RISING LEADERS HOLD CONFERENCE IN CHICAGO

Rising Leaders held its first conference outside of Washington, DC in Chicago over Labor Day Weekend. The conference was graciously hosted by Mr. Shaukat Sindhu, President PANA and CEO Pakwatan.com

Congressman Dan Burton (R-IN) spoke about the historic role that Pakistan has played as a major U.S. ally. Congressman Burton is co-chair of the Pakistan Caucus and has been a supporter of the Pakistan-U.S. alliance for over twenty-two years.

CEO of Ethan Allan, Farooq Kathwari, commented on the responsibility that young Muslim-Americans have to become involved in public life in the U.S. Kathwari is a Kashmiri-American and is widely-regarded for his involvement in American foreign policy institutions.

Deputy Chief of Mission and Acting Ambassador Mohammad Sadiq spoke about “What Your Parents Forgot to Tell You About Pakistan.” DCM Sadiq stressed that Pakistanis are natural politicians and that the second generation should, therefore, become involved in politics. He also pointed out that the Pakistani-Americans could multiply in strength if their women became more involved in public life—if not in careers, then in charities, school boards, or other social service organizations.

PAL-C Director Faiz Rehman spoke about the Pakistani-American Liaison Center, its work in setting up a Congressional Pakistan Caucus, and the necessary role that Pakistani-Americans can play in facilitating PAL-C’s work.

Rising Leaders Director Nadia Naviwala spoke about the significance of Pakistani-American identity and the need for young Pakistani-Americans to be informed on issues pertaining to Pakistan-U.S. relations and to be more active in communicating their concerns to their representatives in Congress.

Sadia Sindhu played a key role in arranging the conference and was appointed as the Director of Chicago Rising Leaders.

The conference was well-attended by young Pakistani-Americans. Members of the established leadership, including Executive Director of the Kashmiri American Council Dr. Ghulam Nabi Fai and former Minister, MNA, and human rights activist from Pakistan J. Salik, were also in attendance.

Rising Leaders will be holding events in New York, Boston, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco.

Sept 14, 2004