Washington: The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services will recognize Dr. Farha Abbasi, a renowned psychiatrist and active member of Pakistani-American community in Michigan, as one of the nation’s top women faith leaders.
Women on the Frontlines: Celebrating Women Faith Leaders, an event that would be hosted by Secretary of Health and Human Services Xavier Becerra on Thursday, 30th March 2023 to honor 15 women faith leaders for their incredible work and extraordinary leadership qualities in the service of humanity.
Dr. Abbasi is Assistant Professor in Department of Psychiatry at Michigan State University and core faculty member of the Muslim Studies Program. She received the American Psychiatric association SAMSHA Minority fellowship in 2009 and used the grant money to create awareness about cultural competency, to redefine it as not just tolerance but acceptance. Her areas of interest include faith & cultural psychiatry and teaching medical students how to provide culturally appropriate care to Muslim patients.
She works directly with Muslim American community to encourage integration rather than isolation from mainstream society.
Dr. Abbasi is the founding director of the Annual Muslim Mental Health Conference which was attended by experts from 30 countries. She also launched a Global Muslim Mental Health Conference in Malaysia and Jordan. She is also making efforts to create safe spaces for people affected by domestic violence and substance abuse.
Ambassador Masood Khan telephoned Dr. Abbasi today and felicitated her for making Pakistan and Pakistani diaspora in the United States proud with her singular achievement. “It is yet another feather in our cap, proving huge talent and capabilities of Pakistani diaspora,” he said.
Talking to the Ambassador, Dr. Abbasi said that she has been working for past 15 years not only to reinforce efficacy of faith and cultural based solutions in addressing mental health issues but also to remove stigma that typical surrounds mental health issues especially in the developing countries.
Masood Khan appreciated her services in providing healing touch to those who needed our attention the most. He also acknowledged her efforts in bringing people of the two countries together.
Masood Khan said that mental health facilities were available in all major hospitals of Pakistan and efforts were afoot to ensure provision of such facilities in far off places.
He said that the psychiatry was being taught in major universities of Pakistan and was becoming a popular discipline . The Ambassador added that efforts were being made to create robust linkages between universities of Pakistan and the United States for sharing of knowledge and expertise.
Ambassador Khan further said that doctors’ community of Pakistani descent in the United States could significantly help their Pakistani brothers and sisters in addressing issues related to mental health issues, creating greater awareness, overcoming resource constraints and most importantly removing stigma attached to such issues due to variety of reasons.
KARACHI: The Higher Education Commission of Pakistan(HEC) has announced that admissions to two universities – Metropolitan University Karachi, and ISRA University has been halted due to gross violations of and non-adherence to the body’s guidelines.
The commission has again displayed on its website it’s previous notice that asked students not to take admission in ISRA University.
In another statement on its official Twitter handle, the commission said: “Metropolitan University, Karachi is chartered by the Government of Sindh in private sector and recognised by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan.
The university was allowed to offer undergraduate degree programmes (ie, BBA, BS-Commerce, BS-Education, and BS-Islamic Studies) with 40 seats per semester only through its principal seat located at Sector 34-A, KDA Scheme # 33, Main University Road, Malir Cantt, Karachi.”
The HEC further said that the body would recognise/attest the degrees of students enrolled only in the above-mentioned degree programmes.
This will be done as per data shared by the university “in line with HEC directions/guidelines and subject to the fulfilment of all legal/codal formalities”.
However, the statement said that due to “gross violations, operating through unauthorised campuses/study centers and non-adherence of HEC guidelines”, the admissions of Metropolitan University have been stopped by the commission with effect from August 5, 2022.
According to the statement, unauthorised campuses of the university are located at Sukkur, Larkana, Quetta, Rawalakot, Islamabad, and Chakwal.
“Students and the public at large are hereby advised not to take admission in Metropolitan University, Karachi,” the statement said, adding, “degrees of students enrolled in Metropolitan University, Karachi after the cutoff date shall not be recognised by HEC”.
Meanwhile a student responded HEC saying:
“Why don’t you display these alerts on banners at all the unauthorized campuses? Why not shut those unauthorised campuses which are involved in fraudulent activities and take legal action against their owners/managers?”
The Russian invasion of Ukraine has brought the need to protect their forces with ground based air defence into sharp perspective The importance of ground-based air defence (GBAD) has been brought into sharp relief by Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. At time of writing (early January), Ukraine claimed to have shot down 281 Russian aircraft, 266 […]
DADU: New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers’ Society (NYPD’s MOS) has been engaged in the reconstruction of the houses of the Sindh Police damaged in the 2022 ruthless floods and heavy rains in the province.
The MOS has constructed more new houses in Dadu district and handed them over to the affected police personnel.
Mashuq Ali Gopang, a resident of Dadu’s Tehsil Johi and head constable in Sindh Police, faced two major tragedies in his life simultaneously. Six months back, his leg was broken in a traffic accident and his house was also destroyed in the floods. As clearly mentioned In the Holy Qur’an, the Allah Almighty says: indeed with difficulty there is ease, so the difficulties of Ali Gopang are no more. According to doctors, he will start walking again in four to six weeks, while MOS has been so kind to built a new house for him.
Part of the house of Head Constable Muhammad Ismail Panwar was affected by the rain. When MOS started the rehabilitation work of the flood victims in Dadu, they constructed a room according to his needs, in which the family is now living happily.
House of police constable Koro Soomro in Pir Mashaikh village was also washed away in the flood water. When the MOS came to know about the damage, it began reconstruction of the house and completed it within a few weeks.
Similarly, the age-long earnings of of Head Constables Zulfiqar Ali Khoso and Ghulam Sarwar, who reside in Khoso and Kanbar neighborhoods respectively also lost in the floods. The houses built by them were destroyed in the torrential rains, but nature was kind again and made the Muslim Officers Society a resource for their help and now the new houses were handed over to them after construction.
After the construction of the houses in Dadu, the representatives of the Muslim Officers Society and the team of Voice of South Asia inspected the damaged houses of the Sindh Police officials in Tehsil Khairpur Nathan Shah and assured the victims that new houses will be built and handed over to them before Eid-ul-Fitr.
KARACHI: The World Health Organisation (WHO) has stepped up to improve healthcare system of Balochistan – the most poorest and neglected provinces of Pakistan.
As per details WHO will rehabilitate as many as 100 primary healthcare centers in at least a dozen of districts of Balochistan badly damaged in last year’s monsoon rains and heavy flood and provide them the required medical equipment and solar systems.
According to Quetta Voice the 2022 torrential rains and floods in Balochistan damaged more than 700 Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Rural Health Centers (RHCs). The floods damaged many buildings of the BHUs, and some buildings are even not able to be used.
This had severely affected the health services in all 26 flood-hit districts of Balochistan.
The medical staff was facing difficulties in the treatment of patients because of the lack of equipment and the damaged BHUs.
The provincial health department and WHO has just recently signed six memorandums of understanding (MoUs) in this regard at a ceremony held on Thursday, according to Daily Dawn.
The ceremony was attended by WHO country head Dr Palitha Mahipala, Health Minister Syed Ehsan Shah and Health Secretary Muhammad Saleh Nasar.
