News

Senator Mikulski helps in expediting visas for Pakistani Physicians

At a recent event held to honor Senator Barbara (D-MD) at Nayab and Janet Siddiqui’s home in Clarksville Md, PAKPAC along with a group of Physicians requested Senator Mikulski to help in expediting visas for Pakistani Physicians planning to join residency programs in US hospitals. Some of these Physicians have been waiting for visa issuance even four months after having their visa interviews. Senator Mikulski’s office was able to expedite six of the ten visa cases provided to Senator Mikulski. PAKPAC has also asked Senator Mikulski to inquire with State Department the current process for issuance of visa to physicians planning to join residency programs so that unnecessary delays can be avoided.

A group of local Pakistani American business complained to Senator Mikulski about change in Federal Contracting resulting in fewer contracts awarded to small business owners. Senator Mikulski plans to hold a meeting of small Pakistani American business owners with various Federal Agencies to address their grievances.

Note: If you are a small business owner in federal contracting business and have seen fewer Federal contracts awarded to you or your peers, then please email details of your contracts to ed@pakpac.net.

Pakistani woman appointed to Canadian Senate

Salma Ataullahjan on Friday became the first Canadian woman of Pakistani origin to get into the Senate when Prime Minister Stephen Harper appointed her to fill a vacancy from the province of Ontario. “I am pleased to announce the appointment of Salma Ataullahjan to the Senate of Canada,” said Prime Minister Harper in a statement on Friday evening. “A professional, artist, parent and strong activist for the South Asian community in the Greater Toronto Area, Ms Ataullahjan brings a remarkable dedication and energy to her new role as a senator for the province of Ontario,” he said. The appointment comes into effect immediately. “I’m delighted to hear the good news of my appointment as a senator,” said Ms Ataullahjan, who immigrated to Canada from Pakistan 31 years ago, becoming a Canadian citizen in 1989. Read More

Pakistan Economic Freedom Report

Pakistan’s economic freedom score is 55.2, making its economy the 117th freest in the 2010 Index published by Heritage Foundation.  Its score is 1.8 points lower than last year, mainly due to reductions in investment freedom and labor freedom. Pakistan is ranked 22nd out of 41 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is below the world and regional averages.

Pakistan has pursued reforms to improve its entrepreneurial environment and facilitate private-sector development. The financial sector has undergone modernization and restructuring and has weathered the global financial crisis relatively well. Yet Pakistan lags significantly behind other countries in the region.

Challenges to Pakistan’s overall economic freedom include a wide range of institutional weaknesses. Trade freedom remains burdened by high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. The tax system is complex and inefficient, though reforms to cut tax rates, broaden the tax base, and increase transparency have been undertaken. The judicial system suffers from a serious case backlog and poor security. Considerable corruption taints the judiciary and civil service. Together with political instability, these shortcomings continue to undermine overall economic progress. Read More

Statement  on the  60th Anniversary of the U.S. – Pakistan Fulbright Program

Today, the United States and Pakistan celebrate the 60^th anniversary of the Fulbright academic exchange program and the growth of U.S. – Pakistan educational cooperation.  President Obama congratulates the bilateral U.S. – Pakistan Fulbright Program and welcomes the latest group of 158 Pakistani Fulbright students coming to study in America.  Our countries are strengthened by the people-to-people ties built by this program and the alumni of other U.S. sponsored academic and professional exchanges.  As the President has said “both America and Pakistan care deeply about the education of our young people for the jobs and economies of the future.”

As part of the growing U.S.-Pakistan relationship, the United States has dramatically increased academic and professional exchange programs with Pakistan.  This year the United States will send almost 2,500 Pakistani students, teachers and other professionals to the United States on exchange programs and will also send American scholars to teach and conduct research at universities in Pakistan. 

Viewpoint

Thomas Jefferson and Mohammed Ali Jinnah: Dreams from two founding fathers – Professor Akbar Ahmad

"You are free; you are free to go to your temples, you are free to go to your mosques or to any other place of worship. . . . We are starting in the days when there is no discrimination, no distinction between one community and another, no discrimination between one caste or creed and another. We are starting with this fundamental principle that we are all citizens and equal citizens of one state."

