Friends of Pakistan Expands Membership across America
By Ras H. Siddiqui

There are a few Pakistani-American organizations that are trying their best to assist their country of origin. The Friends of Pakistan (FOP) initiative is one such effort, and remains unique, as it strives to begin with the community here in the US helping itself by 1) Staying connected, 2)  Fostering intra-community business within it, and 3) Expanding its resource base to utilize Pakistan’s untapped export potential so that it is a win-win situation for both countries. But for that to happen, the word needs to get out to the community quickly, and that is precisely what is happening now.

It is for this very reason that a high-energy delegation visited Sacramento, California recently to reach out to the local Pakistani-origin community. Led by FOP Chairman Arif Mansuri and President Jamal Khawaja and assisted by Board Member Qazi Asad, all from the Greater Los Angeles area, the three FOP stalwarts took the opportunity to address leading local leaders of our community here. The host for the evening was prominent area businessman Waqar Khan and the venue was the Town & Country Event Center Hall in Rancho Cordova. The focus was on promoting commerce and explaining what FOP is all about.

The proceedings began with Waqar Sahib welcoming everyone. He said that some friends from Los Angeles are here today to tell us about the Friends of Pakistan organization. He first invited Zia Zafir to open the event with a recitation from the Holy Qur’an. And then Sherry Khan presented a wonderful Naat. Waqar returned and spoke of a meeting that he had with the visitors earlier who had informed him about FOP, a non-political effort bound to benefit Pakistan. The visiting group has been taking the message nationwide and would like to open FOP chapters in this area, said Waqar. He then invited FOP Chairman Arif Mansuri to address the group.

Arif Mansuri Sahib happens to be a successful businessman. He is also the President of PL Publications, publishers of Pakistan Link and Urdu Link. He came prepared with a very professional presentation on the FOP organization but first thanked our host and the group in attendance. His speech was delivered in Urdu of which Mansuri Sahib has commendable command. He recalled that he had been here in this hall and had been a guest of Waqar Sahib a few months ago and thanked him for his continued hospitality.

Mr Mansuri provided some of his own background and that of his businesses and mainstream community activity in Fullerton, California, his place of residence. He also explained his 30-year involvement in Pakistani and Urdu language organizations  including major roles in organizing the annual  Pakistan Independence Day event in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, he took the opportunity to recognize a few individuals present on the occasion whom he had met or known for some time.

On the Friends of Pakistan initiative, Mansuri Sahib shared its genesis, aims, and objectives, with the hope that people in the area would join it. He said that FOP is aiming to promote Pakistani-owned businesses in America which could lead to a positive contribution to the Pakistan economy. He said that Friends of Pakistan has only one agenda which is Pakistan. He emphasized that FOP was not for or against any political, religious, or ethnic party in Pakistan, and its only aim was to promote Pakistan and work for the betterment of its people. ‘If you are also working for Pakistan, then we will be standing right next to you,’ said Mansuri. If you are not, then we are not with you. The FOP Vision Statement explicitly defines our undertaking: “To create a unified and empowered Pakistani American Community across the United States, fostering a sense of belonging, collaboration, and mutual support to enhance the well-being of our community and contribute to the economic progress of Pakistan.”

We want to unite the (Pakistani) community from San Diego to New York, he said. If we could pool our resources, we could become a very powerful community.  We intend to open chapters in all large cities across America. The objective is that the chapters and their members should be able to network from coast to coast. This would be mutually beneficial for every member of the community and ultimately empower us. FOP intends to provide our community with 1) Resources, 2) Knowledge, and 3) Opportunity. This way the community can become more self-sustaining and independent and reach the next level of growth. We will create a database and use all our connections in law enforcement, business, and society, he informed. Communities are stronger when they are connected!

Our other objective is solely the economic betterment of Pakistan, said Mansuri. We can assist them in trade and commerce. We cannot improve everything in Pakistan, but we can concentrate and assist in the enhancement of business and commerce there, he said. There are many worthy causes in Pakistan, but we will specialize in just one area, which is economic progress, he said. We also want to make clear that we do not want to interfere in the good work of any other existing Pakistan-focused organization.  We will support them whenever we can.

Board Member Qazi Asad and later President Jamal Khawaja both reinforced what Chairman Arif Mansuri had said to explain the rai·son d'ê·tre of Friends of Pakistan and how it can and will benefit our entire community in the US and Pakistan itself. Readers are encouraged to join in this effort by visiting the website of the organization at  https://friendsofpakistanusa.com/  and more specifically become its member. Please join the Friends of Pakistan community by filling out this short application form here at  https://forms.gle/iWYLNdQCmJAkgeqLA  and become a part of this vibrant group.