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Category: pakistan

  • Pakistan is ripe for investment: Masood Khan

    Dallas: Pakistan is ripe for investmen. We are inviting investments from the United States and the Gulf region,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States.

    “China is already making investment through CPEC projects. We have invited Gulf region to participate in extractive industries and they are partnering with many European and North American firms. This is creating a huge opportunity for more investment in Pakistan. Since the infrastructure is there, so step into that market,” he said.

    “Don’t hold back. Invest in Pakistan with full confidence,” he added.
    Ambassador Masood Khan made these remarks at Pak America Business Forum (PABF) Annual Award Banquet 2023 here in Dallas.
    The Ambassador thanked Chairman PABF Waqar Khan, President Anwer Azam and other PABF members for providing him with the opportunity to highlight business potential of the country.

    He also acknowledged Texas State Rep. Mr. Salman Bhojani, Mayor Richardson Mayor Bob Dooley, Mr. Shamsul Aarifeen, Abdul Khabir and others for their presence in the event.

    Addressing leading businessmen and entrepreneurs, Masood Khan said that with the presence of 80 US enterprises, there already existed a vast infrastructure in Pakistan for investment. “What you have to do is to scale up and there are ample opportunities available within that in Pakistan,” he said.

    To streamline business activities and investment, the Ambassador suggested establishment of a forum, either in Dallas, Houston or any other part of the United State,s to address specific issues related to regulatory regime in Pakistan, ease of doing business in the country, repatriation of profits and other issues that are confronted by the business community and potential investors.
    The Ambassador highlighted mining sector, agriculture, education, health, pharmaceuticals, diagnostics, biotechnology which were opening up to the world and offering huge dividends to investors and business community.

    Highlighting decades long partnership between Pakistan and the United States, the Ambassador observed that Pakistan, a fragile state at its inception, chose the United States over others as its friend. “More importantly, the United States chose Pakistan,” he said.

    “As Pakistani-American continue to come to the United States, they enrich the landscape of Pakistan and they continue to build bridges between Pakistan and the United States,” he observed.

    He said that Pakistan was a country of a great potential. “We would be amongst the top ten economies and the strongest countries in the world. That is the determination not only of our leadership but most importantly of the people of Pakistan,” he said.

    He told the audience to dismiss all negative chatters about the country. Inviting them to personally visit the country and witness its potential, the Ambassador highlighted that there were more than 82 million people comprising middle class of the country. He said the country was making progress in many sectors.

    “I am not saying that we are a utopia but we not a dystopia either,” observed the Ambassador.
    He assured the audience that the country would emerge successful in overcoming its present challenges as it did in the past.

    Recalling unwavering support of Pakistani-American community, he said that Pakistani American have always stood with Pakistan. They will continue to support Pakistan and its economy with their investment and positive contributions.

    Noting the presence of around one million Pakistanis in the United States, the Ambassador advised Pakistani-American to launch themselves as a community and make bridges between Pakistan and the United States even stronger.

    The post Pakistan is ripe for investment: Masood Khan first appeared on VOSA.

  • NYC to slash OT of four uniformed agencies, amid immigrant crisis

    New York: New York City has decided to cut overtime of the employees of some four departments responsible for the security of New York with an aim to mitigate the rising immigrant expenses.

    The departments include New York Police Department, Fire Department, Sanitation Department, and Department of Corrections.

    Fire department NYC

    Mayor Eric Adams’ budget director, Jacques Jiha, has told the city’s four uniformed agencies — police, fire, sanitation and corrections — to come up with plans to slash their OT costs.

    This plan will cover only two-thirds of the expected expenses of the migrants. The memo states that uniformed agencies must submit monthly reports to City Hall to review progress toward meeting overtime spending and reduction targets.

    Now the Adams administration will issue a directive to implement the measure to cut overtime. The order comes after New York’s financial problems caused by the constant influx of immigrants.

    Department of Sanitation

    The plan also calls for a freeze on travel outside of Washington, D.C., and a ban on purchases of new equipment and contracts.

    Patrick Hendry, head of the Police Benevolent Association, the city’s largest police union, rejected the idea of cutting overtime costs as unjust, saying it would be impossible for the NYPD to significantly reduce overtime because We already have fewer police officers but we are still struggling to bring crime back to pre-2020 levels.

    The New York Police Department’s overtime budget exceeded $700 million last year, drawing criticism for the high costs of police overtime.

    On the other hand, a political affairs expert has termed this move as a big political ploy and said that Eric Adams wants to run for re-election in 2025 so it is a political game.

    It is noted that Mayor Eric Adams announced a 15% cut in the budget of all city departments yesterday.

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  • ACMW, UHC distribute school supplies among 500 children

    New York: Americans Council of Minority Women (ACMW) in collaboration with the United Health Care has distributed school supplies among five hundred children on Coney Island Avenue in New York.

    Sschool notebooks, colors, pencils and other stationery items were distributed among children in the ACMW’s 15th Annual School Supplies Distribution ceremony.

    On this occasion, ACMW chairperson Baza Roohi while talking to Voice of South Asia said that her organization has been distributing school supplies to children for the past fifteen years.

    We feel more joy in this philanthropic work will continue in coming years as well, she promised.

    Babar Munir, the representative of United Health Care, said that ACMW’s cooperation is very long-lasting and the purpose of distributing supplies to children under this program is that the children who cannot buy stationary items can easily benefit from this opportunity.

    Ahmed, the general secretary of the American Council of Minority Women expressed the hope of continuing this program every year.

    Children and their parents expressed their utmost joys while receiving the gifts and stationery items.

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  • Back to school program: MEA, NY GrowsTogether distribute school supplies among students

    NEW YORK: Muslim Entrepreneur Association (MEA) and New York GrowsTogether, distributed school bags and supplies to students as part of the annual Bellerose Back to School program.

    The annual back-to-school program hosted by Abdul Rahman was organized by the Muslim Entrepreneur Association and New York GrowsTogether in front of the Bellerose Library in Long Island, New York.

    Abdul Rahman has been a resident of Bellerose for a long time and is often engaged in various activities for the community.

    On this occasion, Abdul Rahman said that we all need to come together in such activities to make children strong in the field of education

    We are here today working together on the back-to-school program, he said.

    Students and parents who benefited from the program also appreciated this initiative.

    On this occasion, Councilwoman Linda Lee said that such activities are very important for students before schools open. She said children need school supplies the most, and joint action by everyone, including ACNA Relief, is highly appreciated.

    Assemblyman David Weprin was also present at the back-to-school program, along with representatives from Apna Brooklyn Community Center and ICNA Relief.