Under the MoUs, WHO will rehabilitate 100 primary healthcare centres in 12 districts and provide medical equipment, furniture and solar systems. Under the agreement, the provincial health department will ensure continuity of health services through human resources and ensure supplies from the health system.
On the occasion, equipment and vehicles donated by WHO for National Maternal and Newborn Child Health programme were handed over to the health secretary.
The solar system for the provincial EPI cold chain room was also inaugurated. The system would save fuel bills of around Rs80 million annually.
Speaking at the ceremony, the provincial health minister thanked the WHO country head for providing not only the medical equipment but also medicines for flood-affected people.
The health sector is already suffering because the government of Balochistan is continuously ignoring it. The situation is worse in the far-flung areas of the province when it comes to health facilities.
The floods disrupted the health system all across Balochistan, particularly the Basic Health Units (BHUs) and Reginal Health Units (RHUs) in Lasbela, Jafarabad, Pashin, Naseerabad, Killa Abdullah, and Kohlu.
The floods damaged 700 BHUs out of which 278 are completely destroyed and are totally inactive, according
The air was fragranced by rose petals and the accompaniment of cooing doves. I sat cross-legged, my back resting against ancient bricks and drank in the scene before me.
Nameless devotees were coming forward to the tomb, bowing, paying their respects, making silent petitions, and then moving on.
Only I and a few others remained, soaking it in, feeling the presence of the place, trying to comprehend.
And as I did, I prayed.
First, I rattled through the perfunctory prayers. Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be. Then my mind stilled, emptied, as I tried to hear that still, small voice that once spoke to Elijah in a cave on Mt. Carmel.
What would God say to me today? What words did He have to convey? What was my lesson to be?
And then, unexpectedly, they formed on my lips.
Not what I anticipated, yet they came, over and over again, until I was chanting them like a mantra, and their syllables were cleansing my soul.
I pass by this town, the town of Layla
And I kiss this wall and that wall
It’s not love of the town that has enraptured my heart
But of the One who dwells within this town
The only question was, why these words? What did they mean?
I was in Pakistan on holiday. Well, my kind of holiday, which, unlike many people’s, involves neither beaches nor much relaxation but instead a smorgasbord of historical, political, and religious sites.
The Tomb of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Multan (Copyright: Matt Pointon, 2023).
Two days earlier, I had fulfilled a long-time ambition and visited Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Guru Nanak.
Nanak was the founder of Sikhism and is perhaps my favourite religious figure from a tradition other than my own. He is a man that all pilgrims should learn about because he was one of us.
He started his spiritual career by bathing in the River Beas near his home in Sultanpur. He then disappeared for three days and when he returned all he would say is: “There is no Hindu, there is no Muslim“.
His message was that instead of manmade labels, we are all human – we are all disciples of God.
Shortly after this experience, he set off on the first of his five great Udasis or pilgrimages, travelling north, south, east and west to the holy sites of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Islam.
He visited Mecca and, according to some sources, perhaps Jerusalem and Rome too.
He wore a costume that was a synthesis of Muslim and Hindu dress and he embraced everyone, regardless of race, faith, caste or gender.
Like I said, he was one of us. You could imagine chatting to Nanak in an albergue in El Burgo Ranero or passing him on the Way near to Astorga whilst on the Camino de Santiago.
An early 19th century mural painting depicting Guru Nanak by Gurdwara Baba Atal (CC BY-SA 4.0).
Nanak though, did not appear out of nowhere. He was a product of two great spiritual traditions: the Hindu Bhakti movement and Sufism within Islam.
Both of these movements disregarded old certainties and preached a personal devotion and spirituality of love over convention and form. And it was these Sufis that I’d come to see in Pakistan.
Everywhere I went, I sought out their shrines and knelt by them, asking for guidance. Which is how I found myself sitting by the Tomb of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam in Multan.
Shah Rukn-e-Alam was a 13th century saint of the Suhrawardiyya order of Sufis. That much I knew. The question was: why was he telling me about the Town of Layla?
The words I knew already with great familiarity. They are a stanza of a poem by the great Persian poet Nizami Ganjavi.
The poem is the story of Layla and Qays, two lovers who were kept apart by a cruel world.
Qays wished to marry Layla, but her father refused. So, he retreated to the desert and became a hermit, composing poetry in her honour, and earning himself the nickname of “madman” (Majnun) from the locals.
Layla and Majnun are widely known across the Muslim world as being symbolic of tragic lovers, the eastern Romeo and Juliet as it were.
Azerbaijani folk art based on the Layla and Majnun poem by Nizami Ganjavi (CC BY 3.0).
Although I’d known of the story for years, it came into focus last year when I began my friendship with S. I describe this in my essay “The Lady with the Raven“.
When we ceased contact, I spoke to a friend about it and he said: “Oh Matt, you are like Majnun!”
I asked him what to do about it, and he suggested embracing being Majnun, going with it and seeing where it led me. I did as he suggested and what resulted was perhaps the greatest period of sustained creative output in my life.
By channelling the emotions and committing them to paper, I wrote poetry and stories that I did not think myself capable of.
The story of Layla and Majnun, two tragic lovers, seems at first to have little to do with faith and pilgrimage. But, as I travelled around Pakistan and recited the mantra at every shrine I visited, I realised that it very much concerns the spiritual seeker.
It is a story that can be read on two levels.
On the basic level, yes, it is a story of boy meets girl, society tells them they can’t be together and they waste away in separation yearning for one another, to be reunited only in death.
Yet on another level, I realised that this separation – which is the key to the whole tale – can also be taken to represent the separation between the ultimate lovers – God and man.
Sufis often refer to God as “The Beloved“and aim to attain unity with Him (something which does not go down well with many mainstream Muslims who view such thoughts as highly blasphemous).
So, if I am Majnun, yearning for the one that I am separated from, then Layla is God (Him – or Her) – self, sitting in her tower. God is to be glimpsed from afar but impossible to get close too.
And yet we try. For that is what pilgrimage is all about.
We journey to get closer to God by exploring His world, meeting our fellow pilgrims and, most important of all, learning to understand ourselves a little better.
And when seen in that light, the words make sense with a clarity and beauty that is overwhelming:
I pass by this town, the town of Layla
And I kiss this wall and that wall
It’s not love of the town that has enraptured my heart
But of the One who dwells within this town
This town of Layla is the world, our world. It belongs to Layla because Layla is God. Layla created it and sustains it.
We pass by it because, it is through journeying that we can come closer to Her.
We kiss this wall and that wall, this tomb and that shrine, but why?
For love of the cold, unfeeling stones? Not at all. Instead, because of the One who dwells within.
The Tomb of Haji Syed Sakhi Sultan, Manghopir (Copyright: Matt Pointon, 2023).
Out there, by the shrines of a faith not my own, I learnt a valuable spiritual lesson. Pilgrimage is prayer and all travels can be a pilgrimage. If only we treat them as such.
So yes, plan your next Camino, take a trip to Lourdes, Walsingham, Rome or visit Jerusalem. There is value to all those things and they are beautiful.
But, next time you go into town to do some shopping, or attend a work meeting in a strange city, also become Majnun. Wander about that town. Kiss this wall and that wall.
Let your heart be enraptured, not of love for the town.
But of the One who dwells within that town.
The town of Layla.
About the author
Matt Pointon is a practising Anglican from Stoke-on-Trent. He has been interested in world religions and interfaith activities since 2000.
