Two Pakistani Muslims have launched their campaigns in New York City.  Imtiaz Sayyid is a candidate for the position of Public Advocate, and Saleem Ejaz is vying for the position of Comptroller.

At an event held on March 27 at a restaurant in Jackson Heights, Queens, both candidates met with the Pakistani-American press and prominent leaders in the community. The event drew a big turnout from the community and many important individuals gave speeches and commended the efforts of both Saleem Ejaz and Imtiaz Sayyid for deciding to run. They vowed solidarity and offered their full support throughout the process.

The speakers, including Khalid Azam Esq., Inayat Sheikh Esq., Munawwar Sindhu Esq., Sajid Jafri Esq.; from the Sikh community, Inderjeet Sing – who himself has been involved in Council elections – expressed their views by recognizing the importance and encouraging the involvement in grass-root politics. They further stated that it was the responsibility of the community to get involved in community affairs.

Among those present were Rudy Rivera, representing the Hispanic community; Mohammed Qasim, representing the Jamaican community and Mohammed Ayaal, representing the Arab community.

Following the speeches, each candidate addressed the audience. Saleem Ijaz, a CPA, pointed to his 40 years of experience as an auditor, 12 of which he served as the chief auditor in the Office of the Comptroller, which made him uniquely qualified for the position of comptroller. He referred to the other candidates as "simply politicians."

Attorney Imtiaz Sayyid, who is running for Public Advocate, said that he has been a practicing attorney in New York and in the New York Supreme Court. Sayyid referred to his work in the community and support of immigrants and claimed he has always maintained good relations with the middle-class, since he is a part of this middle-class himself. Furthermore, he spoke of his vigorous fight to protect workers' rights, and considered himself the most qualified candidate for the position of Public Advocate.

During dinner, attendees met individually with both candidates promising utmost cooperation and support from the community. Shortly after the event, both candidates along with their campaign teams met with N.Y.S. Senate Majority Leader, Malcolm A. Smith. Later the candidates went to Jamaica, Queens to meet with a group of 700 members from the Democratic Party.

To find out more information regarding the elections of both of these candidates, please contact Dr. Mohammad Ali at 516-528-3120.