These are the words of a founding father -- but not one of the founders that America will be celebrating this Fourth of July weekend. They were uttered by Mohammed Ali Jinnah, founder of the state of Pakistan in 1947 and the Muslim world's answer to Thomas Jefferson.

When Americans think of famous leaders from the Muslim world, many picture only those figures who have become archetypes of evil (such as Saddam Hussein and Osama bin Laden) or corruption (such as Hamid Karzai and Pervez Musharraf). Meanwhile, many in the Muslim world remember American leaders such as George W. Bush and Dick Cheney, whom they regard as arrogant warriors against Islam, or Bill Clinton, whom they see as flawed and weak. Even President Obama, despite his rhetoric of outreach, has seen his standing plummet in Muslim nations over the past year.  Read More

China-Pakistan Relations – Jamal Afridi

Since establishing diplomatic ties in 1951, China and Pakistan have enjoyed a close and mutually beneficial relationship. Pakistan was one of the first countries to recognize the People's Republic of China in 1950 and remained a steadfast ally during Beijing's period of international isolation in the 1960s and early 1970s. China has long provided Pakistan with major military, technical, and economic assistance, including the transfer of sensitive nuclear technology and equipment. Some experts predict growing relations between the United States and rival India will ultimately prompt Pakistan to push for even closer ties with its longtime strategic security partner, China. Others say China's increased concern about Pakistan-based insurgency groups may cause Beijing to proceed with the relationship in a more cautious manner. Read More

Pakistan's Population Challenge

It’s difficult to imagine a scenario for a stable and peaceful world that doesn’t involve a stable and peaceful Pakistan. The country is among the world’s most populous and is also home to the world’s second largest Muslim population, making it the only Muslim majority nuclear state. Its history has been characterized by periods of military rule, political instability, and regional conflicts. This week on dialogue host John Milewski explores the nation’s changing demographics and what they may tell us about near and long term prospects for this vital U.S. ally with guests Michael Kugelman, Zeba Sathar, and Mehtab Karim. View Dialogue

Compassion in Taliban territory -Prof Akbar Ahmad

If you were a Swati and lived in that idyllic land and were suddenly forced to leave your home to seek shelter outside the district, and then saw the destruction of your beloved home first by the violence of the Taliban and then the violence of the Pakistan army in their attempt to defeat the Taliban, you would be either dismayed or angry. You would argue that neither Swatis nor Pakistanis were involved in the events on 9/11 but the unfolding developments since that tragic day have directly or indirectly shattered your life. Read More

Community Action

Recent media bashing of Pakistan

In the past few weeks, certain media outlets and think tanks have started media bashing of Pakistan, in particular criticizing Pakistan’s efforts to eliminate extremists groups in Waziristan. We as Pakistani Americans must comment on the inaccuracies in such media reports. Articles below are examples of such a media bashing. Please take time to respond to these articles.

Balkanizing Pakistan: A Collective National Security Strategy

Pakistan has not been a faithful ally

Pakistan's Gambit in Afghanistan

Announcement

Job Opportunities at White House, USAID, State Department, DOJ, and others

 Program Specialist at White House

The position of Program Specialist with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders has been reposted. Candidates must have knowledge of, and extensive experience working with or on behalf of, the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community, especially regarding issues that impact the most under served in the AAPI community.  The application period closes on Thursday, July 15, 2010.

To apply:

 http://jobview.usajobs.gov/GetJob.aspx? JobID=89210189&JobTitle=Program+Specialist%2c+GS-301-12%2f13% 2f14&where=20230&brd=3876&vw=b&FedEmp=N&FedPub=Y&x= 105&y=8&jbf574=ED*&AVSDM=2010-07-08+06%3a36%3a00

State Department is now accepting applications for the 2010 Diplomacy Fellows Program.

Click here (http://careers.state.gov/officer/fellows-program.html) for more information, and to start the application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 31, 2010.

General Qualifications for the DFP Program:

1.                   You must be a U.S. citizen.

2.                   You must be at least 20 and not more than 59 at the time of application.

3.                   You must be available for worldwide assignment.

4.                   You may not have been separated from the Foreign Service under certain sections of the Foreign Service Act.

5.                   You must have participated in one of the 9 eligible Fellowship programs (please (click here to view the list) and you must have successfully completed all program requirements and received your master’s degree within 5 years of the vacancy announcement closing date.

