NEW YORK CITY: The Pakistani-American community warmly welcomed New York City (NYC) Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, celebrating his historic election as the first Muslim and South Asian to lead the nation’s largest city.
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A special reception was held at the residence of Dr. Ijaz Ahmad, chairman of the American Pakistani Public Affairs Committee (APPAC), where community leaders, activists, and supporters gathered to honor the 34-year-old progressive lawmaker.
Addressing the audience, Mamdani reflected on his political journey from state Assemblyman to mayor-elect. “Your belief in me, long before the polls, long before the results, carried me through,” he said, drawing loud applause from the packed gathering. He emphasized his commitment to uniting New York’s diverse communities and creating an inclusive city.
Mamdani, who will assume office on January 1, 2026, thanked the Pakistani-American community for their steadfast support during his campaign, calling their solidarity “a powerful force” in shaping a city that represents every resident.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Ijaz Ahmad congratulated Mamdani on his landmark victory and praised his inclusive approach to governance. “We are proud of your success and what it represents for every community that has felt unheard,” Ahmad said on behalf of APPAC and the broader Pakistani-American community.
Former APPAC Youth Wing president Arsal Ijaz also highlighted Mamdani’s longstanding engagement with Pakistani-American youth, noting that his leadership has energized a new generation of civic-minded young people.
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The reception marked one of the earliest community celebrations for the incoming mayor and underscored the deep connections he has cultivated across New York’s immigrant communities. As he prepares to take office, Mamdani’s historic win continues to inspire hope and pride among communities that have traditionally been underrepresented in city leadership.