by: Farooq Mirza
The Pakistan Overseas Forum (POF), a prominent organization representing the Pakistani-American community, organized a grand community event in Brooklyn, New York, bringing together distinguished members of the Pakistani diaspora, business leaders, journalists, social activists, and community representatives from across the United States.
The event was hosted by prominent Pakistani-American community leaders Shahid Ranjha and Ghulam Mustafa Diwan. Among the distinguished guests were Diwan
Mueez Ullah, President of the Mandi Bahauddin Chamber of Commerce, Tauseef Anwar and Ms Cheema , political and community representatives from London, renowned businessman Anayat Gondal, Basat Gondal, and several other notable personalities.
A large number of attendees belonged to the Pakistani-American community originating from Mandi Bahauddin. Representatives of local community organizations, including Fourth Pillar Vigilant Media Watchdog, senior journalist and Nawa-e-Waqt correspondent and columnist Miss Tayyaba Cheema, Sarwar Chaudhry representing the Pharmacists Association, and Asad Chaudhry representing APPAC, also participated in the gathering.
During the event, a documentary presentation showcased the achievements of the Pakistan Overseas Forum, highlighting its humanitarian, legal, educational, and social welfare initiatives. The presentation explained how the organization, headquartered in Mandi Bahauddin, has expanded its services nationwide, assisting overseas Pakistanis through legal support, employment assistance, education, clean water projects, collective marriage programs, and various community development initiatives.
Shahid Ranjha addressing the audience, warmly welcomed all distinguished guests, including Tauseef Anwar, his wife, Diwan Maueez Ullah, Anayat Gondal, and other respected community members.
He emphasized that love, brotherhood, and unity are the true strengths of overseas Pakistanis. He urged members of the diaspora to rise above personal differences, jealousy, and division, and instead unite under the Pakistani flag.
Ranjha stated that while many political parties maintain offices in his district, the Pakistan Overseas Forum operates a 24-hour service office where lawyers are available to assist overseas Pakistanis with their legal concerns.
Referring to complaints of discrimination faced by overseas Pakistanis at airports, he announced that the Forum has established a dedicated legal office in Islamabad to provide immediate legal assistance to affected individuals.
He encouraged overseas Pakistanis to use social media responsibly and report any incidents of misconduct or mistreatment so that the Forum’s legal team can take appropriate action.
Highlighting the organization’s transparency, he said every donation and expenditure is fully documented and available for public review.
He added that the Forum has successfully carried out numerous welfare projects, including employment assistance, collective marriages, salary-related support, clean drinking water initiatives, and various humanitarian programs, all made possible through community support and trust.
Co-host Ghulam Mustafa Diwan welcomed all distinguished guests, particularly Sarwar Chaudhry, Tanveer Chaudhry, Asad Chaudhry, and members of the Pakistani-American community.
He stressed the importance of unity, mutual respect, and collective efforts among overseas Pakistanis. He reiterated that the Pakistan Overseas Forum remains committed to serving overseas Pakistanis around the clock through its legal and welfare services.
Diwan also emphasized transparency, accountability, and public service as the core values of the organization.
Speaking at the event, Sarwar Chaudhry praised the Pakistan Overseas Forum after watching its documentary presentation, saying it reflected an extraordinary commitment to serving ordinary people in Pakistan.
He stated that Pakistanis living abroad may belong to different political parties or ideological backgrounds, but their foremost identity is being Pakistani.
He emphasized the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and accountability in Pakistan, noting that countries like the United States have progressed because of strong legal and accountability systems.
Sarwar Chaudhry expressed optimism that stronger democratic governance would ultimately establish greater accountability in Pakistan and improve justice for ordinary citizens.
He also stressed the importance of national unity and strong state institutions, particularly in light of regional and international security challenges.
Investigative journalist Farooq Mirza, representing Fourth Pillar Vigilant Media Watchdog, said the documentary presentation gave him a much deeper understanding of the Pakistan Overseas Forum’s extensive humanitarian work.
He explained that although he had documented Shahid Ranjha’s activities for years, he had not realized the full scale of the organization’s national and international impact.
Mirza announced that his organization has initiated efforts to strengthen economic journalism by building relationships between Pakistani and American Chambers of Commerce. He also announced a major business networking event scheduled for August 15, in collaboration with the Federation of Pakistan Chambers of Commerce & Industry (FPCCI) and the Islamabad Women Chamber of Commerce.
Encouraging entrepreneurship, he urged community members to focus on self-employment and financial independence.
He further requested community organizations to involve more journalists in their programs, acknowledging the financial sacrifices made by Pakistani journalists in the United States to cover community events and promote Pakistan’s positive image internationally.
Mirza pledged that his organization would continue providing national and international media coverage for the Pakistan Overseas Forum’s initiatives.
Diwan Maueez Ullah, President of the Mandi Bahauddin Chamber of Commerce, congratulated the organizers, including Shahid Ranjha, Ghulam Mustafa Diwan, and Khurram Ranjha, for organizing a successful event.
He described the Pakistan Overseas Forum as a rapidly growing global networking platform that connects overseas Pakistanis across continents.
Sharing his recent experience of traveling to Canada, Tauseef Anver explained how members of the Forum immediately coordinated meetings and extended hospitality, demonstrating the organization’s remarkable international network.
He recalled that the organization began with online meetings during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has since evolved into a strong international platform serving not only Mandi Bahauddin but also communities across Punjab, Sindh, and other regions of Pakistan.
He concluded that the Pakistan Overseas Forum has become a global family for overseas Pakistanis, connecting communities, facilitating cooperation, and promoting welfare initiatives worldwide.
The event concluded with Cake Cutting Ceremony celebrating 250 Years of United States of America Independence Day and participants appreciating the Pakistan Overseas Forum’s humanitarian and community service initiatives. Among Speakers Ch Iftikhar Advocate, Asad Gondal , Ch Tanveer , Asad Ch , Ch Khalid , Khurrum Shahzad Ranjah , Arshad Gondal and Ch Kursheed Bhali reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening unity among overseas Pakistanis, promoting investment and development in Pakistan, supporting welfare activities, and enhancing Pakistan’s positive image on the global stage.
