New York: A dua ceremony was held for the salvation of the soul of the (late) Mother of Chaudhry Zameer Ahmed, a social and business personality of the Pakistani community in New York.

The mother of Chaudhry Zameer Ahmad, Chaudhry Naseer Ahmad, and Chaudhry Fareed Ahmed has passed away in Punjab, recently.

For the repose of her soul, a Qur’an recitation and prayers ceremony was organized at the Islamic Center in Long Island.

Naat-e-Rasool Maqbool (PBUH) was also presented by the community members on this occasion.

Later, renowned Naat khawan Asghar Chishti recited a Qasida in his unique voice and tone.

A large number of people belonging to different walks of life, including political, social, and business personalities of the Pakistani community participated in the prayers for forgiveness, while on this occasion, scholars explained the importance and dignity of the mother.

The participants hugged Zameer Chaudhry individually and expressed their condolences on the death of his mother and advised him to be patient.

Chaudhry Zameer Ahmed expressed his heartfelt thanks to all the people who participated in the Qur’an recitation and prayer ceremony.

The participants said that the demise of mother is is painful for everybody and it is a loss that can never be repaired in life.

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New York: Pakistan’s Federal Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar visited the Capitol Hill of the US House of Representatives and held important meetings with six members of the Congress.

Azam Nazeer Tarar is on a visit to America these days, where he had an important meeting with six congressmen in the US House of Representatives, Capitol Hill, including four congressmen from the Republican Party and two from the Democratic Party.

They included Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee from the state of Texas, Congressman Alex Mooney from the state of West Virginia, Congressman Jim Baird from the state of Indiana, Congressman Andy Harris from the state of Maryland, and Congressman Ron Estey from the state of Kansas.

Law Minister briefed the American authorities in detail about the events of May 9 and also informed them about the motives behind the baseless propaganda being done in the pretext of human rights.

He clarified that there is no truth in the news about the list of 400 overseas Pakistanis entering Pakistan, saying the government is not going to take any legal action against the overseas Pakistanis.

Azam Nazeer Tarar clarified to the Congressmen about the current political situation in Pakistan.

He said that the government is not taking any revenge against any political party or individual, however, the country will take action against those who take the law into their hands.

The action is being taken according to the laws, he said that there are instructions from the Prime Minister of Pakistan Shehbaz Sharif that no action will be taken regarding the overseas Pakistanis.

Meanwhile the Law Minister also participated as a special guest in a workshop organized by the Pakistani American Press Association.

Tarar has said that action is being taken against the people involved in the incidents of May 9.

Prominent personalities of the community including Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan, President of Muslims of America Sajid Tarar, also participated.

The law minister said that overseas Pakistanis live in our hearts and cannot even think of taking action against them.

The purpose of this workshop was to discuss the current political and legal situation in Pakistan and its impact on the Pakistani economy.

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New York: The Republican Party is now actively mobilized to bring Pakistanis into American politics as it has organized for the first time a grand fundraising campaign for Sheharyar Ali, an American citizen of Pakistani origin and candidate for Nassau County Deputy Attorney, at the headquarters of the Nassau Republican Party.

The party has also raised thousands of dollars of funds for Nassau County Deputy Attorney candidate Sheharryar Ali’s election campaign.

Along with the increasing importance of Muslims in American politics, Americans of Pakistani origin have also started making their place in the politics of the USA. One glaring example is Sheharyar Ali, an American citizen of Pakistani origin, is the Republican Party’s candidate for Nassau County Deputy Attorney (district 3) who will try his luck in the election battle on November 7 this year.

On this occasion, deputy attorney candidate Sheharyar Ali said that it is an honor for him to contest this election, I think it is my responsibility to protect the rights of taxpayers living in this county and be their voice. .

A large number of Pakistani American community including American officials and leaders of the Republican Party also participated in the event. Nassau County Executive Bruce Blackman said that Shahryar Ali is a very capable young man, we all have to work as a team and make Shahryar successful.