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  • Pakistan marks National Defence Day with reverence

    KARACHI: Pakistan Wednesday celebrated ‘National Defence Day’ with reverence and effervescent spirit to commemorate the supreme sacrifices of the Armed Forces, Shuhada, Ghazis and national heroes who stood against the enemy with unparalleled display of unity and tenacity during the 1965 Indo-Pak War.

    The day dawned with a 31-gun salute at the Federal Capital and a 21-gun salute at all provincial capitals.

    Spe­cial prayers were offered after Fajr in mosques for the progress and prosperi­ty of the country and inde­pendence of Illegally Occu­pied Jammu and Kashmir from the cruel clutches of India.

    Fateha and Quran Khawani were also held for the martyrs.

    President Dr Arif Alvi and Caretaker Prime Minister Anwaar-ul-Haq Kakar have said that amidst Pakistan facing mul­tiple security challenges of extremism, terrorism and external aggression, the entire nation stood united alongside the Pakistan De­fence Forces to thwart evil designs against the integ­rity and prosperity of the country, according to local news agencies.

    Chair­man Joint Chief of Staff Committee, Services Chiefs and Armed Forces of Paki­stan have paid rich tribute to the martyrs, their fam­ilies and war veterans on the 58th Defence and Mar­tyrs’ Day.

    It was on this day in 1965 that the Indian forces had crossed in­ternational border in the darkness of night to attack Pakistan, but our valiant Armed Forces backed by the entire nation foiled nefarious de­signs of the enemy.

    The day displayed the spirit of unity and sacrifice in the defence of our motherland and glorifies the indomitable bond of the Nation and the Armed Forces to stand together in the face of adversity and belligerence.

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  • Chehlum of Imam Husain (AS) observed in NYC, with religious reverence

    New York: Thousands of Muslim devotees in New York attended the Procession of Chehlum-e-Imam Hussain – the grandson of Prophet Muhammad PBUH, and his loyal companions who rendered their lives for the noble of cause of Justice, humanity and glory of Islam, in the soil of Karbala.

    The main mourning procession started from Franklin Avenue in Queens and ended at its designated venue.

    Like every year in New York, this year too, the Jafaria Council USA and Jafaria Youth organized the Chehlum Procession, remembering the eternal sacrifice of the martyrs of Karbala for the elevation of the religion of Islam, their Chehlam was observed with great devotion and respect.

    Addressing the Majlis-e-Aza which was held after the Namaz-e-Zohrain in congregation at Franklin Avenue in Queens area, Maulana Sheikh Fazil shed light on the incident of Karbala and mentioned the martyrdom of Imam Hussain (AS) and his martyrs.

    Later, the twenty-seventh annual Central Mourning Procession of Chehlam, along with Shabeeh-e-Alam and Zul-Janah and other pilgrimages came out from the main road of Franklin Avenue. Youth, men and women including children and elderly people participated in the procession in thousands.

    On this occasion, the organizer of the procession and the president of Jafriya Council USA, Raja Abid Numbardar, and the president of Jafriya Youth of New York, Ammar Yasir Numbardar, said that twenty-seven years ago, this procession was started, which takes place every year now. He also rejected the controversial bill passed by the Pakistani parliament, recently.

    Niaz was distributed at different places and Sabeel was also set up in memory of the martyrs of Karbala.

    the procession reached its final point after passing through its traditional routes, followed by a Majlis-e-Aza. The scholars said that it is the commandment of Allah almighty to always support the oppressed and to stand against the oppressors of every era.

    In the Chehlum procession, the mourners burst into tears after the religious scholars described the atrocities inflicted on the martyrs of Karbala by Yazid’s army.

    The scholars said that the incident of Karbala has distinguished between the right and wrong, truth and evil, once and forever.

    The participants of the procession kept beating their chests on loud sorrowful poems (Nohas) chanting slogans like Labbaik Ya Hussain (AS) till the culmination of Alam procession at its destination.

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  • PSNT’s Quaid Mela in Dales brings together colors of Pakistan

    DALES: Pakistan Society of North Texas (PSNT) held ‘the Quaid Mela’ as part of Pakistan’s Independence Day in Dales with national zest and enthusiasm.

    Like every year, this year too, a large number of Pakistani community gathered in Quaid Mela. The stalls of Pakistani clothing, jewelery and food items were the center of attention of the attendees.

    Famous singers from Pakistan gave outstanding performance with presenting colors of music. Renowned singers Komal Rizvi and Elizabeth Roy presented such a magic with their melodious voices that left the audience in awe. Pakistani Americans living in Dales expressed their devotion and love for their homeland.

    Renowned entertainment promoters Hiba Entertainment collaborated with the musical show. Pakistan’s famous actor Hasan Soomro, RJ of local radio, and Abid Baig, General Secretary of PSNT, administrated the event proceedings.

    On this occasion, PSNT President Salman Tabani and Vice President Ghalib Hussain while talking to Voice of South Asia said that Pakistan Society of North Texas is the largest organization of Pakistanis here, which organizes the Azadi Mela, famously known as the Quaid Mela every year on the Independence Day of Pakistan.

    We are grateful to the governing body and board of trustees for organizing a successful fair. This year, due to Muharram, the fair was held with little delay. We thank the community for supporting us. We will continue to do such events in the future.

    Chairman of PSNT Board of Trustees Dr. Riaz Haider said that we are all gathered here in the love of our dear motherland and are celebrating Pakistan’s independence with enthusiasm.

    The participants in the fair showed great enthusiasm. The female participants said that they are far from Pakistan, but Pakistan is very close to their hearts.

    Singers Shery Raza and Faisal Akhtar, who came from Pakistan in the Quaid Mela, set the tone of the music and the audience danced to their songs.

    The participants of Quaid Mela were seen in national dress who were showing their love for the dear country by hoisting the green halal flag.

    On this occasion, member Board of Trustee of PSNT Abid Malik said that the governing body of PSNT deserves felicitations for organizing this successful fair.

    The entire team headed by Salman Tabani has worked tirelessly to make the event successful. He congratulated the entire Pakistani nation on Independence Day.

    Singer Komal Rizvi, presented songs, children did not stay behind, but rather they reached the stage and presented great tableaus.

    The children participating in the fair had their faces painted with the national flag and were seen enjoying Pakistani food. It has been serving the community for years and celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day every year with the same enthusiasm.

    Hafeez Khan, Chairman of Pakistani American Business Forum and member Board of Trustee of PSNT, said in his address: “we celebrate two festivals every year with great enthusiasm, one on March 23 and the other on August 14.” This is a proof that we love our dear country even abroad.

