Around one million Pakistani community in the US is a force to reckon with: Sardar Masood Khan
ATLANTA, GEORGIA: June 20 (SABAH): “Around one million Pakistani community in the United States is a force to reckon with,” said
Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States Sardar Muhammad Masood Khan. “This community comprising renowned professionals, enterprising business leaders, entrepreneurs and tech-savvy young minds has a bright future in the land of opportunities,” he continued.
Addressing a large gathering of Pakistani community in Atlanta, capital of the U.S. state of Georgia, Ambassador Masood Khan termed Pak diaspora as the “hidden nuggets” while lauding their achievements in various fields. “You are pillars and pivots of Pak-US relations,” stated the Ambassador to a cheering gathering.
Welcoming the Ambassador to Atlanta, President Pakistani American Friends of Atlanta (PAFA) Sanam Azeem highlighted that Pakistani community in Atlanta was the most charitable, hospitable and service-oriented.
Dr. Sania Niaz, President APPNA Georgia, speaking on the occasion, highlighted the contributions being made by Georgia chapter of APPNA in provision of services to underserved areas of the country along with other humanitarian activities especially during calamities.
Raabia Bhatti, President OPEN Atlanta, said that the organization was focusing on developing, connecting and inspiring Pak community in Atlanta. She said that OPEN Atlanta was endeavoring to engage the community in all possible ways and to find and create opportunities for future generation coming to Atlanta.
President Atlanta Citizen Foundation (TCF) Abdullah Jaffery speaking on the occasion mentioned contribution of the organization in Pakistan saying that TCF was trying to bring about positive change in the country through education.
Vice President Carter Centre Kashaf Ijaz, Engro Board Member Ms. Henna Inam, Magistrate Judge with Cobb County Tauqeer Chouhan, Pastor Younus Farhat, Rahim Shah Akhunkhail, Pakistan Business Council (Georgia) and Voices of Muslims, also spoke on the occasion and welcomed the Ambassador to the city. Georgia State Senator Shaikh Rahman, a Bengali American born in Pakistan, also spoke on the occasion and welcomed the delegation.
Consul General Muhammad Aftab Chaudhry speaking on the occasion said that Pakistani community was adding to the beauty and diversity of the United States. “You are a bridge between two nations and the two countries,” he said.
“Every organization, every Pakistani here is a success story,” said Consul General Chaudhry addressing the gathering. Underscoring the important role being played by the community in cementing Pak-US relations, Ambassador Masood Khan observed that Pakistani community was the most reliable factor of Pak-US ties.
Sardar Masood Khan said that Pakistan has given us identity and we must continue upholding good name and honor of the country especially in foreign lands. He advised the community to work for vital interests of the country. Urging unity among the community for larger interests, the Ambassador said that nation-building was a long journey that required perseverance and continued struggle.
Talking about efforts to provide better services to the community, the Ambassador stated that the Consulate and the Embassy was employing technology to better serve the community.