Month: April 2021

New Jersey (March 30, 2021) – The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) is hailing President Biden’s appointment of Judge Zahid Quraishi as a historic moment in the history of the American judicial system. If confirmed, Judge Quraishi would be the first Muslim American to serve as a Federal Judge in United States history. APPAC was integral in spearheading Judge Quraishi’s candidacy after meeting with Senator Charles Schumer and Senator Cory Booker in 2018 about the need to bring a Muslim American Judge to the US District Court Bench. The group vetted dozens of potential candidates and recommended Judge Quraishi based on his stellar record as a jurist, diverse experiences and service to his country and community. President Biden’s appointment Tuesday capped off the three-year long process. “The American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee congratulates Judge Zahid Quraishi on his historic appointment. We are proud to have played an instrumental role in making this appointment happen and thank President Biden, Senator Cory Booker, Senator Bob Menendez, Senator Charles Schumer and many other elected officials for hearing our calls about the need for a Muslim American Federal Judge. APPAC’s mission is to elevate Pakistani and Muslim Americans in the U.S. government so this appointment is a significant achievement for our organization,” said Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, Chairman of APPAC. Dr. Ahmad continued, “Over 3.5 million Muslims live in the United States, and up until now, our voices have been underrepresented on the Federal bench. Judge Quraishi’s appointment reinforces the notion that fairness and impartiality prevail for all Americans who appear before the court. He brings a wealth of perspectives to the bench and is a strong example of the contributions that Muslim Americans make to this country. This a proud day. Congratulations to Judge Quraishi on this accomplishment.” “Congratulations to a very good friend, Judge Zahid Quraishi for this historic nomination. It has been an honor to advocate for and support his path to the federal bench. Our strength comes from the diversity of ideas that we bring to resolve issues we face as a nation and in Zahid we hope to see that from the Federal Bench.” said Ather Tirmizi, Executive Director of APPAC. About Judge Zahid Quraishi: Judge Quraishi is a distinguished jurist, having served as a former prosecutor, private attorney and US Magistrate. He is also a U.S. Army veteran, Former Chief Counsel at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and a proud Pakistani American. About the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC) APPAC was founded in 2017 with the mission of creating resources not only for Pakistani Americans but for all marginalized communities nationally. Our objective is to provide a substantial amount of support for Pakistani and Muslim Americans to run for their local town, city, and states race and win. Our primary focus is on building resources, creating policies, and fighting for legislation that is beneficial to not only the Pakistani American community but all the communities. We strive to create a society that serves equality and justice for all. APPAC also believes in supporting candidates who are clear in their commitment to full civic and human rights for all. We encourage and work simultaneously with other individuals and groups who share our vision, in the true American spirit of inclusiveness and equality for all. Our goal is to stand by those who take a stand against bigotry, prejudice, and hate. ###

As our nation reckons with rising incidents of hate and violence directed toward minority communities, APPAC stands in solidarity with all who fall victim to the senseless consequences of Islamophobia, racism, xenophobia, religious prejudice, and oppression.