    Speaking on the occasion, Nasir Siddiqui, head of Hiba Entertainment, said that his company has always been at the forefront of creating entertainment opportunities for the Pakistani community and is proud to serve in this flagship event of PSNT.

    Earlier, while thanking Voice of South Asia, he said he is extremely grateful to the entire team of Voice of South Asia who have always supported the community and are here today to promote Azadi Mela.

    He also said that Voice of South Asia has become the most watched community TV in America. We pray that this TV will continue to grow in the same way.

    At the end of the ceremony, distinguished personalities were awarded with awards in recognition of their services.

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  • Ballroom dancer killed as a car hits her in Long Island: Police

    New York: Ballroom dancer Ilona Kaydanov lost her life while her 2 brothers sustained injuries after a car plowed into the pedestrians on Long Island, the police said.

    They were hit by a car while running on the side of a Long Island road Thursday morning.

    It has been learned that Ilona was a talented dancer and a student of Stony Brook University.

    According to the police, the accident took place around 8:20 in the morning when Ilona Kaydanov was walking with her brothers when a car driver hit her and her brothers. As a result, Ilona died on the spot while her two younger brothers, Dennis, 20, and Joseph, 13, were taken to South Shore University Hospital for treatment, where their condition is said to be out of danger.

    The news of the sudden death of the young dancer left his friends and teachers quite depressed. Ilona’s dance instructor said, “she was like a daughter to me as she was a talented dancer as well as a wonderful human being.

    According to the police, the car driver and the two passengers, a 44-year-old woman and a 64-year-old man remained unhurt in the accident.

    Police have impounded the vehicle and started an investigation, but no charges have been announced against the driver yet.

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  • NYC Govt. officially allows Muslims to call Adhan on loudspeaker

    New York: In a historic development, the  Adhan echoed around the New York Mayor’s office as the Eric Adams-led administration has officially allowed the use of loudspeaker to call Adhan from the city Masques, with certain conditions.

    The soulful sound of Pray calling also echoed around the Mayor’s office.

    The use of loudspeakers for Adhan was a long-standing demand of millions of Muslims living in the U.S., particularly those in NYC.

    Muslims of NYC have admired the Eric Adams administration for the historic decision, and they termed the move as a living example of religious freedom, respect, and harmony.

    The mayor Eric Adams, in a press conference with his administration and representatives of the Muslim community, has officially given permission to all mosques to now give Adhan for Friday prayers on loudspeakers. After this announcement, there is no need to take written permission to give adhan from any mosque.

    Mayor Eric Adams also allowed all mosques in the city to give the Maghrib Adhan on loudspeakers on Fridays and in the holy Ramadan.

    Muhammad Bahi, Senior Liaison Officer of the Community Affairs Unit at the Mayor’s Office organized the event and thanked all the guests for their attendance. With the pray calling, there is a command to abandon worldly affairs during prayer, he stressed.

    The staff of the mayor’s office, the police commissioner, and the representatives of the Muslim community was also present in the press conference.

    President of New York Police Muslim Officer Society and Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana also spoke on this occasion.

    Representatives of the Muslim community, imams of various mosques, organizers of Islamic centers and President of COPO Mohammad Rizvi also participated in the event.

    On this occasion, the Muslim community said that today is a very happy and proud day for us. Muslims living in New York will be grateful to Mayor Eric Adams for this initiative.

    Earlier, the mayor further said that the police will also work with regard to the new guidelines and ensure that the volume of the loudspeakers for pray calling remains within the prescribed limits.

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  • 39th Annual ‘Pakistan Day parade’ held in NYC

    New York: The 39th annual Pakistan Day parade was held in New York as part of Pakistan’s Independence Day.

    As per details, the Pakistan Day Parade started from Madison Avenue in Manhattan under the leadership of Marshal Dr. Mehmood Alam and the event organizers.

    Troopers from the New York Police Department marched waving flags to the tune of a traditional band.

    When the Pakistan Day Parade started, a large number of citizens stood on all its routes to watch this unique parade, while members of the Pakistani community waved green crescent flags to welcome the participants of the parade.

    The participants of the parade marched with different floats and reached their designated place on Madison Avenue, where a regular program was organized in connection with the celebration of Pakistan’s independence, which began with the recitation of the Holy Quran.

    Later, the famous Naat-Khawan Asghar Ali Chushti recited Naat-e-Rasool (SA).

    The participants of the Parade were very happy and enthusiastic. The U.S and Pakistan’s national anthems were presented, respectively.

    During the parade, the New York police also remembered the recently martyred young Pakistani police officer Adeed Fayyaz and conveyed the message that the sacrifice of Adeed Fayyaz will always be remembered.

    On the arrival of the participants of Pakistan Day Parade, the traditional breakfast of Halwa Puri was also organized. The participants thoroughly enjoyed breakfast prepared on the roadside.

    On this occasion, the Trustees of the Parade Committee, Asad Chaudhary and Ahmad Jan, congratulated the entire community on the Independence Day of Pakistan.

    They said that Pakistanis have a lively heart and living nations never forget their culture, traditions and national day.

    The Committee President Munir Lodhi, General Secretary Haroon Ajam Ramey, Khawar Baig were also present.

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  • PSNT is all set to host The Quaid Mela

    New York: The Pakistan Society of North Texas (PSNT) is all set to host the annual Quaid Mela.

    The mega fun-filled event is going to be held on September 2 as the event organizers said that preparations have entered the final stages.

    Renowned singers Komal Rizvi, Elizabeth Rai and Sherry Raza are set to unleash their vocal magic at the festival which is scheduled to be organized by PSNT on Saturday, September 2 at the Plano Event Center.

    The fair, as part of Pakistan’s Independence Day, will also have stalls of elaborate costumes, make-up and jewelry.

    Singers Komal Rizvi and Elizabeth Rai say they are very excited to perform at the Quaid Mela.

    On the occasion of the Quaid Mela, singer Sherry Raza said that for the first time I will perform in the Independence Day ceremony under PSNT.

    Besides, many singers from Pakistan will also participate in the Independence Day Mela.

    In the Quaid Mela, apart from face-petting for children, food has also been arranged for the participants.

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  • NYC Govt allows use of loudspeaker for prayer calling

    New York: The city government of New York has given a conditional permission to all mosques in the city to use loudspeakers for adhan.

    In a statement issued by Mark Stewart, Deputy Commissioner of the Community Affairs Bureau of the New York City Police Department under Mayor Eric Adams, it is said that all Americans have religious freedom, therefore, all mosques in the city should have appropriate and balanced prayer times. Loudspeaker is allowed to be used.

