.

    The post Tribute paid to General Musharraf for his services to Pakistan first appeared on VOSA.

  • APAG distributes warm clothes amongst hundreds of people as part of its winter drive

    The post APAG distributes warm clothes amongst hundreds of people as part of its winter drive first appeared on VOSA.

  • NYC cop’s parents robbed in Karachi

    Karachi: Parents of a New York police officer arrived in Karachi were robbed by unknown men in densely populated Liaqatabad neighbourhood.

    As per details, Fazal Karim, the father of a New York police officer, arrived in Karachi from America on the night of February 9 and 10 and was on his way home from the airport when his car was stopped in Liaquatabad.When the driver did not stop the vehicle, the suspects pretended to be government officials started checking the car, and fled with thousands of US dollars, mobile phones and other items.

    Fazal Karim arrived in Karachi along with his wife to attend the Dastarbandi of his second son and participate in Jamia Banuria Ceremony regarding completion of Bukhari Sharif.

    The suspects claimed themselves as government officials and asked to check the passport. During the search, thousands of US dollars, gold ornaments and other valuables were taken away.

    Fazal Kareem is an American National. He said that accused checked the passport and returned it and took his wife’s purse with them.

    Abdul Hameed, a teacher of Jamia Banuria, says that every year parents come from foreign countries for the certificate distribution ceremony, but no security is provided despite repeated requests.

    The police have registered a case and started investigating the incident.

    The post NYC cop’s parents robbed in Karachi first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Influx of asylum seekers, NYC faces unprecedented humanitarian crisis: Mayor Adams

    New York: New York City Mayor Eric Adams said that the City now faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and he extended section 2 of the Emergency Executive Order No. 326, dated February 4, 2023, for five (5) days, with effect from February 9, 2023.

    The administration is taking extraordinary measures to meet the immediate needs of asylum seekers.

    Emergency Executive Order 330, posted on New York City’s website said that over the past several months, thousands of asylum seekers have been arriving in New York City, from the Southern border, without having any immediate plans for the shelter.

    The City now faces an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that requires it to take extraordinary measures to meet the immediate needs of the asylum seekers while continuing to serve the tens of thousands of people who are currently using the DHS Shelter System.

    Additional reasons for requiring the measures continued in this Order are set forth in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022.

    The state of emergency based on the arrival of thousands of individuals and families seeking asylum, first declared in Emergency Executive Order No. 224, dated October 7, 2022, and extended most recently by Emergency Executive Order No. 326, dated February 4, 2023, remains in effect.

    The EEO 330 said “NOW, THEREFORE, pursuant to the powers vested in me by the laws of the State of New York and the City of New York, including but not limited to the New York Executive Law, the New York City Charter and the Administrative Code of the City of New York, and the common law authority to protect the public in the event of an emergency: Section 1. I hereby order that section 2 of Emergency Executive Order No. 326, dated February 4, 2023, is extended for five (5) days. § 2.  This Emergency Executive Order shall take effect immediately and shall remain in effect for five (5) days unless it is terminated or modified at an earlier date.”

    The post Influx of asylum seekers, NYC faces unprecedented humanitarian crisis: Mayor Adams first appeared on VOSA.

  • Rep. Bhojani Announces Religious Freedom Agenda

    ZAHID RANA

    Austin, TX – This morning, Representative Salman Bhojani (D – Euless) was joined by Representative Jacey Jetton (R – Richmond), several Democratic and Republican members, and religious leaders from different faith groups to unveil a bipartisan bill package titled, ‘The Religious Freedom Agenda’.

    The Religious Freedom Agenda includes multifaith bills that will expand the list of state optional holidays (HB 1882), prevent state-mandated tests from being scheduled on religious holy days (HB 1883), and establish marriage parity, so that anyone from any faith can be married by their religious leader (HB 1884).

    “As one of the first Muslims sworn into the Texas Legislature, it is so important to me that my first pieces of legislation work to safeguard protections for every faith. It’s our duty to ensure that Texas is the religious freedom state.” said Rep. Bhojani.

    “A state where we can pray in a church, synagogue, mosque, temple, jamatkhana or in a gurdwara. Where we can love God by ANY name,” Bhojani added.

    The post Rep. Bhojani Announces Religious Freedom Agenda first appeared on VOSA.

  • Suspect who shot at Pakistani-American police Cop in NYC arrested: Police

    New York: The New York Police Department claimed to have arrested a suspect who allegedly shot at Pakistani American off-duty police officer Adeed Fayyaz and fatally injured him in New York 2 days ago.

    The accused was arrested after forty-eight hours of continuous search.

    The 38-year-old suspect, identified as Randy Jones, fled to the Upstate area after the incident, where he was taken into custody.

    The accused has been arrested from Wester area. It has been reported that the police was continuously searching for the accused after the incident and he has been tracked and arrested in various ways.

    Suspect Randy Jones was handcuffed and taken back to Brooklyn.

    The suspected shooter has a lengthy criminal record, with 22 convictions on his rap sheet, including theft, harassment and strangulation.

    After the police officer was shot in the head during the robbery incident, the police started a large-scale search for the accused, after which the arrest was made.

