Nassau County, New York – The Pakistani American Community Organization (PACOLI), a prominent organization representing the Pakistani American community in Nassau County, New York, held a significant oath-taking ceremony for its new governing body at the Community Center. The event, which drew a large crowd of social, business, and especially youth participants from New York, underscored the organization’s commitment to fostering unity and empowering the next generation.
Bashir Qamar, the chair of PACOLI, administered the oath to the newly elected officials. In his address, Qamar emphasized the organization’s mission, stating, “It has been my mission to bring the Pakistani American community together on one platform, and our organization (PACOLI) has been building the image of Pakistan for two decades and has raised the green crescent flag of Pakistan.” He highlighted PACOLI’s legacy of community service, including its efforts to promote Pakistan’s image and advocate for critical issues like Kashmir over the past 40 years.
The newly elected president, Tauqir-ul-Haq, outlined a forward-looking vision, particularly focusing on youth engagement. “We want to train the youth and bring them into American politics, which will increase our influence in the American parliament,” he said, emphasizing the importance of grooming young leaders to represent the community in mainstream political arenas.
Azam Adam, a key leader of the organization, reaffirmed the community’s solidarity with Pakistan, stating, “Our community always stands with Pakistan for the problems faced by Pakistan.” The ceremony was marked by enthusiastic slogans of “Long Live Pakistan,” reflecting the community’s pride and dedication.
Atiya Shahnaz, advisor to the New York Mayor, was a special guest at the event, lending prominence to the occasion. She praised PACOLI’s efforts and its role in community upliftment, noting her consistent participation in the organization’s programs.
Speakers at the ceremony highlighted the importance of community service and the role of the youth in shaping the future. One speaker remarked, “These are tasks that no one can perform, but they are tasks of the community. This responsibility that you have assumed for everyone, by studying together, should fall on your shoulders today. Success is also evident in the work of the lower classes.” They expressed confidence that the youth would excel in diverse fields, including politics, medicine, engineering, law, and the arts. “Insha Allah, you will see that the profile of this child will be ready in mainstream politics,” Touqeer UL Haq added, referencing special programs aimed at grooming young leaders for public roles.
The event also celebrated PACOLI’s historical contributions, with speakers crediting Bashir Qamar and other founding members for their decades-long dedication. “They taught us to speak, to stand in front of you, to raise the flags of Pakistan,” Mr Sheikh noted, acknowledging Qamar’s role in mentoring community leaders. The organization’s efforts in organizing parades, programs, and advocacy initiatives, such as raising awareness about Kashmir, were cited as significant achievements.
Shahid Ranjha an activist and Vice President PACOLI at the event congratulated the new PACOLI team, calling it a “unique team” poised to work closely with the Pakistani American community in the coming years. “I would like to pay tribute to Qamar Bashir Sahib, who has a legacy, this is his love for the Pakistani community, who has been serving this for 40 years and for these 40 years, he has served the Pakistani community in this way, as if he had raised them like his own children,” Safdar Hussain Qureshi Said “.
He also highlighted the active participation of women in the organization, noting, “I am most happy that our mothers, sisters, daughters are here today. They have prepared a youth here, and there are a lot of leadership skills in us. Insha Allah, we will guide them with our experience and expertise and we will give the flag of Pakistan and the USA in their hands so that they can promote the image of Pakistan in the USA and wherever they are.”Mr Attique Qadri Executive Director of PACOLI a business community member, reflecting on their 35 years in America, expressed gratitude for being part of PACOLI. “Comment Bashir Sahib has prepared me for this, and I will try my best to bring everyone together and do whatever I can for the whole community,” they said.
Shahid Raja, who took the oath as Vice President, congratulated Bashir Qamar for his 18-20 years of service and pledged to strengthen PACOLI’s legacy. “Insha Allah, we will strengthen it and try to make it even higher or stronger,” he said.
Another speaker Muhammad Azam Adam, involved in the political system and a former Senate candidate, thanked the Democratic Party General Secretary Tashir for the invitation and expressed enthusiasm for PACOLI’s future. “We will try to ensure that PACOLI is the place where people will try to come,” they said.
A media professional, associated with the industry for 18 years, expressed pride in joining PACOLI. “It is a great honor for me, and today I consider myself very lucky, and I will certainly serve with as much devotion as possible in the pure devotion of Bashir Qamar Sahib, God willing,” they said. They emphasized that the ceremony was not just an event but an expression of PACOLI’s vision to serve the Pakistani community with renewed commitment.
Taslim Qamar, a housewife who has supported the community through various platforms, shared her personal mission of translating the Holy Quran and uploading daily content on YouTube. “Masha Allah, I have been in America for 45 years, and thank God that today you showed me this day,” she said, expressing joy at the community’s unity.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt gratitude to all attendees, including those who traveled to participate, and a renewed commitment to advancing PACOLI’s mission. “Thank you very much for coming here,” MR Adam said, acknowledging the presence of community leaders and supporters like Atiya Shahnaz. The event was a testament to PACOLI’s enduring legacy and its vision for a vibrant, empowered Pakistani American community in Nassau County and beyond. Among speakers were Hanif Rehman,
Comptroller salman zafar,
Media C Tasneem qamar,
Ex director- Atiq Qadri,
Directors-Alisha Bari,
Arshad Hussain,Faisal Mehmood,Ishtiaq khan,
Mohammed salim, Mohammed noman,Soomro, Syed Wasim Agha,
Youth Wing directors,
Daniyal Nadeem,
Elsa Masood, and
Fajar zedie
