“Allama Iqbal Avenue” street co-naming
Mar 2023
Historic “Allama Iqbal Avenue” street co-naming in Queens, New York by the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG). The street co-naming happened at the corner of 101 Avenue and 109 Street in Richmond Hill. Ahead of Pakistan's 76th Independence Day, this is a proud moment for the whole Pakistan and Pakistan-American community.
This street co-naming corner has been the epicenter for a majority of APAG’s food drives, clothing drives, back 2 school drives, and many community outreach programs to assist the community. The co-naming of this street recognizes Pakistan’s rich cultural heritage whilst allowing Pakistani American to honor one of the most significant leaders of their country. This is a symbol of the indelible bond between the rich tapestry of Pakistani American heritage and the vibrant diversity of the USA.
Thank you to NYC Council speaker Adrienne Adams for working with APAG and making this happen. Also, thank yyou to all elected officials and community members for attending and providing remarks about the great work APAG has his leader Ali Rashid have been doing.
“The co-naming of the corner of 109th Street and 101 Ave as ‘Allama Iqbal Ave’ represents a monumental accomplishment for Pakistani Americans in New York and throughout the United States. It is indicative of the sacrifices, the diligence, and the perseverance of Pakistanis. APAG has utilized this area for tremendous community service work, and it is an honor to bestow it with the name of Allama Iqbal who was a prominent leader in gaining Pakistan’s independence. This co-naming ceremony will help develop immense cultural understanding and aid in interweaving our communities further.” stated American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) founder and President Ali Rashid
Eid Ul Adha Community Food Drive
Mar 2023
American Pakistani Advocacy Group Cares (APAG Cares) conducted its annual Eid-Ul-Adha Community Food Drive on Monday in Richmond Hill, Queens. APAG Cares team distributed essential food items like fruits, vegetables, yogurt, canned chickpeas, bread, eggs and much more. Community came in large numbers and appreciated APAG cares team's efforts to conduct Eid-ul-Adha food drive to help feed the people in need. Thank you to all APAG Cares members who participated by packing and distributing. We are so grateful to have had the opportunity to continue to serve the community.
Professional Networking Event
Mar 2023
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) hosted first of a kind professional networking seminar event by bringing professionals and youth together to learn, connect and network. Great representation from almost all New York colleges and wonderful diversity of professionals from various fields.
The first panelist was in the field of Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) and the speakers included: Dr. Saquiba Syed (MD, FACP, MBA) Syed Ali Trimizi (Information Technology and AI, Muhammad Arshad (Finance and Economics), and Afaq Sulehria (Civil Engineer)
The second panelists was in thr field of entrepreneurship, civic engagement and public service and the speakers included Ali Rashid (Entrepreneurship and Civic Engagement), Asim Rehman (OATH Commissioner & Chief Administrative Law Judge), Adeel Rana (Deputy Inspector at NYPD) and Farooq Muhammad (Division Chief - FDNY).
As the President of APAG, Ali Rashid vision for advancing the interests of Pakistani-Americans is truly inspiring. The seminar was a testament to his dedication towards empowering the community and providing a platform for networking and growth.
Also, Pakistan Consul General of Pakistan in New York Hon. Ayesha Ali attended the event and praised APAG professional networking seminar as it provided a unique opportunity to bring the youth and professionals together to network and learn. Also, the opportunity for different college students to meet each other & professionals to network among themselves. Over 200 youth and professionals attended this beautiful event.
Thank to all the APAG team and volunteers for their selfless efforts towards making a positive impact on the Pakistani-American community and the community at large.
The event was held at the beautiful Stepping Out Studios - The Penthouse in NYC which provided a breathtaking view of the city skyline
Ramadan Food Drive
Mar 2023
APAG cares annual Ramadan Food Drive.
American Pakistani Advocacy Group Cares (APAG Cares) conducted its annual Ramadan Food Drive in Richmond Hill, Queens. APAG Cares team distributed Ramadan essential food items like Atta, Rice, Chana, Dall, Besan, Tea Bag, Dates, Rooh Afza, Sawiyan, fruits, produce, bread, eggs and much more. Community came in large numbers and appreciated APAG cares team efforts to conduct Ramadan drive to help feed the people in need.