    Two days ago, Pakistani American Police Officer Adeed Fayyaz went to Brooklyn, New York to buy a car during his off-duty hours, where the accused tried to target him and in this incident, the accused opened fire on the police officer, injuring him severely.

    The post Suspect who shot at Pakistani-American police Cop in NYC arrested: Police first appeared on VOSA.

  • Community Op Ed: Composting for All

    Community Op Ed: Composting for All

    By Eric Adams: New York City Mayor

    New Yorkers know that rats love trash bags full of food waste. And they know that I hate rats. This week, our Administration declared that Restaurant Week for rats in this City is finally over. 

    For too long, New Yorkers have had to bring their compost to neighborhood drop off sites, or deal with one-off collection programs that weren’t designed to reach everyone. This meant mountains of trash bags on our sidewalks, attracting rats day and night.

    New Yorkers have been saying loudly that they want a compost program across the City – they want the rat food out of the black bags and out of the landfills once and for all. For over twenty years, New York City has been trying to achieve citywide curbside composting that actually WORKS for everyone.

    We are finally getting it done. By the fall of next year, New Yorkers in all five boroughs will be able to put their yard waste and food scraps out on the curb year-round, in the simplest, easiest, most efficient curbside composting program ever.

    No more carrying your banana peels to neighborhood drop off sites or bagging up fall leaves to be thrown in the garbage. New Yorkers across all five boroughs will be able to compost kitchen scraps and yard waste every week on their recycling day. What could be more convenient for us, or more upsetting for the rats?

    Starting March 27 of this year, composting service will restart in Queens after a brief winter pause. It will never take a seasonal break again. On October 2, we will roll out a composting in all of Brooklyn, followed by service in Staten Island and the Bronx in March 2024.  And on October 7, 2024, we will expand composting to all of Manhattan, creating the largest citywide composting program in the country.

    This is a new, free, universal service for New Yorkers, andwe’re making it as easy and straightforward as possible. You can use our Brown Bin or your own bin – no more complicated rules. And you can compost everything from vegetable scraps to coffee grounds and chicken bones. We like to say, “If you cook it or you grow it, you can throw it.”

    Our pilot program in Queens kept nearly 13 million pounds of kitchen and yard waste out of our landfills in just three months. That’s more than the weight of 300 city busses! Imagine the impact when we expand that to 8.5 million New Yorkers across all five boroughs.

    This is about more than making life easier for families and homeowners – and worse for rats. It’s about improving our environment and quality of life across the board. New York City produces over a million tons of food waste every single year. Right now, we know that 1/3 of all material in our refuse stream is compostable material, which goes to landfill and decomposes over YEARS, releasing harmful methane gas.

    Instead, we’re going to capture and use that waste ourselves to make usable soil, biosolids, and renewable energy. Under this new program, some of the material will be composted at our facility on Staten Island and other places around the country; other material will be turned into usable natural gas and biosolids by the Department of Environmental Protection right in Brooklyn.

    And all of that compost can be used by New Yorkers to grow healthy food. The soil will return to our parks, planters, and personal gardens. People will be able to pick this up for free. And those who love gardening or growing urban farms can grow fresh, healthy food right here in New York City.

    I want to thank everyone who has made this possible, including the Queens residents who led the way, separating their compost and making the pilot program a success.

    We are making composting easy in every corner and in every neighborhood in New York City.

    This is huge win for cleanliness, a huge win for sustainability, and the environment we all share as New Yorkers. The only ones that lose are those rats.

    The post Community Op Ed: Composting for All first appeared on VOSA.

  • Pakistani American Think-tank holds Kashmir Day event to condemn Indian atrocities

    New York: Pakistani-American Think-tank organized a Kashmir Day event in New York to denounce the continued atrocities and human rights violations of the Indian government in the IOK, and to support the Kashmiris’ struggle for freedom and self-determination.

    Tahir Hanafi, a well-known poet from Pakistan, was the chief guest at the event that was held at a local restaurant in Brooklyn.

    Addressing the event, Tahir Hanafi said that Kashmir is the jugular vein of Pakistan.

    Pakistan-American thinks tank chief Raja Razak said that holding the G-20 conference in the occupied territory is a very wrong move.

    While the general secretary of the organization, Farida Bibi, said that Kashmir is a region which is called heaven, but due to Indian persecution, Kashmir is presenting a scene of hell.

    Kashmiri leader Sardar Sawar Khan and retired Colonel Maqbool Malik said that February 5th is celebrated all over the world to express solidarity with the Kashmiris and that the 220 million people of Pakistan, their wishes and efforts are with the Kashmiri people.

    The Sikh community participating in the event said that during the freedom struggle, Gandhiji, Nehru and other leaders made various promises to the Sikh community and other minority communities but they could not be fulfilled.

    The participants of the event expressed their solidarity with the Kashmiri people and described only Pakistan’s efforts regarding Kashmir’s freedom as insufficient, but the whole world should raise their voice regarding atrocities in Kashmir.

    The organizers of the event thanked the Chief Guest and other participants for attending the event.

