By: Mushtiaq Ahmed Kamboh
The prominent Pakistani American community organization “Common Ground “ centered in Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn, New York, organized a Dinner Reception in honor of renowned international journalist Farooq Mirza, who recently returned to the United States after a highly successful visit to Pakistan. The immunity also honored Ashiq Rasool, Executive of Common Ground.
The gathering was attended by distinguished personalities from the Pakistani community as well as a delegation from the Christian American Christian Association.
During the program, condolences were expressed on the demise of the brother of prominent community leader Aziz Butt, and special prayers were offered for the forgiveness of his Soul.
Well-known community leader Baba Mushtaq Ahmed (originally from Faisalabad) led the funeral prayers (Esaal-e-Sawab) for Aziz Butt’s brother. In his address, he described the day and night as blessed and appealed to everyone in the community who harbors any resentment or anger toward one another to forgive each other for the sake of Allah, to support one another, and to collectively resolve the issues facing the Pakistani American community.
He highlighted that Farooq Mirza’s successful visit to Pakistan has raised the dignity and prestige of both Pakistan and the Pakistani community abroad.
Javed Khan, President of the Merchants Association, thanked the guests, congratulated Mushtaq Ahmed Combo for successfully organizing the event, and praised the services of Farooq Mirza.
Ashiq Rasool (Executive of Common Ground) shared in his speech that his visit to Pakistan was very successful and he returned with many beautiful memories. He pledged to set aside all differences and focus on the development of the community and the issues of the Pakistani American community.
Qasim Afridi described the Pakistani community as a great community that earns its livelihood through hard work and not only upholds a positive image in the United States but also enhances the image of Pakistan.
Majid, President of Common Ground, thanked the guests and stated that standing with journalists is their honor. He appreciated good initiatives and acknowledged the valuable services of Baba Mushtaq.
Other speakers included Ashfaq, William Shehzad (President of American Christian Association), James Spren, and several others. They praised Farooq Mirza’s professional journalistic services for Pakistan and the community. William Shehzad and James Spren emphasized that they stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Muslims at every moment and will soon announce an Iftar Dinner, which the Christian Association organizes annually to express solidarity with the Muslim community.
Prominent journalist Syed Shehbaz and Ishtiaq Ahmed (candidate for Assemblyman) also addressed the gathering. They admitted that if they had unintentionally hurt anyone or caused any misunderstanding, they sincerely apologize and expressed their desire to work together with all members of the community.
Guest of honor Farooq Mirza, in his keynote address, said that Coney Island Avenue, Brooklyn feels like home to him — whenever he comes here, it feels as though he has returned home. Pakistan is also his home, and he always keeps the honor, dignity, and positive image of Pakistan at the forefront. He described his recent visit as highly successful and revealed that he was awarded a special honor for promoting Pakistan–United States relations and trade.
This event was a positive step toward unity, forgiveness, and collective problem-solving within the community.