For other careers at State Department, visit http://careers.state.gov/newsletters/

USAID/Pakistan is seeking multiple Senior Program Advisors positions

Solicitation Number:   M-OAA-l O-SPECOPS-OOO1 

Final Closing Date:   August 31, 2010 

For more information

https://www.fbo.gov/index?s=opportunity&mode=form&id=8d6badbde0c6755fb55a209a7cde3dce&tab=core&_cview=0

Employment Opportunities at Department of Justice

The chart below includes the Civil Rights Division job opportunities currently available. Individuals interested in applying for these positions should comply with the applications procedures and closing dates in the vacancy announcement.

USAID is seeking multiple Program Specialists and Program Advisors   

The United States Government, represented by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is seeking applications from qualified individuals to provide short and long-term personal services under a Personal Services Contract (PSC), as described in the attached solicitation.  

Position Title:                         Program Specialist and Program Advisor [multiple positions]

Solicitation Number:             M-OAA-10-SPECOPS-0003

Interim Submission Date:     July 30, 2010

Final Closing Date:               September 30, 2010

For more info

https://www.fbo.gov/download/207/20788ac6e634423e251f91f9265ad752/RFP_M-OAA-10-SPECOPS-0003.pdf

Applicants should retain for their record copies of all documents submitted. Questions regarding this solicitation should be directed to Ms. Claudia Enriquez at cenriquez@usaid.gov

Positions at AMCLI

The American Muslim Civic Leadership Institute (AMCLI) is accepting applications for the 2010-2011 program. AMCLI  Program has been made possible through the generous support of the Proteus Fund, One Nation for All, and the Rockefeller Brothers Fund.

Potential participants must:

·                     Hold a leadership position in an organization engaged in civic work in the Muslim community, or with an organization working on issues that affect the Muslim community. (Individuals who are chief executive officers, chief operating officers, program directors, program coordinators, lead organizers, and board members are qualified to apply.)

·                     Be between the ages of 25-40 at the time of application.

·                     Be proficient in written and spoken English. The program does not have formal educational requirements, but applicants with a bachelor's degree or advanced degree are strongly encouraged to apply. 

Visit www.usc.edu/amcli to download an application form and to learn more about the Institute.

Upcoming Seminars at Think Tanks

To get information about future seminars and events relating to US-Pakistan relations, please visit the following websites

Atlantic Council

Brookings Institution

Council on Foreign Relations

Heritage Foundation

Middle East Institute

SAIS

Woodrow Wilson Center

Events & Activities

FIRST ANNUAL PAKISTANI AMERICAN YOUTH EMPOWERMENT CONFERENCE, Aug 6^th Washington DC

Spend one full day in Washington, DC on Capitol Hill and learn about the Executive and Legislative branches of the Government and be a part of the next generation of Public Leaders. Hear from Leaders of the Executive and Legislative Branches on Career Opportunities and Job challenges. Have lunch on Capitol Hill, and Dinner at the Embassy of Pakistan. Meet hundreds of Pakistani American youth from all over the nation. This program is specifically designed for High School and College Students of Pakistani American origin. Please register early, as space is limited. All meals and transportation within Washington DC are provided.  A registration fee of $50 per student is required to cover Transporation and Meal expenses.

Chaperons: Parents or Chaperons are welcome to participate in the event, with the exception of White House Tour. Each parent or Chaperon must register and pay registration fees.

Registration: Space is limited, register early at  https://secure.yourpatriot.com/ou/pakpac/405/723/eventsignup.aspx

Registration Fee Waiver: Students, who need financial help with registration expenses, are required to submit a note stating the reasons for their request, and a 500 word essay on one of the following topic, to ed@pakpac.net by Friday July 24th. PAKPAC Board will review their essay and then decide on student's request for financial help.

1. Please describe one fundamental problem (such as general perception in main stream media and society, racism, assimilation, sexism, other) facing the Pakistani American community - and what recommendations you have for the community. Substantiate your findings with references.
2. What advice would you give President Obama on US Foreign Policy?

Hotel Reservation (if required): PAKPAC Foundation has negotiated a reduced room rate of $139 per night plus (10.25 % tax) for out of town Seminar registrants at Marriott Keybridge, 1401 Lee Highway Arlington, Virginia 22209. To reserve a room please contact Marriott Keybridge at 703-524-6400 or www.marriott.com/waskb. and use Discount Code PAYO while making reservations.

