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NEWS AND EVENTS
As you are aware Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) has announced that it will carry free of cost all relief goods that are being sent from USA, to Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta and Peshawar. Relief Goods will now be accepted directly, at PIA New York and Chicago Cargo Areas. Organizations/communities/individuals who wish to send the relief goods can directly send them to the given PIA addresses; details are attached. There is no cut-off date for acceptance of relief goods as this process will continue for quite sometime and there is no limit of quantity to be donated for this noble cause. PIA has also developed a family pack which will provide high energy food and liquids to sustain a four member family/group. Details are available on our website www.piac.com.pk (Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QhER02dcE8Q ) Boxes other than family pack should be of a medium size and easy to carry. PIA is currently not accepting used clothes. Priority of relief goods is as follows: 1. Life saving drugs 2. Milk, dry food items and plastic bottled mineral water 3. Tents 4. Clothing (new only)
Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 In view of the unprecedented floods which have caused tragic loss of lives and have severely affected the physical and communication infrastructure in many parts of the Pakistan, Prime Minister has established a special “Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010”. Donation can either be directly deposited to Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 or through the Consulate General of Pakistan, Chicago. Generous contributions to the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund 2010 are urged and would be highly appreciated. **With regard to dispatch of relief goods from abroad. the NDMA has informed us of the following information for transmission to our Missions: 1. PIA shall carry relief goods to Pakistan without charge in the spare belly space of their aircrafts. 2. All kind of duties and taxes shall be waived off on the relief goods dispatched in the name of NDMA 3. Consignee Details for Relief goods at NDMA: Mr. Hassan Zulfiqar Director, National Disaster Management Authority Prime Minister's Secretariat, Islamabad. Phone: +92 51 9207066 Fax: +92 51 9202407 Cell: 0301 5262659 Email: hz@ndma.gov.pkWhile donations from individuals and NGO’s in the form of kind and cash are appreciated, at this stage in order to avoid wasting time and resources on transportation of relief items, it is preferable that cash donations are sent to the National Disaster Management Fund, details are given below: Currency in Rupees:
Currency in US Dollars:
Donors wishing to donate and send relief items must arrange transportation themselves to Pakistan. The relief items should be marked for the consignee in the transportation documents to the National Disaster Management Authority. The NDMA would arrange reception, transportation within Pakistan, warehousing and distribution through the relevant Federal and Provincial Government Agencies. The NDMA would issue NOC for import for relief items as per SOPs for such NOC available on NDMA’s website www.ndma.gov.pk under the title ‘books and publications’. For guidance, the NDMA has already uploaded on its website a list of required relief items for donation.
63rd INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN CHICAGO (2010) This year the Pakistan Independence Day celebrations in Chicago were held in somber mood due to devastating floods in Pakistan and commencement of the holy month of Ramadan. The biggest community event, Parade at the Devon Ave was held on 8th August 2010. Governor Pat Quinn who is also running for Governor for the next tern attended the event as chief guest. Other high ranking officials in attendance included Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky and a few aldermen of the neighboring areas. The public attendance was affected due to rain but the enthusiasm was overwhelming. The parade was followed by a display of colorful floats, some of which represented Pakistani culture. Finally the function ended with the Independence Day message from the Governor, Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky, Counsel General, and the Sate and City officials. In their remarks Governor Pat Quinn and Congresswoman Jan Schakowsky expressed sympathy and sorrow over the devastating floods in Pakistan and made appeals for donations. In his remarks the Consul General expressed gratitude to US Government for extending relief assistance to victims of flood and made an appeal to the Pakistani community for making generous contribution into the Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. As per Ministry’s instructions, the Mission has also opened an account # 884577115 with Chase Bank for receiving cash/cheque donations. The relevant details are available at the Mission’s website www.pakistanconsulatechicago.org. FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY HELD AT THE DALEY PLAZA The Consulate organized a Flag Hoisting Ceremony at the City Center (Daley Plaza) at 1145 on 12th August this year as 14th was a closed holiday. Despite the month of Ramadan, a large number of Pakistani-Americans, local media