PAAT inaugurates its central office in Dallas

DALLAS: Pakistan American Association of Texas (PAAT) inaugurated its central office in Dallas. Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel, Dallas County Sheriff Lupe Valdez and Dallas County School Board chairman Larry Duncan specially attended the ceremony and cut the ribbon for PAAT office.

Dallas County Commissioner Dr. Theresa Daniel while addressing the participants expressed her joy in seeing Pakistani American community for the first time is participating in community organization and working on community welfare projects under a professional outfit of PAAT.

Commissioner Daniel said that community and welfare organizations serve not only their own community but also serve society at large. Dr. Daniel said the county government prime responsibilities are public health and public safety and this fits right into PAATs agenda of community welfare. She said that her office is open for any question or concern and she will be willing to work with Pakistani American community. She said that it is important for us to work together for the betterment of our people. She said that Pakistani American community consists of professionals and highly educated and they are well respected in our society.

Dallas County Police Sheriff Lupe Valdez while addressing the participants said even though your community has a very low crime rate and use a little of police resources you can always help us in our functioning. She said that she always has openings for detention officers and this position offers you a lot in learning human behavior. She said diversity is the best thing for any society. Sheriff Valdez said that organizing your community is the best thing to do as this opens doors for your community members into society at large. She said that when she was in school, she was only Latina in school, she was only Latina in college and then she was only Latina in academy. So, small number should not restrict you from taking initiatives.

Dallas County School board President Larry Duncan emphasized in public engagement and expressed his appreciation of PAAT's initiatives. He said that civic engagement is the bedrock of American values, as you have to be in the process. He said the Pakistani American community commitment to education and professionalism is commendable. He said that public education system in Texas is in crisis where five billion dollars are taken away from public education and this is making impact on our communities. He said the economy of our state depends on new business investments and for this to happen we need to have an educated workforce. Mr. Duncan congratulated PAAT leadership for the announced education planning event on April 7th which will benefit the youth and parents.

The inaugural meeting was addressed by PAAT President Dr. Amer Suleman as Dr. Suleman reassured of PAAT's commitment in organizing community and undertaking projects of public welfare. He outlined the College admission workshop, the Faran Khan Memorial scholarship and senior citizen's picnic as multi-dimensional community welfare projects. Moreover an appointment of community health coordinator and project on community health insurance programs will provide benefits to community in their need. He said for the first time a Pakistani community organization is addressing the vital needs of community. PAAT's event committee Chair. Ghulam Waraich introduced the PAAT leadership to the participants. PAATs spokesman Syed Fayyaz Hassan introduced the invited guests to audience

The inaugural meeting was attended by a room packed audience as due to the building code; the event was by invitation only. The event ended with raffle drawing for Faran Khan Memorial scholarship. Late Faran Khan's father Agha Qamar Khan also participated in the event. PAAT leadership specially recognized Ashar Ahmed, Moazzam Bhangar, Amir Memon, Ayaz Qureshi, Waseem Cheema, Ghulam Waraich, Nazia Khan and Ruby Chaudhry for their services in the inaugural program. A decorated cake was also cut at the end to celebrate the inauguration and the Independence Day. Qaraqaram Thinkers Forum President Siraj Butt was also present in the ceremony.