Program (under development)

For more information write to ed@pakpac.net or call 202 558 6404

Luncheon meeting with Congressman Pete Sessions

At the APPNA summer meeting, PAKPAC held a luncheon meeting honoring Congressman Pete Sessions (TX -32^nd District), Chairman of the National Republican Congressional Committee.  In his welcome address PAKPAC President Dr. Mohammad Suleman emphasized the need for Advocacy efforts on behalf of Pakistani Americans, in light of current geo-political situation.  He enumerated PAKPAC recent achievements in making American a safer place, and addressing the needs of Pakistani Americans.  Dr. Suleman listed the objectives and challenges faced by the Pakistani American Community.

AAPNA President Dr. Zeelaf Munir highlighted the close cooperation needed between AAPNA and PAKPAC, and thanked PAKPAC for its efforts in getting visas for young Pakistani Physicians entering residency programs in USA.  PAKPAC Past President Dr. Saud Anwar presented the challenges faced by Pakistani American youth, and the need for the community to get engaged with the US Administration and Legislators, t help resolve issues faced by the community. Dr. Anwar reminded the audience that the choice is ours, to have a seat on the table; if not then we will be on the menu. Mr. Zeeshan Hafiz a candidate for Florida State Assembly encouraged the youth to participate in the political process and run for office in their hometown. He asked organizations like PAKPAC to motivate the youth to become more assimilated to be heard.  PAKPAC President Elect Dr. Salman Malik requested the audience for higher participation in advocacy efforts, and collectively to seek solutions to the problems we have.  Dr. Malik encouraged the participants not only to learn more about the community they live n, but learn about the history and values of America.

PAKPAC Past President Dr. Nasim Asharf presented a history of US Pakistan roller coaster relationship. In the past 40 years US provided $47 billion of assistance to Pakistan, with a third of that assistance being military assistance. More than 60% of the economic assistance provided by US gets reverted back to USA without providing long term economic benefit to Pakistan.  Dr. Ashraf asked the US legislators to revisit the US aid rules act of 1961 and make it more suitable to the times we are living in.  Going forward Dr. Asharf emphasized the need for additional spending in Pakistan’s human and economic development with a focus on Pakistan’s educational needs. Besides assistance Dr. Ashraf pointed the need of increased trade between US & Pakistan, and reduction in trade tariffs between the two countries.  He pointed that increase in $ 1Billion in trade with Pakistan, creates one million jobs in Pakistan. Talking about regional stability in South Asia region, he asked the US administration to be an active facilitator of the peace negotiations amongst regional countries.

In his keynote address Congressman Sessions thanked the Pakistani American Community who is proud to be American citizens for their intellectual and economic contribution to make America a better place.  Like other ethnic groups Pakistanis should be proud of their culture and values, and can enrich the American culture with their participation. He asked the community to remain active so that they have a voice in shaping the place they live in, and have a mission statement that their efforts will make America a better, stronger, and safer place to live. Congressman Sessions applauded the efforts of young Pakistani American like Zeeshan Hafiz to run for office, and indicated that path to US Congress is participation in local government.  As Chair of National Republican Congressional Committee, he agreed to provide more support to minority candidates and help in their grooming.  More pictures

PAKPAC Board Annual Meeting

PAKPAC Board held its annual meeting on July 1^st in Dallas TX.  A large number of current and past directors attended the meeting.  The Board set the objectives for coming year, with an emphasis on increasing PAKPAC membership, creating PAKPAC local chapters to get more involved with local issues faced by Pakistani American Community. The Board also identified financial objectives for the organization.  The Board agreed to work with various Pakistani American Organizations in an effort for cohesive efforts to resolve community issues. More pictures

PAKPAC Legal Consul Shehzad Akhtar meets Rashad Hussain

Shehzad Akhtar attended the Cairo +1 Reception which was attended by Rashad Hussain, the Special Envoy to the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).  Mr. Hussain completed a bachelor’s degree in two years, in both philosophy and political science from the University of North Carolina.   He holds a Masters Degree in Arabic & Islamic Studies from Harvard University and a JD from Yale Law School.   Prior to his position at the OIC, Mr. Hussain was Deputy Associate Counsel at the White House.