    The post Pakistani American Think-tank holds Kashmir Day event to condemn Indian atrocities first appeared on VOSA.

  • APPAC holds Meet and Greet in honor of U.S Senator Cory Booker

    New York: American-Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) organized a ‘Meet and Greet’ in honor of US Senator Cory Brooker in Staten Island, New York.

    Speaking at the event, Cory Brooker said that he always feels happy with the Pakistani community.

    “Pakistani people have always given respect and support to me,” he said.

    The host committee of the event included Dr. Mazhar Malik, Sadia Malik Sheikh, Sara Malik Malhiban, Dr. Inam Haq, Dr. Fakhira Haq, Dr. Mahmood Alam and Asad Chaudhry.

    The National Anthem of Pakistan was also played at the beginning of the ceremony.

    A gift representing Pakistan’s  culture (Gilgit-Baltistan’s traditional cap) was also presented to US Senator on behalf of APPAC.

    APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed, New York Assemblyman Charles Fall, and former US Congressman Ed Towns also participated in the event.

    In the ceremony, the attack on New York Police officer Adeed Fayyaz and the tragedy of Peshawar were also condemned.

    The post APPAC holds Meet and Greet in honor of U.S Senator Cory Booker first appeared on VOSA.

  • PSNT bids farewell to Consul General Houston Abrar Hashmi

    Pakistan Society of North Texas (PSNT), held a prestigious farewell reception in honor of the Pakistani Consul General in Houston Abrar Hashmi in Dallas, Texas, in which a large number of social and business personalities of Dallas participated and paid tribute to Abrar Hashmi for his services.

    Administrated by PSNT Secretary General Abid Baig, the event began with the recitation of a few verses of the Holy Quran.

    On this occasion, special prayers and Fatiha were also recited for the forgiveness of former President of Pakistan General Pervez Musharraf, who breathed his last, the other day.

    Addressing the event, President PSNT Abid Malik thanked the attendees for their participation and said that Abrar Hashmi has excellent experience in diplomacy and his services as Consul General have been commendable.

    “I thank him on behalf of PSNT,” he said.

    Also he announced Salman Tabani as the next president of PSNT.

    “I had the full support of my committee during the presidency of PSNT, for which I am grateful to them,” and he also thanked the Pakistani community on this occasion.

    Speaking at this event, Consul General Houston Abrar Hashmi said that the government of Pakistan has appointed him as the ambassador of Nepal while assigning him new responsibilities.

    He vowed to perform his duties honestly and serve the community to the best of his ability. He said that he could never forget the love and respect shown by the Pakistani community living in Texas, especially in The Dalles.

    Pakistan-origin Texas State Representative Salman Bhojani along with his wife also participated in the event.

    On this occasion, Abrar Hashmi apprised the audience about the legislative process in the state of Texas and said that he is going to introduce three important bills, including the bill for holidays for all religious festivals of the minority community, Eid, Diwali etc. also included.

    “My doors are always open to the community,” he said. He is the first Pakistani-American to be elected to the Texas House.

    PSNT next president Salman Tabani while acknowledging the services of Consul General Houston Abrar Hashmi said that he has done great work for the community during this period not only in Dallas, but also in other states.

    “We hope to work with you again in the future,” he concluded.

    The post PSNT bids farewell to Consul General Houston Abrar Hashmi first appeared on VOSA.

  • Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was the “densest occupation” in history: Ambassador Munir Akram

    New York: Ambassador Munir Akram, the Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, said that despite India’s massive repression, the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir are continuing their heroic struggle for freedom and the exercise of the right to self-determination as prescribed by the UN Security Council resolutions.

    Ambassador Munir Akram briefed the OIC Contact group members on the current and ongoing situation in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

    The OIC Contact Group for Jammu and Kashmir at the United Nations held an informal meeting, hosted by Ambassador Munir Akram, to discuss collective efforts to promote the just and lasting resolution of Kashmir dispute.

    He further stated that IIOJ&K was the “densest occupation in history”. He underlined that despite India’s massive repression, the people of occupied Jammu and Kashmir are continuing their heroic struggle for freedom and the exercise of the right to self-determination as prescribed by the UN Security Council resolutions.

    In turn, Pakistan would continue to extend its diplomatic, moral, and political support to the legitimate Kashmiri struggle for self-determination and to end India’s illegal occupation and oppression.

    Ambassador Munir Akram thanked the members of the OIC Contact Group for the participation in the meeting and support for the Kasshmir cause.

    Earlier in the day, the Ambassadors from OIC Member States participated in the virtual commemoration organized by the Pakistan Mission to observe Kashmir solidarity Day.

    Those who expressed their solidarity with the Kashmiri people included Ambassador Abdulaziz Alwasil, Permanent Representative of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, who said that “diplomatic and political solution for the Jammu and Kashmir conflict is the only way to resolve this dispute”; Ambassador Yashar Aliyev, Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan, who said that “Azerbaijan will continue its active engagement in work of the Contact Group with a firm conviction that peace and security will soon be established in the region”, and Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioğlu, Permanent Representative of Turkiye, who expressed “solidarity with our Kashmiri brothers and sisters in their quest to find a just comprehensive and lasting solution.”