On this occasion, Chairman of the Republican Committee of Nassau County, Joe Z. G. Cairo, while addressing the participants, said that Sheharyar Ali lives among his community and voters, we are sure that he will be successful in the November 7 election.

Republican Party leaders who participated in the fundraising event also expressed their views in support of Shehryar Ali. The speakers said that our party believes in serving the people without discrimination and the nomination of Shehryar Ali is a proof of this.

Sheharyar Ali of Pakistani origin will participate in the election battle on November 7, it is hoped that the South Asians and Pakistanis living in the county support him.

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New York: The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) hosted a ‘Meet and Greet’ with Edward Romaine who is the Republican candidate for Long Island’s Suffolk County’s Executive slot.

The event held in APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed’s residence in New York, was attended by prominent community figures.

Nayar Imam and Raja Hassan Ahmad introduced the guest and invited to address the audience.

On this occasion, Edward Romaine presented his detailed introduction to the participants that he was a teacher before entering politics and never compromised on principles since entering politics.

He said:  “My goal is not only to win the election, rather to improve governance in the county.”

The participants of Meet and Greet asked questions on many important topics and put forward some recommendations.

In response to questions from the audience, Edward Romaine offered that our county can provide internships to talented young men and women who want to learn and do something good.

On this occasion, APPAC Board members and others presented various suggestions for improving the administrative affairs of the county.

He said that the number of Muslims in Nassau and Suffolk Counties is increasing rapidly, so they should also get representation.

In response to a question, Republican candidate Edward Romine said: “we want a policing system that understands the importance of all communities, their religious worship, culture, festivals and traditions.

He said he always listens and respects everyone even if there is a difference of opinion.

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New York: American-Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) hosted a grand ‘meet and greet’ event in support of Andre Wallance – a Democratic candidate for Mayor of Mount Vernon, in New York.  

The meet-and-greet was held at the residence of Khawar Baig, a community entrepreneur and social figure.

The meet and greet was attended by important personalities of the Pakistani community. Khawar Baig, the host of the event, introduced the mayoral candidate and thanked the community members for their participation.

Addressing the participants, Andre Wallance said that there are many different nationalities living in Mount Vernon. “For me, the difference of color and race does not matter. I look forward to working with you guys,” he said.

On this occasion, Pervez Riaz, a social figure of the community, said that Andre Wallance, the Democratic candidate for the mayor of Mount Vernon, wants to help the community as a whole and I think this is a good initiative, so we should support him.

Attendees at the event also asked from the mayoral candidate a set of questions, and extended their support for him in the race.

On this occasion, the political figure of Pakistan and Khawar Baig’s brother Dilawar Baig was also present, while the event participants also assured him of full support.

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New York: New York Councilwomen Farrah Louis and Rita Joseph commended the ongoing relief activities under Council of People’s Organization (COPO), saying that the organization’s dedication to help the needy is remarkable.

Councilwoman Farah Louis and Rita Joseph visited the headquarters of the Council of People’s Organization on Coney Island Avenue in New York.

On this occasion, COPO chief Muhammad Rizvi welcomed the two council members.

Farah Louis and Rita Joseph during their visit to the old age home set up for the elderly under COPO also inspected the various units including the gym and restrooms and spent time among the elderly and mingled with them.

Rita Joseph enjoyed these moments by playing carrom with the senior citizen.

Later, Councilwomen Farah Lewis and Rita Joseph not only got a thorough understanding of the COPO’s Food Pantry on Coney Island Avenue and the relief efforts that volunteers are doing there, but also distributed food items and bags of fruit to people.

On this occasion, COPO head Muhammad Rizvi said that the presence of council women among us is encouraging for us.

We hope that we will continue to receive the support of the city council members in the future and we will continue to serve the people in the same way.