His passions are pilgrimage and writing.
He has travelled to holy sites from Jerusalem and Amritsar to Iona to Eihei-ji. In 2021, he completed the 500-mile Camino Frances and in April 2023 will be walking from Florence to Rome along the Way of St. Francis.
His particular interests are Celtic Christianity, Orthodox monasticism, early Islam, Sufism and the life of Guru Nanak.
His day job is working for the trade unions.
Featured image: The Tomb of Hazrat Shah Rukn-e-Alam, Multan (Image credit: Aa Dil).
Mr. Iqbal, Mr. Jinnah, and their political party worked selflessly toward the cause of Palestine after World War I, despite chasing the dream of Pakistan. They sent Indian Muslim delegations to aid with the Palestine question, built anti-British/Zionist momentum through scathing letters and speeches, passed countless resolutions for Palestine, organized Palestine Days, and started a Palestine Fund for Arab victims et cetera. They did so much, that on several occasions even the Grand Mufti of Palestine acknowledged their efforts.
Pakistan’s Current Situation
After the Abraham Accords in 2020, the Middle East’s already waning anger toward Israel dissolved further. In a shock move Oman, UAE, Bahrain, and Sudan, recognized Israel. There were similar murmurings of Saudi Arabia being next as it was not possible for UAE, Bahrain, and Oman to recognize Israel without big brother Saudi Arabia’s blessing.
While in office, Pakistan’s ex-PM Imran Khan verified that he was fighting enormous exogenous pressures to recognize Israel. One of the nations placing such pressures, he asserted, was America, yet he abstained from referencing the other countries. However, he did note that they were close allies of Pakistan, which many perceived as Saudi Arabia and UAE. Imran Khan’s position on the Palestine issue, aptly, reflected that of Pakistan’s founders as evidenced by his statement that Pakistan cannot make any decisions on a matter which has been refused by the Palestinians.
Army Chief Qamar Javed Bajwa: A Semi-Closeted Zionist
In April 2022, Imran Khan was ousted through a no-confidence motion. Many in Pakistan, including the former PM, assert that the then-army chief Bajwa was behind this – this is no surprise as the military establishment has ruled for 33 years directly; and always indirectly. After Imran’s removal, information regarding how Bajwa was undermining the ex-PM became public knowledge. While the mainstream media remains largely muzzled, journalists, analysts, and even ex-army officers began unveiling Bajwa’s obfuscated plots via YouTube and Twitter. From ousting Imran Khan to jailing and even torturing critics (politicians and journalists alike), everything was exposed. Videos such as “Woh Kaun Tha?” (Who was he?) by investigative journalist Arshad Shareef, who was later murdered in Kenya under suspicious circumstances, went viral. The video (the original deleted) implied culpability towards Bajwa on his copious behind-the-scene ploys.
One specific area where Bajwa’s manoeuvrings were exposed was vis-à-vis recognizing Israel which Imran Khan was clearly against. This assertion grew more substantial when senior journalists revealed more information. For example, senior anchor Imran Riaz Khan, (unrelated to ex-PM Imran Khan), expressed that when Bajwa met journalists, he would state that Pakistan ought to soften its stance on Israel. Bajwa would express his bafflement in front of the journalists regarding how Arab states were normalizing relations but Pakistan persisted with a stringent anti-recognition of Israel policy. Imran Riaz also noted that while meeting journalists in a one-on-one environment, General Bajwa would push them to start a discussion on the potential of Pakistan-Israel relations on TV and/or social media.
Another senior anchor Hamid Mir expressed that General Bajwa was constantly undermining Imran Khan and was pushing him toward the recognition of Israel. Bajwa’s romance with Israel was additionally established when Hamid Mir wrote in an article, “Gen Bajwa also wanted to engage Israel but Imran Khan was reluctant.” On another anchor’s show on TV, Hamid Mir asserted that Imran Khan should take the name of the person who was pushing his administration to recognize Israel – signifying Bajwa. Due to this and various other conspiracies coming to light, Imran Khan’s popularity has peaked while Bajwa has become one of the most detested figures in Pakistan’s history.
Pakistani-American Delegations Visit Israel
When the new PDM (Pakistan Democratic Movement) government sponsored by and beholden to the army chief and the military establishment took charge, Bajwa’s pro-Israel policies seemed to manifest. In May 2022, a group of Pakistani-Americans visited Israel which set off tremors across Pakistan. Pakistanis were infuriated as this delegation, sponsored by Sharaka (a pro-Israel civil group), met with Israeli president Isaac Herzog. More concerning was that an anchor from PTV (Pakistan’s state telecaster), Ahmed Qureshi, was part of this group. Anila Ali, the head of the delegation gave the Israeli president a book on Pakistan’s founder, Mr. Jinnah – the irony being Mr. Jinnah’s feverish opposition to Zionism. Facing heavy reaction from the public, the PDM government declared that it did not send the group to Israel and that the delegates were dual nationals. They were forced to fire the PTV anchor, however.
A couple of months after this, a second Pakistani-American group sponsored again by Sharaka met the Israeli president. This designation was shockingly headed by Nasim Ashraf, a previous Pakistani minister (and another dual national). These two delegations touted that they were working for the cause of interfaith harmony but many analysts exclaimed conversely. For instance, Electronic Intifada notes “… the real purpose of these visits – typically led by Muslim Zionists – is to open a path to formal diplomatic and even military relations between Islamabad and Tel Aviv.” This is further proven by Sharaka and other like-minded groups’ ties to US government institutes as well as Zionist organizations – the implication being that such groups can be and are used surreptitiously by US-Israel agencies.
Raza Rumi of the Pakistani publication Naya Daur notes: “There must be some debate going on, and this visit was just a testing-the-waters-type visit.” Such delegations are utilized to measure public perception as well as influence it. For instance, in 2017 an interfaith group of Muslims, Buddhists, Sikhs, Christians, and Hindus from Bahrain visited Jerusalem, three years before Bahrain began diplomatic relations with Israel.
Lastly, the timing of these delegations visiting Israel is suspect as they occurred shortly after the pro-Palestine PM Imran Khan was removed from office, and Bajwa, then chief and still a Zionist could pull strings freely.
Will Pakistan Accept Israel?
Pakistan is nearing economic default, industries are shutting down, terrorism is rising once more, and inflation is wreaking havoc. Perhaps the Israel-US nexus could offer monetary relief and perhaps later military aid in exchange for recognition – this might sway the government to build a pro-Israel narrative to sell to the public. Since most of the debilitated PDM government is indebted to Bajwa because of their myriad corruption charges magically evaporating after they assumed power, this might be plausible. Furthermore, the PDM government has realigned towards the US, as Bajwa wanted, which was under threat when Imran Khan was PM. For Israel to attain nuclear Pakistan’s recognition would be a political masterstroke. Netanyahu is on record as claiming that Pakistan is the biggest threat to Israel behind Iran.
Although Bajwa is no longer the army chief, Asim Muneer, his replacement, is accused of being Bajwa’s veritable arm and vehemently anti-Imran Khan as well. Recognizing Israel would be an affront to Pakistan’s revered founders, to the resilient Palestinians, and to the Muslim world. Pakistan’s founding fathers drew a glaring line in the sand when it came to Israel – to cross beyond this pale would be an outright moral catastrophe for the country.