personnel, representatives from friendly Consulates and some City officials attended the Reception. Representatives of Governor, Mayor of Chicago, Attorney General and Cook County Treasurer read out their respective felicitation messages. In his remarks, the Consul General shared the details of loss of human life and devastation to property caused by the unprecedented floods in Pakistan and launched an appeal for generous donations into Mission’s account opened for Prime Minister’s Flood Relief Fund. In view of the floods, the ceremony was kept simple. INDEPENDENCE DAY RECEPTION HOSTED BY MAYOR OF CHICAGO The Mayor of Chicago Richard M. Daley hosted a reception for the Pakistani community at the Chicago Cultural Center on 3rd August 2010 to mark the 63rd Independence Anniversary of Pakistan. It was a well attended function. In his remarks, Mayor Daley expressed his sympathy for the victims of floods in Pakistan. The Consul General briefed the Mayor on the devastation caused by these unprecedented floods. The Chicago Commission on Human Relations in Chicago has launched an appeal for helping the flood victims in Pakistan. Three Pakistani Americans were given Certificates of Appreciation by the Mayor in recognition of their services towards the Pakistani American Community. FLAG HOISTING CEREMONY HELD IN BOLINGBROOK A flag hoisting ceremony was organized in the Village of Bolingbrook on 8th August 2010 in the evening. Bolingbrook is the only city in the USA where the flag hoisting ceremony on the Pakistan Independence Day is being held officially since 1992 and the village Mayor is the spirit behind it. The arrangements for the ceremony and the Mela were excellent and the Mayor himself supervised all the arrangements. The year, Bolingbrook has been included at serial No. 43 among top 100 best small towns to live in US by a prominent US monthly, “Money Magazine” mainly due to ethnic harmony and multi-culturist population in the area. Mayor Claar acknowledged leading role played by the Pakistan community, especially the Association of Pakistani-American of Bolingbrook lead by Mr. Talat Rashid in this regard. Earlier, a separate farewell dinner was organized in the banquet hall of Bolingbrook Golf Club on 19th July 2010, by the Association of Pakistani-Americans in collaboration with the Mayor of Bolingbrook to recognize the community services of Dr. Aman Rashid, the Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago. It was attended by community leaders and officials of Bolingbrook. A Key to the Town of Bolingbrook was presented the Consul General by the Mayor Roger Claar. In his remarks the Mayor said that in his 23 years carrier as Mayor, he had given the key to only 3 other distinguished persons.
Pakistan International Gems & Jewelry Exhibition Pearl Continental Hotel Karachi, August 05 - 08 2010 Pakistan Gems and Jewellery Development Company is organizing first Pakistan International Gems & Jewellery Exhibition (PIGJE) from August 05 to 08, 2010 at Pearl Continental Hotel, Karachi Poster >> RESUMPTION OF PIA FLIGHTS TO CHICAGO Pakistan International Airlines, the national flag carrier has resumed its direct flights from Pakistan to Chicago on twice weekly basis. The inaugural flight from Lahore, reached Chicago International Airport (O’Hare) on 2nd June 2010. A 15 member Prime Minister’s good will delegation including some Federal/Provincial Ministers & Parliamentarians was also on board the plane. Consul General of Pakistan in Chicago joined the PIA administrative staff at the airport in welcoming the inaugural flight. Chairman PIA who is also a serving Captain, flew the plane himself. A dinner function was organized by PIA at a local banquet hall to celebrate the inaugural flight the next evening. Prime Minister’s goodwill delegation and a large number of the Pakistani-Americans attended the function. Formal portion included a message from the Governor of Illinois read by his representative and a detailed report by PIA Chairman on the performance of the airline in the past year. The programme concluded with live performance by a musical group from Pakistan. The chief guest Abdullah Hussain Haroon, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to UN (New York) could not attend due to his other commitments. In his short remarks, while welcoming the resumption of PIA flights to Chicago Consul General pointed out that Community was disappointed when the flight was discontinued in 2007 because it was doing good business and provided a convenient link with their homeland. Resumption of PIA flight to Chicago is not only a good news for the Pakistani-Americans of Chicagoland and the Mid-west region but a sign of growing confidence between the democratic governments of Pakistan and USA. A special Cell to provide assistance to Pakistani's detained abroad has been established in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Abdul Wahab Director General (OP) Ministry of Foreign Affairs Islamabad Tel: 051-9207768 Fax: 051-9206143 Email: scop.mofa.pk@gmail.com PAKISTANI AMBASSADOR ON SHAHZAD
Pakistan's Ambassador to the
U.N., Abdullah Hussain Haroon, speaks to CBS News' Pamela Falk about
U.S.-Pakistan cooperation in the investigation of the case of Pakistani-American
would-be bomber Faisal Shahzad and what needs to be done to eliminate jihadists
in the tribal regions of Pakistan.
