Three More FOP Chapters
Opened in N. California
Sarfaraz
Khan, Jerry McNermney, Dr. Kumar and Malik Younus Awan |
The Friends of Pakistan
(FOP) has successfully opened three more chapters in Northern
California. Several hundred new members have joined the vibrant
grassroots level organization following the establishment
of the three chapters.
The first event marking this important development was held
at California’s capital Sacramento on Friday, May 11
2007 at the Howe Community Center. The second event was held
in the city of Stockton on Saturday, May 12. The third and
last event was organized in Pittsburgh/Concord area on Sunday,
May 13 2007 at the Mehran Restaurant.
Mirza
Tahir, Raja Khan, Shahab Siddiqi and Tariq Khan |
Amit
Gill and Rohi |
FOP president Sarfaraz
Khan addressed community members on the occasion to spell
out the mission and objectives of the organization. He said,
“You will readily agree that in the post-9/11 period
Pakistani Americans have felt the pressing need of a representative
and vibrant community organization that could air their views
on various social, economic, and political issues impacting
their life. Such an organization could consistently work to
dispel misperceptions about community members, their faith,
and their country of origin. What is more, it could spotlight
the multifarious accomplishments of Pakistani Americans so
that they could be accorded recognition as useful members
of the American society. The organization could thus serve
as a bridge between Pakistani Americans and various ethnic
groups and mainstream Americans. Friends of Pakistan has been
set up with this explicit purpose in mind. It is the voice
of the community. It is the voice of every Pakistani American.”
Sunny
Singh, Tahir Hussaini and Aimy |
Raising his voice and
adding to the decibels, he observed: “America is our
adopted country and we feel great affection for, and attachment
to, this land. Ungrudgingly, the US has given us the opportunity
to live freely and express our concerns without any reservations.
It is our duty to serve this country to the best of our ability.
Pakistani Americans are law-abiding citizens. They are well
educated and enterprising and have already proved their worth
as true achievers in this multi-ethnic society. In airing
our concerns about issues that impact our life we will behave
in a dignified and respectable manner at all levels of the
American system….In conclusion, I declare a five-point
‘Revival of Image’” action plan for every
Pakistani American to adopt:
1- Be Friendly with your neighbors and interact with local
mainstream.
2- Keep contact with local government and law enforcement
agencies.
3- Visit local schools frequently.
4- Get involved in local interfaith activities.
5- Have constant contact with your congressman and senators.
Malik Younus Awan coordinator
for Sacramento area; Tariq Khan, Dr Malik Awan for Stockton
area and Zahid Saif, Nasir Bashir and MD Khalid for Concord
and Pittsburgh area also spoke and declared full confidence
in the leadership of Sarfaraz.
Congressman Jerry McNermney also attended the Stockton event
as the chief guest.
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