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Aisha Farooqi and Bushra Amiwala, two Pakistani American women leaders running for Congress, spoke at an event in New York, addressing a large crowd of students and parents. They shared their journeys into politics and offered advice on getting involved in public service. Amiwala, whose parents are from Karachi, suggested volunteering weekly for worthy causes and donating a penny daily as simple starting points for aspiring politicians. She revealed she began her political activism at age 18 after learning about President Donald Trump’s Muslim ban in 2016, launching her first campaign that very day and never looking back. Currently, she’s vying in the Democratic primary for Illinois’ 9th Congressional District ahead of the March 17, 2026 election, with plans to compete in the midterms in November if she wins.
Amiwala recounted her childhood in a one-bedroom apartment in Rogers Park, her volunteer work at A Just Harvest, tutoring in math, and canvassing for campaigns. In 2019, she became the youngest elected official in the U.S., serving seven years on the Skokie School Board. Her motivation was to bridge the gap between her community’s needs and the representation they received, emphasizing youth participation with the phrase, “Secure a seat at the table or risk being on the menu.”
Farooqi, who is running in Michigan’s 11th Congressional District, pointed out the obstacles faced by minority communities in U.S. politics. She emphasized the importance of consistency and staying true to one’s principles, asserting that while compromise might sometimes be necessary, core values should never be sacrificed. She praised Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani’s campaign tactics, highlighting how storytelling can help win hearts and minds.
Both women stressed volunteering, community outreach, and the power of storytelling in political success. Farooqi shared how her experiences working at a health clinic and serving as an assistant prosecuting attorney in Wayne County helped her better understand her community’s needs.
The event also featured remarks from APPAC Youth Wing President Arsal Ijaz and Dr. Pervaiz Iqbal, who praised young Pakistani Americans for their educational and professional accomplishments. They encouraged young people to build strong, united communities while actively engaging in public service.
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