Councilwoman Farah Louis said that at the beginning of the global deadly epidemic COVID, there was undoubtedly a food problem not only in the city, but throughout the country, but since then COPO has been playing a leading role in providing food items to the citizens. We are grateful that COPO has taken up this undertaking of relief activities for the needy.
On the occasion of the visit, Councilwoman Rita Joseph said that the daily distribution of food items in the communities organized by COPO is ongoing and the distribution of relief items under this organization is indeed “appreciable and this uniformity and consistency.” It is a reflection of community unity.

COPO volunteers also had the councilwomen with them and posed for photos with Farrah Louis and Rita Joseph.

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New York: Journalists from the Pakistani community organized a farewell party in honor of the outgoing Pakistan’s Consul General (CG) in New York Ayisha Ali, who has now been appointed by the government as Ambassador to Portugal.

Senior journalist Muhammad Asif organized the farewell party in her honor at a local restaurant.

Pakistan’s famous poet Wasi Shah who came to America from Pakistan also participated in the event, and spoke to the participants, and appreciated the role of Ayisha as CG NYC.

The outgoing Consul General and journalists discussed politics and economy and presented their own point of view.

On this occasion, Pakistani community journalists said that Consul General Ayesha Ali has the honor that she understood the importance of social media and presented the case of Kashmir in every forum in a very good way.

Journalists also expressed their views with good wishes to Consul General Ayesha Ali for her new appointment and responsibilities.

They said that Ayesha Ali will always be remembered for the ease with which the community dealt with the problems related to Passport and Visa.

Consul General Ayesha Ali highlighted the roles and services of journalists. She said that in any society, journalists have an important role in providing information, political awareness and identifying the positive and negative changes in every sector, which cannot be forgotten.

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New York: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf (PTI) New York chapter staged a demonstration protest outside the United Nations (UN) office against the alleged human rights violations in Pakistan under the incumbent Pakistan Democratic Alliance (PDM) government – led by Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N).

PTI NYC chapter has formed a committee against the alleged violations of human rights in Pakistan, which will soon visit Pakistan with a delegation of 1,000 people, including Europeans, Canadians, American media, and politicians, the protesters said.

The demonstration was led by PTI leader Amjad Nawaz and Shahbaz Gill, a PTI leader from Pakistan. The protesters also kept shouting slogans on the alleged violation of human rights in Pakistan.

Addressing the protesters, PTI New York President Amjad Nawaz said that today we have gathered here against human rights violations in Pakistan.

It was Imran Khan who made the leader by inviting people to the party and his departure does not matter.

Addressing the protesters, PTI leader Shahbaz Gill said that the captain has been offered to leave the country, but the captain has made it clear to the movers and shakers of the state that neither he is Nawaz Sharif nor Asif Zardari. “I am not doing politics to become Prime Minister. I am ready to go to jail and die for the country, and for the better future the new generation.”

Others who participated in the demonstration said that the problem in Pakistan has gone far beyond politics and it is not a political party but a human rights issue. meet

The protesters also strongly condemned the killing of renowned journalist Arshad Sharif. A large number of women, men and children were present in the protest, who were carrying PTI flag protest banners and placards in their hands.

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Dallas: A prestigious ceremony was held in honor of Sarfraz Ahmed, the former captain of the Pakistan cricket team, in Dallas, USA.

In this event, Sarfaraz Ahmed mingled with the Pakistani community and also gave detailed answers to the cricket-related questions of the audience.

Ghazala Habib, Chairperson of Friends of Kashmir and the spirit of Connecting Dots organized a ceremony in honor of Sarfraz Ahmed in which the Consul General of Pakistan, Houston, Aftab Chaudhry also participated with his wife.

Ghazala Habib hosted the event while Inam Sherwani shed light on Sarfaraz Ahmed’s cricketing journey.

Answering the questions of the audience on this occasion, Sarfaraz Ahmed said that the promotion and growing interest in cricket in America is commendable.

If he gets a chance, he will definitely come to America and play. He said that there are many opportunities for a cricketer to show his talent.

“I play for my country, it doesn’t matter I am the captain or not, I believe in performance.”

On this occasion, on the request of the audience, Sarfraz Ahmed also recited a beautiful Naat.

