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Author: World News

  • Good news for Punjabi music lovers in NYC as Babbu Maan set to perform live, on July 30.

     

    New York: Good news for the music-loving Punjabi-speaking population in New York, as the famed singer Tejinder Singh Maan, popularly known as, Babbu Maan is all set to perform at a musical show in the Colden Center, on July 30.

    As per details, Babbu Maan has arrived in the United States. The musical show is being hosted by Natasha Sharma and Harry Manchanda.

    The main audience of Babbu Mann is the Punjabi-speaking population of the world.

    Since 1999, Babbu Mann has released eight studio albums and six compiled albums. He has also made several Punjabi films.

    Babbu Maan has not only made a special place in the hearts of the country but worldwide. He has given the Punjabi music industry some amazing songs which one cannot ignore.

    He is actor, music director, lyricist, screenwriter, producer, and what not.

    The music lovers – eagerly waiting for his performance may approach the Ticketmaster or Natasha Sharma to attend the fun-filled musical show being hosted by the Glitz event in New York.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Court bars non-citizens from voting in NYC polls

    New York: A local court in New York has struck down a law that had allowed the non-citizens living in New York to vote in the local elections

    However, the fresh ruling of the court has been challenged promptly by the republicans, terming it as an ‘unconstitutional move’.

    “There is no statutory ability for the City of New York to issue inconsistent laws permitting non-citizens to vote and exceed the authority granted to it by the New York State Constitution,” the state supreme court said in the decision.

    “Though voting is a right that so many citizens take for granted, the City of New York cannot ‘obviate’ the restrictions imposed by the Constitution,” it added.

    A lower court judge struck down a recent law that granted the right to vote in local elections to New York City’s estimated nearly 0.8 million strong non-citizen population.

    In January last, New York became the largest city in the US and voting rights were granted to the noncitizens. The law’s supporters said it gave an electoral voice to many people who have made a home in the city and pay taxes to it but face tough paths to citizenship.

    New York GOP Chair Nick Langworthy and several Republican elected officials said the law violated provisions in the state constitution and state election law that specifically confer voting rights on citizens.

    “This is a disappointing court ruling for people who value bringing in thousands more New Yorkers into the democratic process,” the city Law Department said in a statement.

    The agency had argued that the state Constitution leaves room for the city to make rules about its own elections, and that the law would help ensure that local officials are representative of the population.

    Meanwhile, Alabama, Colorado and Florida have in recent years adopted rules that would preempt any attempts to pass laws like the one in New York City. Arizona and North Dakota already had prohibitions on the books.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • New York police in action against vehicles with fake number plates

    New York: New York police is now in action against cars bearing fake number plates and VINs.

    It has been reported that a number of drivers and car owners in order to avoid toll taxes have placed in their cars fake number plates.

    NYC state police have initiated a crackdown and have taken into custody as many as 50 such vehicles. 14 stolen vehicles with fake registrations have also been confiscated by the authorities. A 2019 model Alfa Romeo car is among such stolen cars. Alfa Romeo was stolen from Florida last year. However, in the fresh crackdown, the police confiscated this car with a fake number plate and VIN.

     

    MTA New York operates seven toll bridges and two toll tunnels. It also upgraded the cashless tolling system by installing cameras and scanners at different points.

    Toll Bill collection is made from the vehicle drivers through E-ZPass or courier service. Authorizes in New York have issued tens of thousands of tickets.  Thousands of vehicles have also been confiscated for avoiding toll tax through various tactics such as hiding number plates with special covers to dodge the scanners.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Show fest hosts a clourful rewind music show in New Jersey          

    NEW JERSEY: Show fest hosted a rewind music show in New Jersey wherein the famous Indian singers Uddit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu sang their timeless and evergreen classic songs of 1990s.

    The show fest proved once again to be a colorful music show full of songs and music, while the audience listened to the live performances of their favorite singers in the concert.

    The timeless melodies of the past of the evergreen artists made the audience sway, and amused. Uddit Narayan, Alka Yagnik and Kumar Sanu captivated the audience through their performances. They graced the rewind show with timeless music and a string of unforgettable songs.

    Led by Show Fest, and Atiq Sheikh, the event was well attended by people from far and wide.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Ex-Information Minister AJK given warm reception on arrival in New York.

    By FAHEEM MIAN

    New York: Former Information Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Mushtaq Minhas has appealed to the Pakistani community in New York to convene meetings with the American politicians and keep the issue of Occupied Kashmir alive.

    He said this while addressing a reception given in his honor by the President of Pak-American Think Tank Raja Razzaq, and Leader of the Muslim League-N Boston Irfan Chaudhry at a local restaurant in Brooklyn, on Mushtaq’s arrival in New York.

    Prominent members of the community including political and social personalities also participated in the reception.

    Talking to reporters, Mushtaq Minhas said that Occupied Kashmir is not just a border dispute between India and Pakistan but a matter of human rights. It is the responsibility of the Pakistani and Kashmiri communities living in the United States to present the case of Kashmir in every political and international forum.

    On this occasion, Irfan Chaudhry and Raja Razzaq said that the service rendered by Mushtaq Minhas to the people of Azad Kashmir by entering politics will always be remembered.