    The post Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir was the “densest occupation” in history: Ambassador Munir Akram first appeared on VOSA.

  • Over 400 accused involved in land grabbing, yet to get punishment from Karachi courts

    By Farhan Rajput

    KARACHI: More than 400 accused involved in some 110 cases including the illegal occupation of government land could not be punished so far, through the court of law as most of the accused have been released on bail.

    According to the details, mafias have seized the land worth billions of rupees of Karachi Development Authority (KDA), Malir Development Authority (MDA) and Board of Revenue and deprived hundreds of citizens of their life long savings.

    Despite the presence and actions of anti-encroachment police and other law enforcement agencies in Karachi, the land mafia has not been brought to justice.

    The anti-encroachment police registered more than 80 cases last year. In the first month of this year, a number of cases have also been registered against the occupation of land worth billions of rupees by KDA, MDA and Board of Revenue.

    The case was transferred to the special anti-encroachment court in Karachi. After which the number of such cases under hearing in the court has increased to 110.

    The number of accused involved in the said cases is more than 400 as the Sindh prosecution has not been able to punish the accused involved behind this crime.

    The accused have secured freedom on bail by hiring highly paid lawyers, including politicians and other land grabbers.

    According to records, the anti-encroachment police have registered two cases against PTI leader Haleem Adil Sheikh and his 11 associates for occupying 40 acres and 25 acres of land in Mangopir area.

    The police have also imposed provisions on Haleem Adil Shaikh for illegally building a housing society on 25 acres of occupied land.

    Similarly, a case has been filed against Ali Hasan Brohi and six of his associates, which is being heard in the relevant court.

    The police arrested Azim Marri, Aleemuddin alias Mulla and Akbar Chandio, Gul Sher and others in a case of similar nature. The accused have developed a network to occupy the government lands and the accused have also determined the procedure for the occupation of the government lands.

    Land mafia operatives burn the bushes one by one before demarcating the plots and some of the operatives clear the bushes with an ax after which plots are made in different sizes. They erect walls with giving written numbers.

    Speaking to Voice of South Asia, Special Counsel Board of Revenue Senior Counsel Ahmed Pirzada said that the cases against the occupations of MDA, KDA and Board of Revenue lands are established only in the complaint of the officers of the relevant institutions. But, unfortunately no accused has been punished.

    A senior lawyer says that the court will give the sentence only when the case is made according to law and the plaintiffs follow the cases effectively.

    Experts advised that before investing their hard earned money in property, people should get information from the relevant institutions before making any investment.

    The post Over 400 accused involved in land grabbing, yet to get punishment from Karachi courts first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PACOLI pays tribute to Peshawar Mosque tragedy victims, holds candlelight vigil

    New York: Pakistani-American Community of Long Island (PACOLI) organized a prayer ceremony in memory of recent Peshawar mosque tragedy victims in New York State.

    The prayer event participants including the officials and community members of PACOLI expressed solidarity with the heirs, and also expressed their heartfelt regret over the incident.

    Over a hundred Muslims were killed when a suicide bomb ripped through the Peshawar Peshawar Police Line Masjid a few days back, that left the entire nation in state of fear and shock.

    The prayer ceremony began with recitation of a few verses of the Holy Quran by PACOLI Director Muhammad Ali.

    Addressing the participants of the event, Qamar Bashir, the founder of PACOLI said that terrorism is a global problem, all countries are affected by it.

    PACOLI President Azra Dar strongly condemned the terrorist attack on worshipers in a holy place like a mosque. “This attack is the height of brutality. We pray for the forgiveness of the martyrs and patience for the bereaved families,” she said.
    PACOLI General Secretary Atiq Qadri also condemned the incident and paid tribute to the martyrs.

    Senior Vice President of PACOLI Dr. Ijaz ul Hasan, said “no matter how much can be said about this sad incident, our heart cries tears of blood, we want to ask the concerned authorities to take strict security measures to prevent the loss of innocent human lives.”

    On this occasion, Comptroller PACOLI Salman Sheikh said that all Pakistanis living in America have been deeply shocked by this incident and we all share the grief of the bereaved.

    “We request the government of Pakistan to give severe punishment to the elements involved in the incident,” he sais.

    In the prayer ceremony, the participants were carrying placards and banners of condemnation.
    A minute’s silence was observed in the ceremony against the incident.

    Candles were lit in the memory of the martyrs and the state institutions were demanded to take full action against the terrorists.

    The post PACOLI pays tribute to Peshawar Mosque tragedy victims, holds candlelight vigil first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Community Op Ed: A Working People’s Agenda

    By Eric Adams, NYC Mayor

    Last week, inQueens — the borough I grew up in — I reported to New Yorkers on the state of our city. I outlined what we’ve accomplished in the year since I took office, and my vision for the future. We are going to build a city for working people, one that is more affordable, safer, cleaner, and more livable.

    We focused on four essential pillars: jobs, safety, housing, and care.

    Because without a strong working class, this city cannot survive.