    After this decision, no mosque will need a written permission to give adhan over loudspeakers, but Fajr adhan can be given only on loudspeakers installed inside mosques.

    The authorities have also set some rules for allowing mosques to give adhan over loudspeakers, according to which the volume of loudspeakers for adhan should not exceed the prescribed limit, along with environmental protection rules for the use of loudspeakers in all mosques. The rights of the non-Muslim majority living around the mosques must also be respected.

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  • Back to school program: APNA community center distributes bags among children in NYC

    New York: As summer vocations end in New York Schools, APNA Community Center distributed bags, supplies and other items to hundreds of children in New York as part of the Back to School program.

    Bags will be distributed to more children in the next phase on September 1

    Like every year, APNA Community Center starts Back to School Program and Dignity Day before school opening and at the end of summer vacation.

    Parents from different parts of the city came and lined up with their children to benefit from the back to school program held at Brighton Beach.

    On this occasion, APNA Communty Center’ Chairman Parvaiz Siddiqui said that when we started this program six years ago, we did not know its popularity, today, hundreds of children are benefiting through us, it is a matter of pride for us.
    Ice cream, popcorn and other items were kept for the children participating in the Back to School program while fresh food was distributed to the adults.

    APNA’s Chief Executive Officer Iram Hanif administrated the event.

    Speaking to Voice of South Asia, Iram said that our program is expanding each year, in the second phase, bags and supplies will be distributed among children.

    Representatives of civil organizations, civil judge, assemblyman Alec Brook and members of sponsoring organizations also participated in the event. On this occasion, civil judge and former president of Shorefront Toys for Tots Brian Gottlieb and assemblyman Alec Brook said that I am very happy to see children sharing happiness, hope this journey of goodness will continue like this.

    The children participating in the back to school program were very happy and their happiness was doubled when toys were distributed along with school bags and supplies. President of Shorefront Toys for Tots, Craig Schatzman, said that our goal is to spread happiness on children’s faces.
    Jackets were also distributed to those who attended the back-to-school program in preparation for the onset of winter in the next few months. The second phase will be held on September 1 at Beth Avenue.

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  • NY Governor urges White House to provide expedited work authorization for asylum seekers, financial assistance for the city and State

    New York: Governor Kathy Hochul has called on President Biden to take executive action and direct additional federal resources to the State of New York as it manages the unprecedented influx of asylum seekers arriving in New York.

    As per details available on the website of New York State, the Governor’s Ongoing Response to Asylum Seeker Arrivals Includes $1.5 Billion in Aid in FY 2024 Budget, Mobilization of Nearly 2,000 National Guard Members, and Providing State-Owned Sites to House Asylum Seekers.

    In a formal request sent to the White House, Governor Hochul outlined specific, outstanding requests, including expedited work authorizations for asylum seekers, financial assistance for New York City and New York State, the use of federal land and facilities for temporary shelter sites, and Title 32 designation to provide federal funding for the nearly 2,000 New York National Guard members currently providing logistical and operational support across the State.

    “For over a year, I have called for federal assistance and support for New York as we manage the unprecedented number of asylum seekers arriving in our state,” Governor Hochul said. “New York cannot continue to do this on its own. It is past time for President Biden to take action and provide New York with the aid needed to continue managing this ongoing crisis.”

    Governor also called for Use of Federal Lands and Facilities, and Reimbursement for Nearly 2,000 New York National Guard Members.

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  • NY’s All Electric Buildings Act to put dwellers on a green path to a healthier future

    New York: The New York State’s ‘All Electric Buildings Act’ will for sure put its dwellers on a green path to a healthier future.

    Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright in her social media site X, said that starting in 2026, most new buildings in New York will be built with electric heat systems and appliances.

    Existing buildings will not be impacted, even when they are being repaired or renovated

    Individual new construction can get a waiver if the local utility cannot provide reliable service Rebecca

    Meanwhile, an NRDC report said The All-Electric Building Act, adopted as part of the Fiscal Year 2024 New York state budget, restricts the inclusion of fossil fuel hookups in new homes and buildings up to 8 stories high starting in 2026.

    This takes a phased-in approach, with requirements for larger buildings coming into force in 2029.

    It said that burning fossil fuels in homes and businesses is one of the biggest sources of climate pollution.

    In New York State, buildings are the largest source of greenhouse gas emissions, since transportation emissions are lower than average due to New York City’s extensive public transportation system and building density.

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  • Part one: UAE carbon credit company shows COP28 host dripping in green-grabbing hypocrisy

    The COP28 climate summit’s host has launched a neocolonial green-grabbing crusade across the Global South. Naturally, it’s yet another nifty ‘net-zero’ carbon con.

    In part one of this two-part article, we’ll look at how UAE-based carbon credit company Blue Carbon LLC has been amassing land agreements with governments across Africa and the Pacific.

    Blue Carbon

    On 14 August, Blue Carbon announced it had inked its latest deal with Zimbabwe. Specifically, the country has signed over 7.5m hectares of exclusive land development rights to Blue Carbon. There, the company will swallow up vast tracts of land for forest and agriculture-based carbon offsetting projects.

    Carbon offsetting refers to the practice of generating “carbon credits”. Specialised carbon credit companies and bodies create these through projects that purportedly reduce or prevent emissions. These companies and bodies then act as credit brokers. In essence, they will sell these credits to countries, companies, and individuals seeking to ‘offset’ their emissions.

    However, as the Canary has pointed out previously, the emissions savings claims of these schemes are frequently overstated, and often manifestly bogus. Not to mention that – as the Canary’s Tracy Keeling has also highlighted – these offset forests are “quite literally going up in flames”.

    Given the ever-worsening climate stakes, global governments have been scraping the bottom of the proverbial barrel of climate ‘solutions’. Crucially, they champion solutions that license them to pump out billions more barrels of oil. Blue Carbon is among the latest of these green grifters to crawl out of the carbon credit woodwork.

    Another carbon offsetting scam

    Blue Carbon LLC is the brainchild of sheikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum. Sheikh Ahmed is a senior member of the ruling family of Dubai in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

    Of course, the UAE also happens to be this year’s climate host. Coincidentally (or perhaps not), it will hold the upcoming COP28 climate summit in the very city governed by the Maktoum royal family.

    Set up by sheikh Ahmed’s private office in October 2022, Blue Carbon LLC professes that its vision is to:

    Become a globally recognised enabler of Blue and Green economy operational frameworks that set the agenda towards implementation of international climate agreements.

    It makes its vague claim only marginally clearer with a cursory mention of:

    the transferability of credits under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.