    The participants openly discussed the current political situation in Pakistan, the Kashmir issue, and the upcoming elections, while the Overseas Pakistani and Kashmiri community shared their suggestions with Mushtaq Minhas so that they could convey them to the US government.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • US is a country of immigrants, and immigrants are its future: US Senator

    By FAHEEM MIAN

    New York: US Senator Charles Chuck Schumer said he believes that everyone should have full religious freedom and protection of places of worship.

    He was addressing the ‘meet and greet’ reception given in his honor by the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) at a local restaurant in Queens, New York.

    Addressing the participants, Senator Chuck Schumer said that the United States is a country of immigrants and immigrants are the future of this country. “You all must work for yourself, for the new generations of yours, and for the development of this city and the country,” Schumer said.

    Earlier, APAG directors introduced their team and guests.

    Speaking on the occasion, Ali Rashid, President of APAG, urged the community that: “tomorrow is Election Day, all of you should exercise your right and choose better representatives.”

    “Without active participation in the political system here, we have nothing for ourselves,” he said.

    On the occasion, Assemblyman David Weprin, Councilwoman Linda Lee expressed their views, saying that their relationship with the Pakistani community and APAG is nothing new. They vowed to work together since they live together in US hence the resolution of issues is in their mutual interests.

    Participants also questioned Senator Chuck Schumer on a range of topics, including gun violence, hate crime, and Islamophobia.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • “Jashn-e Dr. Noor Amrohvi” held in Dallas

    DALLAS: Poets from different states within the U.S and abroad including Pakistan came together at an international poetry festival held in Dallas, Texas to pay honor to Dr. Noor Amrohvi for his valued poetic services.

    Various literary organizations organized the prestigious event named “Jashn-e Dr. Noor Amrohvi” in honor of Dr. Noor Amrohvi, a well-known poet from Dallas.

    Urdu poets from different states of the United States including Pakistan, India, and the United Arab Emirates participated.

    The purpose of the event was to pay homage to Dr. Noor Amrohvi for his invaluable services to Urdu literature.

    The special guest of the function was Dr. Shamsa Qureshi and Abbas Tabish presided over the session, while Shah Alam Siddiqui performed the duties of a host.

    Among the guest poets were Khalid Masood, a well-known comedian from Pakistan, Manzar Bhopali from India, Fatima Zahra Jabeen from Canada, Nilofer Abbasi, a well-known Pakistani television artist, Professor Hamad Khan from New York, Ghazanfar Hashmi from Houston and Ahmad Shah Ghazali, and Dr. Yassin was from North Carolina.

    While a large number of ladies and gentlemen from Dallas who are fond of Urdu literature participated.

    The purpose of the event was to pay homage to Dr. Noor Amrohvi for his services as well as to hold an international poetry recital.

    The guest poets individually shared their experiences and observations about Dr. Noor Amrohi with the audience while Khalid Masood, Manzar Bhopali and other poets presented their poetries and received much praise from the audience.

    Dr. Noor Amrohvi’s new book was also unveiled on the occasion, the entire earnings of which he has announced to donate to a charity organization called ‘Beauty of Humanity’.

    On this occasion, the guest poets said that the crowded hall here is a testament to the fact that the residents of Dallas are very much interested in Urdu literature. Their love of their language and culture deserves tribute.

    They also said that Dr. Noor Amrohvi is not only a good poet but also a very good person.  His real services towards the community are not hidden from anyone.

    On this occasion, Dr. Noor Amrohvi in his speech thanked all the guest poets and the audience and said that his journey from Amroha to America is no different. Hard work, hard work and dedication and sincere friends have brought him to this place today.

    Famed poet Dr Noor Amrohvi addresses the Jashn-e- Noor festival

    He does not consider himself worthy of this position but it is the love of the community and lovers of Urdu literature that has come to the fore in the form of this event. He burst into tears while sharing his autobiography.

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • New York, The Second Annual convention on Teaching and Memorization of the Qur’an

    New York:
    The Second Annual convention on Teaching and Memorization of the Qur’an was held in Brooklyn, The event participants were of the view that wherever Muslims live in the world, they try to make sure that their new generation is aware of religious education and history.

    specially in a multi ethnic and multi cultural  country or society where people from different religions and backgrounds live together,  the need of following ones own religion and teachings  is felt more intensely.
    In addition to many mosques, there are seminaries in various parts of New York, including the Darul Uloom Brooklyn seminary, where the second annual Quran memorization meeting was held, Naat was also recited after the recitation of the verses of Holy Quran.

    The children recited Holy Quran and Ismaa-ul-Husna (the 99 attributes of Allah) in the best manner and in one voice, that made the their parents so proud. Addressing the function, teacher Qari Osama said that the children have been taught with great diligence and interest that children have learned the knowledge is something we are very proud of.

    The participants of the event said that parents and members of the society should appreciate and encourage students of religious schools as well as the schools of secular education.

    These children of today, will become great religious scholars tomorrow. In the memorization completion ceremony, children were blessed to recite various verses of the Holy Quran.

    The teachers of the madrassa said that human life is very short. Try to do such deeds in your life which can be the source of your salvation in the hereafter.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Speed Drive Exemption to New Yorkers after 10 PM revoked

    NEW YORK CITY: In order to save lives, and help stem the tide of traffic violence, The New York City’s school zone speed cameras will now legally operate around-the-clock.

