Kashmir Day
Feburary 2021
After years of effort, advocacy, and engagement with elected officials, the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) announces its latest collaborative accomplishment. Today, New York State becomes the first state in the United States of America to mark February 5th, “Kashmir Day”. This historic day marks an incredible achievement and monumental progress for our Kashmiri brothers and sisters.
Thank you to Assemblymember Nader Sayegh for sponsoring this resolution.
Co-Sponsor Assembly members: Assembly Member Kevin Byrne, Assembly Member William Colton, Assembly Member Steven Cymbrowitz, Assembly Member Steve Englebright, Assembly Member Harvey Epstein, Assembly Member Donna Lupardo, Assembly Member Angelo Morinello, Assembly Member Amy Paulin, Assembly Member Nick Perry, Assembly Member Rebecca Seawright, Assembly Member Christopher Tague and Assembly Member Stefani Zinerman.
“The State of New York endeavors to champion human rights including the freedom of religion, movement, and expression for all Kashmiri people”.
Holiday Food & Toy Drive
December 2021
American Pakistani Advocacy Group Cares (APAG Cares) Holiday Toys and Food Drive. APAG Cares distributed toys and candies to children. The Santa brought smiles and cheer to kids' faces. Also, the APAG Cares team distributed groceries and food to the community. Thank you to all APAG Team members who participated in this event. It was another great show of teamwork and It was wonderful to see smiles on children's faces.
APAG continues to spread holiday cheers and blessings to the community. The APAG team gathered to spread some holiday joy and support the community. We hope that this helped to spread some holiday cheer!
Many individuals and families are still struggling and are unable to enjoy this holiday season as they normally do. Special thanks to Queens Borough President Donovan Richards. Assemblymember David Weprin and Councilmember Council Member Adrienne Adams office for joining us and showing APAG support, as always.
Happy Holidays and Stay Safe!
Intro 1867 Our City Our Vote Legislation
December 2021
A historic day for New York City. After many years of advocacy, Our City Our Vote legislation intro1867 was passed by NYC Council.
Legislation granting eligible lawful permanent residents in New York City the right to vote in municipal elections, paving the way to make New York City the largest city in the country to do so.
Victory rally of this momentous legislation!
NYC has an aura. There is something palpable in the air that draws people to it. It is the city of dreams; a city that is built on the diversity of its people. NYC is an amalgamation of people of different backgrounds, cultures, and socioeconomic standings. People from all over the world immigrate here in the hopes to obtain opportunity - to gain a chance to chase the American dream. It is heartwarming for the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) to be a part of the Our City Our Vote Coalition in passing historic legislation in that of Intro 1867. It is the culmination of tireless efforts both day and night to allow NYC to become the largest city in the nation on enfranchise immigrants - to give them agency and opportunity to grasp at their dreams.
Turkey Giveaway & Food Drive
Novemeber 2021
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group Cares (APAG Cares) distributed over 300 Halal turkeys and food packages to the community. The response by the community was overwhelming which serves as yet another reminder that food insecurity is still relevant.
Thank you to all APAG members and volunteers who assisted by packing and distributing in cold weather. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the community. Our food packages consisted of fresh fruits, vegetables, eggs, bread, rice, atta, and other non-perishable items.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Testimony for NYS Independent Redistricting Commission
November 2021
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) testimony for New York State Independent Redistricting Commission. APAG recognize that the South Asian, Muslim and Pakistani communities of Eastern Queens have historically been shut out of the redistricting process, their voices literally cannot be heard, then they cannot have the seat at the table they deserve. The majority of the South Asian and Pakistani American community is being sidelined in Eastern Queens. In particular, Assembly districts 33, 32, 26, 24, 25, which represent a large Muslim and South Asian population, has being lumped together by faulty boundary lines that do not allow for fair representation for South Asian and Muslim communities.
Also, While the New York State Independent Redistricting Commission has held a series of public hearings, APAG is calling on the commission to expand access to non-English speakers in upcoming public meetings, especially Urdu.
APAG Redistricting Webinar
November 2021
Join the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) in learning how redistricting works and how our community can prevent getting gerrymandered. The state's newly created Independent Redistricting Commission is hosting its final round of Public Hearings. We need everyone to participate and testify to protect our communities so that we can strengthen our political representation.
The redistricting process will redraw the current lines for different state and federal legislative districts (such as for State Senate and Congress). This is a great opportunity to make sure our communities can be consolidated into voting blocs, to further our political empowerment! At our webinar, we'll break down the process and let you know how you can get involved.
Hosted a Kashmir Black Day
October 2021
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) and Consulate General of Pakistan New York hosted a Kashmir Black Day and highlighted human rights violations that have been occurring in Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). Various speakers highlighted the gross injustices of occupying forces.