KARACHI – The International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK), has announced the country’s largest two-months 16th Summer Internship Program-2023 in science and technology during June and July 2023.
The last date for the submission of application is 31st March, 2023, while only online applications will be accepted at https://bit.ly/320ZOWS.
Spokesman of the ICCBS – University of Karachi, on Friday said that the ICCBS announced the Summer Internship Program for last year’s graduates and final year BS, MSc, PharmD, BE, BBA students in various fields.
In his message, Dr. M. Iqbal Choudhary, Director of International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, and Coordinator General COMSTECH, said that the international center strived to promote science and technology capacity in Pakistan. This internship program is an excellent opportunity for talented students to get the exposure of working in this world-class research and academic institution, he said.
The internship program will be carried out in the various fields of sciences, including Analytical Chemistry, Applied Chemistry, Structural Biology, Virology, Organic Chemistry, Bioequivalence Studies, Nanotechnology, Diagnostic Laboratory, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Molecular Bank, Bioinformatics and Computational Chemistry, Plant Biotechnology, Cell Physiology, Biomedical Engineering, Genomics, Civil Engineering, Immunology, Electronic and Electrical Engineering, Microbiology, Mechanical Engineering, Pharmacology, Information Technology, Proteomics, ISO, Quality and Project Management, Stem Cell Research, and Library and Information Science, the spokesman said.PR
New York: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) USA chapter held a grand protest demonstration at Times Square, the busiest neighbourhood of New York, against the current political situation in Pakistan.
They urged the authorities concerned to hold an early election in the country in light of the court directions.
A large number of PTI-USA workers and community members participated in the demonstration.
The protesters were carrying banners and placards in their hands, inscribed as “illegal arrests of PTI workers in Pakistan strongly condemned.”
PTI USA leaders said on this occasion that we have gathered here to tell the world that Imran Khan is struggling in a country where corruption reigns, mafias rule, there is neither justice nor truth. freedom of speech.
Imran Khan has stood up to bring justice and peace to the people of Pakistan.
The participants of the demonstration said that the whole world knows that the current government has no competence. We and our leader demand that new elections be held as soon as possible.
The persecution of media, people and political opponents should be stopped.
The participants condemned the violation of the sanctity of of families and their privacy in the Lahore’s Zaman Park incident and demanded the holding of early elections.
Washington DC: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) workers gathered in front of the White House to register their protest against Pakistan’s incumbent government’s ‘anti-democratic’ actions against Imran Khan.
Hundreds of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf activists gathered outside the White House, amid strong winds, and harsh weather, and condemned the PMLN-led coalition government’s actions against party chairman Imran Khan.
Former President of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf USA chapter and senior PTI leader Junaid Bashir organized the demonstration in front of the White House in Washington DC.
A large number of people from different states of America participated in the demonstration. The protesters also raised slogans in favor of Imran Khan. People participating in the demonstration said:
“We have come here to draw attention to the deteriorating human rights situation in Pakistan and the threats to democracy. We want the government of Pakistan to immediately stop threatening Imran Khan. The current set-up of rulers in Islamabad is a threat to Pakistan and must be removed now.”
Pakistani community members were also present on this occasion. The participants said that it is now necessary for us to raise our voice because it would be a criminal act not to condemn what is happening in Pakistan.
What we have seen in the last few days is not politics, it is an attack on democracy and democratic values.
A large number of women were also included in the protestors. The protesters called on the international community to condemn the violations of basic human rights by the government of Pakistan and the detention and torture by the security agencies.
The protesters demanded an end to the targeting of political opponents through arrests and false accusations.
All politically motivated cases should be withdrawn. The series of bans on press freedom should be stopped, the brutality of peaceful protesters by the police should be stopped. All political workers should be released and proper security should be provided to Imran Khan.
New York: A grand fundraising gala dinner was organized in New York for the much-needed yet State-of-the-art Shaukat Khanum cancer Hospital Karachi, which is in the construction phase.
Pakistani community participated fully in the event and generously contributed their part.
The cricketer-turned politician and former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s autographed cricket bat and ball were also auctioned while Imran Khan participated via video message۔
Fundraising event began with a recitation of the Holy Quran. After which the national anthems of USA and Pakistan were played.
Ali Rashid, head of the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) and one of the host Akram Mirza gave the welcome address and highlighted the importance of the event and the history of Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital.
Talking about the successful fundraising journey of Shaukat Khanum New York Queens Chapter, Asif Khan said that Pakistani Americans supported Shaukat Khanum every step of the way.
A documentary film based on the journey of famous cricketer and former Prime Minister Imran Khan from his the dream of Shaukat Khanum Hospital to its realization was also shown on the dedicated screen.
Imran’s video message was released to the participants. While the organizers also gave details about Shaukat Khanum Hospital۔
The speakers thanked the participants for funding Shaukat Khanum Hospital and appealed for prayers for further success.
Meanwhile prticipants generously donated and appreciated the efforts of the organizers of Shaukat Khanum Hospital Karachi’s fundraising dinner for public service.
KARACHI: A family from Larkana has set a ‘Guinness World Record’ of most family members born on the same date.
There are 9 people in this family and all were born on 1st August.
The family consists of Amir Azad Mangi, his wife Khadija and 7 children, including two sets of twins.
Amir Azad Mangi was born on August 1, 1968, his wife on August 1, 1973, their first daughter Sindhu on August 1, 1992, twin daughters Sassi and Sapna on August 1, 1998, first son Aamir on August 1, 2001, second son Amber on August 1, 2001.August 2002 and then twin sons Amar and Ahmar were born on August 1, 2003.
Amir Azad Mangi was also married on 1st August, thus 1st August is an important date for this entire family.
This family has broken the record of an American family of 5 people, which held the Guinness record since 1966.
KARACHI: Advisor to the Chief Minister of Sindh for Law & Spokesperson to the Government of Sindh Barrister Murtaza Wahab has said that Karachi which was once the most dangerous cities seven years ago, is now ranked 128 due to continuous peace efforts of Sindh Government and Law Enforcement Agencies.
We did an operation and Karachi came from 6th position to 128.
Under a conspiracy, the peace of Karachi was disturbed. Working on Safe City under community policing. There is peace in the city only when the citizens can go to the streets and hotels late at night. Guest of Honor IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon
He was addressing Peace conference as cheif Guest which was organized by AdPulse in a private hotel in Karachi to support the endless sacrifices and services of the Sindh Police.
Wahab and Guest of Honor I.G. Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon participated in the event. Barrister Murtaza Wahab while addressing the audience said that Karachi was number one on the list of dangerous cities seven years ago. The Sindh Government conducted an operation and from 6th position, we came to 128th.
10,000 people come to this city every day, this city provides employment, education, and health to all and will continue to provide them. Karachi is not abandoned, we need to tell people that good things happen here. If we want to move forward, we have to reach out to each other and move forward. The coming time will be good for our province and for our people
While IG Sindh Ghulam Nabi Memon said that the police is a part of this society, there is no peace in Karachi, it is not like that. We have asked the people of Karachi to install CCTV cameras as it will reduce the crime rate, and the ratio has decreased. The Sindh Government has given funds to the police, and it is in front of everyone. The suggestion I sent to the Sindh government in 9 months was approved by the Chief Minister of Sindh. Karachi is at 128 on the list of peace, crime is higher in Chicago and Paris, peace is being disturbed under a conspiracy. Everywhere you go in the world, the crime rate is high. You can go to eat at night, go to the market, there is liveliness, and it means that there is peace in Karachi, doesn’t target the police like this. Sindh Government and Police are facing four problems, we have to end terrorism. The government provided us out-of-budget aid, and the Sindh Government gave us rupees One Million budget. We are recruiting police on a merit basis. We have 10 to 12 trainees and we pay for their food from our own pocket.