Designate March 23 as Pakistan Day in the US
Mar 2023
In a historic first, the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) submitted a resolution in the United States Congress to designate March 23, as ‘‘Pakistan Day” in the United States of America. The resolution was presented by Congressmember Jamaal Bowman in the House of Representatives. A landmark event by APAG for Pakistan and Pakistani American community.
Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital Fundraiser Gala
Mar 2023
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) Team always supporting causes that makes a positive and productive difference in society. On Friday, APAG team members contributed, participated and volunteered for Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital fundraiser gala in Queens, New York.
After building a cancer hospital in Lahore and Peshawar, Shaukat Khanum Cancer Hospital is now building its third hospital in Karachi. A great cause in Pakistan which is very much needed.
Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital is serving underprivileged cancer patients since 1994 and where 75% of the patients receive financially supported treatment. Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centre
APAG will continue to work on any causes that benefits Pakistani American community and Pakistan.
Beacon of the Community award by ICNA Relief
Mar 2023
"Honored to be recognized as a Beacon of the Community award by ICNA Relief. An organization for which I have great respect and admiration for their charity work nationally.
Also, it was great to meet Joram van Klaveren and hear his heartwarming story about embracing Islam.
Special thanks to all APAG team members for their dedication and commitment to assist the community and making a positive and productive impact in the society."
- President Ali Rashid
Meeting with Senator Schumer
Mar 2023
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) hosted a meeting with US Senate Majority Leader Charles Schumer to debrief Pakistani American community about his recent led congressional delegation that visited Pakistan. In the meeting, Senator Schumer advocated for increased economic support for Pakistan and highlighted the importance of strengthening economic ties with Pakistan in order to promote stability and security in the region.
During the meeting, Senator Schumer highlighted the difficulties that Pakistan has faced including terrorism, the COVID-19 pandemic, and last year’s devastating floods. He called on the US to provide more aid, especially economic aid, to Pakistan. Senator Schumer also instructed the US ambassador to Pakistan to increase services for processing visa applications for Pakistani immigrants and requested that the State Department provide additional resources and staff to the American Embassy in Islamabad.
Senator Schumer emphasized that Pakistan has been a key ally in the fight against terrorism and that the country's economic development is vital to ensuring long-term stability in the region. He stressed that the US has a responsibility to help Pakistan achieve its economic potential and to support its efforts to address its many challenges.
Senator Schumer also discussed the issue of Kashmir during his visit to Pakistan and asked the State Department to increase monitoring of the situation in the region.
Overall, Senator Schumer affirmed the desire to further strengthen Pakistan-U.S. bilateral ties in various dimensions through continued engagement and wider co-operation.
Winter Clothing Drive
Feb 2023
American Pakistani Advocacy Group Cares (APAG Cares) Winter Clothing Drive at Makki Masjid Muslim Community Center in Brooklyn. The drive was held with the goal of keeping our community warm. APAG Cares team distributed new jackets, blazers, socks, gloves, and hats to the community and people in need. It’s all about giving back to the community.
Renaming of Bowling Green Park’s Plaza to Immigrant Heritage
Jan 2023
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) attended the renaming of Bowling Green Park’s Plaza to Immigrant Heritage Plaza. This plaza will honor all immigrants who built NYC & serve as a reminder of the countless contributions immigrants have made to our city. Nearly 40 % of all current U.S. citizens can trace at least one of their ancestors back to New York City. Immigrant Heritage Plaza will be a place of celebration and reflection of immigrant roots for Americans across the country & recently arrived New Yorkers.
APAG Team represented Pakistani American community with Pakistan flag waiving high along with the spirit of unity, peace and love for all. America is a nation of Immigrants and wonderful to see harmony among different communities. God Bless United States of America!
State address at the Assembly Chamber
Jan 2023
American Pakistani Advocacy Group attended New York Governor Kathy Hochul's first state of the State address at the Assembly Chamber in the Legislative Office Building in Albany. Many State and City elected officials were present to listen to the Governor unveil her policy and agenda for 2023. We are looking forward to working with State officials and policymakers towards a better New York for all.