Thank you to APAG youth and women members who played an instrumental role in bringing Pakistani American students and young professionals to highlight the cause of Kashmir with special guest and Keynote speaker Hon. Munir Akram, Ambassador of a Pakistan to United Nations.
"Get Out The Vote" Rally
October 2021
Get out the Vote rally organized by the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) with elected officials, candidates, and community members. Please make sure to VOTE: You can vote early, absentee, or on election day November 2nd.
Thank you to Senator John Liu, Assemblymember David Weprin, Assemblymember Jenifer Rajkumar, Councilmember James Gennaro, Councilmember Candidate Sandra Ung, Councilmember Candidate Linda Lee, Judge Candidate Cassandra Johnson, Judge Candidate Soma Syed and Judge Candidate Andrea Ogle for attending and meeting with the community.
Business Conference & Expo
September 2021
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) co-organized a business conference and business expo with Asian American Chamber of Conference and Greater New York Chamber of Commerce. It provided a great opportunity to network and promote South Asian & minority businesses.
Back to School Drive
August 2021
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG), in collaboration with ICNA Relief and Kingsland Properties, conducted a Back to School Drive in Jamaica, Queens. We distributed free backpacks and school supplies to children.
It was so heartwarming to see smiles on the children's faces as they get ready to go back to school. Thanks to all APAG members and volunteers who participated in this noble cause.
APAG will continue to work and collaborate to assist communities in need and make sure communities get resources that are much needed.
Pakistan Independence Day
August 2021
On August 14th 2021, The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) Team Hiked to Breakneck Ridge Mountain in New York to celebrate Pakistan Independence Day and raised the Pakistani flag at the Top. This is one of the most challenging hikes in New York State.
Pakistan Zindabad!
APAG President recognized
July 2021
Congratulations to the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) President Ali Rashid for being recognized as one of the top Asian American leaders in New York by City and State Power 100 List. The list recognized the most influential Asian American in New York politics and policy.
https://www.cityandstateny.com/power-lists/2020/07/2020-power-of-diversity-asian-100-51-100/175783/
APAG invited Kathryn Garcia to “Little Pakistan”
June 2021
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) invited NYC Mayoral candidate Kathryn Garcia to “Little Pakistan” in Brooklyn to visit the Pakistani American and Muslim community. Kathryn met community members, business owners, and Imams. She spoke at Makki Masjid Muslim Community Center and gave her commitment to supporting the community
Rally for One Million Voices!
June 2021
Rally for One Million Voices! To celebrate obtaining a supermajority of the City Council's support for legislation Introduction 1867. We encourage the NYC Council and Speaker Corey Johnson to schedule a hearing right away and pass this legislation immediately.
"NYC is the city of dreams. It is a city built on diversity, people of all different backgrounds, cultures, socioeconomic standings and that is what makes it so beautiful. It is heartwarming to finally have the supermajority of NYC Council supporting legislation Intro 1867. Immigrants and those with permanent residence should have the opportunity to partake in our democracy, they should have the ability to make changes to improve the lives of themselves and they should be allowed to vote in the municipal elections. We encourage the NYC council and speaker of the house to pass this legislation immediately" Ali Rashid, President of American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG)
Iftar & Eid Toy Drive
May 2021
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) proudly hosted the first Iftar on the steps of Queens Borough Hall. With the support of Queens Borough President, Donovan Richards, we broke fast and distributed Eid gifts.
This was a momentous and important milestone for the Muslim community during the Holy month of Ramadan and Asian American Heritage month!
APAG will continue to engage, empower and elevate our communities to do positive and productive events.
NYC Election Candidate Forums
April 2021
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) in collaboration with Emgage conducted Borough President, District Attorney, and City Council candidates forums.
Our top 10 Priorities for the community:
1. Representation: appointing Muslim American staff
2. Relationship building: strong engagement with the Muslim community
3. Muslim Advisory council: appointment of diverse Muslim leaders in the administration
4. Religious Literacy Education curriculum
5. Expansion of Halal meal programs
6. NYC procurement disparity study of Arab-American businesses and federal MWBE designation
7. Muslim trainers for annual anti-bias training
8. Funding for Muslim community centers
9. First amendment rights
10. Funding for shelters that adhere to religious, dietary, and cultural sensitivities for Muslim Americans.
Celebrate Pakistan Resolution Day at Times Square
March 2021
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) celebrates Pakistan Resolution Day at Times Square, New York. Pakistan Day provides an excellent means by which all Americans learn more about the rich Pakistani heritage while fostering an appreciation for this beautiful culture among future generations.
