Introductions and Vision Statements

Required Statements

Please Note: Names below appear in alphabetical order.

Candidates for President

Fatima Khan:

Note: Statement not received.

Shabih Syed:

“I am a senior at UT majoring in Computer Science. I am originally from Lahore and I came to the US in 2001 after completing my High school.

In my view PSA has not done enough to make its place on our campus. In this regard, we need more events and more active participation from the members in social, cultural, educational, community outreach type events. For this purpose I plan on arranging at least two volunteer opportunities next semester where we can all get together as Paki's and show our strength. I plan on introducing PSA T-shirts for such events so that we can be known as a group.

PSA at present faces a very serious issue internally that is the lack of organization. If given the responsibility I will make sure that the committee works together and effectively as the PSA members would like them to do. I feel that a good way to approach this problem is to let the people know what we are up to and not hide behind close doors. Under my watch meeting minutes will be posted on the website and general members will be highly encouraged to post their comments and feedback so that we would know what people want. My aim is to have this organization represent us (Pakistanis) in the most effective way possible and InshAllah with the help of y'all I hope to achieve this task.

Shabih Syed

Running for President, Spring 2005”

Candidates for Vice President

Basim Din:

“Many of you might have seen my posts on the PSA forums or have seen me at various PSA events over the last 2 years during the UT semesters. I am currently a sophomore (will be a junior this spring) who is pursuing a degree in the infamous field of Computer Science. I have been involved with PSA for 2 years thus far and I have always been encouraged to voice my opinion on the actions of PSA. Now is the time when I feel it is my duty to form these opinions into my vision for the Pakistani Student Association at University of Texas in the spring of 2005.

The Pakistani Student Association has lost much of the respect it had as an organization in the past 2 or 3 years. I would like to gain this respect back through a series of steps. Firstly, I want to endorse a wide range of events for all to show interest in. Secondly, I plan to have open committee meetings, which could be posted on the PSA website in advance, so anyone in the Pakistani community can voice their opinion directly to the committee. Funding is another major issue that needs to be tackled head on in the spring. I plan on obtaining all the available funds that the UT campus offers to organizations, getting sponsorship from local businesses and UT affiliates, and finally obtaining membership fees by promoting the benefits that one would receive by joining PSA.

I have many events planned, which I want the members to help organize/partake in while helping to publicize so the word gets spread throughout the entire UT campus. I also plan on holding events with other organizations to promote cultural unity and to encourage participation from both groups. I conclude by saying that I wish to have all Pakistani's on campus come together to enjoy the cultural traditions that one experiences in their respected homeland or hometown.”

Mohammad Zohaib Ul-Haq: 

My name is Zohaib Ul-Haq.I was born in Karachi and completed from high School from ST. Patrick's. Currently, I am in the Professional Program in Accounting at UT.

PSA, I believe, has not remained a force to reckon with. It no longer serves the purpose of providing a platform to unite all Pakistani's on campus and promoting Pakistani culture. When I first came to UT and needed help settling down, I received little or no assistance from any PSA members. Then throughout my first semester, I never got to know any social or cultural events conducted by PSA.

If I am given the opportunity to be Vice President, I would first encourage more people to join in , to increase strength. Every Pakistani on campus should a part of PSA. I am looking forward to conducting more social and intellectual events like EID gatherings, debate forums, guest speakers, and movie nights, in addition to the cricket tournament. One of my aspiration is to organize an event, open to all, which focuses on the projection of Pakistan , its culture and rich traditional values. I anticipate working closely with the MSA to hold more frequent Islamic events.

I am standing in for VICE PRESIDENT. Please vote for me!!!

Amin Khoja:

“I am currently a senior at UT, majoring in Accounting. Born in Pakistan , I completed my initial education in Karachi , then moved down to  Dallas to eventually end up at Austin  for academic pursuits. Where next, only God knows! :)

I took the charge of PSA, as its president, when it was virtually non-active in the preceding semesters. As you all have seen, the activities and events I have organized this semester with the support of my team members stirred up the motion in the organization. I consider PSA to be in a transition stage at the moment, and as a Vice President next semester, I hope to take PSA from this transition to a fully active organization. I hope to focus on organizing the Pakistani students on campus, coordinating with other student organizations, and arrange social, cultural, and educational events. Just to give you a spoon taste of the delicious soup I am hoping for PSA next semester following are some of the events that I propose to organize:

a) Spring Kickoff lunch/Dinner,  b) International Bazaar/Cultural Display, c) Girl's chaand-raat mehendi get-together (I also intend to propose a girls' coordinator position in the EC next semester to cater the specific needs of this under-represented population in the PSA, d) Coordinate with the MSA to organize the Islamic Awareness Week.

Of course, I would need the help of the future EC and more than that your support, interest, and participation to make these plans happen!!

My name is Amin Khoja, and I am running for the VP of the PSA at UT for Spring 2005.”

Optional Statement(s)

General Secretary

Anam Azeem:

“Assalam-o-alaikum

My name is Anam Azeem.  I am running for the General Secretary position for Spring, '05.  This is my second year at UT and I am studying Neurobiology. 

My prime concern is the lack of female voice in the PSA committee and events. I don't mean ‘voice' to be taken literally here, what I mean is that we need a fair representation of and participation from Pakistani females in the committee who would voice their due concerns and organize events catering to the interests of female Pakistani students to be specific and help in general for other events.

As a general secretary, I would like to help with organizing the Pakistani student body on campus, and arrange for events that would promote our distinct cultural, historical, and religious heritage.

I request everyone to vote for me.  Insha'Allah, I look forward an exciting semester for PSA in Spring, ‘05.

Thanks much

Anam Azeem”