    Previously the cameras would only operate on weekdays, from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

    However, on Friday, Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a bill to extend and expand the city’s speed camera program until July 2025, allowing the automated enforcement tools to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year.

    “I want to thank all the lawmakers who have worked so hard to make this possible, because New Yorkers don’t just deserve safe streets at certain hours of the day. We need to use every tool at our disposal, and far too many of our children have been killed by cars to not reauthorize and expand this life-saving program,” Hochul said.

    The NYC Department of Transportation and Mayor Eric Adams rallied for the program’s expansion before it passed the state assembly last month. “Make no mistake about it, this is a major victory for New Yorkers that will save lives and help stem the tide of traffic violence that has taken too many,” Adams said at the time.

    Mayor Eric Adams said the move will save lives.

    “Seventy-two percent of the fatalities were taking place when the cameras were not operating. That’s basic math,” Adams said. “It was a hard fought battle, because some people thought the cameras were a way of being punitive, when it was not. It was a way of deterrence. Because once you get that ticket one time, you’re not going to speed again.”

    Fines remain at $50 for all speed camera violations.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • The U.S Court’s decision of scrapping the constitutional right to abortion triggers a mixed reaction from the public

    News Desk: US Supreme Court’s (SC) decision to scrap the constitutional right to abortion has triggered protests in the country and abroad both in favor and against the landmark ruling.

    Thousands of activists, both in favor of and in opposition to the ruling gathered outside the Supreme Court in the nation’s capital, with signs in support of their cause.

    Pro-life activists showed up in U.S. cities in celebration of restrictive abortion laws that are now or will be soon, enacted in a number of GOP-led states following the court’s decision.

    While the Pro-choice demonstrators protested what they see as an attack on reproductive rights. The protestors began participating in chants voicing frustrations over Friday’s ruling. At one point, New York Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez joined a crowd calling the court, “Illegitimate!”

    The U.S President Joe Biden and, the former President Barack Obama are amongst the protesters who utterly expressed their dismay over the SC decision, while the former president Donald Trump has supported the ruling and said the ruling “will work out for everybody.”

    The U.S. Supreme Court handed down its decision last Friday morning overturning the 1973 abortion decision Roe v. Wade, which now allows states to make their own abortion laws.

    More than 200 abortion rights advocates turned out at the Florida Historic Capitol Friday. More than a dozen local groups helped organize the event, including the FAMU and FSU chapters of Students for a Democratic Society, the Tallahassee Community Action Committee, and Tallahassee Planned Parenthood.

    Speakers reminded participants the reversal will affect people of color and low-income groups disproportionately. They also emphasized the decision will impact groups other than women, including transgender and non-binary individuals.

    Protestors also burned an American flag in northwest D.C. Signs near the burning flag read “F–k MPD” and “F–k you Thomas, Alito, Coney Barrett, Kavanaugh, Gorsuch, Roberts.”

    Across the state, crowds of people with signs that read “Bans Off Our Bodies” and “We Won’t Go Back,” chanted refrains of “my body, my choice,” giving voice to their anger, shock and fear.

    In 24 cities across Florida, including Miami, Orlando, Gainesville, Pensacola, Naples and West Palm Beach, protestors gathered at courthouses and in public parks to denounce the Supreme Court’s landmark decision overturning Roe v. Wade.

    The 1973 decision had established a constitutional right to abortion, and nearly 50 years later that legal responsibility has been returned to the states, leaving many Floridians wondering what’s next.

    Demonstrators gathered outside the United States embassy in Vauxhall to protest against the decision to scrap constitutional right to abortion, in London, Friday June 24, 2022.

    President Joe Biden said Today is a very solemn moment for the United States. The Supreme Court expressly took away a Constitutional right from the American people that it had already recognized. They simply took it away. That’s never been done to a right that is so important to so many Americans. He said “We need to restore the protections of Roe as law of the land. We need to elect officials who will do that.”

    Former President Barack Obama took to twitter and said “Today, the Supreme Court not only reversed nearly 50 years of precedent, it relegated the most intensely personal decision someone can make to the whims of politicians and ideologues attacking the essential freedoms of millions of Americans.

    Former President Donald Trump solidified the Court’s conservative majority at 6-3 by appointing Neil Gorsuch, Brett Kavanaugh and Amy Coney Barrett to the Supreme Court.

    Trump told Fox News the ruling “will work out for everybody.”

    “This is following the Constitution, and giving rights back when they should have been given long ago,” Trump told Fox News. “This brings everything back to the states where it has always belonged.” Deflecting his own involvement, Trump said, “God made the decision.”

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • India continues widespread violations of human rights in IOK: Munir Akram

     

    UNITED NATIONS, Jun 24: Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN on Thursday said that India had denied the right of self-determination to the Kashmiri people, in violation of multiple Security Council resolutions.

    Also, he blamed India for its continued widespread and systematic violations of human rights and international humanitarian law, including war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Jammu & Kashmir.

    While addressing to a thematic debate in the 193-member UN General Assembly on the doctrine of responsibility to protect (R2P), Ambassador Munir Akram said the concept of R2P rests upon three pillars: the responsibility of each state to protect its populations; the responsibility of the international community to assist states in protecting their populations; and the responsibility of the international community to protect when a state is manifestly failing to protect its populations.)

