Pakistan-American Community of Inland Empire and Safeer-e-Pakistan Raise Funds for IDPs in Pakistan
By Haseeb S. Patail
Glimpses of the fundraiserThe Pakistan-American community of Inland Empire and Safeer-e-Pakistan organized a fundraiser for the internally displaced people of Pakistan on Friday, July 17, 2009 at the residence of Dr. Shoaib and Zohra in Alta Loma, California. The event was organized by Dr. Shoaib and Mrs. Zohra Shoaib Patail and Waqar and Fatima Khan of Safeer e Pakistan with the added support of Dr. Mateen Ahmed and Mr. Qaiser Madaad and Dr. Meher Tabatabai.
The program began with a recitation from the Holy Quran by Dr. Patail. He and Mr. Waqar Ali Khan, Executive Producer, Safeer e Pakistan, were the emcees of the event. They welcomed the guests and thanked them for their continuous efforts and participation.
The keynote speaker was the Consul General of Pakistan in Los Angeles, Mr. Syed Ibne Abbas. In his speech the Consul General elaborated on the pain and suffering of the displaced people in the NWFP. Mr. Abbas thanked Dr. Patail and Mrs. Zohra Patail for organizing the fundraiser and serving a sumptuous dinner at their residence. The CG also thanked Mr. Waqar and Fatima Ali Khan for their continuous and tireless support for Pakistan. He also acknowledged with gratitude the generous donation of over $32 thousand made by the community. Earlier, the Consul General visited The Islamic Center of Inland Empire (Rancho Masjid) and admired the work and contribution of the community to make the dream of establishing the Center come true.
After the dinner, the participants were entertained by vocalist Iqbal Qasim and tabla nawaz Mr. Ramesh and his son Anil.
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