    Working people need good jobs and pathways to get those jobs. And those jobs need to be able to support a home for New Yorkers and their families.

    That is why we are reimagining our workforce system, connecting 30,000 New Yorkers to apprenticeships through a new Apprenticeship Accelerator. It’s also why we are creating the jobs for the future, through our first of its kind biotech start up incubator that will be home to the next generation of transformative companies, and our Kips Bay life sciences hub, which will help create jobs and train New Yorkers for high demand careers in the life sciences, healthcare, and public health.

    And we are ensuring that more city dollars go to minority and women-owned businesses as well as creating a new Nursing Education Initiative to support 30,000 current and aspiring nurses over the next five years.

    And while we are finally seeing crime begin to decline in New York City, we must continue to make our streets safe, and it starts with getting New York City’s Most Wanted off our streets.

    We are going to get the roughly 1,700 known offenders responsible for a disproportionate amount of the city’s violent crime off the streets.

    And we are going to keep our streets safe by holding reckless drivers accountable. We are going to go to Albany to get legislation passed that increases the penalties for serious crashes, running red lights, and impaired driving.

    Our city cannot be livable unless it is clean and sustainable. So we are investing millions to make our city cleaner and greener.

    Last year we launched the country’s largest curbside composting program in Queens in order to Get Stuff Clean, and by the end of 2024, composting will be citywide and year-round. We are electrifying our city vehicles, and we have reached a deal with Uber and Lyft to have a zero emissions fleet by 2030.

    And we are going to build on the success of our Open Streets and Open Restaurants programs by creating permanent community spaces in each borough.

    We must have homes for working people. We are working to add 500,000 more homes across all five boroughs—so that everyone has an affordable place to live.  We are going to build in every borough and every neighborhood. And that means creating housing in areas that currently only allow manufacturing and office uses while protecting good jobs in the center of our city’s economy. We are going to make Midtown Manhattan a true live-work community. And we are building  more housing in high-opportunity neighborhoods and near transit hubs. I recently announced plans for 6,000 new homes and 10,000 new jobs around four new metro stations in the Bronx. And at Willets Point we’re working to build the largest new 100 percent affordable housing development in 40 years — that’s 2,500 new, affordable homes for New Yorkers.

    Building new houses is essential for our future, but we also need to address the housing crisis today. So we are going to protect tenants and help New Yorkers stay in their homes by investing over $22 million in tenant protection programs.

    We must also ensure that the social safety net is there for working people, so we are expanding it; making it easier for New Yorkers to access public benefits and healthcare. This is an agenda for working people.

    As we pursue these programs, we want to keep New Yorkers up to date on the very latest. That’s why we’re launching a new initiative to talk directly to New Yorkers about the issues you care most about.

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  • From education to healthcare, APAG comes up with multiple community development initiatives in 2022

    New York: The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) organized multiple community development programs in the year 2022 from the provision of better education to healthcare,  from uplifting community members in the United States to conducting relief and rehabilitation activities in flood-hit Pakistan.

    The APPAG’s community development initiatives include food drives, scholarship programs, parades, and flood relief and rehabilitation activities for Pakistan.

    APAG hosted the first-ever Pakistani flag hoisting ceremony at Bowling Green Park, Manhattan in August.

    The event was attended by Mayor Eric Adams, Consul General of Pakistan in New York Ayesha Ali, NYC Commissioner of Immigrant Affairs Manuel Castro, and other officials.

    NYC’s 38th annual Pakistan Day Parade was also held in August.

    APAG also collaborated with New York Police Department (NYPD’s) Muslim Officers Society (MOS) to help flood victims in Pakistan.

    The organization also introduced a first-of-its-kind scholarship, the Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah Scholarship, to guide and support Pakistani-American students.

    In November, APAG along with the Consulate General of Pakistan in New York organized the Kashmir Black Day event, in which the participants censured Indian troops’ atrocities on the innocent Kashmiris and the  human rights violations being committed in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IOK).

    At the end of last year, APAG’s care group organized an annual holiday ‘Toy drive’ in partnership with the NYC Mayor’s Office for Immigrants.

    In this drive, toys were distributed to newly arrived immigrant children at the Red Cross Navigation Center.

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  • Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Fest NYC showcases region’s natural beauty, cultural diversity

    New York: The Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Fest in New York showcased the region’s natural beauty, lofty mountains, lush green fields, diverse culture, history, people, and above all its untapped tourism potential.

    Gilgit-Baltistan is known to be the most attractive and picturesque region located in the extreme north of Pakistan. Much of its natural beauty, and tourism potential is still untapped.

    Thanks to Sony Watan Gilgit-Baltistan (NYC) USA for organizing a magnificent yet colorful event titled ‘the Gilgit-Baltistan Cultural Fest’ at Queens Boulevard, Forest Hill, in the bustling city of New York.

    Raja Nasir Ali Minister of Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan asked the people across the world to visit Pakistan’s northern region of Gilgit Baltistan and witness the natural beauty, peace, and cultural diversity. He also hailed the cultural services of Naseem Gilgiti in US for the last many many years.