    Article 6 of the Paris climate accord governs carbon markets between nations. In essence, the article enables governments to exchange carbon credits with other countries. Nations earn these credits through activities that reduce their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Purchasers can then claim these towards meeting their national decarbonisation targets.

    Ostensibly, Blue Carbon’s spiel is souped-up sustainability-speak for its plans to cash in on the carbon credit market.

    Green-grabbing across Africa

    Yet while Blue Carbon is cashing in, communities in multiple countries will likely lose out. The deal with Zimbabwe follows a series of similar agreements with Papua New Guinea, Liberia, Tanzania, and Zambia.

    In early August, Blue Carbon’s Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Liberia drew particular ire and scrutiny from climate justice campaigners and non-profits.

    French media outlet Le Monde broke the story with the headline ‘Liberia set to concede 10% of its territory to Emirati company for carbon credit production’.

    The article detailed Blue Carbon’s plan to gobble up nearly one million hectares of Liberia’s land to harvest carbon credits. Significantly, it highlighted that the MoU afforded the company rights to approximately 10% of Liberia’s land territory for 30 years.

    An alliance of environmental and human rights non-profits called out the agreement. It argued that the deal risked:

    the livelihoods of up to a million people. It would also extinguish community land ownership in the selected areas, while violating peoples’ legal right to provide Free, Prior and Informed Consent for any developments on their land.

    It appears that Blue Carbon may have cottoned on to the criticism of its Liberia MOU. As REDD-Monitor’s Chris Lang pointed out, the company peppered the carefully crafted press release for its Zimbabwe announcement with references to community “well-being”, “welfare”, and “empowerment”. However, Lang also highlighted the hypocrisy of the claims. In particular, the company has offered no evidence of even consulting communities in the process of formulating the agreement.

    Doubling the Liberia land-grab

    Therefore, it seems likely that Blue Carbon is gearing up for a gargantuan green-grab in Zimbabwe too. The 7.5m hectares in Zimbabwe exceeds Liberia’s land-grab by over sevenfold. Staggeringly, this amounts to nearly 20% of Zimbabwe’s territorial land mass – double the proportion of the Liberia land-grab.

    All told, including Zimbabwe’s agreement, the company has secured the right to develop carbon offsetting projects across 24.5m hectares of land across Africa.

    Moreover, in case you were in any doubt that the carbon credit company is a front for maintaining the environmentally-destructive status quo, part two of this two-part article will examine Blue Carbon’s relationship with Oracle Power PLC – a mining and fossil fuel firm.

    Feature image via ninara/Wikimedia, cropped and resized 1910 by 1000, licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0

    By Hannah Sharland

  • PACOLI celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day, as thousands throng to Eisenhower Park

    New York: Pakistani American Community of Long Island (PACOLI) celebrated Pakistan’s 76th Independence Day at the Eisenhower Park, Long Island.

    The park was packed with a large number of Pakistani jubilant community members.

    Masood Ahmed Khan, Pakistan’s ambassador to USA also graced the event with his presence, and asked the event participants that wherever they live in the world, they must always remember Pakistan.

    The joy and enthusiasm was visible on the faces of the participants who came to celebrate the Independence Day.

    On this occasion, President of PACOLI Azra Dar and Vice President Dr. Ijazul Hasan said that we are living across the sea from our motherland, but love for Pakistan is in our blood and veins.

    On this occasion, famous singer Khalid Baig presented songs in his beautiful voice at the request of the audience.

    On this occasion, PACOLI General Secretary Atiq Qadri, Comptroller Salman Sheikh, Humayun Shabbir and others said we have tried hard to provide full entertainment for the event participants by using all the resources.

    Stalls decorated with different types of food were set up for the participants, Pakoli director Salman Zafar, Usman Abbas, Muhammad Ali, Tahira Deen and Hadiya Mustafa said that this is the biggest festival. Living nations never forget their history. We want to transfer the love of Pakistan to the new generation.

    On this occasion, the Pakistani singer sang the famous and timeless song “Dil Dil Pakistan” and “Ae Jazba Junoon To Himmmat Na Har”, so the heartstrings of the participants were released in such a way that they rose up.

    Nassau County Executive Bruce Blackman and other officials also participated in the event. Addressing the audience, he said that the Pakistani community is very lively.

    On this occasion, Nassau County Legislator candidate Sheharyar Ali also participated in this festival, he said that the Pakistani community has proved its utmost loyalty towards the motherland by participating in great numbers. The American officials from this constituency are true friends of the community.

    At the end of the ceremony, PACOLI presented a certificate of appreciation to Pakistani Ambassador Masood Khan and a bouquet was presented to Bashir Qamar, founder of PACOLI.

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  • Pakistan’s 76th Independence Anniversary, PASNY organizes annual dinner

    New York: Pakistani American Society of New York (PASNY) organized an annual dinner on the occasion of Pakistan’s 76th Independence Anniversary.

    The event was attended by a large number of American officials, politicians, and community members.

    Acting Consul General of Pakistan in New York, Nawab Adil Khan, who participated in the event, said that Pakistan came into existence after the democratic and political struggle under the ambitious leadership of the great leader Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah. The sacrifices of great leaders can never be forgotten.

    The American officials participating in the ceremony also congratulated the Pakistani community on the occasion of Pakistan Day.

    They said that the role of the Muslim community in the construction of America cannot be denied.

    At the end of the event, certificates of appreciation were also distributed by the organizers for their excellent services to the community.

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  • NYPD-MOS holds board meeting, organizes BBQ for Muslim Community

    New York: The New York Police Department’s (NYPD) Muslim Officers’ Society (MOS) held the board members’ meeting and organized a grand BBQ party for the Muslim community members.

    Apart from the senior police officers, Muslim community, a large number of people from other communities, including women and children, also participated in the BBQ.

    During the ceremony, congregational prayers were offered under the Imamat of Vice President Captain Waheed Akhtar.

    Inspector Adeel Rana, host of the event and president of the Muslim Officers’ Society of the New York Police Department, said that the meeting with Muslim officers and community members on BBQ party is aimed at strengthening the trust of the police with the communities and improving the relationship.

    He also thanked those who contributed in organizing the BBQ.

    The community members participating in the party said that the best thing about Adeel Rana is that he takes the Muslim community as well as other communities together, that’s why not only Muslims but also People from communities have also come.

    Police Chaplain Imam Tahir, who participated in the BBQ, said that the officers of the New York Police Department’s Muslim Officers’ Society, who have excellent skills, represent the best values not only of the Muslim community, but of the entire police department.