    “One specific circumstance where those provisions would apply is in situations of foreign occupation or alien domination,” the Pakistani envoy said, adding that such situations were often rife with pressing human rights emergencies and could easily spiral to genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

    “Yet, we have not heard from the concept’s sponsors about the need for ‘collective action’ to protect the people of occupied Palestine or of Indian-occupied Jammu & Kashmir,” Ambassador Akram added.

    For more than seven decades, he said the proponents of R2P have observed a deafening silence on these Indian crimes in occupied Jammu and Kashmir”.

    The concept of R2P should also be invoked to prevent the danger of an impending genocide against the 200 million Muslims of India, the Pakistani envoy went on to say.

    “No one can be unaware of the systematic campaign underway in India by the ruling adherents of Hindutva to suppress Muslims and to eliminate the rich legacy of Islam in India,” he said, adding, “Muslims are murdered by lynch mobs; subjected to periodic pogroms; robbed of their livelihoods and citizenship under the patronage and with the encouragement of the ruling BJP-RSS government.”

    Most recently, the ambassador said, hundreds of thousands of Muslims, who took to the streets to protest the Indian government’s complicity to the denigration of the Holy Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him), have been subject to the worst form of violation of their basic human rights, with the homes of Muslims protestors having been unlawfully bulldozed as a form of collective punishment.

    “These Indian crimes fall squarely within the ambit of the World Summit’s decisions on R2P. We call upon the international community, in particular the proponents of R2P for the sake of their own credibility, to come forward and offer protection to the people of Indian-occupied Jammu and Kashmir, and Muslim and other religious minorities in India,” he said.

    “Universal and consistent adherence to the purposes and principles of the UN Charter is imperative to ensure the legitimacy of doctrines like R2P, and to ensure universal accountability and justice for all grave and systematic violations of human rights and international law.”

     

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistan calls for countering global disinformation

    NEW YORK (APP) Warning that disinformation has become a “global pandemic”, Pakistan Thursday called for international cooperation to confront, counter, and defeat this scourge that fuels hate speech.

    “We can succeed in doing so only through comprehensive international cooperation,” Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said at the launch meeting of “Group of Friends for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms”.

    Established by Pakistan, the Group, which has representation from all regions of the world, seeks the implementation of the landmark General Assembly resolution 76/227 on Countering Disinformation for the Promotion and Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms, which was adopted by consensus last year.

    In his recorded keynote address, FM Bilawal thanked all the countries who joined the Group and urged others to also be part of it.

    “Utilizing this platform, we should agree on an International Plan of Action to counter disinformation, online and off-line, in the public and private domain,” he said.

    “The exponential proliferation of disinformation, especially through online platforms and social media, has spread social discord; fostered hate speech, racism, discrimination, xenophobia, Islamophobia; and exacerbated competing nationalisms and inter-State tensions and conflict,” the foreign minister warned.

    “Disinformation has often justified and intensified the violations of human rights.”

    FM Bilawal urged member states and the United Nations to enhance public awareness about disinformation through information campaigns.

    “We should enhance the capacity of governments and their relevant institutions to detect, analyze and expose disinformation and disinformation campaigns and networks,” he said.

    “We should make a concerted effort, through cooperation, to minimize the negative impact of disinformation on human rights and relations between communities and States, by building firewalls against false information, ensuring transparency, adhering to human rights principles, such as respect for personal privacy and reputation, preventing the propagation of racism, discrimination and hate speech.”

    Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the UN, who moderated the virtual event, thanked the participants, saying the “Group of Friends” provides a platform for deliberations to member states to discuss means to counter disinformation and raise awareness.

    “Countering the scourge of disinformation is a shared responsibility which requires international cooperation and solidarity,” he said.

    A distinguished panel of speakers, comprising key representative and experts of UN entities, deliberated on approaches to countering disinformation.

    Among them were Melissa Fleming, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Global Communications ; Ms. Nada Al-Nashif, the UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights; Ambassador Cristian Espinosa of Ecuador and Chairperson of the Committee on Information, and Irene Khan, the UN Special Rapporteur for Freedom of Opinion and Expression.

    Among the diplomats who spoke were: Zhang Jun, Permanent Representative, China; Gennady Kuzmin from Russia; Silvio Gonzato from European Union; and delegates from Permanent Mission of Morocco,UK and Syria.

    In his closing remarks, Ambassador Munir Akram said that today’s deliberations have provided us the basis to forge international cooperation on countering disinformation as it affects all.

    “We look forward to strengthening our cooperation and continue dialogue and engagement with all stakeholders to deliberate upon developing a range of global responses to countering disinformation in accordance with international law.

    The event was webcast live on UN web tv.

  • Pakistani community must take part in US Politics: Dr. Asif Mahmood

    New York:

    Dr. Asif Mahmood, a Pakistani-origin candidate for the U.S Congress from California, said that Pakistanis, like Indians, should participate overwhelmingly in US politics in the larger interest of the community as well as Pakistan.

    The Pakistan American Community of New York hosted a ceremony at the residence of business and social figure Mirza Khawar Baig in honor of Dr. Asif Mahmood.

    The event began with the recitation of verses of the Holy Quran.