    Besides G-Bians, people from other communities, US officials, etc. thronged to the venue and were amazed by GB’s traditional, yet peaceful songs and folk music, presented on this occasion in traditional attire.  The guests were also given gifts of traditional hats and awards.

    The festival was organized by Naseem Gilgiti, Chairman of Sony Watan Gilgit-Baltistan USA, and his team.

    The event started with a recitation of a few verses of the Holy Quran, followed by the national anthems of the USA and Pakistan.

    Sony Watan Gilgit-Baltistan USA Chairman Muhammad Naseem Gilgiti told the audience that the nature loving people across the globe to visit Gilgit-Baltistan – the true beauty of Pakistan.

    Another official Sher Ali presented the welcome speech and appreciated the arrival of the guests.

    A documentary film was also shown on the dedicated screen to make the audience aware of the beautiful valleys, waterfalls, high mountains and natural beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan.

    Mr. Tim of Grace Community thanked for inviting himself and praised the role of Gilgit-Baltistanis in the development of America.

    Secretary Tourism Gilgit Asifullah Khan drew a picture of the beauty of Gilgit-Baltistan in such a way that the audience gave him a standing ovation.

    The musicians presented a traditional folk dance of the region in Burushaski, one of the regional languages, which was well received by the audience.

    Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana, President of Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) of New York Police Department (NYPD), expressed his happiness to be a part of the event.

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  • New York City will require Uber and LYFT to go 100 percent electric by 2030

    Web Desk:

    According to the national media, New York City has a new climate plan to cut its carbon footprint that includes major rideshare changes.

    All New York City Uber and Lyft rideshare vehicles must go fully electric by 2030, Mayor Eric Adams announced during his State of the City address last week.

    Adams said that would mean zero emissions for over 100,000 vehicles on the city’s streets. He claimed that both companies are embracing the shift.

    Both Uber and Lyft have already begun efforts to incentivize their workers to switch to electric vehicles.

     “We are excited to partner with New York City on our journey,” Paul Augustine, director of sustainability at Lyft, said in a statement. “New York’s commitment will accelerate an equitable city-wide transition to electric, and we’re eager to collaborate with the TLC on an ambitious plan for a rideshare clean mile standard.”

    “We applaud the Mayor’s ambition for reducing emissions, an important goal we share,” Josh Gold, senior director of policy at Uber, said in a statement. “Uber has been making real progress to become the first zero-emissions mobility platform in North America, and there’s much more to do.”

    The city is currently working towards electrifying its fleet of vehicles. As of last September, 4,000 vehicles in the city fleet have been switched to electric vehicles.

    “Uber and Lyft will be required to have a zero-emissions fleet by 2030. That’s zero emissions for over 100,000 vehicles on our city streets. And it will be achieved with no new costs for individual drivers,” Adams said in his address.

    Adams will likely implement the plan through the Taxi and Limousine Commission, which manages the city’s rideshare industry, including Uber and Lyft.

    New York City isn’t the only place in the country that has mandated all Uber and Lyft vehicles to be 100 percent electric. In 2021, the state of California adopted a new rule that required rideshare companies to make their entire fleets electric by 2030.

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  • MTA ends free Wi-Fi service from NYC Buses

    Web Desk:

    According to the national media, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) shut off its free Wi-Fi service on 4,266 city buses earlier this month.

    The announcement came at an MTA board meeting that took place Monday. The transit agency says the program is rarely used and costs millions of dollars a year to run.

    “The bottom line is, we had the service out there for several years…folks were not using it,” said Janno Lieber, CEO of the MTA.

    MTA officials say that only 1.5% of local bus passengers and 4.5% of express bus passengers system-wide used the Wi-Fi service.

    According to the agency, just fewer than 5% of riders used the free Wi-Fi on express buses. On local buses, only 1.5% of passengers were using the service.

    The MTA says it will be saving $3.3 million annually now that it has ended the program. Free Wi-Fi service will continue in the subway system.

    Since the MTA rolled out the buses with Wi-Fi in 2016, 75% of its fleet has offered the service.

    Free Wi-Fi on the subway remains in place, an MTA spokesperson confirmed.

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  • Travel Adventure Show NYC showcases Pakistan’s tourism  potential, natural beauty

    New York: Travel Adventure Show 2023 in New York has also showcased the untapped  travel and tourism, and investment opportunities in Pakistan.

    The magnificent two-day show was held  at the famous Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in Manhattan, New York.

    In the program, stalls were set up by different countries for the promotion of tourism. People showed great interest in the Pakistani stalls.

    The Pakistani stall in the show was inaugurated by the Pakistani Ambassador to US Masood Khan, Advisor to the Prime Minister Aun Chaudhry and Minister of Tourism of Gilgit-Baltistan Nasir Khan by cutting the ribbon.

    The Ambassador of Pakistan and other guests were welcomed in traditional Pakistani attire.

    The staff at the Pakistani stall introduced Pakistan’s culture to the visitors of different countries who took special interest.

    Meanwhile, a grand ceremony was held at the Pakistani Consulate to promote tourism in Pakistan.
    The event started with the recitation of Holy Quran, while the attendees were informed about the history and heritage of Pakistan.

