Pak Premier Shehbaz, Turkish President Erdogan, others laud APPNA on 46th Annual Summer Convention

DALLAS, July 12 (SABAH): “We admire APPNA’s commitment and resilience to serve Pakistan and to build Pak-US relations,” said Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif in his message on the occasion of 46th Annual Convention of Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America.

“We are grateful for APPNA’s timely support for flood response and COVID-19 management in Pakistan. Proud of your professional and humanitarian achievements,” tweeted the Prime Minister.

The PM congratulated President APPNA Dr. Arshad Rehan and the entire family of Pakistani-American physicians on organizing an impressive convention which was by far the largest gathering ever organized by APPNA.

The Prime Minister of Pakistan was joined by Turkish President  Recep Tayyip Erdoğan who in his video message conveyed greetings of Türkiye’s 85 million citizens.

President Erdogan said that Türkiye and Pakistan were two brotherly countries with special ties. He said that Pakistani-Americans helped Türkiye through the APPNA-led assistance effort in the aftermath of the earthquake that affected 11 provinces and took over 50,000 precious lives. “Our earthquake survivors will never forget your support during these trying times.” said the Turkish leader.

“Following the earthquakes on February 6, we observed the latest manifestation of our shared fate. With the humanitarian aid they sent, our Pakistani brothers and sisters once again demonstrated their solidarity with us,” he continued.  In his video message, the Turkish President also said that the rising tide of Islamophobia and xenophobia in western nations could only be stemmed if we act in unity.

“The heinous assault on our holy book, the Holy Qur’an, on the first day of Eid al-Adha in Sweden demonstrated the horrifying heights to which Islamophobia has reached. All of us, as Muslims, have an immense duty to ensure that such atrocities, which Türkiye strongly condemns, do not reoccur,” he said. He reiterated his call that no one in the world would have courage to attack what Muslims hold sacred if they move forward with one heart and one voice.

“When we are in solid ranks as if we are one concrete structure, as our Prophet ordered, nobody can take us down,” said the Turkish leader. “We cannot allow anyone to divide us based on ethnic, sectarian, or cultural differences. I believe that Allah’s grace will be with us if we all succeed in this endeavor,” he said.

Turkish Ambassador to the United States Hasan Murat Mercan, speaking on occasion, emphasized the significance of deep bonds between Pakistan and Turkey. Recalling visit of Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, Ambassador Mercan said that the Prime Minister articulated the closeness of our relationship, comparing it to two friends in need, who provide each other with unconditional support.

Recalling the support of Muslims so subcontinent to Turkey during its struggle for independence, the Turkish Ambassador said that “our shared history sets a strong foundation for our partnership to reach even greater heights.”

“We are eager to further our collaboration between Turkish Americans and Pakistani Americans, exploring additional avenues for cooperation. Such initiatives will significantly improve the ties between our two countries, a trend we intend to continue,” he continued.

Speaking on the occasion, Pak Ambassador to the United States Ambassador Masood Khan thanked Turkish leadership for their sentiments for Pakistan and the Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America which he said was the face of Pakistan in the United States.

Masood Khan said that APPNA had transcended boundaries and was serving the humanity with commitment and dynamism. Recalling devastating earthquake in Türkiye, he said that the people of Pakistan felt the pain of their Turkish brethren. “The contributions made by APPNA were a reflection of the sentiments of Pakistani community in the United States as well as Pakistani nation,” he added.

Ambassador Masood Khan, on the occasion, also highlighted humanitarian services and philanthropic spirit of APPNA members both individually and collectively.