Aftab Chaudhry, Consul General of Pakistan in Houston, said that both Pakistan and cricket go hand in hand, and the enthusiasm of people on the arrival of Sarfaraz Ahmed in Dallas is proof that cricket lives in the hearts of Pakistanis.

He thanked Sarfraz Ahmed for his arrival in Delhi and said that he is not only an excellent international cricketer but also the pride of Pakistan.

Under his leadership, Pakistan cricket team won the World Cup which the nation can never forget.

During the ceremony, Aftab Chaudhry, Consul General on behalf of Connecting Dots also presented a shield to Sarfraz Ahmed, while Iqbal Hasan, Karan Hayat, Umeer Khan, Inam Sherwani, Haiqa Khan, Talat Khan, Samina Iftikhar Salma Shahid and others were also felicitated for their community services and they were awarded with shields.

A large number of American Pakistanis living in Dalles including President Pakistan Society of North Texas Salman Tabani, Member Board of Trustee Barkat Basria, Community Leader Dr. Amir Qureshi, Haroon Mughal, Nabeel Sheikh participated in the event.

At the event, Sarfaraz Ahmed mingled with the Pakistani community and the attendees took his autographs and made beautiful Selfies.

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New Jersey: Prayer ceremonies were held in New York and New Jersey for the salvation of Sam Khan (late), well known political and social figure of the Pakistani-American community who breathed his last, this month, after a brief illness.

In Long Island, the prayer ceremony was held at the residence of Saeed Hassan.

Remembering Sam Khan, Saeed Khan said that the main purpose of this ceremony is to remember Sam Khan and his works, and the good thing is that people have come from far and wide.

The participants of the prayer ceremony remembered Sam Khan and said that his personality does not need any introduction, today a person who not only loved us all but also respected women a lot passed away.

The political and social figures of the community who participated in the prayer ceremony were very sad remembering Sam Khan, after expressing their thoughts for Sam Khan, the participants also prayed for the elevation of the departed soul in Jannah.

On the other hand, the Indo-Pak American Community hosted a prayer ceremony in New Jersey for the salvation of late Sam Khan at a local hall, in which, apart from the Muslim community, members of the Hindu community also participated.

The ceremony started with recitation of Holy Quran

Leader of Muslim League-N, Raja Razak also graced the ceremony with his presence

Raja Razak said that this is a very difficult time for us because today we are remembering a person who was with us till a few days back, and today the time has come that we are sad about his departure from this mortal world and it is very hard to forget him.

A large number of New Jersey Indo-Pak American community including his widow and daughter participated in the prayer ceremony.

At the end of the ceremony, the participants also prayed for the elevation of the departed soul.

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VIENNA: Pakistan Mission organized a photo exhibition on the completion of 75 years of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission, paying rich tribute to its fallen peacekeepers, and expressing the South Asian Nuclear Country’s unwavering resolve towards global peace efforts.

The exhibition titled: ‘Tribute to Fallen Peacekeepers’ was held near Vienna Café which was graced by the Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacrois.

Ambassador Munir Akram, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations in his welcome address said that over the years, 225,000 Pakistani troops have served as UN peacekeepers in 46 missions. Our female peacekeepers – who are now 15% in the staff-officers category, along with their male counterparts, served with distinction.

Pakistani troops joined the blue helmets in 1960. MONUC in the Congo was Pakistan’s first peacekeeping mission. The black and white photograph of a ship carrying Pakistani contingents to DRC illustrating the decades-long commitment of Pakistan and other troops in service of the UN peacekeeping and the UN’s endeavors to maintain international peace and security.

Shahzadi Gulfam was the first recipient of the International Female Police Peacekeeper Award in 2011.

He also paid tribute to all UN peacekeepers and other personnel who lost their lives in the service of the UN.

During the 6 decades of our commitment to global peace, 176 peacekeepers, including a female peacekeeper have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of international peace and security.