    Ambassador Masood Khan said that the purpose of today’s ceremony is to tell the world that Pakistan is rich in natural beauty but also a safe country for tourism.

    Minister of Tourism Gilgit-Baltistan Nasir Ali appreciated the organization of the event and assured cooperation to solve the problems faced by the tourists.

    Ayesha Ali, the Pakistani Consul General posted in New York, expressed her views and assured all kinds of cooperation for the promotion of tourism in Pakistan.

    Pakistan is a suitable country for tourism while many authors have written their works on its natural beauty.

    The purpose of participating in the Travel Adventure Show in America was to draw the attention of other countries to the tourist destinations of Pakistan.

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  • NYPD’s MOS constructs new houses for the flood victims in Pakistan

    New York: The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) has built a number of new houses for the flood victims in Pakistan, and the construction phase is underway, with full swing.

    Sain Dad, a village predominated by the Rind tribe in Kandiaro region of Sindh’s District Naushahro Feroze was hit by the ruthless floods five months back. However, now life is slowly returning to normalcy.

    Ali Nawaz,49, is one of the worst victims to pay a heavy price of climate change in the Sain Dad village, as the floods washed away his home, leaving his extended family homeless and helpless.
    Eventually, he was left with no choice, but to move his family to the port city of Karachi. Indeed, it was a painful migration.

    But, thanks to MOS for its generous humanitarian work. It has constructed a new house for Nawaz’s family and they are back from Karachi.

    Nawaz’s wife informed that when the New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers’ Society started reconstruction of houses in this flood-affected village of Kandiaro, her family was overwhelmed with joy.

    Ali Nawaz Rind said after the construction of a new house, the flood-affected family is very happy and prays for the Muslim Officers Society.

    Muslim officers’ Society’s delegation comprised Sagheer Ahmed, Nauman Malik and Sergeant Moinuddin Qureshi visited the flood-affected districts of Sindh two and a half months ago under the leadership of MOS President Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana.

    They visited the victims in their respective villages in Pakistan.

    Meanwhile, in a video message, Adeel Rana said the possible help is now visible on ground in the form of construction of new houses.

    Adeel Rana expressed his happiness and   reiterated his commitment that the Muslim Officers Society will continue to do whatever is possible to help the flood victims of Pakistan.

    Financed by the Muslim Officers Society, he said the construction phase of more new houses with quality materials, is going on, rapidly in Kandiaro.

    MOS President  said that as soon as the construction phase is completed, the organization will begin rehabilitation of the victims.
    The humanitarian work and rashan distribution activity will also begin in the Muslim holy Month of Ramadan.

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  • As many as 34 Statewide Deaths Reported on January 25: Governor Kathy Hochul

    New York: Governor Kathy Hochul has updated New Yorkers on the state’s progress in combating COVID-19, and outlined basic steps they can take to protect against the spread of viral respiratory infections that become more common in the winter season.

    “I urge all New Yorkers to remain vigilant and continue to use all available tools to keep themselves, their loved ones and their communities safe and healthy,” Governor Hochul said. “Be sure to stay up to date on vaccine doses, and test before gatherings or travel. If you test positive, talk to your doctor about potential treatment options.”

    According details available on NYC’s website, the Governor Hochul is urging New Yorkers to take common prevention measures — like staying up to date on vaccines and practicing proper hygiene — to protect from the flu and COVID-19 and reduce the patient burden on local hospitals. The Governor reiterated these basic steps when she updated New Yorkers on the state’s winter health preparedness efforts last month.

    Recently, the New York State Department of Health announced that the XBB.1.5. a variant is now the most dominant strain in New York, accounting for more than 50 percent of COVID-19 infections statewide. Emerging at a time when both COVID-19 and flu cases remain high, early data indicates that XBB.1.5. is more transmissible than other circulating variants, though there is not yet clear evidence of significant changes to virulence or severity of disease.

    The New York State Department of Health’s weekly flu surveillance report for the week ending January 14, shows influenza remaining widespread throughout the state for a fifteenth consecutive week, with a total of 300,907 positive cases across all 62 counties reported to date. The report found that confirmed cases statewide dropped 50 percent, while overall hospitalizations were down 52 percent from the previous week, with the week, at 798 hospitalizations across the state.

    Additionally, there were 13 outbreaks in acute care and long-term care facilities, the report determined. There were two additional pediatric deaths, leaving the total at eight statewide.

    With flu season continuing and infections remaining widespread, Governor Hochul encourages all New Yorkers to get their annual flu vaccine. The flu virus and the virus that causes COVID-19 are both circulating, so getting vaccinated against both is the best way to stay healthy and to avoid added stress to the health care system.

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  • Virginia family in US sentenced for human trafficking of Pakistani woman

    VIRGINIA: A family in the US state of Virginia was sentenced by a federal court on Tuesday for committing forced labor of a Pakistani woman for 12 years.

    Defendants callously exploited the victim’s vulnerabilities and brutally coerced her labor,

    The federal court in Richmond, Virginia sentenced Zahida Aman, 80, to 12 years in prison; Mohammed Rehan Chaudhri, 48, to 10 years behind bars; and Mohammad Nauman Chaudhri, 55, to five years in prison, according to AA.COM.

