Sunday, September 28, 2025, became a truly remarkable day for the Pakistan American Voters Association (PAVA) team under the leadership of President Abdul Rauf and General Secretary Abdul Rahman Patel. Together with fellow team members, we spent a day deeply engaged with leaders, youth, and the wider community. From midday until late at night, we attended four major events that reflected the vibrant spectrum of politics, youth leadership, spirituality, and humanitarian service. Each gathering offered its own inspiration and a reminder of the diverse strength of our community.
Politics Up Close: Meet & Greet with Rep. Ann Johnson
The day began at Alings Restaurant, where Representative Ann Johnson met with community members in a “Meet and Greet” organized by Texas Democratic Women of Fort Bend, with support from Fort Bend Democrats and Tejano Democrats. For the PAVA team, it was an opportunity to engage closely with local politics, to hear directly from an elected leader, and to witness the grassroots energy that sustains democracy.
Youth Leadership Rising: Bushra Amiwala’s Campaign
The second stop was at Q’s Deli, where Bushra Amiwala, candidate for U.S. Congress in Illinois’ 9th District, shared her vision. The daughter of Pakistani immigrants and the youngest ever elected Cook County school board member, Bushra represents the promise of a new generation. Her story reminded us that youth voices are no longer waiting for permission—they are reshaping America’s democratic landscape.
Serving Humanity: Deaf Reach NA Annual Dinner
The day concluded at the Marquee Banquet Hall, where Deaf Reach NA hosted its annual dinner in support of education for deaf children in Pakistan. The presence of actor Behroze Sabzwari and singer Khalid Baig added star power to the evening, but the true highlight was the message delivered by founders Richard and Heidi Geary, whose decades-long commitment has given hope and opportunity to thousands of deaf students. It was a reminder that service to humanity is the highest calling.
This Sunday was not just a sequence of events—it was a living narrative. For the PAVA team, politics sharpened awareness, youth leadership inspired confidence, spirituality nurtured the heart, and humanitarian service reaffirmed our collective responsibility.
