APAG Cares Holiday Toy Drive
Dec 2024
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group Cares (APAG Cares) along with Assemblymember David Weprin office joined to distribute toys for the holiday season to kids who are admitted at Jamaica Hospital Center undergoing treatment and won’t be home for the holidays.
It was wonderful to see that we were able to put smiles on children's faces who needed something to cheer them in the holidays.
APAG Cares annual Halal Thanksgiving Drive
Nov 2024
APAG Cares conducted its annual Halal Thanksgiving Drive at Allama Iqbal Avenue in Queens. Over 300 Halal Turkeys and food supplies were distributed to the community.
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.
The response by the community was overwhelming which serves as yet another reminder that the food insecurity is still relevant in these times.
Ali Rashid attended SBA business roundtable
Nov 2024
APAG President Ali Rashid was invited for a Roundtable business discussion with SBA Deputy Commissioner Dilawar Syed (Highest Ranking Muslim and Pakistani American in the US Government) along with NYC SBS Commissioner Dynishal Gross.
Pakistani Ambassador Visits New York, Meets U.S. Officials
Nov 2024
Pakistan Ambassador to USA Hon. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh along with Consul General of Pakistan to New York Hon. Aamer Ahmed Atozai visited American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) President Ali Rashid's home for a luncheon and met with elected officials including Senator John Liu, Assemblymember David Weprin, Assemblymember Steven Raga and Councilmember Linda Lee. Discussion included collaboration between two countries and building relationships between states to enhance economic, cultural and diplomacy cooperation. Also, the Ambassador visited Allama Iqbal Avenue in Queens, New York.
Ambassador and Consul General visited Allama Iqbal Avenue
Nov 2024
Pakistan Ambassador to USA Hon. Rizwan Saeed Sheikh and Consul General of Pakistan to New York Hon. Aamer Ahmed Atozai visited Allama Iqbal Avenue in Queens, New York along with the American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) team. The ambassador lauded and praised the efforts of APAG and its President Ali Rashid for this historical name changing for one of the founders of Pakistan.
Get out the Vote (GOTV) event with Congress members
Oct 2024
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) Get out the Vote (GOTV) event with Congressmember Tom Suozzi, Senator John Liu, and Assemblymember David Weprin. Discussion included working and building bridges between Pakistan and the United States with a focus on collaboration, diplomacy, economic cooperation, and shared values. Also, ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Gaza were discussed and Congressmember Tom Suozzi agreed that a solution is needed and that the USA needs to push for more humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza. The message for the community was that whomever they want to vote for, just make sure that we go out and vote.
Grandson of Allama Iqbal visited Allama Iqbal Avenue
Oct 2024
Senator Walid Iqbal (Grandson of Allama Iqbal) visited Allama Iqbal Avenue in Queens, New York. It was a beautiful gathering and wonderful conversation, especially hearing unheard mesmerizing stories about one of the founding fathers of Pakistan Allama Iqbal.
3rd annual Pakistan Flag Raising Ceremony in Bowling Green
Aug 2024
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) under the leadership of its President Ali Rashid conducted the 3rd annual Pakistan Flag Raising Ceremony in Bowling Green, New York City on the occasion of Pakistan Independence Day along with the NYC Offices of the Mayor. NYC Mayor Eric Adams, Consul General of Pakistan in New York Hon. Aamer Ahmed Atozia, Assemblymember David Weprin, Manuel Castro - Commissioner Immigrant Affairs, Edward Mermelstein- Commissioner International Affairs, Asim Rehman, Commissioner OATH attended this beautiful event with many Pakistani American community members, especially women, youth and kids.
Independence Day at Queens Borough Hall
Aug 2024
Pakistan Independence Day Program hosted by Queens Borough President Donovan Richards at Queens Borough Hall. The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) and its President Ali Rashid were honored for their tireless dedicated work for the community.