    Aman and Rehan Chaudhri were further ordered to pay the victim, who was not publicly identified, $250,000 for back wages and other financial losses.

    The defendants were found guilty by a jury in May of conspiracy to commit forced labor. Aman was separately found guilty of forced labor and document servitude while Rehan Chaudhri was found guilty of forced labor.

    Aman was accused of arranging her son’s marriage to the victim in 2002, and keeping the victim in the Virginia home alongside the other defendants even after the husband left the household in order for her to serve the household as a domestic servant.

    “These defendants callously exploited the victim’s vulnerabilities and brutally coerced her labor through physical violence and emotional abuse,” Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke of the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division said in a statement.

    “Human trafficking is an affront to human rights and to our nation’s core values. The Department of Justice is committed to vindicating the rights of survivors and bringing human traffickers to justice.”

    Prosecutors said the family physically and verbally abused the victim, and forbode her from communicating with her family in Pakistan. In one particularly gruesome incident, prosecutors said the family hog tied the victim and dragged her down a set of stairs in front of her children.

    They further confiscated her passport, and money, prohibited her from speaking to anyone outside the family, and threatened to separate her from her children by deporting her to Pakistan, according to the Justice Department.

    The Justice Department said that Aman, Rehan and Nauman were convicted following a seven-day trial in May of last year. The jury had declared the three of conspiracy to commit forced labour, convicted two of the defendants of forced labour and convicted Aman of document servitude.

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  • Flu cases decline by half, New York Health Officials

    Web Desk:

    According to Spectrum Local News, confirmed influenza cases in New York have declined by 50%, though state health officials on Monday urged people to remain cautious as the virus remains widespread.

    Flu cases have declined from 14,656 to 7,373 cases in the week ending Jan. 14, the fifth consecutive week of decline. Hospitalizations have also dropped by a similar percentage, 52%, to 798 people.

    Still, public health officials have warned the flu season this year remains a potent one. Officials have warned of a “tridemic” of the flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV.

    State health officials urged New Yorkers to still get vaccinated for influenza if they have not done so already to reduce the chances of a severe illness.

    All told, 300,907 flu cases have been reported to date this season in New York. Long-term care and acute-care facilities have reported 13 new outbreaks of flu this month, bringing the to-date total this season to 457.

    There have been eight pediatric deaths in New York. Nationally, there have been 17,000 deaths attributed to the flu this season, including 85 associated with children, according to Department of Health data.

    Health officials said people can consider wearing a mask, especially for those experiencing symptoms, or for those who are living with and caring for people who are at heightened risk of a severe illness. No mask requirement has been issued by state officials.

    Health officials also recommend hand washing, staying home when sick, and avoiding close contact with people when they are ill.

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  • Gun Violence is on rise in New York City’s Teenagers

    Web Desk:

    According to the national media, a look at gun violence in New York City shows a concerning pattern when it comes to kids. An NYPD assistant commissioner is sounding off about what he says is the cause of a disturbing pattern of rising gun violence among teenagers.

    According to the reports, 64 minors were shot across the city in 2019. In 2020, the number nearly doubled to 125, then increased again in 2021 and 2022. There have been 149 shooting victims under 18 this year, as of Dec. 18, according to Police Department data. That’s notably higher than the number in 2021 when 138 children were shot. In 2017, when gun violence hit historic lows, 75 shooting victims were children.

    According to the police department, this year about one in every 10 New Yorkers struck by a bullet was a child, and at least 16 died.

    The annual number of people under 18 shot across the city has more than doubled since 2019, and the number of kids committing shootings is also on the rise.

    According to the data provided by the Police Department, 105 people under 18 were charged in shootings through the end of September, compared with 102 in all of 2021

    Experts say that the pandemic’s upheaval in school and home lives, the proliferation of guns, and the economic devastation of low-income communities over the past three years are some of the main reasons for the increase in gun violence among teenagers.

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  • New York City homeless filling up the John F. Kennedy Airport

    Web Desk:

    According to the national media, the number of homeless living inside JFK Airport in Queens is rising.

    A flight attendant told FOX 5 NY that a popular destination for the homeless is the walkway between the air train and Terminal 5 because it is heated. On a cold winter’s day, you can find anywhere from 5-10 individuals taking shelter.

    Staff believes that people are taking the subway to Jamaica Station, and using the Air Train to get inside the airport, which is a public place, meaning security can’t kick the unhoused out.

    While some people said they never feel unsafe by the presence of the homeless, female flight attendants arriving and departing in the early or late hours said they feel unsafe every day.

    Only when the homeless become violent can staff call Port Authority Police. The Port Authority tells FOX 5 NY that it coordinates with the non-profit Urban Pathways, tasked with providing outreach, offering at-risk New Yorkers housing, services, and support.

    For now, JFK Airport remains an option for the growing number of homeless in New York City. The number of un-housed single adults is now 117% higher than it was 10 years ago, according to the Coalition for the Homeless.

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