The Pakistan Association held its fourth annual Spring Dinner for young professionals on May 19, 2001 at Summit Hall, Gaithersburg, Maryland.

This year's special guest was Mr. Saghir Tahir, Rep. New Hampshire House of Representatives, a Pakistan born first generation immigrant who has achieved the distinction of holding the highest elected office in the Pakistan-American community.

A number of distinguished personalities from local and state government attended the event. Mr. Mark Shiver, delegate, Maryland House of Delegates and Mr. Doug Duncan, Montgomery County Executive, made briefly addressed the gathering. Representing the Montgomery County Council Blair Ewing, president of the, council members Phil Andrew and Ike Leggett. A number of members of the Multicultural Community Partnership including Judge Pak, Susan Lee and Beth Wong attended the function.

The Lt. Governor of Maryland, Kathleen Kennedy Townsend, sent a message recognizing and acknowledging Honorable Saghir Tahir for his historic accomplishment. The letter said that, “You stand as a role model and symbol of encouragement to everyone to never stop short of reaching our goals. Your leadership and vision are a tremendous asset to the continued growth and achievement of the Pakistan community.”

Mr. Masood Khan, Political Counselor Pakistan Embassy represented the Ambassador, H.E. Dr. Maleeha Lohdi, who had to be in Chicago for another occasion.

In recognition of his contributions the Pakistan Association presented Community Achievement Award to Mr. Tahir which was presented by Mr. Blair Ewing, President of the County Council on behalf of the Association. 

After the dinner there was a panel discussion on the “Role of Young Professionals in Community Development.” The panel consisted of Adnan Zulfiqar, a staffer on Capital Hill, Sameera Fazili, Executive Director, Karamah (Muslim Women League for Human Rights), Amber Khan of the Interfaith Alliance, Omar Bokhari, President, Pakistan National League and Rana Saad, CEO, Pi-Sigma Technologies. Initial remarks by the panelist were followed by a lively question and answer session. 

The Pakistan Association focuses on issues facing the Pakistani-American Community, specially relating to our first immigrant generation. Programs such as of this evening’s are intended to energize the community and build a momentum for achieving our goals. The Association’s goal is to engage our younger generation, particularly, in building a strong community in America. The Spring Dinners also provide an opportunity for young professionals to interact, network and meet new people with similar backgrounds and interests. 

The Pakistan Association is a community-supported association serving the Pakistani-Americans in the greater Washington metropolitan area. It is a non-profit, non-political, and non-sectarian organization, unaffiliated with any government, political party or advocacy group. The Association does not endorse or lobby on behalf of one party or a candidate.