Masood Khan urges need of unity in diaspora, encourages them to visit Pakistan

DALLAS, July 11 (SABAH): “We have one persona, one identity, one flag, one anthem. We are one nation. There should be no fissures or divisions between Pakistani American community,” said Pakistan’s Ambassador to the United States. 

“But if there are differences, they must be bridged and not widened,” he continued. Pakistan, the Ambassador said, is a country with a destiny. “Have faith in Pakistan. We will rise, ride through all storms and emerge as a successful nation in the comity of nations,” he added.

Addressing 46th Annual Summer Convention of Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America (APPNA), the most influential community among Pakistani diaspora in the United States and Canada, Masood Khan called upon them to cast aside their doubts, reject despondency and demonstrate unity in their ranks.

President APPNA Dr. Arshad Rehan echoed the same sentiments and said that APPNA was united and there was no split. He said that this was   evident from the groundswell of support to the organization and record number of participants in all APPNA events particularly in its Annual Banquet.   

Separately, talking to scores of Pakistani American physicians who met the Ambassador individually and in groups, Masood Khan assured them that they should continue to travel to Pakistan on their NICOP without any fear or apprehension. Contrary to rumors, there were no lists being prepared to target them. “This is just propaganda. Reject it,” assured the Ambassador.

“Overseas Pakistan are one of the most valuable assets of the country and you are free to visit your motherland without any hesitation,” he said. “Let us stay united and prove detractors wrong with our unity and faith in the bright future of our beloved country,” said the Ambassador.

 The Ambassador paid a glowing tribute to President Dr. Arshad Rehan, under whose leadership 46th Convention was organized with precision and thoughtfulness. As a result, this was by far the largest gathering ever organized by APPNA. Some 4000 doctors, professionals and their families attended the event.   

Talking about APPNA’s role and contributions, the Ambassador said that “APPNA is the bright face of Pakistan and is playing a role of bridge builder between Pakistan and United States.” “We are proud of your accomplishments and look forward to even greater contributions towards your new homeland- the USA- and your motherland – Pakistan,” he said.

  Quoting a verse from the Holy Quran which says that ‘whoever saves the life of one person saves entire mankind’, the Ambassador said that APPNA’s members were healers and a symbol of hope for humanity. “You save lives, you save humanity,” he said.  

Masood Khan especially praised APPNA’s efforts for disaster response and relief not only in Pakistan but also during the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. “You have gone global,” Masood Khan said while recalling that APPNA was able to collect half a million dollars within one hour for flood response which reflected its immense convening power. 

“The noble mission of APPNA has enabled the organization to transcend boundaries and reach out to people in distress. The cause of service to humanity has raised the profile of the organization,” he added.

Masood Khan also commended APPNA’s contributions to Pakistan’s education, healthcare, and economic sectors, notably its investments in health tech start-ups, telemedicine, online pharmacies, and establishment of hospitals. 

He observed that APPNA’s contributions had not only advanced the healthcare sector but had also boosted the nation’s digital economy. “Invest today and reap dividends for the United States and Pakistan in future,” he stressed. 

Dr. Rehan spoke in detail about the organization’s social and disaster relief programs. He said that APPNA’s goal was to involve the second and third generation of Pakistanis in the organization to ensure continuation of its humanitarian work.

Syed Javaid Anwar, a prominent Pakistani-American businessman and philanthropist from Texas, and Dilawar Syed, Deputy Administrator (designate) US Small Business Administration also addressed the banquet.   Pak Ambassador freely mingled with Pakistani American physicians and community members to interact with them and answer their questions.