WASHINGTON: Pakistan’s ambassador to the United States Masood Khan has lauded the Islamic Circle of North America (ICNA) for raising $15 million to aid flood victims in Pakistan.
“We will not forget the role of ICNA for generating $15 million to help floods victims and its heads for visiting flood areas during the peak of the catastrophe,” he said during a discussion on ‘Scholars and Community Leaders Recognition Lunch’ at the annual meeting of ICNA held in Baltimore, Maryland.
The envoy said that the same humanitarianism inspired the $10 million fundraising effort for the victims of the tragic earthquakes that struck Turkey and Syria at the beginning of this year.
At the three-day convention, which attracted more than 25,000 attendees, around 100 eminent speakers delivered 160 speaking sessions. Participants included American Muslims from all around the U.S. and other countries, as well as their families.
Senator Mushtaq Ahmed from Pakistan and Hasan Murat Mercan, the Turkish ambassador to the US, also attended the event.
ICNA has, over the years, created knowledge of the principles and customs of Islam rooted in humanitarianism, according to Ambassador Masood Khan. “In doing so, ICNA has contributed to community connectivity and individual self-development,” he continued.
In a tribute to ICNA President Dr. Mohsin Ansari, he said that this group had pushed for protecting both Muslim’s and non-Muslims’ rights to build a harmonious society.
During the convention, ICNA presented the “Community Service Award” to Mercan, the Turkish ambassador, in recognition of his tireless efforts and leadership in uniting communities and charitable organizations, particularly in trying times of natural disasters.--APP