During the last year, eight Pakistani uniformed peacekeepers were among them. Six peacekeepers sacrificed their lives in the helicopter incident in DRC. I offer my heartfelt condolences and sympathies to the families and loved ones. I would also like to thank the Ambassador Georges Nzongola-Ntalaja, Permanent Representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo who has joined us today in honoring our peacekeepers.

He said conflicts persist and the threats to peace and security have become more complex; as have peacekeeping operations.

There is justifiable concern regarding the safety and security of peacekeepers. Yet, UN peacekeeping remains a vital element of the UN and the international community’s endeavor to maintenance of international peace and security. It is the most politically and economically effective modality to do so.

Akram also invited all participants to beautiful Islamabad for the Peacekeeping Preparatory Meeting in August.

Talking to VOSA, Jean-Pierre Lacrois said: “The services of Pakistani men and women under UN flag have always been outstanding. Whenever, I visit to the field, I witness the dedication and strong commitment of Pakistani soldiers to their duty as well as their courage.”

He further said that the UN is very grateful to Pakistan for its strong support to our peacekeeping operations. I think it reflects the commitment that Pakistan to the UN values and the values of charter

UN would continue to work together with Pakistan to increase further the UN peacekeeping cooperation.

On this occasion, UN Police Advisers Faisal Shahkar said that the sacrifices of Pakistan’s army and police in the peace mission are unforgettable.

Pakistan mission officers, diplomatic staff and prominent community personalities also participated in the photo exhibition.

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NEW YORK:  A federal district court judge on Tuesday said that executive orders issued by Rockland and Orange counties that sought to bar New York City from sending migrants there were unconstitutional, citing a “discriminatory motive.”

The decision came in the form of a preliminary injunction granted to the New York Civil Liberties Union, which challenged the two lower Hudson Valley counties’ executive orders in federal court on May 11, according to Times Union.

The lawsuit was filed on behalf of five migrants seeking asylum and was later expanded to a class-action suit on behalf of all migrants seeking asylum in those counties. The defendants in the case — Orange County Executive Steve Neuhaus and Rockland County Executive Ed Day — both declared states of emergency last month in an attempt to thwart a plan by New York City Mayor Eric Adams that would bus hundreds of migrants from New York City to upstate communities.

The court found those orders intentionally discriminate against the plaintiffs and violate their rights to travel freely within New York. The ruling means that Rockland and Orange counties cannot use their orders to restrict the movement or housing of newly arrived migrants.

In his decision, federal judge Nelson Roman cited violations of the Constitution’s equal protection clause — which mandates that people in similar situations be treated equally by the law — and of the right to intrastate travel. He also made clear that the decision does not overrule temporary restraining orders, which are being litigated in state courts. A decision on those orders is expected on June 21.

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New York City authorities will now begin housing immigrants in synagogues, an effort to house thousands of people arriving in the city.

Joined by dozens of faith leaders in the City Hall Rotunda, New York Mayor Eric Adams announced the creation of his faith-based shelter and signaled that his next step would be to build homes for refugees.

On this occasion, Mayor Eric Adams said that this is a difficult time where everyone will be helped regardless of color and religion.

Mayor Eric Adams has been struggling to deal with the influx of immigrants to the city for months.

The program will initially accommodate approximately 1,000 asylum seekers, with the potential for further expansion.

Adams lamented that the refugee crisis is costing the city.

In the current fiscal year, the city administration has spent $1.2 billion on the project, and it is estimated that by June 2024, its expected cost will reach $4.3 billion.

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New York: New York City’s low-income residents rallied against the increase in rents and asked the department’s guidelines board to reduce rents.

The low-income tenants have submitted requests to the Guidelines Board regarding the expect rent increases in the city.

Citizens say the expected increase in rent will be unbearable. The Guidelines Board is holding public hearings this month for tenants across the city to voice their concerns.

Tenants say that the amount of the rent increase is currently unknown, but any increase will result in more hardships for them.

Under the guidelines, the board is considering increasing the rent by between two to five percent for one-year leases and four to seven percent for two-year leases.

