In a heartwarming display of solidarity and compassion, the prominent Pakistani-American organization PACOLI organized a vibrant fundraising event to support CDRS, an international humanitarian group dedicated to global welfare initiatives. The gathering focused on aiding flood victims in Pakistan, where devastating floods have displaced thousands, destroyed livelihoods, and triggered a severe food crisis.
The event drew a diverse crowd from the Pakistani-American community, including representatives from major organizations, a large number of women, children, and young men and women. Attendees enthusiastically contributed to the humanitarian cause, embodying the spirit of unity and generosity.
PACOLI President Tauqeer ul Haq addressed the audience, emphasizing the organization’s commitment to flood relief efforts in Pakistan. “By serving humanity and creating opportunities for those in need, God will create opportunities for you,” he said, thanking all participating groups and pledging to continue fundraising across various platforms Qamar Sahab’s good wishes and sincere prayers are with you. Qamar Bashir the Chairman PACOLI who is in Saudea Arabia performing Pilgrimage is praying for the unity and solidarity of Pakistani American Community . This was his message for all of you.
Secondly, let me tell you that PACOLI has been playing its role for the past 18 years. PACOLI started its work in 2007 and has been performing a prominent role in community service. You must have seen the countless events organized by PACOLI, especially the Independence Mela in Eisenhower Park, which is our Pakistan’s event—PACOLI has always been organizing it, and Insha’Allah, in the coming times, PACOLI is going to offer you something very new and different that will be unique. And Insha’Allah, we will continue to elevate Pakistan’s name as always. So, ladies and gentlemen, all of you have gathered here today for the flood relief that is present in Pakistan, and considering the situation in Pakistan where the floods have passed, but after the floods have passed, the effects that are there right now—the real effects are just starting to become apparent. There are countless people, countless homes that have been destroyed. Countless lives have been lost. We have all come here today for them. We are standing here through the collaboration program of CDRS and PACOLI, trying to stand with our brothers and sisters. So, we are trying to stand there and play our role. Therefore, I request all of you who have come here today to participate generously. CDRS has always been doing its work for the past 20 years; it is present here, settled in Pakistan, and has been doing countless fieldwork in Pakistan for 20 years.Collaboration with the Fourth Pillar founder Farooq Mirza we organized a program and provided excellent community service, in which countless people who are benefiting are connecting their new businesses with Pakistan as overseas residents here. We had chambers of commerce from here, American chambers of commerce, Korean chambers of commerce, and people who came from Pakistan.
Shahid Ranjha, another key PACOLI leader, highlighted the organization’s innovative role in humanitarian projects, noting that PACOLI has launched multiple programs for the greater good and will sustain its fundraising momentum.
Humayun Safdar praised CDRS for its vital work in Pakistan, including not only aid for humans but also animal shelters and a unique stray dog project, underscoring the organization’s comprehensive approach to relief.
CDRS Chairman Todd Shea delivered an inspiring presentation, sharing his deep love for Pakistan. “I love Pakistan and have been working on various projects there for the past 20 years,” he said. As the first American to obtain Pakistani citizenship, married to a Pakistani with a child together, Shea affirmed, “My heart beats for Pakistan, and I will continue contributing to humanitarian and welfare efforts there.” He outlined plans to support impoverished flood victims whose properties were ravaged.
Adam Azam General Secretary of PACOLI said that today, we had a very splendid program that was organized in collaboration with CDRS and PACOLI, and Masha’Allah around 250 people participated, and I am very grateful to our Jameel Malik Sahib and Shan Malik Sahib for donating two thousand dollars to us. Naheed Bhatti Sahiba donated one thousand dollars.
Our friend Sulman Butt Sahib was also present, who is a very big movie produce . After that, our Arif Khan Sahib, who is a music promoter, was there. I am very grateful to him.
The entire PACOLI team did an excellent job, and I am grateful to them. In addition, our Farooq Mirza Sahib from Forth Pillar—I am very grateful to him because through his collaboration, many things turned out well for us. In this event, Riyaz Babar Sahib from TV 1, and besides that our media team that came included Mohsin Zaheer Sahib, Salamat Sahib from Dunya News, besides that Manzoor Hussain Sahib, and Arsha Dawn Sahib, Arthur Malik Asar Sahib—so I am grateful to all of them who came.
Our Dr. Ejaz Chairman APPAC also gave a good donation, Masha’Allah, and he was with us as a participant. Thank you to Dr. Ejaz. In addition, I am grateful that the owner of Lake Shore Development in Islamabad was with us, who announced that whether sales happen in Pakistan or in the USA, five percent of the sales will go to CDRS. So, I am very grateful to them as well. In addition, Nadra Sahiba, who is a very big artist from Bangladesh, came. She donated two of her paintings to us without taking any money. She said that whoever buys them, the entire donation will go to PACOLI and CDRS. So, I am very grateful to her for coming.
The evening was enlivened with patriotic fervor as women and youth from PACOLI performed national anthems from the US and Pakistan, waving green crescent flags in a show of pride and unity. Notable attendees included APPAC Chairman Dr. Ijaz, Forth Pillar President Farooq Mirza, film promoter and producer Salman Butt, along with doctors, engineers, businessmen, and a multitude of women. All pledged to contribute donations and play their part in alleviating the flood crisis for the sake of humanity.
Guests enjoyed a delightful array of appetizers and traditional cuisine, setting the stage for renowned Pakistani singer Kartulin, who captivated the audience with her soulful voice, igniting enthusiasm and energy.
The event concluded on a high note as PACOLI’s president and members joined in singing the timeless anthem “Yeh Dosti Hum Nahi Chhorenga” (We Won’t Let Go of This Friendship), symbolizing unbreakable bonds of solidarity with Pakistan and each other.
Through such initiatives, PACOLI and CDRS continue to bridge communities, fostering hope and rebuilding lives in the face of adversity.
