Besides his efforts to bridge gaps between the Americans and the people of Sindh and Balochistan, US Consul General in Karachi William Martin is also striving to reach out to the Pakistani-American Muslim community in the US.
According to a statement issued on Tuesday, Martin visited the construction site of a $5.3 million complex – the new home of the Islamic Centre of San Gabriel Valley, CA Masjid Quaba – along with leaders of the Pakistani-American Muslim community.
Financed entirely by private contributions from members of the American Muslim community, the building, when completed, would include a state of California-funded charter school, mental health counselling, holy Quran reading classes in English and Spanish, Islamic research libraries, tax assistance, a mortuary, elderly day care, and dental services, in addition to comprehensive religious services, making it one of the most comprehensive Islamic centres in the US.
“The United States is proud of its diversity and religious tolerance,” Martin stated in the statement. “Not only will this centre serve the Muslim community, but it will enhance the understanding of other Americans about Islam.”
Martin was joined on the tour by Islamic Centre of San Gabriel Valley, CA President Dr Arif Ali Rizvi, Council of Pakistani-American Affairs President Adnan Khan, Muslim-American television station Bridges TV President Shafquat Chaudry, renowned producer of films and documentaries about Islam in America Michael Wolfe and US Consulate General in Karachi Public Affairs Officer Kevin Murakami.