    Zameer Chaudhry moderated the ceremony during the function who extended his felicitations to Dr. Asif Mehmood on his victory in the primary election and also wished him success in the polls to be held in November.

    The host of the function Mirza Khawar Baig introduced the audience to Dr. Asif Mehmood and thanked them for gracing the ceremony with their presence.

    Addressing the function as the chief guest, Dr. Asif Mehmood said that Pakistanis like Indians should also participate in American politics which would be in the interest of Pakistan as well as the community.

    On this occasion, Dr. Asif appreciated the efforts of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) and said that the way APPAC has worked for the Pakistani community in American politics is unprecedented.

    Pakistani business and social figures present at the event said that Dr. Asif is a philanthropist. No Pakistani prior to him had secured as many votes in the election as Asif Mehmood did. He will also get the honor of being a Congressman.

    $45,000 dollars were also donated to Dr. Asif Mahmood at the meet & greet event held at the residence of Mirza Khawar Baig.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Damaged roads hampered Afghan authorities efforts to reach earthquake zone.

    According to Afghan officials, their authorities struggled to reach out to remote areas hit by an earthquake on Wednesday that killed More than 1,000 people but poor communications and a lack of proper roads hampered their efforts.

    Mohammad Ismail Muawiyah, a spokesman for the top Taliban military commander in the hardest-hit Paktika province, told Reuters that “We can’t reach the area, the networks are too weak, we trying to get updates.

     According to Media Reports the magnitude 6.1 earthquake struck early on Wednesday about 160 km, (100 miles) southeast of Kabul, in arid mountains dotted with small settlements near the border with Pakistan.

    The earthquake killed some 1,000 people and injured 1,500 injured while more than 3,000 houses were destroyed, media reported.

    According to U.S. government data, the toll makes Afghanistan’s deadliest earthquake in two decades.

    About 600 people had been rescued from various affected areas on Wednesday night, disaster management officials said.

    According to Reuters the, rescue operation will be a major test for the Taliban authorities, who took over the country last August after two decades of war and have been cut off from much international assistance because of sanctions.

    The United Nations said its World Food Programme (WFP) was sending food and logistics equipment to affected areas, with the aim of initially supporting 3,000 households.

    Japan and South Korea both said they also plan to send aid.

  • Modi regime’s atrocities against innocent Muslims in IOK unprecedented: Mushtaq Minhas

    Dallas:
    Azad Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly member and former Information Minister Mushtaq Minhas has said that the honor and respect given to him by the Pakistani community in Dallas can never be forgotten.
    Addressing a dinner reception hosted in his honor by Abid Malik, President of Pakistan Society of North Texas.

    Mushtaq Minhas said that the political and social development of Pakistani community here is worthwhile. The Pakistani community away from home needs to be united without any discrimination and people see Pakistan in your deeds and character.

    Answering the questions of the participants on the issue of Occupied Kashmir, Mushtaq Minhas said that due to Modi’s aggression and aggressive policies, the Muslims identity in the Occupied Kashmir is being eroded, violence against locals has been unprecedented. Indian Army and the occupied valley looks like a penitentiary.
    Distinguished guests from various walks of life in Dallas were present on the occasion.

    Former Information Minister of Azad Jammu and Kashmir Mushtaq Minhas mingled with the dignitaries of the community and discussed the current political situation in Azad Jammu and Kashmir including Pakistan.

    On the occasion, PSNT President and host Abid Malik thanked Azad Kashmir MPA Mushtaq Minhas for his visit and also thanked the other guests and said that Mushtaq Minhas is a good and capable politician.
    His services to Azad Jammu and Kashmir are of no secret. It is a great honor for us to have him on every visit to Dallas.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Baltimore Tigers won Imran Subhani Trophy 2022

    New Jersey:

    Baltimore Tigers claimed Imran Subhani Trophy 2022 by defeating New Jersey Pak Kashmir in the final. Imran Subhani Trophy 2022 was organized jointly by the New Jersey Cricket Council and USA Cricket Premier League.

    The annual cricket championship was held in New Jersey under the supervision of the International Cricket Council Qualified Coach and Certified Empire Mudassar Safdar, a qualified coach and certified umpire of the International Cricket Council. The tournament was held as part of the U.S Memorial Day celebrations.

    The tournament was held in memory of the late Imran Subhani, a former New Jersey cricketer and former captain of the Team Rebels. The national anthem of the United States was also recited before the start of the match.

     

    Chief Mudassar Safdar, Chief Organizer of New Jersey Cricket Council and USACPL, while addressing the participants, paid rich tributes to his former teammate Imran Sobhani and thanked, and appreciated all the participating teams in the tournament for playing good and quality cricket.

    The 18 best teams from several US states were selected for the championship. Tough competitions were held in the first round between the teams participating in the tournament – after which the four best teams qualified for the semi-finals.

    The final match was played between the two best teams in the region – New Jersey Pak Kashmir and Baltimore Tigers at the beautiful Capelli Sports Complex in New Jersey.

    Batting first, the Tigers scored 88 runs for the loss of four wickets in the stipulated overs, while chasing, the New Jersey Pak-Kashmir team managed to score only 58 runs. New Jersey Cricket Council was declared the champion of the Tournament.