The potential increase would affect nearly 2 million renters across the city. Property owners say they need additional funds to pay for rising property taxes, insurance costs and building repairs.

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NEW YORK: Apna Community Center organized a job and resource fair to guide Pakistani youth living in New York to get jobs in different US departments.

Apna Brooklyn Community Center in Brighton, New York organized a job fair to guide Pakistani American youth in getting jobs in the public and private sectors, which was attended by a large number of community members including representatives from various sectors of the city government.

The ceremony started with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

Various departments under the New York City Government set up stalls to guide and provide useful advice to the youth participating in the job fair.

On this occasion Apna’s Chief Executive Officer Iram Hanif introduced everyone and expressed her gratitude to them.

Speaking to the participants of the job fair, Apna Community Center Chairman Pervez Siddiqui said that there is no lack of ability and potential among the youth of the Pakistani American community, they just need better guidance.

The participating representatives from New York City’s Comptroller and Commissioner’s Office welcomed and encouraged the organization of the job fair.

On this occasion, the participants expressed their views and appreciated the efforts of the community center and urged the community to benefit from this job fair.

The participants of the job got useful information from the staff sitting at the city government stalls.

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NEW YORK: The Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (Apna) New York chapter organized a conference under the title of ‘Physician in Training’ in the local area of Queens, in which Pakistani doctors participated in a large number.

The objective of the event was to inform young doctors about its aims and objectives and to attract them to become a part of the organization.

Former President of Apna New York Chapter Hasan Dogar informed about the aims and objectives of Apna, while welcoming all the guests.

Dr. Arshad Anwar, the current president of Apna New York Chapter, said that the field of medicine is a noble profession, which is the need of every aspect of life, research and training are the guarantee of high role in medical services technically.

The young doctors who participated in the conference also introduced themselves.

The former president of Apna New York Chapter, Dr. Rizwan Naeem, informed in detail about the services of the doctors associated with the New York Chapter, on which the audience applauded and paid tribute to him.

Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Ayesha Ali, expressed her appreciation for the services of the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America and other officials.

Apna New York Chapter also presented a shield to Ayesha Ali.

The conference ended with the recitation of famous Qawali – Tajdar Haram.

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Texas: The Pakistani-American community has urged the United States to revisit its decision of issuing a 3^rd category advisory for its citizens who wish to travel to Pakistan, saying the move will bar them from visiting their beloved homeland.

The advisory warns that there are serious threats of terrorism and kidnapping in Pakistan, so Americans who want to travel to Pakistan should reconsider their decision.

Regarding the 3^rd category advisory from the United States, a meeting was organized at the residence of renowned physician Dr. Bilal Pracha in Dallas, Texas.

Dr. Bilal Paracha, the host of the event, while raising the issue of advisory in his opening address, said that this is a very alarming situation, the government of Pakistan has to take effective measures in this regard.

In this situation, those overseas Pakistanis who are playing an important role in the country’s economy are afraid to go to their own homes.

In the ceremony, Pakistani Americans demanded Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan from Jamaat-e-Islami to talk to the government of Pakistan and raise this issue in the Senate.

Senator Mushtaq Ahmed said Pakistan is currently facing the worst political and economic crisis in history; inflation there has increased even more than the already defaulted Sri Lanka.

The country’s political system is held hostage by family limited companies, but hope should not be lost.

He said that the people of Pakistan have become aware of the facts, the facts cannot be hidden in this era of technology. America’s history is an example, it took them a hundred years to develop themselves, it will take time, but the future of Pakistan is bright.

Majority of Pakistanis living in USA usually travel to Pakistan with their families during summer vacations with the aim of spending summer vacations with their family.

Usually people plan for this several months in advance. Due to the above advisory, Pakistani Americans are avoiding traveling to their beloved homeland.

On this occasion, the audience also asked Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan questions regarding the current situation in Pakistan, including his visit to America, to which he gave detailed answers.

While Senator Mushtaq Ahmed Khan also informed the people about his meeting with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned in the US prison for the last almost two decades, now.

