ComNews_COPAA_TOM HARKIN

COPAA
Presents an evening with
US Senator Tom Harkin &
Former Pakistani Senator Mr. Shafqat Mahmood
Sheraton Cerritos, CA
June 25, 2005

Diversity and respect are keys to success - simple and
modest but true. Senator Mr. Tom Harkin addressed an
audience the night of June 25, 2005 along with Mr.
Shafqat Mahmood, former Senator from Pakistan. The
opportunity to hear from representatives working
side-by-side against terrorism after 9/11 is not rare but always worth attending.

Acknowledging the efforts of COPAA, known as a forum to build bridges between Pakistan and the US, the elites of Los Angeles turned in at large at Sheraton Cerritos, CA. The evening was staged for senators to bring forward the issues Pakistani-Americans face day in and day out ranging from terrorism issues to the unjust Patriotic Act as well as extremism in Pakistan.

Mr. Tanvir Khan emceed the night beautifully starting
with Koran recitation from Zain Baqai, followed by
distinguish guest and speakers. Mr. Hamid Malik,
President of COPAA, addressed the audience ardently
and welcomed the two senators with zeal and enthusiasm.

“Senator Tom Harkin is not new for the Pakistani
community, a humble personality who helped create
peace in the region for Muslims and the West,” he
revealed. “Mr. Shafaq Mahmood is an honorable former
Minister for Information, Culture, Environment and
Transport - Government of the Punjab (Nov 1999 to Oct 2000),” he enumerated thereafter.

The Honorable Senator Tom Harkin started his speech
calling Mr. Hamid Malik a close friend and asserting the Pakistani community as his favorite. In his speech, he condemned the acts of violence observed after 9/11 and asked Pakistani Community to participate
vigorously on Capital Hill. “Guantanamo Bay should be
closed and detention center hostages must be
interrogated before a judge,” he demanded. He mentioned the fact that Pakistan has been the closest ally to the US for half a century combatting terrorism, helping in the Vietnam War and the Russian invasion on
Afghanistan. “I see Pakistan doing a great job in the
field of agriculture, education, business and science
and feel proud to stand with Pakistani community who
bestowed me with great friends,” Mr. Harkin
concluded.

Answering to questions, Mr. Harkin mentioned the fact
that the Indian Lobby is very strong that puts Pakistanis into pressure combating in Capital Hill and conveying their voices. ”Government has no right to tap into our private information without a judge order,” Mr. Harkin criticized Patriotic Act responding a question. “It’s a challenge for you, you need to be organized, raise funds for school, college and be involve in Government,” community was advised over for our future generation.

Mr. Faiz Rehman, PALC Executive Director, also
addressed the community demanding more focus on
organization, coming forward with voice and join
caucus to be heard in Government.

The Honorable Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, former Pakistani
senator for Information, Culture, Environment and
Transport congratulate Mr. Hamid Malik, Consul General
Mr. Jadmani and the ardent audience for their tireless
efforts in the context. He enlightened the roots of
extremism in Pakistan and how impeccably the government is protecting its cause to survive in this very situation “The President Mr. Pervez Musharraf is keen on combating the war of extremism with his heart in the right place and a focused mind,” he claimed.

Attending the event was an eye-opening phenomenon as how to mobilize in the US Government Sectors to voice your opinion loudly to the world we belong to. The audience did enjoy a gourmet dinner catered by Shahnawaz Restaurant.

Click Here For Event Picture Album

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