Brigadier (R) Haris Nawaz said that only if there is peace in Karachi, success will come in Karachi, the economy will improve and the entire society will have to help the police. Karachi needs to be made a smart city, cameras are much needed to catch terrorists and criminals. Haji Mohammad Rafiq Pardesi said that Karachi is a city of peace and our police is doing a very good job. PSL happens because of Sindh Police. This nation is ready to die in the name of Pakistan. Unity Foods CEO Farrukh Amin said that Karachi is a peace-loving city, but there are shortcomings and they are being removed.
Thanks to the Sindh Police, they have maintained peace in Karachi. Compared to the last ten years, there is peace in Karachi today. On this occasion, Unity Foods CEO Farrukh Amin, Zee Group President Zeeshan Altaf Lohya, Chairman HMR Haji Rafiq Pardesi, Mirza Ikhitar Baig, and media representatives participated.
On this occasion, a specially prepared documentary for Sindh Police was also screened.
Azin Mohajerin and Hina Jilal at OMCT’s offices on International Women’s Day, 8 March 2023. (Geneva Solutions/Michelle Langrand)
Michelle Langrand in Geneva Solutions of 10 March 2023 speaks with two human rights defenders, from Iran and Pakistan.
Iran’s crackdown on women’s rights protests that erupted in September and the Taliban recently banning women from working in NGOs or from attending university have served as a reminder of how fast women’s rights are sliding back in the region and other parts of the world. But despite widespread arrests, allegations of torture and the execution of four protesters in Iran, the women-led movement refuses to back down. For Azin Mohajerin, 36, it means that change is a little more within grasp. Mohajerin left Iran in 2010, following the wave of post-electoral protests that swept the country.
This time around she is supporting rights campaigners in the country, specifically from minority groups, through Miaan, an NGO in Texas she co-founded in 2019 and where she works as senior human rights officer.
Hina Jilani, an advocate of Pakistan’s Supreme Court and president of the World Organisation Against Torture (OMCT), who fought against sharia laws in Pakistan back in the 80s, views it as another illustration of women’s resistance on the path to obtaining change.
Mohajerin and Jilani were in Geneva for international women’s day for an event organised by OMCT. Geneva Solutions spoke to the activists about the challenges women face in their countries and the lessons they can draw from each other.
Born in Lahore, the capital of Pakistan’s Punjab region, Hina Jilani grew up hearing about courtrooms and prisons. At that time, Pakistan was under martial law and her father’s political opposition would often land him into trouble. Rather than being traumatised, Jilani was empowered by the environment in which she was raised. Later in life as a lawyer, her work would also land her in those same courtrooms and prisons. Jilani passed the bar exam in 1977, the same year Sharia law was imposed on Pakistan. One of the new laws made adultery a crime against the state. See also: https://www.trueheroesfilms.org/thedigest/laureates/705AB196-BD5E-4EC2-B6C1-96AC5DDB353E .“While now Pakistan has a fit and reasonably good, protective legal framework for women, we have not gotten rid of the notorious practices like child marriage or honour killings. Gender-based violence is one of our biggest issues in Pakistan,” she pointed out. Pakistan reported around 63,000 cases of gender-based violence in the past three years according to Pakistan’s National Commission of Human Rights.
In Iran, the women-led movement for the freedom to choose what they wear and what to do with their bodies has been shaking the country for the past few months. But observers are cautious about the chances of the current uprising spurring real change in Iran as previous ones have failed to do so. Mohajerin, who cannot return to her country because of the sensitive nature of her work, sees it as one more step in the long path towards the respect of human rights.
The protests in Iran have brought out Iran’s ethnic minorities to march along with the Persian majority. Mahsa Amini, whose death in custody of the morality police last September triggered mass unrest, was a 22-year-old Kurdish woman from Saqqez, in the Kurdistan province of Iran.
Mohajerin, who works with minority groups in Iran, sees that cultural change has seeped into some of the most conservative communities. “Women in Balochistan bravely went to the street in one of the rare moments that they have spoken up about their rights,” said Mohajerin.“There is a recognition that there is a gap that needs to be filled in terms of ethnic equality and gender equality.”
But Iran has also come down hard on these groups. “After Tehran, the top places in terms of arrests were minority populated areas: the Kurdish area, the Turkic and then Balochistan,” said Mohajerin. Many of them remain behind bars, she said.
“Culture can help people to break the chains,” said Jilani. “Not everything is because of what the leadership or the ruling elite do. Unfortunately, the ruling elite act in a certain manner because that is the national psyche.”
Mohajerin noted that Iranians have been fighting for their freedom for a long time now. “It’s not a new movement, it is not something that started in September or even last year. It has been a long-lasting fight,” said Mohajerin.
She recalled when women first marched against the mandatory hijab after it was introduced by the Islamic revolution in Iran 44 years ago. “In Iran, the woman cannot have custody of the child after a certain age and they don’t have the right to divorce. But they do not just give up and say okay, this is how we should live. They’ve been fighting to get their rights and finding loopholes in the system,” she said.
“The cultural change that has been achieved during the past decades is way more significant than the law that exists,” said Mohajerin.
The situation in Iran has drawn international outcry, with western powers condemning Iran’s violent response to the protests. Like many activists, Jilani and Mohajerin see international solidarity as essential to their causes.
“Voices from the outside can help when the environment inside the country is very difficult,” said Jilani. “I’m alive today because of international public opinion and the pressure of the international community,” said Jilani. She recalls former US president Jimmy Carter and former president of Ireland Mary Robinson pleading for her release from prison at one time.So many world leaders sent letters to Pakistan, protesting against my incarceration, that when they released me they showed me this thick file and said we don’t know why people around the world are so worried about you.”
When Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian was in Geneva last week to speak before the Human Rights Council, campaigners called for diplomats to stage a walkout during his speech. Mohajerin recognised it as a “significant symbolic gesture to condemn the human rights abuses in Iran”. “However, it is crucial for the international community to engage in dialogue with the Iranian government regarding human rights violations, particularly in cases of executions, at the highest level,” she added.
But both Jilani and Mohajerin are adamant about something: change has to come from within. “The voice should come from the people inside the country. They are the ones who live in the country, and they are the ones who have to decide for their future,” said Mohajerin, noting that views within her country are not a monolith.
New York: In a historic development that will promote religious harmony, and deepen the sense of ownership in the Muslim community living in New York, the NYC administration for the first time has allowed prayer calling on loudspeaker from the Makki Masjid.
For the first time, the adhan ( prayer calling) was given over a loudspeaker in the Makki Mosque in Coney Island, New York.
After getting the permission from the administration, the people of the area heard the sound of adhan echoing in the air. Listening to the adhan on the loudspeaker, positive attitude was expressed by the people of the area.