    The participants of the event also took selfies with their friends, while the children who came with their families had a lot of fun.

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  • Dr Maryam Shaikh’s assignment as Press Consul of Pakistan Mission at UN comes to an end

    New York: Dr. Maryam Shaikh’s assignment as the Press Consul of the Pakistan Mission to the United Nations comes to an end, as Pakistani Journalists from print, electronic and digital media hosted a grand farewell dinner in her honor at a local restaurant in New York.

    The dinner was attended by senior journalists Azim Mian, Mohsin Zaheer, Jahangir Khattak, Maooz Asad Siddiqui, Mohammad Asif and Sabat Arif who came from Dubai, his wife Hina Ali, and others.

    On this occasion, senior journalists said that Dr. Maryam Sheikh performed her duties as a press consul very well.

    Not only did she continue to provide timely information to media about the activities of the United Nations and Pakistan Mission, but also ensured the release of news both in Urdu as well as English versions according to modern requirements.

    Journalists further said that the way Dr. Maryam Shaikh has made the relationship between the Pakistan Mission and the media easy and convenient, it will be no less than a challenge for any new press consul.

    On this occasion, Press Consul Dr. Maryam Shaikh expressed her gratitude to the journalists for organizing the farewell dinner. She said: “In my three years of service, I always tried to do whatever was possible for the promotion of journalism in Urdu language along with fulfilling my responsibilities.”

    Journalists from the Pakistani community appreciated the services of Dr. Maryam Sheikh and wished her all the best for her new responsibilities and duties in the future.

    The post Dr Maryam Shaikh’s assignment as Press Consul of Pakistan Mission at UN comes to an end first appeared on VOSA.

  • NYC residents hold protests against refugee camps set up under Adams’ administration

    New York: New York residents staged protest demonstrations against the refugee camps set up under the City Mayor Eric Adams administration.

    Several protesters, including former mayoral candidate Chris Silva, were arrested during an ongoing protest against the New York City administration’s move of constructing a massive “tent settlement” at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in Queens.

    Residents protested against the ‘tent settlement’ set up for immigrants at the Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in the borough of Queens, New York.

    The protestors were carrying placards and banners in their hands, while the sloganeering by the protestors continued intermittently.

    The protestors said that the temporary residence established in the city should be closed. Housing 1,000 refugees in a tent settlement will destabilize the community.

    Former mayoral candidate Chris Silva led the demonstration. During the demonstration, Chris Silva was arrested by the police for waving the flag of former President Donald Trump.

    The protesters were warned by the New York Police Department that action will be taken if traffic flow is affected in any way during the demonstration.

    Later, the police arrested several protesters in case of violation.

    It should be noted that the civic administration has set up a new camp in Creedmoor Psychiatric Center in view of the increasing number of refugees. In which shelter will be provided to 1000 immigrants.

    The post NYC residents hold protests against refugee camps set up under Adams’ administration first appeared on VOSA.

  • Leaked State Department Cable Shows US Pressuring Pakistan to Oust Imran Khan

    An explosive leaked document obtained by The Intercept appears to show direct U.S. involvement in former Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan’s ouster in 2022 because of his stance on the war in Ukraine. Khan is currently jailed and facing trial over a slew of corruption charges that his supporters say are intended to keep him from running for office again. The former cricket star was elected in…

    Source

    This post was originally published on Latest – Truthout.

  • Pakistan Independence Day celebrated in Coney Island NYC

    New York: Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated in New York’s Little Pakistan – Coney Island Avenue, with Pakistani-American police officers showing traditional enthusiasm at the event.

    Like every year, Pakistan’s Independence Day was celebrated in a traditional manner, with a flag hoisting ceremony organized by the late Umar Butt’s family, the owner of Sweetness Restaurant, and Pakistani-American police officers of the New York Police Department.

    The event is being celebrated in a grand manner for the last ten years, continuously. At the beginning of the ceremony, the American and the Pakistani National Anthem were presented.

    Acting Consul General of Pakistan to New York Nawab Adil Khan, Senior Advisor to New York Mayor Ahsan Chughatai, Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, Deputy Inspector Adeel Rana of New York Police Department and other senior police officers also participated in the flag hoisting ceremony.

    Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar, while congratulating Pakistan on its 76th Independence Day, said she is happy to be the first elected official from Albany to unanimously pass the Independence Day resolution on the floor of the state assembly. And now every year we will celebrate Independence Day of Pakistan in New York State.

    On this occasion Acting Consul General Nawab Adil Khan said that NYPD has been very cooperative with us. They hosted our interns and gave them an opportunity to learn about the police department. We are grateful to them and we are sure that our cooperation will continue in the future too.

    Ahsan Chughtai, Senior Advisor to the Mayor of New York, said that Pakistani or Muslim officers have worked hard to reach this point. We should not forget their hard work.

    Owais Butt, brother of late Umar Butt, the organizer of the event, said that for the last ten years we have been organizing this event every year because late Umar Butt used to celebrate this day with great enthusiasm.

    The participants of the ceremony congratulated the Pakistanis on the Independence Day and said that they pray to Allah Almighty to continue to bless the Pakistani nation with His mercy.

    On this occasion, citations were also given to the parents of Martyred Police Officer Adeed Fayyaz in recognition of his services, while Owais Butt was also given a citation by Assemblywoman Jennifer Rajkumar.

    During the ceremony, the atmosphere echoed with slogans of Pakistan Zindabad – Live Long Pakistan.

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    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Apna Community Center, Apna Adult Daycare celebrate Independence Day of Pakistan in NYC

    New York: The Pakistani Community in New York celebrated the 76th Independence Anniversary of Pakistan along with senior citizens, with teary eyes, they paid rich tribute to the martyrs of the freedom movement.

    Pakistan’s national anthem was played on the Independence Day ceremony. Everyone waved the green crescent flag and presented patriotic songs together.

    In addition to senior citizens living in adult day care, prominent personalities of the community and well-known comedian Abid Kashmiri also participated in the event.

    Addressing the participants, Shazia Watto, Director of Apna Adult Day Care, said that Pakistanis no matter they live anywhere in the world, their hearts beat only for Pakistan, no one can reduce the love of Pakistan from their hearts.

    On this occasion, remembering the eternal sacrifices of the Pakistan Movement and the martyrs of the Pakistan Army, a great tribute was paid to them, and the elderly women became overwhelmed.

    Addressing the audience, they said that rulers come and go, no matter who leads, Pakistan will always remain.

    On this occasion, the participants of the event expressed their feelings regarding the celebration of independence. They said that they have come to America in search of a better future, but their life and death are still only for Pakistan.

