Press Release

Professionals Conference Concludes:
Pakistani professionals express their determination to play their role towards development of Pakistan

WASHINGTON, Aug 24 (APP)- The Annual One-day Conference organized by the Association of Pakistani Scientists and Engineers of North America (APSENA), concluded in Albany, New York State, Saturday evening with a determination by the participants to play their necessary role towards development of Pakistan.

Over 200 executives and professionals in the fields of science and technology from throughout the United States, as well as a two-member delegation from Pakistan attended the proceedings.

The theme of the 20th Annual Conference was: 'The Role Of Pakistani-Americans In The Development Of Pakistan.' In all, four sessions of the Conference were held, at the State University of New York, in Albany.

In his keynote address at the concluding session, the Deputy Chief of the Mission, Embassy of Pakistan, Mohammad Sadiq called upon the professionals to take keen interest and involve themselves in the development endeavour and the mainstream political system of the United States, where they are presently settled.

"Your success, in fact, is Pakistan's success," he added.

He told them that their hard work and professional excellence, "is giving a new image to Pakistan in this country."

It was imperative, he said that they understood the political system of the United States, and became part of it.

The hard working and law abiding Pakistani-American community, he said had earned a fair repute for themselves, and they are acknowledged for their high technical skills, professionalism and devotion to duty.

In the question and answer session, Mr. Sadiq detailed the sound economic policies pursued by Pakistan. He referred to the many

favourable economic indicators and solid accomplishments.

The continuity of prudent economic and financial policies, he said have provided an appreciable base for a sound take off.

He called upon the Pakistani-Americans to take a serious interest towards the cause of development of Pakistan, and contribute whatever was possible on their behalf.

Parvaiz Lodhi, a noted Pakistani entrepreneur, and Senator Akbar Khawaja also spoke in the different sessions.

Earlier, Tariq M. Khan, President APSENA, thanked the worthy delegates for taking a keen interest in the proceedings of the Conference, and for making lively part towards the points raised and taken.

The daylong Conference made a call to the participants to strive hard to excell and attain distinction in the different professions of their pursuit, and do whatever possible to see that Pakistan rose to heights of development and progress.

It held four sessions on medical sciences, physical sciences, business, IT, philanthropy and development in Pakistan, as well as the concluding detailed panel discussion.

The Conference provided an opportunity to network, build alliances, exchange information of mutual interests, and learn and find ways and make contribution to Pakistan's journey to prosperity.

In his inaugural remarks in the morning session, Tariq M. Khan, President APSENA urged Pakistani-Americans to join hands to turn this forum into a vibrant institution. Already, during its 20 years of existence, the Association has made "remarkable accomplishments," but, added that we still have to go a long way ahead.

He said the restructuring phase of APSENA is underway with necessary fine tuning of the platform. Our journey, he said is futuristic and not easy, but we are determined to do our utmost to prove our worth, by joining hands together.

"Our journey is not that easy, as mountains of despair in Pakistan cannot be moved easily and instantaneously, but, we will chip away the heaps by chiseling one portion at a time. Perhaps one day, we will be able to remove the mountain of despair from the landscape of our beloved land," he said, sounding positive that devoted efforts do matter and would make all the difference.

He said it was incumbent upon us to do our part of duty to see that the things improve back home.

Mr. Tariq referred to the quotable quote of renowned U.S. anthropologist, Margaret Mead: "believe not that a few caring hearts cannot change the world...".

Later, Tariq M. Khan said the Conference presented and discussed practical ideas and plans for mutual benefit . help Pakistan develop, while advancing career and/or business by the professionals, whether it is in science, engineering, technology, or industry.

He said the Conference featured presentations by notable scientists on topics applicable to Pakistan.

It also featured on real life success on outsourcing engineering/drafting services in Pakistan and associated issues/solutions with setting up businesses in Pakistan; by competent attorneys on immigration matters facing professionals; by the WTC Organization on accessing valuable professional business related data.

"APSENA's annual conferences are a productive exercise as these have been a great source of valuable, beneficial, and practical information; a great forum for networking; a collective way for establishing path for forward strategies; and an opportunity for catching up with old friends," he added.

APP--kr/