The event was also attended by Congresswoman Shelia Jackson, Congressman Keith Ellison, State Delegate Saqib Ali and Congressman Andre Carson.  All four spoke of the progress and the political maturation of the Muslim American Community and about the accomplishments of  Mr. Hussain.  Mr. Hussain spoke about President Obama's commitment to the American Muslim community and about the administration's comprehensive strategy in reaching out to the Muslim world as outlined in the Cairo speech in 2009.

Immigration

USCIS TO WELCOME 18,000 NEW AMERICANS DURING 4^th OF JULY CITIZENSHIP CEREMONIES

To commemorate the 230^th birthday of the United States, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will host more than 150 special July 4^th citizenship ceremonies for 18,000 men, women and children in cities and towns across America.

“USCIS will welcome 18,000 new Americans who came to this country like millions of others from around the world with the simple hope for freedom and a better life—the basic principles upon which our Nation was founded 230 years ago,” remarked USCIS Director Emilio Gonzalez. “As we celebrate our Nation’s independence on July 4th, these citizenship ceremonies are a tribute to the memory of our founding fathers who fought to secure freedom and liberty for every citizen and USCIS is doing its part to foster a greater appreciation for these values and welcome new citizens into our American family,” he added.

To highlight the importance of U.S. citizenship, USCIS naturalization ceremonies are being held at prominent national and historic landmarks. From October 1, 2005 to April 30, 2006, USCIS received 392,302 applications for citizenship, a 15 percent increase over the same period in 2004-2005. USCIS is on target to meet the administration’s goal of achieving a 6-month processing standard for all immigration benefit applications by October 1, 2006. During fiscal year 2005, more than 600,000 new Americans were sworn-in as U.S. citizens in ceremonies around the nation.

Naturalization is the process by which U.S. citizenship is conferred upon a foreign citizen or national after he or she fulfills the requirements established by Congress in the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA). Requirements for naturalization include a period of continuous residence and physical presence in the United States; an ability to read, write and speak English; knowledge and understanding of U.S. history and government; good moral character; and attachment to the principles of the U.S. Constitution.

For those interested in beginning the formal citizenship process, information can be obtained at the USCIS website: http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/citizenship/index.htm. USCIS has also created a web page entitled “Faces of America” which highlights the stories of newly naturalized U.S. citizens at http://www.uscis.gov/graphics/publicaffairs/faces.htm More information can also be obtained at the agency website: www.uscis.gov. or at 1-800-375-5283.

Elections 2010

Palin’s Clout Narrows as Primaries Wind Down

Republican strategists expect Sarah Palin ’s influence in midterm Senate races to diminish as the primary season concludes and GOP candidates turn their attention to winning over independents in the Nov. 2 general election. The former Alaska governor and 2008 Republican vice presidential nominee is still projected to be a factor in a handful of races for the 11 Democratic-held Senate seats the GOP hopes to flip this fall. Republican operatives say few GOP campaign surrogates can match Palin’s fundraising prowess and ability to motivate the party faithful, and demand for her presence on the trail is likely to remain steady in some contests. But with her approval ratings among independent voters at only 34 percent, according to the latest YouGov/Polimetrix public opinion poll, Palin could be less welcome in traditionally Democratic districts and swing states where a Republican candidate’s crossover appeal is crucial to victory.  Palin’s overall approval rating according to the Pollster.com average is 35 percent. Read More

New Poll Shows Republican Fiorina Edging Calif. Sen. Boxer: Keep an eye on Republican Carly Fiorina in California. Another poll shows the Senate challenger statistically tied with Democratic Sen. Barbara Boxer, and this time the incumbent doesn't have the solace of being a hair ahead. Survey USA has Fiorina with 47 percent to 45 percent for Boxer, with 8 percent undecided or favoring some other candidate.