http://www.cbsnews.c
NATIONAL INTERNSHIP PROGRAM - PAKISTAN WIDE The Government of Pakistan has announced National Internship Program funded
by Asian Development Bank for the Unemployed student of Pakistan. So far very
low number of applications have been received i.e. 527 with in Pakistan. The
target is to have 10,000 application at least to utilize this fund OTHERWISE
This FUND WILL BE LESS UTILIZED & WILL BE REVERSED BACK TO THE DONOR.
PAKISTAN DAY CELEBRATIONS (2010) AT CHICAGO A Flag hoisting ceremony/reception was arranged in the Consulate Hall on 26th March 2010 to celebrate the 70th Anniversary of Pakistan Resolution. It was a well attended function. Many Heads/Members of Consular Mission in Chicago, representatives of the Governor, Mayor of Chicago, State Attorney General, Officials of the State Department, city government officials, leading US businessmen and notables from the Pakistani-American Community attended the ceremony. Following the indoor Flag hoisting ceremony, the formal session commenced with the recitation from the Holy Quran, followed by playing of the National Anthems of Pakistan and USA. Messages of the President and Prime Minister were read out by the Consul General. Felicitation messages for the occasion from the Governor, Mayor of Chicago and Attorney General were readout by their respective representatives. A reception followed the event.
Right to Vote for Oversees Pakistanis The Government of Pakistan is considering granting the right of vote as well as representation in National and Provincial Assemblies to Overseas Pakistanis. In this regard all those Pakistani who wish to participate in the electoral process, may kindly fill the attached form and emailinfo@pakistanconsulatechicago.org or mail it back to the Consulate. The response would enable the Government in assessing the extent of interest among the Pakistani Diaspora in the electoral process and taking a final decision in this regard. The early response would be highly appreciated. Registration From Pakistani-Americans are requested to kindly circulate this message widely to their Pakistani acquaintances. The mailing address of the Consulate is as under: Consulate General of Pakistan Chicago 333 N Michigan Ave, Suite 728. Chicago IL 60601 2010 CENSUS INFORMATION FOR THE PAKISTANI AMERICAN COMMUNITY What is Census 2010? There is a need for the community to be educated about the upcoming USA Census. The foundation of American democracy is dependent on fair and equitable representation in Congress. In order to achieve an accurate assessment of the number and location of the people living within the US borders, the U.S. Constitution mandates a census of the population every 10 years. The goal of the 2010 Census is to count all residents living in the United States on April 1, 2010 irrespective of their immigration status or nationality. The U.S. Census Bureau does not ask about the legal resident status of respondents in any of its surveys and census programs. Federal law protects the personal information you share during the census. Census questionnaire will be mailed or delivered to every household in the United States between February - March 2010. The questions ask you to provide information that is accurate for your household as of April 1, 2010. The Census Bureau must count everyone and submit state population totals to the U.S. President by December 31, 2010. By March 2011 Census data is provided to States. Why participate in Census The census population totals determine which states gain or lose representation in Congress. It also determines the amount of state and federal funding communities receive over the course of the decade. 2010 Census data will directly affect how more than $3 trillion is allocated to local, state and tribal governments over the next 10 years. The Census results affect funding in your community like schools, roads, hospitals, senior citizen centers etc, and help inform decision makers about how your community is changing Businesses use census data to locate supermarkets, shopping centers, new housing and other facilities. Government officials use census data to allocate funding and grants to high-need areas and non-profit organizations. With one of the shortest questionnaires in history, the 2010 Census asks for name, gender, age, race, ethnicity, relationship, and whether you own or rent your home. It takes only about 10-20 minutes for the average household to complete. Your participation in the census is required by law and All responses are used for statistical purposes only, and