Previously, the prayer calling was only allowed inside Islamic centers or mosques in New York.
The people of the area expressed their happiness on getting the permission for the prayer calling over loud speaker, and said that for many people it is historic.
We haven’t seen it happen before, and now Muslims living in NYC are seeing it happen in their own lives.
People living near Makki Masjid will now hear the sounds of Allah Akbar five times a day.
Azaan will continue to be given on loudspeakers during Ramadan as well.
New York: New York City Council Member Chi Osse has said that his office is open round the clock to address a host of issues especially related to public safety، housing, and immigrants concerns۔
He was addressing ‘Meet and Greet and Fundraising event organized by the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) to support his election campaign, in Brooklyn.
Chi Osse said: “Our office is open for public.We have been doing efforts since the last 47+ weeks. Resolution of issues being faced by immigrant community is one of the top priority of my office.”
As community we have a sizable amount of immigrants who have certain barriers to get access to the resources within the city.
So, on weekly basis, we are providing a couple of hour session, so that immigrants can have access to the resources whether it’s cellphones, free transportation, free food, and other social services.
Every other week, we have in our office immigrants attorney, and it’s a free service we provide for our immigrant community, Chi Osse said.
He acknowledged the housing crisis being one of the major concerns NYC has been facing since the immigrant crisis emerged.
In every Tuesday, a housing specialist is providing services to dozens of individuals at my office, whereas in every other Tuesday, we have housing attorney as well for legal advises.This service is very expensive especially when it comes to immigration. But free service we are providing to our community.This is the support we have been providing to our community.
On public safety issue, he said with relevant authorities some 40 plus individuals have been identified who have potentially been involved in violent crimes. The authorities are making efforts to nab them and send them behind the bars. He said his district has a limited crime rate.
Chi Ossé is the Council Member for New York City’s 36th District, representing Bedford-Stuyvesant and North Crown Heights.
He entered politics as an organizer and prominent figure in the Black Lives Matter movement. At 23 years old, Ossé was elected in 2021 as the youngest member of this Council and its only member hailing from Gen-Z.
APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmed besides Asad Chaudhry welcomed the guest Chi Osse.
The meet and greet saw overwhelming participation from Muslim community members representing different countries.
They said that Chi Osse always support our voice in solving the problems of Pakistani and Muslim community.
In his address Chi Osse presented his election manifesto. He said that New York City has a large number of Pakistani and Muslim communities.
“I want to work for the betterment of this community,” he vowed.
Apart from the Pakistani American community, Muslim people from other countries also participated in the event, including APPAC board member Ayesha Ukiyo.
He said that he wants the youth leadership to take full part in politics, and without their active part, the change cannot happen.
On this occasion, other members of the Muslim community appreciated Chi Osse’s performance. They said that politics is the best way to improve the society and people’s life, the promises made to the voters should be fulfilled.
The participants of the event asked Councilman Chi Osse several questions on various topics and issues facing the community, to which he answered as well as informed about the performance of his office.
New York: The women who came from Pakistan to attend the UN meeting distributed food to the homeless people in New York and also visited the shelter homes.
Various delegations of women have come to participate the Commission of Status of Women’s Week in the United Nations, from all over the world.
The delegation included Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Women Wing, Durdana Siddiqui, President of Women and Family Commission of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan Rukhsana Jabeen, Chairperson Working Women Welfare Trust Pakistan, Abida Farheen, Afshan Naveed and member of International Muslim Women Union Shaheen Abid.
While this delegation is participating in various programs, they also distributed fresh food to the homeless in Manhattan, the heart of New York city, in collaboration with the American Muslim welfare organization ICNA-Relief.
Talking to the media on this occasion, the women in the delegation said: “we were surprised to see that even in a developed country like the United States, a large number of people are homeless and standing in food lines, amid harsh weather for a meal.
The women said that they are happy to see that the Muslim organization ICNA Relief is serving humanity in America, regardless of race, color and creed.
The delegation also visited both the women and children’s shelters of ICNA Relief in New York Jamaica and appreciated its quality.
New York: Pakistani Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto Zardari has said that the aim of the Women in Islam Conference is to eliminate the existing misconceptions regarding Islam and women’s rights.
Islam is the only religion that talked about women’s rights that other religions.
Pakistani Foreign Minister participated in the Women in Islam Conference organized on the occasion of International Women’s Day in New York.
Talking to the media on this occasion, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that in this conference, Saudi Arabia, Palestine and other Islamic countries have gathered to represent the rights of women.
The entire Muslim Ummah agrees on one thing that Islam is the only religion which first discussed the rights of women.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that the purpose of this conference is to eliminate the wrong concept in the world regarding the rights of women in Islam.
He further said that women ministers in countries like Pakistan and Bangladesh are proof that Islam gives full representation to women in all spheres of life.
The participating women described the Women in Islam Conference as a good effort and said that in the international forum not only the rights of the Muslim Ummah but the rights of women of the whole world were discussed.
Women issues should also be raised at the national and international level.
The female participants said that not only the Muslim Ummah but the rights of women are being violated in the whole world.
There is a dire need to raise the same voice for women’s rights.
New York: New York City Mayor Eric Adams has praised New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Muslim Officers for their humanitarian efforts to help the flood-hit Pakistanis and earthquake victims in Turkey.
The Mayor said that he has witnessed the Muslim Officers Society always helping people in trouble without discrimination.
The New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers Society and the Middle East Turkish Society are continuing their relief activities to help the victims of the earthquake in Turkey.
Eric Adams inspected the packing and departure of relief supplies at the NYPD’s central warehouse.
Addressing a joint press conference on this occasion, Mayor Eric Adams said that Turkey continues to host Tunisian and Syrian refugees, and today, more or less 20 million Turkish citizens are affected by the earthquake
In these circumstances, the role of MOS is commendable.
On this occasion, the Consul General of Turkey in NYC, Reyhan Özgür, said that the spirit of Muslim officers to help their Turkish brothers and sisters has boosted our courage.
In the next few days, these relief materials will be delivered to the earthquake victims.
The second vice president of the Muslim Officers Society and the representative of the Middle East Turkish Society said that some relief materials have been sent to the earthquake victims in Turkey.
100 pallets containing various essential items are ready and will be dispatched soon.
A large number of MOS volunteers are actively participating in the packing of relief supplies.
The representatives of the Muslim Officers Society gave a briefing to the mayor about the relief activities which were appreciated by the Mayor NYC.
UNITED NATIONS: Pakistan’s Foreign Minister, Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, Tuesday called for establishing a monitoring mechanism for crimes committed against women and girls in territories under foreign occupation, including the Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The most egregious atrocities and crimes against women and girls occur in situations of foreign occupation and suppression of the right to self-determination to peoples,” he said during a high-level debate in the UN Security Council on ‘Women, Peace and Security (WPS) towards the 25th Anniversary of Resolution 1325’.
Bilawal Bhutto Zardari said that women continue to be the principal victims of war and conflict despite 90 states have adopted National Action Plans to protect women and girls.
He thanked the Veronica Nataniel Macamo Dlhovu, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation of the Republic of Mozambique for convening this Open Debate on Women, Peace and Security, on the eve of International Women’s Day.
