Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of North America - PAKPAC

PAKPAC

In 1990, Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) was formed as the political arm of APPNA and it was registered as a separate entity. Though originally it was primarily composed of physicians, it has since become open for all Pakistani Americans.

The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) is a nationwide, membership based, not for-profit lobbying organization registered with the US Federal Election Commission. PAKPAC membership is largely dominated by nearly 10,000 Physicians of Pakistani descent that are established across United States and contribute more than $100 billion to the GDP. It’s membership is open to the entire Pakistani American community which is rapidly approaching the 1 million mark PAKPAC's mission is to advance and strengthen U.S.-Pakistan relations, while working tirelessly to preserve, protect and promote ideals of civil liberties commonly cherished by all Americans. PAKPAC is organized to give voice to issues and concerns common to the Pakistani American community. It play's an important role in fostering greater political and civic engagement within the Pakistani Americans. PAKPAC is also focused in collaborating with other regional and national Pakistani American organizations, as it continues to serve as a watch dog for inaccurate and negatively biased media coverage about Pakistan and Pakistani Americans. PAKPAC is also involved in educating media outlets, political parties, academic institutions, think tanks, and Administration (US as well as Pakistani) about issues of concern and significance to the Pakistani American community, especially concerns of becoming a victim of hate crime on account of ongoing terrorist threats.

PAKPAC is also engaged in enhancing US image in Pakistan by creating awareness regarding the greatness of America that has provided majority of Pakistani Americans to realize the “American dream” by living in peace and prosperity without fear of persecution.

PAKPAC is currently focused on promoting the following legislative agenda:

1. Civil Liberties:

The pursuit of civil liberties remains an unfinished business. PAKPAC continues to strive to ensure that Pakistani American community continues to enjoy the principles of free society through our role in remaining engaged with executive and the legislative branch of the government.

2. Economic Development:

The Pakistani American community is endowed with entrepreneurial spirit and if given the optimum chance can contribute immensely in creating employment opportunities for all Americans. We envision that at least $100 million every five years be earmarked for Pakistani Americans to seek through various SBA programs available with commercial banks, or grants and interest free loans available through Federal and State agencies; this would undoubtedly catalyze creation of skilled as well as unskilled jobs, especially in the healthcare and general services sector.

3. Education Credits:

Pakistani American community is very committed to encouraging its children to receive formal education. Most of the Pakistani American children finish graduate school. We believe that amongst the immigrant communities in the US, Pakistani American parents largely participate in defraying college education for their children. We hope that the US congress will consider offering $5000 in tax credit per child per year for Americans of Pakistani descent who is at least defraying 50% cost of their child's college education.

4. AID to Pakistan:

United States should begin to equate similar importance to Pakistan in Southeast Asia, as we offer to State of Israel in the Middle East to ensure global peace. PAKPAC envisions an additional $100 million per year to be allocated over next ten (10) years in aiding Pakistan to overhaul her primary education infrastructure, catalyze cultural evolution and welcome tourism.

5. TRADE with Pakistan:

Stimulating US-Pakistan trade is essential to create a sustainable economic growth in Pakistan. PAKPAC envisions US congress to pass legislation offering Federal corporate tax holiday for five years to small and mid size US companies that do business with Pakistan.