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New Jersey: The prominent social and business figure, and beloved leader of the Pakistani-American community Sam Abrar Khan was laid to rest in a New Jersey cemetery with groans and sobs. He passed away at a hospital in New Jersey, on May 29.

His funeral prayer was performed at Al Wali Mosque in New Jersey, which was attended by thousands of people.

In the funeral prayer and burial, those who loved him not only from New Jersey but also from different cities of the United States came together like the fans of a great hero when he dies.

Sam Khan was also a beloved figure of the South Asian community of the American state of New Jersey.

The Pakistani and South Asian American communities are deeply saddened and bereaved by the death of Sam Khan and are calling his death an irreparable loss.

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TEXAS: The well-known Muslim scholar of the US, Sheikh Yasir Qadhi has announced to provide legal assistance to Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, who has been imprisoned in the United States for the last two decades, saying that she should get all the rights available to prisoners according to American laws.

Sheikh Yasir Qadhi while addressing the Muslim community along with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s sister Fouzia Siddiqui and Jamaat-e-Islami Senator Mushtaq Ahmad Khan at the Islamic Center in Plano, Texas, said that Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui has appealed to the community for help.

He said that the condition and well-being of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui should be checked regularly and that she should be provided with all the facilities that the law entitles her to in prison according to American laws.

Sheikh Yasir Qadhi said that he decided to hire a lawyer in this regard so that Dr. Aafia Siddiqui’s well-being can be inquired about regularly according to the law.

Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, imprisoned in America for 20 years, has met her sister, Dr. Fauzia Siddiqui.

Fouzia Siddiqui, while explaining the meeting with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui, said that American Muslims should provide financial, legal and moral support for her sister Aafia Siddiqui.

On this occasion, Senator Mushtaq Ahmed said: “I am not representing Pakistan; I have come to meet my sister Dr. Aafia Siddiqui in a personal capacity. American Muslims do their part for human rights in relation to Dr. Aafia.”

Dr. Fouzia Siddiqui and Dr. Mushtaq on this occasion demanded the government of Pakistan to talk to the American authorities for the release of Dr. Aafia Siddiqui and play a role in making possible the release of Aafia Siddiqui from the American prison.

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New York: After Department of Correction officials said that they would not continue a policy of reporting deaths to the public, New York City Comptroller Brad Lander updated the Comptroller’s Department of Correction (DOC) Dashboard to ”say deaths in custody were “unknown.”

In recent weeks, DOC officials failed to notify the public about at least two deaths: Rubu Zhao, 52 and Joshua Valles, 31. Jail officials reportedly also sought to prevent the release of a federal monitor’s report that noted with alarm on Friday, May 26 “serious and disturbing incidents involving harm to incarcerated persons” that were not properly disclosed to the monitor.

New York City Comptroller Brad Lander reiterated his call for a federal receiver to step in to manage the city’s jails:

“DOC leadership apparently doesn’t care about the humanity of the people in its custody enough to even report honestly when they die. The appointment of a federal receiver to operate Rikers is a moral and operational necessity to confront the jail system’s utter disregard for transparency and accountability. The lives of people awaiting trial are not disposable and their deaths cannot be swept under the rug,” said Comptroller Brad Lander.

The Comptroller’s dashboard monitors pervasive issues in the City’s jails, including staff absenteeism, missed medical appointments, and incidents of violence among detained people and staff. It also tracks the jail population every month and length of stay. The Comptroller’s Office publishes data to this dashboard monthly to provide increased transparency and accountability over the City’s jail system. The most recent update was May 15.

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New York: Immigrant advocates joined City Comptroller Brad Lander and Council Member Shahana Hanif demanding at least $70 million for asylum seeker legal assistance in the City budget as negotiations head into their final month.

On May 9, 2023, Lander and Hanif sent a letter to the administration calling for this focused investment, stating “it is critical – not only for those seeking asylum, but also for the City’s long-term fiscal stability – to significantly ramp up outreach and legal immigration services to help asylum seekers navigate the paperwork that will enable them to live, work, and contribute to our city.”