    Baltimore captain Shakeel Ahmed received the championship trophy and $2000 cash from the special guest. Usman Shahid was declared the man of the match in the final, who received $150 cash and individual prizes.

    The New Jersey Cricket Council and USACPL’s next tournament will be played on July 3 in connection with the United States Independence Day celebrations.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Three candidates pledge to support each other

    New York
    By our Correspondent.

    As New York City’s midterm elections are fast approaching, candidate for New York’s governor Jummane Williams, Lieutenant Governor Ana Maria, and the State Senate Member Japneet Singh have pledged to support each other in the polls.

    As part of their joint election campaign, the trio paid a detailed visit to the gurdwara sikh cultural center at Richmond Hill, the Sikh Community’s temple to beg support from the people.

    The Sikh community participated overwhelmingly and vowed to extend all out support to the visiting candidates on this occasion. They welcomed the visiting guests wholeheartedly, with showering flowers on them as they reached the venue.

    The Chief of Temple Taran Veer Sindh offered prayers in accordance with the religious rituals.

    Later on, while addressing the press conference, Candidate of New York Governor Jummane Williams asked the masses to elect candidates who are capable, hardworking, and sincere to resolve their socio-economic and administrative issues instead of electing them on mere religious and ethnic affiliations.

    Acting Governor Ana Maria while addressing the participants said that she has also been an immigrant for about two decades, hence she has cognizance of issues and rights of immigrants living in the United States. She vowed to make her all out efforts to ensure better residential facilities, education and healthcare for the citizens.

    Japneet Singh, Who is a Candidate for New York State Senate  from District Fifteen on this occasion, asked voters to vote as soon as voting process kicks off. He asked the entire Sikh Community to come out of their homes and vote to Jummane Williams, Ana Maria and Japneet Singh.

    New York City’s Deputy Public Advocate Kashif Hussain, Zunaira Ehsan, and other were also present at the presser. Kashif said the district Fifteen has become the symbol of unity amongst various religions and nationalities. Besides Sikh community, a large number of people representing different religions also attended the press conference, and urged their fellow religious populace to support Jummane Williams, Ana Maria and Japneet Singh

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Show Fest is ready to Rewind the Melodious Voice of 80’s and 90’s

    Web Desk:

    Show fest once again brings a concert full of songs and music where the audience will be able to watch live performances of their favorite singers and listen to the everlasting melodies from the evergreen artists.

    Under the auspices of Show Fest, memories of timeless melodies will once again spread in different states of the US.

    Famous Indian singers Udit Narayan, Alka Yagnik, and Kumar Sanu are coming to awaken the magic of their voices, bringing everlasting music and unforgettable songs to the audience at the rewind concert.

    The Rewind show led by Show fest and Atiq Sheikh will be held on June 17th at Now Arena, Chicago, June 18th at Oakland, Bay Area, 19th June Curtis Culwell Center, Dallas, June 24th at NRG Arena, Houston, June 25th at Cure Insurance Arena, New York/New Jersey and June 26th at Gas South Arena, Atlanta.

    If you want to revisit the 80s and 90s era and want to enjoy the melodious voices of the legendary singers, must book your tickets ASAP.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Pakistani-American Sabina Mahmood wins Democratic County Committee Election.

    Web Desk:

    Sabina Mahmood of Elmwood Park New Jersey has run in the recent elections for Democratic County Committee’s position and has won it. She is now officially a democratic committee member of Elmwood Park.

    The Democratic Party won the election and Sabina by 27 votes. While speaking, Sabina said that she will work closely with the Democratic Party and her mission is to ensure the safety of the city’s schools.

    She said that after the recent tragedies, we must make sure we have a protocol in place for any emergency.

    Sabina is a known social activist, Senior Content Analyst for an analytics company focused on Pharmaceuticals. She is the Executive Marketing Director for Women2Women Forum a nonprofit organization that empowers women, youth, and families alike through various programs, and is also known for her work in the entertainment sector.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Woman burnt in New York House fire passed away.

    Web Desk:

    The daughter of Mirza Idris Baig, a local social and business figure from the Pakistani American community in New York, and the wife of Mirza Arsalan Baig, along with her three-year-old daughter Abeer were seriously injured in a house fire on Kings Highway. 

    Emergency officials arrived at the scene and rushed the mother and daughter to Staten Island Hospital, where Shumaila Idris could not survive after a three-day life-and-death struggle.

    Thirty-two-year-old Shumaila Idris was 80 percent burnt due to the fire. Her three-year-old daughter is also undergoing treatment at the hospital in critical condition due to 30 percent burns.

    The deceased Shumaila Idris’s daughter Abeer has been transferred from Staten Island to New York City Hospital where she is receiving continuous medical treatment.

    The funeral was attended by hundreds of people. After her funeral was offered at Makki Masjid, Brooklyn she was buried in the Marlboro Muslim Cemetery in New Jersey with sighs and sobs.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Aamir Liaquat passes away in Karachi

    Web Desk:

    According to the Express Tribune, Former Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) lawmaker Aamir Liaquat Hussain passed away on Thursday at his residence in Karachi.

    Reportedly, the Karachi-based politician and entertainer was found unconscious at his house and was rushed to a hospital in the provincial capital.

    The news of his death was also confirmed by National Assembly Speaker Pervaiz Ashraf who postponed the session of the house to mark the death of the lawmaker. Due to his death, the proceedings of the house have been adjourned till 5 pm tomorrow.