The world today is facing a pandemic of conflict, violence, war, hate, extremism and terrorism. Despite the Geneva Conventions, civilians are increasingly the primary targets of war and violence. And, as the Council’s landmark resolution 1325 observed, women and girls suffer disproportionately and inordinately from war, conflict and violence.
The strategy adopted in Security Council resolution 1325, and the 10 subsequent resolutions on women, peace and security, has served to enhance national and international recognition of the challenge and its manifestations.
Almost 90 states have adopted National Action Plans to protect women and girls and to empower them to contribute to prevent and respond to conflict, war and violence.
The UN’s Special Rapporteur on Sexual Violence in Conflict has helped to enhance recognition of this challenge. The larger presence and role of women peacekeepers has visibly contributed to preventing and containing conflicts and violence and crimes against women.
“Yet, we are far from realizing the objectives of the Women, Peace and Security Agend,” Bilawal said.
The somber reality is that women continue to be the principal victims of war and conflict. We hear the cries of mothers, sisters and daughters – in Iraq, Afghanistan, Ukraine, in Africa – suffering from the consequences of wars that were imposed on them. We have yet to implement the strategy to prevent war, ease its suffering, establish accountability for the crimes against women and girls and empower women, through skills, access and leadership, to contribute to prevention, recovery and redress from their imposed and disproportionate suffering.
We are disappointed at the restrictions imposed on education and work on women and girls in Afghanistan. The right of women and girls to access all levels of education and work is a fundamental right in keeping with Islamic injunctions. We urge the defacto authorities to take steps towards resumption of female education and allow them to contribute to Afghan Society.
The most egregious atrocities and crimes against women and girls occur in situations of foreign occupation and suppression of the right to self-determination of people. Here, the very object of violence is to suppress the civilian population. This is manifested most vividly in the occupied Palestinian territories and occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The women, peace and security strategy will remain incomplete and unfulfilled so long as the acute dimension of the plight of women under foreign occupation is not addressed frontally and vigorously. Above all, occupation forces must be held accountable.
To ensure implementation of the WPS strategy, it is essential to establish a monitoring mechanism for crimes committed against women and girls in territories under foreign occupation, including Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.
The Security Council called for improved monitoring in resolution 1888 (2009), through the deployment of military and gender expert teams to conflict areas, and in resolution 1960 (2010) it endorsed measures to end the impunity of perpetrators. These provisions must be implemented.
Pakistan also supports effective implementation of the other measures in the Council’s resolutions on Women, Peace and Security: The deployment of Women Protection Advisors; A larger role for UN Women Peacekeepers, especially in leadership positions; addressing the root causes of conflicts; increasing the resources for women in conflict zones;stronger and equal role for women in the prevention of conflict, in the delivery of relief and recovery assistance and in forging lasting peace; the peaceful resolution of conflicts in accordance with the UN Charter and Security Council resolutions, utilizing the various mechanisms available under the UN Charter.
TEXAS: The students of University of Texas Dallas are making efforts to promote cricket on campus on their own despite no financial support from the University administration.
Since cricket is not included in the official sports in the educational institutions of America, the students who play cricket in most of the universities are not provided any kind of financial support from the educational institutions here.
The students of the University of Texas Dells are active for the promotion of cricket.
These students are not only cricket fans but also play excellent cricket.
Cricketer students of UT Dales say that they organize cricket matches and various tournaments here throughout the year, but the university administration does not support them like other sports.
Students believe that one of the main reasons for this is that cricket is not a regular sport here.
These students also say that if the cricket-loving local community supports them, they will be able to make cricket a regular sport in the university.
They said that they want to represent Dalles in the NCCA cricket tournament to be held in Houston.
If the community supports them, they can effectively represent the Dales by playing the best cricket.
Lahore: Overseas Pakistanis Global Foundation (OPGF), and Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) have joined hands to work together for the welfare of overseas community members and resolve their issues.
The MOU signing ceremony was held on January 09, 2023 in Lahore.
Shaikh Shakil Vice Chairman of OPGF, and Syed Tariq Mahmood-Ul-Hassan Vice Chairperson OPC signed the documents on behalf of their respective organizations.
OPGF has its Head Office in NeW York, while Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission (OPC) office based in Lahore.
The purpose of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) is to confirm the relationship of cooperation between the Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission & OPGF for the purpose of mutually strengthening each other’s capacity and in playing their role in providing all the welfare facilities and best services to resolve the major issues facing by
Overseas Pakistanis.
OPGF will provide all the relevant complaints of Overseas Pakistanis on the behalf of Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission. Along with all required information and complaint registered on Web Portal of OPC.
For the avoidance of doubt, the MOU is not legally binding on either parties. Either party may terminate this MOU with upon one-month prior written notice to the other party stating its intention to withdraw from the relationship as
described in this MOU. This termination will be without any cost or expenses to either party.
The terms of the understanding may at any time be amended as needed in writing and as agreed upon by both the parties.
As per the document, available with VOSA TV, said: “The parties hereby agree not to disclose any confidential infomation of the other party to
any person, fim or enterprise, or use for its own benefits, without the written consent and approval of the other party, confidential information includes any reports, data, systems materials or other intomation of one party that the other party may have gained or acquired access to as a result of this MOU.”
However, the Foundation & Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission being a nonprofit and public organization can inform its shareholders about the general nature of this agreement, its benefits and services being availed in its annual report or through any other publication.
Any dispute in respect of any issue arising out of this MOU will be resolved with mutualconsultation.
If unresolved, the matter will be referred for arbitration to the Vice Chairperson Punjab Overseas Pakistanis Commission and the President of OPGF for decision.
Their decision will be final and binding and cannot be challenged in any court
of Law.
New Jersey: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf USA chapter held a grand program in New Jersey to discuss the immediate solution of various problems being faced by Pakistan.
PTI leader and Senator Faisal Javed was the chief guest of the event.
The program was organized at a local banquet in New Jersey which was hosted by senior leaders of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf New Jersey Sam Khan and Khurshid Bhalli.
The program started with the recitation of Holy Quran.Khursheed Bhali administrated the program.
Addressing the participants, host Sam Khan and Khurshid Bhalli said that there was more love for Imran Khan among overseas Pakistanis than in Pakistan.
Speaking on the topic of the program, Senator Faisal Javed, the chief guest of the event, said that overseas Pakistanis are suffering more because of the current situation in Pakistan.
Allah has blessed Imran Khan with the ability to make the impossible, possible.
While PTI OIC Secretary Abdullah Riad said that Imran Khan’s struggle is for the real freedom of Pakistan.
Other participants of the event while talking about the immediate solution of various problems faced by Pakistan said: “we are fortunate to have the leadership of a person like Imran Khan,”
No one coined the term ‘real freedom’ except Imran Khan. It is the heartfelt wish of the overseas Pakistanis that the reign of Imran Khan returns soon.
During the program, overseas Pakistanis also raised slogans in favor of Imran Khan along with Senator Faisal Javed.
KARACHI: The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) has fulfilled its promise to the Sindh Police by constructing new houses for the flood effected officials of the provincial police in the Dadu district.
Ali Gohar Panwar, Head Constable of Sindh Police, who lives on the outskirts of the MNV Drain, in Johi Taluka of Dadu District, has been gifted a new house comprised two-room by the Muslim Officers’ Society of New York Police Department, where his family is now living, happily.