    Cake cutting ceremony was also held at the conclusion of the event.

    The post Apna Community Center, Apna Adult Daycare celebrate Independence Day of Pakistan in NYC first appeared on VOSA.

  • PAANY celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day at Coney Island

    New York: Pakistani American Association of New York (PAANY) celebrated the Independence Day of Pakistan at Coney Island.

    The event was attended by Ahsan Chughtai, Advisor to New York Mayor Eric Adams, and the officials of the organization.

    The event began with the recitation of the holy Quran followed by Naat-e-Rasool PBUH.

    The National Anthem was presented and the flag was hoisted at the Independence Day celebrations.

    On this occasion, the officials of Pakistani American Association of New York said that this event is being organized for the last four years and will continue to be organized in the same way in the future.

    Ahsan Chughtai, Senior Advisor of Mayor New York, participating in the flag hoisting ceremony, congratulated the participants on the 76th anniversary of Pakistan’s independence and invited them to participate fully in all such events to be held in the future.

    At the end of the ceremony, a cake cutting ceremony was held prayed for the progress and prosperity of Pakistan.

    The post PAANY celebrates Pakistan’s Independence Day at Coney Island first appeared on VOSA.

    This post was originally published on VOSA.

  • Jubilant Pakistanis celebrate the country’s 76th Independence Anniversary across US including Dallas

    Dallas: Independence Day of Pakistan is being celebrated with great enthusiasm across different cities of America including the city of Dallas.

    A grand Azadi Mela was organized in the American city of Dallas in connection with Pakistan’s independence Day, in which a large number of Pakistani Americans living in Dallas and surrounding cities participated.

    This Azadi Mela was organized by Inam Sherwani and Saad Khan along with their other friends in which famous singers from Pakistan performed their art.

    Famous singer Humira Arshad could not participate in this festival due to personal emergency, while Athar Sani, Arsalan Rabbani and Nirmal Roy gave excellent performances.

    In this festival, women, children and youths were dressed in national costumes of Pakistan while waving the national flag and singing national songs.Stalls of Pakistani food, clothing and jewelery were also set up on this occasion.

    Elocution competitions, national song competitions were also conducted among children and prizes were awarded to the winning children.

    Gifts were also distributed among the attendees by various Pakistani brand companies.

    On this occasion, the attendees said that they are far away from their homeland, but their hearts still beat for Pakistan. They said that here we don’t have the opportunities that are available on the occasion of Independence celebrations in Pakistan, but this Azadi Mela has filled that gap for which he is extremely grateful to the organizers.

    Inam Sherwani, the organizer of Azadi Mela, said that he has organized this Mela with 100% love for Pakistan. This fair is decorated under and will be decorated every year

    The post Jubilant Pakistanis celebrate the country’s 76th Independence Anniversary across US including Dallas first appeared on VOSA.

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  • Pakistanis play key role in the development of NYC: Mayor Eric Adams

    New York: New York Mayor Eric Adams has said that Pakistanis living in New York are playing an important role in the development of New York.

    He said this at an event held on the occasion of 76th Pakistan’s Independence Day at Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn.

    A ceremony was held on the occasion of the Independence Day of Pakistan at Coney Island Avenue in Brooklyn, New York.

    The ceremony started with the recitation of the Holy Quran, followed by Naat in honor of Prophet Muhammad PBUH.

    Later, national anthems of America and Pakistan were also presented.

    New York Mayor Eric Adams, the special guest of the ceremony, was welcomed to the beat of the drum.

    Addressing the event, Mayor Eric Adams said that Pakistanis living in New York have an important role in the construction and development of the city.

    The people of the Pakistani community are educated and skilled in their fields. This is the reason why the advisor in my administration, Ahsan Chaghtai, is a Pakistani-American.

    The family of late police officer Adeed Fayyaz was specially invited in the program of Jashan-e-Azadi. The organizers presented a relief cheque to the family of Shaheed Adeed Fayyaz and named the event in the name of Adeed Fayyaz.

    On this occasion, the management of the event thanked the participating police officers from time to time.

    On this occasion, awards were also given to various members of the community in recognition of their social services.

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  • Sheharyar Ali vows to reduce crime, Inflation, freeze county-taxes, once elected

    New York: Candidate for Legislator from District-3 in Nassau County Sheharyar Ali has said that once elected, he would resolve the lingering issues most prominently the increasing crime, heavy tax burden, and skyrocketed inflation in Nassau and Suffolk County.

    We want to protect and improve the quality of life and ensure better utilization of their tax money to cope with present challenges of the county.

    Addressing a ‘Meet and Greet’ organized by American Pakistani Public Affiars Committee (APPAC) in his honor in Long Island, Sheharyar Ali said that Nassau and Suffolk Counties are not as same as what they used to be in terms of crime rates, inflation and taxes.

    We have to change this grim situation for a better future of our children, and this is the reason why I have decided to participate in the politics.

    Chairman APPAC Dr. Ijaz Ahmad on this occasion appealed to the community to vote for Sheharyar Ali on the date of elections to be held in November.

    The ceremony was moderated by senior journalist and social personality Aun Naqvi, while Zaheer Mohsin recited the Holy Quran.

    A large number of Pakistani American community members participated in the event, APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz Ahmad said that if Shehryar Ali get elected on November 7 election, we can all come together and take him further in the political field.

    Chaudhary Akram, Shahryar Ali’s father and advisor to the Nassau County Executive, said, “Just as the community is supporting my son’s election campaign, I have every hope that our efforts will turn into success.”

    APPAC Women Wing President Naheed Bhatti, Board Member Asad Choudhary and New York Chapter President Tariq Khan expressed their views on this occasion.

    On this occasion, prominent personalities associated with the political, social and business sector of the community participating in the event said that Shahryar Ali’s active participation in politics and participation in the election process is a new ray of hope not only for the youth but for the entire community.

    The community members further said that we must participate in the local and national politics here to solve our problems and make ourselves stable in this society.

    Aun Naqvi said in a conversation with the participants that APPAC has always supported every Pakistani participating in American politics.

    The participants reiterated their determination that they will definitely make Shehryar Ali successful by voting on November 7.

    The post Sheharyar Ali vows to reduce crime, Inflation, freeze county-taxes, once elected first appeared on VOSA.

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  • US Behind Khan’s Ouster

    An American writer and political commentator says there was never any serious doubt that the United States was behind the toppling of the democratically-elected government of Prime Minister Imran Khan in Pakistan in April 2022.

    Daniel Patrick Welch added the United States will stop at nothing to maintain its global hegemony, as actions in other theaters show.