all are strictly confidential. All Pakistani Americans must fully participate and make sure that they are accurately accounted for. Anyone in the family can complete the Census form and it is required to have information on all people living at that address. Participation in census is not dependent on your visa or residency status. The census does not ask about your status. (Your information is protected). Please complete the form and include any relatives and friends even if temporarily staying at your address. Filling 2010 Census Form: Various community groups are working with US Department of Commerce in developing instructions in URDU language on how to fill Census form. Community will be informed once these instructions are available. A copy of 2010 Census form can be found at http://www.pakpac.net/Census2010/2010_Questionnaire_Info_Copy.pdf In 2000 Census many Pakistani Americans race was incorrectly reported as Asian Indians. It needs to be ensured that Pakistani American Community fills the 2010 Census form correctly in particular relating to race question. For this purpose please look at the following instructions. Please email ED@pakpac.net if you have any questions. What is Pakistani Heritage?
On Page 1, please answer
question 9 mark Other
Asian and WRITE:
PAKISTANI as shown below.
On Page 2, please answer
question 6 (for everyone in the household)
mark
Other Asian and WRITE: PAKISTANI as shown below
Public-Private Partnership Conference being held in Dubai on 26 January 2010 A public-private partnership conference is being held at Dubai (UAE) on 26 January 2010. The conference is being held from the platform of the Friends of Democratic Pakistan (FODP). The FODP, which was launched in September 2008 in New York, aims at addressing the challenges of security and development arising out of the twin menaces of extremism and terrorism. The First Summit of the FODP was held on 24 September 2009 in New York. The meeting was co-chaired by the Presidents of Pakistan, the United States and the Prime Minister of Britain. The focus of the Dubai public-private partnership conference would be on four sectors in Pakistan , namely: (i) Energy; (ii) Infrastructure Development; (iii) Agriculture and agro-based industry; and (iv) Social Sector (Education and Health). The conference would provide a useful opportunity for foreign investors to receive first-hand information on priority projects in the above sectors which have been identified by the Government for public-private partnership. These projects would offer immense lucrative opportunities for the private sector as Pakistan offers one of the most friendly foreign investment regimes in the world. The conference will also provide an opportunity to interact with representatives from the private sector of Pakistan. The conference will be co-chaired by the Foreign Ministers of Pakistan and the UAE. Interested US companies are invited to participate in the Conference.
SEASON'S GREETINGS - AMBASSADOR'S MESSAGE Dear Community Members, This holiday season brings the solemn occasion of Ashura Muharram, the festivities of Christmas, the birth anniversary of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and the celebrations of the New Year, all together. The year 2009 was, no doubt, full of challenges for Pakistan and Pakistanis, living in the country and abroad. But Pakistan, by the grace of Allah Almighty, has emerged stronger. The process of transition to democracy and the strengthening of state institutions continued throughout the year. Similarly, despite the cowardly acts of terrorism and the impact of the global economic downturn, Pakistan's economy did relatively better than many other comparable economies. These achievements are a tribute as much to the policies of the government as to the traditional resilience and inherent strengths of our people. Let me also briefly touch on the state of Pakistan-US relations. The year 2009 would be remembered for the unprecedented process of dialogue and engagement between the two newly elected governments. Equally intense was the interaction at the parliamentary and institutional levels. This has brought the two countries closer by facilitating a deeper understanding of common threats and concerns as well as the vast potential of mutually beneficial cooperation in diverse fields.
All of us at the
embassy of Pakistan will continue to serve you and represent our
great country with dedication in 2010.
62ND INDEPENDENCE DAY CELEBRATIONS IN CHICAGO (2009)
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