No one knows when, how and in what way the Allah almighty helps his creatures in difficult times.
Muslim Officers Society in America, which is based in NYC some 7 thousand miles away from Pakistan, decided to help the flood victims and arrangements were made as soon as they saw the devastating situation in the province.
Five months ago, after the stormy rains, the devastating floods washed away everything that came in it’s way.
The houses of the policemen residing in Dadu district were also flooded.
The story of Constable Nisar Ahmed Panwar, who lives in a flood-affected area with his elderly mother, wife and three children, is no different.Nisar Ahmed’s father was also in the police who was martyred during his service and he got a job in the police on the basis of his father’s quota. But his income was not so much that he could rebuild his damaged house.
In a meeting with MOS President Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana in November last, the Inspector General of Sindh Police Ghulam Nabi Memon requested MOS to provide fifty thousand dollars for the construction of houses of flood affected policemen.
Allocated amount is more than one hundred crore rupees in Pakistani currency and MOS fulfilled its promise to the Sindh Police by constructing new houses for the police constables and head constables living in different areas of Dadu district.
MOS has constructed houses in Dadu of Sindh the worst affected district in the history of Pakistan, in the first phase, MOS constructed homes for the policemen who find it difficult to maintain their homes on their meager salaries.
With the provision of financial assistance from the Muslim Officers Society, new houses were provided to the policemen in different tehsils and talukas of Dadu district.
After construction of houses in the first phase, MOS has started construction of more new houses after complete survey and inspection of flood damaged houses by police personnel in other areas of Dadu district which will be completed by next month.
New York: Dr. Ehsanullah, owner of the Polyclinic on Coney Island Avenue was laid to rest at the Washington Memorial Cemetery on Long Island, amid groans and sobs.
He was regarded as well-respected and one of the beloved members of Pakistani community in New York City.
He died after a cardiac arrest while doing a treadmill exercise, a couple of days back.
His funeral prayer was held yesterday at Makki Masjid.
A large number of business and social personalities of the community participated in the funeral prayer.
In his address to the participants, Qari Usama quoted the Quranic verses and said that the time of death of every soul is fixed, but no one knows when, in what condition and in which place the death occurs.
Therefore, he said every soul should worry about hereafter more than worldly affairs. After performing the funeral prayers, the body of the late Dr. Ehsanullah was taken to the Washington Memorial Cemetery in Long Island, where he was laid to rest with groans and sobs.
Dr Ehsanullah has left behind a widow and three children to mourn his death. Pakistani community has prayed for forgiveness and elevation of the departed soul.
KARACHI: Some four overseas Pakistanis living in the US and Canada have approached Sindh High Court against Bahria Town, a privately owned real-estate development tycoon for ‘depriving’ them of ownership rights of plots, and villas despite making full payments.
In a petition filed before the Sindh High Court (SHC), the complainants said they booked plots and villas in Bahria Town Karachi and made regular payments through installments, since the launch of the mega project in Karachi in 2013.
The complainants, named Noor Jahan Bibi, Uzma Shaheen, Asadullah Khan and Naveed Rasheed claimed that they have been deprived of the villas and plots despite making full payments.
Noor Jahan Bibi booked a plot of 125 square yards, Uzma Shaheen also got a plot of 125 square yards, Asadullah Khan paid for plots of 500 and 125 square yards. Similarly, Naveed Rasheed paid full payment for a 250 square yard residential plot in Bahria Town.
But, the real estate company, they claimed, has not allotted plots and villas to them. They have been deprived of their ownership rights, and allotments, yet.
The complainants say that they tried to contact Bahria Town several times, but the administration remained silent, which shows a moral decay on the part of Bahria Town.
They said that despite being a multi billionaire, Bahria Town usurped their rights, and the management is dealing with new investors in BTK-2.
The petitioners said when the balloting took place, their names were astonishingly missing, after which the Supreme Court took up the Bahria Town case, and the land which they had booked was included in the illegal land portion.
Thay posed question as who ordered Bahria Town to include our names in the illegal land, despite they made regular payments.
They said their parents are suffering from heart disease, urging the court to ensure speedy justice to them, saying “Justice delayed is justice denied.”
New York: Overseas Pakistanis in New York have introduced a scholarship program for Pakistan-based National University of Modern Languages (NUML) students.
Under this program, a scholarship of $ 35,00 will be given to each student annually.
The NUML Scholarship Dinner was held at the residence of Tasawur Ahsan in Old West Bury, New York.
The host Parvaiz Riaz and Zameer Chaudhary welcomed the guest of honor and Chairman Tehreek-e-Insaf Imran Khan’s sister Aleema Khanum and presented her with a bouquet.
Addressing the participants on this occasion, Aleema Khanum explained the aims and objectives of establishing NUML University.
He said that there is immense talent in the young generation of Pakistan, it is necessary to improve their skills.
Business and social personalities of the Pakistani American community also participated in the event.
On this occasion, Imran Khan’s special message regarding NUML University was also presented to the participants.
On this occasion, senior leader of PTI, Sajjad Barki informed the audience about the method of donating in the scholarship program.
The hosts of the event, Tasawur Ahsan, Pervaiz Riaz and Zameer Chaudhary also announced their and their family’s financial support for the scholarship program.
The organizers said that they want the deprived and underprivileged children in the Pakistani society to be equipped with the jewel of education.
At the end of the ceremony, certificates of appreciation were presented to the donors of the scholarship club program.
The participants reiterated their commitment that overseas Pakistanis will continue to play their best role in providing better and higher education to the Pakistani youth.
New York: Islamic Circle of North America, known as ICNA Relief performed the last rituals of Aqib, who had died on November 26 in Philadelphia, days after embracing Islam and his body was kept unattended in a mortuary being run by Non-Muslims, for three months.
The mortuary had finally decided to cremate Aqib’s body as none came forward to carryout his last rituals in accordance with Islamic teachings.
Aqib’s daughter, who is a Christian, came to know about this, she did not agree with mortuary administration because Aqib had converted into Islam from Christianity, and cremation of a Muslim’s death body is against the norms of Islamic principles.
The information reached the women’s wing of ICNA Relief, so they informed their organization which came forward.
After necessary legal proceedings, ICNA Relief transported the dead body of the Muslim Aqib to New York from the non-Muslim mortuary and arranged for his bath shroud and buried Aqib with full honor and respect according to Islamic way.
The funeral prayer was attended by hundreds of people in the Makki mosque of Brooklyn.
Qari Osama addressed the attendees at and said that no one knows where his death and burial will take place.
On this occasion, Muwaz Asad Siddiqui, spokesperson of ICNA Relief, said that a sister struggled to save her brother’s dead body from being cremated, but her efforts were not in vain.
After the funeral prayers, the body of Aqib was taken to a local cemetery in New Jersey where he was laid to rest.
New York: The Council of People’s Organization (COPO) has dispatched a container of relief goods to the earthquake victims of Turkey and Syria through Turkish Airlines from US.
The relief items include food items, warm clothes, blankets, shoes, medicines and surgical stuff.
On this occasion, the head of COPO Muhammad Rizvi said that the New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) and other organizations have been participating in all the activities.
Muhammad Rizvi and officers of the Muslim Officers’ Society of the New York Police were also present on the occasion of the loading of trucks.