    Welch made the remarks in an exclusive interview with the Press TV website on Thursday, a day after a US publication published a classified document, revealing Washington pushed for the removal of Khan from office over his neutrality on the Ukraine war.

    According to the document published by The Intercept, US State Department officials used threats and promises to encourage Khan’s removal as the prime minister.

    The US State Department encouraged the Pakistani government in a March 7, 2022, meeting to remove Khan as prime minister over his independent foreign policy regarding Russia, according to the text of the Pakistani cable, produced from the meeting by the Pakistani ambassador and transmitted to Pakistan.

    The classified cable, known internally as a “cypher,” reveals both the carrots and the sticks that the State Department deployed in its push against Khan, promising warmer relations if Khan was removed, and isolation if he was not, The Intercept reported.

    Welch said, “So this recent discovery of the secret cable that was leaked to The Intercept and published by them is big news today, or for the moment, at least.”

    “But it’s interesting how The Intercept goes into great detail on how they can’t really verify it because they can’t get the corroboration from someone inside the Pakistani military, and on and on,” he added.

    “But the funny part is that in many ways it’s not really news at all. For Pakistani citizens and anyone with a conscience in the rest of the world, this is like getting the foreign language subtitles to a great home movie that everyone has been watching for over a year,” he stated.

    “There was never any serious doubt that the US was behind this ouster of Imran Khan. Look, I’m not in court. We are not required to prove this beyond the shadow of a doubt. They create doubt! They even have a phrase for it—it’s called plausible deniability. So they can come out at every turn and say ‘Well this is all false. This has always been false,’” Welch emphasized.

    “So why do I say ‘At every turn…?’ Because it’s the same thing! Ukraine isn’t about Ukraine. West Africa isn’t about West Africa. And this isn’t about Imran Khan. This is about the West—specifically, the US—and its desire to flex its muscle and keep its hold on the world, and nothing can get in their way,” he added.

    “The interesting part for me is that the analysis seems to be vetting the US vs. Russia, that it’s about Imran Khan’s statements about Ukraine—a position that most of the world’s population firmly believes, and not what the West is trying to sell as ‘isolation,’” Welch said.

    “That is the reason that Russian flags show up at protests in Haiti, In Senegal, in Mali, in Niger, in Burkina Faso—everywhere—is that they stood up and said No ‘Way! Get out of here!’ To the West. And that is as much symbolic as it is ideological and political,” he said.

    “I mean, this is Lula! This is Brazil. They have another popular politician who is saddled with some ridiculous, made-up crap about corruption. They put him in jail and give him this fake, trumped-up sentence that is going to prevent him from running. Like they did—they, meaning the US, the CIA—for Bolsonaro. And, now, for…whoever they appoint to run Pakistan,” he explained.

    ‘It’s about China, not Russia’

    Welch said that the problem is that the Pakistani military is being “shortsighted if they are thinking that they are taking the US side against Russia. Because it’s not.”

    “It’s about China. Why is China a threat? The US ruling class is right—they are! Because the US, it’s death merchants and billionaires, have spent—what, SIX TRILLION dollars in the last twenty years, to destroy everything, to murder millions and line the pockets of their already rich billionaires and the politicians they also own,” he noted.

    “They are the only ones who have profited from this. Most of the world is in shambles because of it. And at the same time, the Chinese have spent trillions as well. Building up—not destroying. Building up railroads from Laos to China,” he said.

    “The Belt and Road Initiative is unbelievable. Just incredible. Raising people out of poverty—their own 800 million or whatever it was. And starting to teach and help the rest of the world that they don’t need to live in this yoke of oppression that the West imposes,” Welch added.

    “And China is also much more savvy and slower on the trigger. They’re very close to Pakistan. They don’t have to do this tomorrow. But they will. Those economic levers. Those diplomatic levers. That the West uses to dissociate from any popular politician or movement. Or any sort of progress—anything, really outside that political sphere,” he observed.

    “They [China] do much more quietly and much more aptly, I think. And whether or not they [West] are successful in stopping the populist impulse—the right side of history—at this time, Lula eventually became president of Brazil. Not Bolsonaro. So we’ll see. We. Shall. See,” he concluded.

    Daniel Patrick Welch is a writer of political commentary and analysis. He lives and writes in Salem, Massachusetts, US, with his wife. Together they run The Greenhouse School. He has traveled widely, speaks five languages and studied Russian History and Literature at Harvard University.

    This post was originally published on Dissident Voice.

  • Heavy Influx of asylum seekers: NYC may require a whopping $12b by FY25

    NEW YORK: Based on the current trend of asylum seekers’ influx in New York, the city will require approximately $12 billion over three fiscal years (FY23, FY24, and FY25) without policy changes.

     New York City Mayor Eric Adams today laid out updated figures the asylum seeker crisis will cost the city over the next two fiscal years if swift action is not taken by the state and federal governments to further help manage this emergency.

    The city has already spent $1.45 billion in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 to provide shelter, food, and services to tens of thousands of asylum seekers, but — as the city nears a total of 100,000 asylum seekers arriving since spring of 2022 — without further support, new cost estimates based on current trends show that the city has the potential to spend upwards of $12 billion over three fiscal years (FY23, FY24, and FY25) without policy changes, as per details available on NYC Government website.

    “Immigration is the New York story. It is the American story. But as I declared nearly a year ago, we are facing an unprecedented state of emergency due to the asylum seeker crisis,” said Mayor Adams.

    “Since last year, nearly 100,000 asylum seekers have arrived in our city asking for shelter, and we are past our breaking point. New York City has been left to pick up the pieces of a broken immigration system — one that is projected to cost our city $12 billion over the course of three fiscal years without policy changes and further support from the state and federal governments. Our compassion may be limitless, but our resources are not.

    This is the budgetary reality we are facing if we don’t get the additional support we need. Without immediate assistance from our state and federal partners, we will continue to see heartbreaking scenes like the one outside The Roosevelt last week. New Yorkers did not create an international humanitarian crisis, but our city’s residents have been left to deal with this crisis almost entirely on our own. Our city will remain a beacon for all who come to our shores, because that is the New York City way; it is time for that to be the American way as well.”

    “Like so many who have arrived on our shores, asylum seekers come here in search of the American Dream,” said First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright. “Our city has made herculean efforts to provide shelter, food, clothing, schooling, and other necessities to those in our care so they can pursue that dream. But the events last week have made painfully clear that we need help, and we need it now. We are urging the state and federal governments to act so we can continue to live up to the words inscribed at the base of the Statue of Liberty, upholding our status as a city where all our huddled masses can breathe free.”

     

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