    According to sources, the anchor had the door of his room locked and his house staff knocked on it several times to no avail.

    The staffers said Aamir started feeling unwell last night and he complained of chest pain. The former lawmaker was then shifted to a hospital from his house in Khudadad Colony.

    Before joining the PTI, Aamir was a member of the MQM-P. He had served as state minister during the government of military dictator Gen Pervez Musharraf. He got elected to the National Assembly twice: in 2002 and 2018.

    The televangelist was born on July 5, 1972. He is survived by two children.

    Starting his media career in 2001 after joining a private news channel, he hosted Aalim Online, which contributed greatly to his early popularity. He was also a popular host of Ramazan Transmission.

    Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Sindh Chief Minister Murad Ali Shah, former president Asif Ali Zardari, PPP Chairperson, and Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari, and former Sindh governor Imran Ismail expressed sorrow over the demise of the former lawmaker and prayed for his soul.

    President Arif Alvi expressed grief at the passing of the lawmaker and “prayed for his soul”.

    Senator and PTI leader Faisal Javed Khan also expressed grief at the entertainer’s passing and prayed for the departed and his family.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PTI-USA hold an emergency meeting over blasphemy by BJP spokesperson.

    New York:

    An emergency meeting of PTI-USA and it’s all chapters was held under the Chairmanship of President Munir Khatana.

    Presenting a one-point agenda, General Secretary Sam Khan said that the purpose of holding today’s meeting was to strongly condemn the BJP spokesperson’s Nupur Sharma blasphemy and the future course of PTI-USA in this regard. The process has to be decided.

    Munir Khatana, while initiating the meeting, strongly condemned the insolence and sought everyone’s opinion in this regard. After hearing the views of all the participants, at the request of Sam Khan, President of New York Amjad Nawaz presented a resolution which was passed unanimously.

    This resolution said that PTI-USA and all its chapters strongly condemned the blasphemous statement of the Nupur Sharma, spokesperson  of the Indian extremist organization BJP. The resolution called on the Indian government and the BJP to terminate the membership of Nupur Sharma and announce a full ban on her for life.

    The resolution also demanded that the Indian government write a formal apology from the BJP to assure it that this heinous act would never happen again which would offend millions of Muslims in the world. The resolution also demanded that the Indian government write a formal apology from the BJP to assure it that this heinous act would never happen again which would offend millions of Muslims in the world.

    We will play its key role in this regard at all domestic, social, human rights and international forums by following the agenda of protection of Prophet hood of their leader Imran Khan, PTI USA assured.

    Imran Khan raised his voice in every international forum including the United Nations for the honor of the Prophet and with these efforts the United Nations presented the Respect for the Prophet, PTI workers added.

  • Protest call against the blasphemy outside Indian Consulate in New York.

    Web Desk:

    A spokesman of India’s ruling party BJP recently made derogatory remarks about the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during a discussion with a host on a television channel, to which the Islamic world reacted strongly.

    They demanded a public apology from the Indian government for the insolence of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) and a boycott of Indian products.

    A strong wave of grief and anger swept in the American Muslims over a BJP spokesman’s offensive remarks based on the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).

    Muslims in the United States have decided to protest outside the Indian Consulate in New York on Friday at 4 p.m.
    Many Muslim and Pakistani political and social organizations, including ICNA, MAS, and MUNA, will also take part in the protest.

    Organizers have called on the Muslim community to join the protest against the derogatory remarks about the Prophet Muhammad Mustafa (PBUH).

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Saudi Hajj Ministry opens e-registration for pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia

    Web Desk:

    According to the Saudi Gazette and the Arab News, the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has enabled pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia to register electronically for this year’s Hajj season.

    Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah has developed a portal through which pilgrims from Europe, America, and Australia can register electronically for Hajj 2022, Saudi Press Agency reported on Monday.

    The portal features various package options, support services, and a multi-lingual communication center that is open around the clock.

    The ministry said, “The portal also enables issuing visas electronically, to meet the aspirations of honorable pilgrims from these countries and ensure quick and easy procedures.”

    Pilgrims can register directly via the portal on the following link: www.motawif.com.sa.

    Through the portal, the pilgrim can ensure that he fulfills the conditions including, being fully vaccinated against COVID-19, under 65 years (i.e. born after 1-7-1957 A), and has a negative PCR result taken before his departure), with priority given to those who have not performed Hajj before. Priority will be given to those who have not previously performed Hajj.

    These services come within the framework of the ministry’s strategy to develop the digital experience for the pilgrims. These efforts aim to facilitate the procedures and provide competitive prices for pilgrims from these countries.

    The ministry announced earlier that foreign pilgrims constitute 85 percent of the total one million pilgrims who will be allowed to perform Hajj this year.

    850,000 foreign pilgrims will be allowed to perform Hajj while domestic pilgrims will be restricted to 150,000.

  • Atif Aslam braced the audience during a live concert.

    Web Desk:

    World-renowned Pakistani singer Atif Aslam’s United States tour is in full swing, with back-to-back concerts over the past weekend. The singer performed in DC, Boston, New Jersey, and Austin to the sold-out audiences.