“It’s been more than a year since the first asylum seekers arrived in New York City, and we still haven’t filled a contract for legal services. Clearly, $5 million isn’t enough to fill the needs of the nearly 50,000 asylum seekers in our care, and is why no provider has taken this inadequate contract. It’s clear we need the full $70 million,” said Immigration Committee Chair, Council Member Shahana Hanif.

“I’m proud to join forces with Comptroller Lander to make it explicitly clear to this administration that the current legal services RFP falls woefully short. We can’t meet this moment with half measures and underfunded mandates; we need real resources to get people the legal status they need.”

“The Administration continues to scramble to scale up emergency shelter, but has yet to dedicate resources toward pro se clinics and pro bono legal representation that would open pathways for asylum seekers to secure employment and permanent housing,” said Comptroller Brad Lander. “For the fiscal stability of the City and long-term welfare of new arrivals, the City must take a cost-saving approach by budgeting for the resources to navigate asylum seekers through our complex immigration system. Obtaining work authorizations and legal status will ultimately seed new lives, businesses, homes, and community for asylum seekers here in New York City. To live up to its ideals as a place of refuge and compassion, New York City must commit to increased legal services funding for asylum seekers.”

“At a time when many new and existing immigrant New Yorkers are desperately looking for legal assistance, it is time for the City to build on the success of the legal services infrastructure by investing a minimum of $70 million dollars for the upcoming fiscal year to be able to expand legal services across immigrant communities,” said Luba Cortes, Immigrant Defense Coordinator at Make the Road New York.

“Our Right-to-Shelter only means as much as the support we give to those seeking shelter to successfully get on their feet with dignity and create a new, stable, and safe life,” said Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso. “As we push for immediate housing for our city’s incoming asylum seekers, we need to be proactive about creating the infrastructure to guarantee their long-term success. But I want to be clear, outcomes for people are completely dependent on our support now. I’m proud to be joining Comptroller Brad Lander, Council Member Shahana Hanif, NYIC, & Make the Road NY to call on Mayor Adams and the City Council to allocate an additional $70 million to expand services for our asylum seekers.”

“As over 70,000 asylum seekers are making their way into New York City from border states, we must shift our strategy beyond shelter care, to providing legal services, outreach, case management, and pro se clinics that could further stabilize their lives,” said Bronx Borough President Vanessa L. Gibson. “Whether fleeing unstable economies, violence, or hunger, they like the millions before them, deserve the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. I want to thank New York City Comptroller Brad Lander, City Council Immigration Committee Chair Shahana Hanif, the New York Immigration Coalition, and Make the Road NY for proposing an increase in city funding to ensure our new neighbors receive support during this transition.”

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New York: Famous travel writer, and columnist Qamar Ali Abbasi’s 10th death anniversary was observed in New York.

A memorial prayer ceremony was organized at the residence of Abid Rafey, a social personality of Long Island, which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

The event was administrated by Mamoon Ayman and Wakeel Ansari. Late’s wife Neelofar Abbasi and son Wajahat Ali Abbasi were invited as special guests while many social and literary personalities were also present on this occasion.

Abid Rafey and Wakeel Ansari, who were among the hosts and organizers of the event, narrated to the audience the memories and time they spent with Qamar Ali Abbasi.

Bashir Qamar, a friend and social personality said that Qamar Ali Abbasi was not second to none in storytelling.

On this occasion, Qamar Ali Abbasi’s wife Neelofar Abbasi and son Wajahat Ali Abbasi said that such people are very rare and lucky who get sincere and true loving friends.

 

At the end of the ceremony, prayers were also offered for the forgiveness of late Qamar Ali Abbasi.

The speakers said that Qamar Ali Abbasi is no longer in this world, but his words and memories are our valuable assets that will always be with us. Finally, the guests presented a bouquet to the wife and son of late Qamar Ali Abbasi.

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