Chicago: Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety, Pir Syed Imran Ahmed Shah, has arrived in Chicago to represent Pakistan at the two-day Turkish Festival being held on August 1 and 2 under the auspices of the Zakat Foundation of America.
The festival is being attended by more than 30,000 participants from the Turkish, Pakistani, Indian, Arab and wider Muslim communities.
During the event, the federal minister will address an international session titled “Poverty: A Global Threat”. In his keynote remarks, he will highlight Pakistan’s efforts to combat poverty, outline the government’s social protection initiatives and discuss the role of the Ministry of Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety in supporting vulnerable communities.
Pir Syed Imran Ahmed Shah will also share Pakistan’s experiences and recommendations for addressing poverty through international cooperation.
On the second day of the festival, the minister will participate in a special session dedicated to the life and teachings of Mawlana Jalaluddin Rumi. His address will focus on Rumi’s enduring message of love, peace, spirituality and humanity. He will also emphasise the shared cultural and spiritual heritage that continues to strengthen bonds between Pakistan and Türkiye.
Prior to the festival, the federal minister is scheduled to visit the headquarters of the Zakat Foundation of America, where he will meet the organisation’s Chief Executive Officer, Halil Demir.
During the visit, he will also interact with prominent members of the Pakistani-American community. The delegation will be briefed on the Foundation’s humanitarian and development initiatives in Pakistan and its global relief efforts.
Discussions during the visit will focus on further strengthening cooperation in poverty alleviation and social welfare.