    The singer performed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Centre, a sold-out venue, the hall being full of 3000 people.People from different communities came together to enjoy the night there were folks from the Indian, Bangladeshi, and Nepalese communities.Several members of the Pakistani Community also enjoyed the overwhelming night.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • PASWO hosts Eid Milan Party for Women in Brooklyn.

    Web Desk:

    Pakistani American Skilled Women Organization (PASWO) organized Eid Milan Party in Brooklyn, New York, especially for women.

    The event began with the recitation of the Holy Quran and Naat-e-Mubarakah. Several female members of the Pakistani community attended the event.Chairwoman PASWO Atiya Shahnaz addressing the participants said that today’s Eid Milan Party is for women to participate and enjoy without any worries regarding their responsibilities.

    Organizers arranged different activities and competitions for the participants. Countless exciting gifts were also distributed at Dholki and other competitions between different groups.Women from different fields of life with the Chairperson of the American Council of Minority Women, Bazah Rohi attended the event. Refreshments were also arranged for the attendees of the Eid Milan Party.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Bashir Qamar’s 70th Birthday Celebrations

    Web Desk:

    New York’s social organization Pakistan American Community of Long Island (PACOLI) founder Bashir Qamar’s family throw a surprise party for Bashir Qamar on his 70th birthday.

    PACOLI leaders along with friends and family of Bashir Qamar attended the birthday party. They also danced to friendship songs during the party.PACOLI Director Saeed Hassan said that this party is a special gift for Bashir Qamar from his family.

    Bashir Qamar’s family gave heart-warming messages to him. PAOLI President Azra Darr in her message said that Bashir Qamar is an asset to our community. Jamal Mohsin read the message of friendship for him. Nilofer Abbasi said that we pray that we will celebrate Bashir Qamar’s platinum Jubilee with the same enthusiasm. General Secretary Atiq Qadri prayed for his health.Bashir Qamar and his wife thanked the attendees for attending the event.

  • Istehkam-e-Pakistan Rally at Coney Island Avenue.

    Web Desk:

    The Rally was organized at Coney Island Avenue for Isthekam-e-Pakistan in which a large number of the Pakistani Community came out to participate.

    Expressing their views, the participants said that the only way to overcome the crisis that Pakistan is going through is to go beyond everything and work only for Pakistan. They said that without working together, we cannot get Pakistan out of these serious issues. While expressing their sentiments participants said that Pakistan is a heroic country and also the first nuclear power of the Muslim Ummah. They said that Pak Army stands firm and distressed in every situation.

    The purpose of holding the rally is to show solidarity with the Pakistani institutions and for the strengthening of these institutions we have to ensure our institute that we are with Pakistan and its institutions and with the Army. Participants holding Pakistani and Kashmiri flags chanted the slogans of Long Live Pakistan as well as in the favor of Yaseen Malik and demanded the withdrawal of Indian forces from Kashmir.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • For Strengthening Business ties, American Pakistani Business Forum’s delegation visited United States.

    Web Desk:

    To promote business relations between the US and Pakistan, a 25-member delegation from the American Pakistani Business Forum, visited the United States. The delegation led by Chairman Zeeshan Altaf visited the PAYS office in New York and met with the advisor to NYC Mayor Ahsan Chughtai.

    Ahsan Chughtai in his briefing to the delegation said that Pakistanis are now taking interest in American Politics, and are working in good positions, which will be a good thing for Pakistan.

    Zeeshan Altaf, Chairman of, the American Pakistan Business Forum, said that we came to the US with six different delegations to promote business relations and meet with people from different sectors. The aim of these meetings is to strengthen business ties between US and Pakistan.

    The members of the delegation also offered Fateha for Ahsan Chughtai’s father. Pakistan American Business Forum also appreciated the services of PAYS and expressed their best wishes.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • ICNA hosted the 27th Annual Mass Convention in Baltimore.

    Web Desk:
    Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA), the largest organization of Muslims in the US, organized three days annual mass convention in Baltimore.

    In the 27th Annual Convention of ICNA, sessions in different languages have carried out by world-renowned scholars Siraj Wahaj, Dr. Yasir Qazi, Sheikh Omer Suleman, Sheikh Abdul Rehman, Imam Suhaib, Dr. Alfat Hussain, and many others.

    More than 23 thousand people from all over the US and leaders of Islamic organizations from Australia, Canada, Norway, and the UK with US congresswoman Ilhan Omer, Baltimore Mayor Brandon Scott, and many other elected officials attended the grand event.

    Speakers expressed their thoughts on how to tackle Islamophobia in the world. Muslim Scholars emphasized the need for unity and cooperation between Muslims for their prosperity. Participants also announced to lead the campaign to unite Muslims throughout the world against Islamophobia.

    On this occasion, Congresswoman Ilhan Omer emphasized promoting Islam in the world. She said that Islam teaches us to respect other religions as well.

    The event organizers said that the participation of thousands of Muslims, including youngsters, was the fruitful result of the convention. They said that the main aim of ICNA’s mass Convention is to introduce Islam and Muslims to the world and to shorten the gap between Islam and the young generation.

    Various stalls have also been set up at the ICNA Mass Convention, from where the attendees bought ornaments reflecting Islamic cultures like hats, scarves, and abayas. Children and youngsters were also busy in different activities.