Gibbs Says GOP Has Shot at Winning House This Fall

White House spokesman Robert Gibbs suggested Sunday that Republicans could take control of the House in the November elections. “People are going to have a choice to make in the fall,” Gibbs said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” Gibbs stated that “there’s no doubt there’s enough seats in play” to allow “Republicans to take control” in the 112th Congress.“The fact that the Obama White House is acknowledging that there is even a possibility that Democrats could lose their majority in the House should be read as a tacit admission that their economic policies have failed in the eyes of the voters,” Ken Spain, communications director for the National Republican Congressional Committee, said in a statement Sunday afternoon. Read More

Democrats Savor Manchin’s Name on West Virginia Senate Ballot

It is becoming increasingly likely that West Virginia will hold a special election to fill the seat of the late Sen. Robert C. Byrd (D) this November and that Gov. Joe Manchin III (D) will be the 800-pound gorilla in that contest. And that prospect is being cheered by some Democrats on the House side of Capitol Hill. If all goes as expected, the highly popular Manchin will be at the top of the ticket this fall, which should drive Democratic turnout statewide. And that could be a boon for Democrats hoping to hold the battleground 1st district, which became open this year when 14-term Rep. Alan B. Mollohan was defeated by state Sen. Mike Oliverio in May’s Democratic primary. Read More

Senate Make up

House Make up

More polls.

Future Activities

PAKPAC to participate in National Bullying Summit

Federal Partners in Bullying Prevention Summit will be held in Washington, DC on August 11-12, 2010.  The summit will bring together more than 150 major organizational, federal and academic leaders to discuss how to translate research into practice, highlight promising practices, and provide the field with the tools they need to serve our nation’s students.  Secretary of Education Arne Duncan will address the summit on ED’s efforts to combat bullying and we anticipate similar participation from other federal partners. 

PAKPAC to participate in DHS Radicalization Conference

Department of Homeland Security is holding a conference of Minority and Muslim organizations in Washington DC on July 26^th. The purpose of this conference is to develop measures to identify internet radicalization channels being used in USA.

Pakistan-India Relationship- Atlantic Council Jul 14th

Please join the Atlantic Council's South Asia Center 1101 15th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20005 on Wednesday, July 14  at 2:00 pm to 3:30 pm for a discussion of the Pakistan-India relationship with Javed Jabbar, media analyst and Chairman and Chief Executive of J.J. Media (Pvt.) and Project One (Pvt.). Shuja Nawaz, Director of the South Asia Center, will moderate the event.  To RSVP for the event arahman@acus.org

Pakistan Musical Concert in NY – Jul 20^th

On Tuesday July 20 2010, Pakistan’s Ambassador to United Nations Mr.  Abdullah Hussain Haroon and Pakistani Peace Builder will host the New York Sufi Music Festival.  The unprecedented gatherings of Pakistani musicians sing out joyous Sufi music at Union Square at this historic celebration!

The Pakistani Peace Builders NY Sufi Music Festival is an independent cultural diplomacy campaign to reaffirm the true values of tolerance and peace of Pakistan's majority while, celebrating Pakistan's rich cultural heritage through the universal language of music.  In light of attacks on this July's attacks on tribal elders in Mohmand and Data Gunj's Sufi shrine in Lahore and the Times Square bombing attempt in May, PPB stands in solidarity with New Yorkers and the world against violence perpetuated in the name of Muslims and Islam.

For more information contact Pakistani Peace Builders Information: 212.252.2613

When: Tuesday, July 20, 2010 (Rain or Shine)

Time: 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM

Where: Union Square Park, North end, opposite Barnes and Nobles, East 17th Street Btwn Park Avenue South and Broadway, NYC 

An all star group of musicians from Pakistan's key provinces perform for three hours including:

* Pakistan's Living Legend Abida Parveen

* Akhtar Chanal Zehri from Baluchistan

* Soung Faqirs from Sindh

* Rafaqat Ali Khan from Punjab

* Mekaal Hasan Band from the famed Coke Studios

* Zeb and Haniya, the Pashtun duo

and more!

LEAD SPONSORS: Pakistan International Airways and the Roosevelt Hotel are the Festival's Lead Sponsors.

FISCAL SPONSOR: Muslim Consultative Networks (MCN)

OUTREACH PARTNERS: American Pakistan Foundation, CAMP (Council of American Muslim Professionals), COPO (Council of Peoples Organization), Breakthrough for Human Rights Culture,  PAKPAC (Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee), DIL-NY, LRBT, YourDIL-NY, OPEN-NY, Pakistan League of America, Pakistan League of USA