Eid Al Adha Food Drive
Jun 2024
APAG Cares conducted its annual Eid Al Adha Food Drive at Allama Iqbal Avenue in Queens, New York. APAG Cares team distributed food items like Atta, Rice, Chana, Dall, Besan, Tea Bag, Sawiyan, fruits, vegetables, bread, eggs and much more. Community came in large numbers and really appreciated APAG Cares efforts to conduct drive to help feed the people in need before Eid
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.
Pakistan Cricket team at Nassau County International Cricket
Jun 2024
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) team supported the Pakistan Cricket team at Nassau County International Cricket Stadium in both of their two matches in New York. Winning and losing is part of the game and some of the results didn’t go in our favor but we are committed to supporting the boys all the way through. Overall, it was great atmosphere and a great experience to see the cricket World Cup happening in the USA. Best wishes to the team for the rest of the tournament. Still Pakistan and always will be Zindabad!
APAG President recognized
May 2024
Congratulations to 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 features the most influential leaders in government, businesses, advocacy and other sectors who are ensuring that Asian Americans have not just a voice, but many voices.
APAG team met with Adeel Mangi
Apr 2024
APAG team met with Adeel Mangi, a Pakistani-American lawyer who has been nominated to serve as a United States circuit judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit. If confirmed, Mangi would be the first Muslim and Pakistani American to serve on a federal appeals court.
Mr. Mangi’s extensive experience and unwavering dedication to civil rights make him an exceptional candidate for the federal bench. Adeel Mangi has extensive litigation experience spanning over two decades and stands as a highly qualified nominee poised to potentially become the first Muslim-American to serve on a federal appellate court. However, his confirmation process has been tarnished by unprecedented scrutiny and overtly Islamophobic questioning. The Senate hearing resembled more of an interrogation, delving into topics unrelated to Mangi’s expertise, notably including inquiries regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict. Shockingly, one senator even questioned Mangi’s observance of 9/11 due to his Muslim background, exemplifying the unjust bias faced by Mangi during the confirmation proceedings.
Mr. Mangi’s potential confirmation as the first Muslim to serve as a federal appellate court judge holds historic significance.
Please call on your Senators to swiftly move forward with his confirmation. It’s time to recognize Adeel’s stellar qualifications, dedication to civil rights, and commitment to justice.
APAG made history
Mar 2024
The American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) made history by passing another landmark Resolution in the New York State Assembly and Senate to proclaim March 23 as Pakistani American Heritage Month and August 14 as Pakistan Independence Day in the State of New York Assembly. Special thanks to Assemblymember Nader Sayegh, Phil Ramos, David Weprin, Jennifer Rajkumar, And Senator Iwen Chu for the main sponsors along with many other legislators.
APAG Cares annual Ramadan Food Drive
Mar 2024
American Pakistani Advocacy Group Cares (APAG Cares) conducted its annual Ramadan Food Drive at Allama Iqbal Avenue 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.
APAG President, Ali Rashid on being honored
Mar 2024
Congratulations to APAG President, Ali Rashid on being honored at the first ever Pakistani Heritage Month celebrations by PALS and NYPD.
APAG collaborated with Columbia PSA for SOCH 2024 Conference
Feb 2024
American Pakistani Advocacy Group (APAG) collaborated with Columbia PSA for the SOCH 2024 Conference on “A Sustainable Future: Pakistan and Climate Crisis”. It was a very intellectual and insightful discussion about climate justice in Pakistan, focusing on amplifying marginalized voices, and exploring the balancing acts of climate mitigation and adaptation.
As climate change is making a huge impact on everyday life, we are reminded that all of us have an important role as change makers in addressing climate change, whether it is back in Pakistan or here in the US. The environmental crisis is one that affects us all, with disproportionate damage done to already vulnerable populations. Pakistan is the 8th most climate vulnerable country in the world, with 33 million people currently displaced as a result of the 2022 floods and a long ways to go in terms of recovery and rehabilitation.
During the 2022 Pakistan unprecedented floods, APAG conducted a lot of relief work in Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan, and KPK by providing food, clothes, shelter, medical camps, and much more to affected people.
The threat to Earth with climate change and global warming is very serious and to mitigate future risk and for a healthier planet all of us need to work together to create a healthier planet for generations to come.