Chicago, 19 April 2022 (TDI): The Pakistani Consul General in Chicago, Tariq Karim, attended an annual solidarity iftar dinner organized by the Chicago Muslim Medical Alliance.
Meanwhile, a large number of guests, including elected government officials and community members attended the dinner.
The Consul General lauded the contribution of the Chicago Muslim Medical Alliance in promoting community healthcare. He remarked that their efforts were especially laudable during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Chicago Muslim Medical Alliance is a medical fraternity working in the state of Illinois. Dr. Tajammul Hussain created the organization in 2017. Over 300 Muslim doctors and physicians attended its first official meeting.
The organization aims to coordinate the activities of the doctors to assist the Muslim community in the city in their medical-related issues.
The organization is led by 20 Board Members from all over Chicago to represent the different communities and diverse backgrounds of Muslim doctors in Chicago.
Members come from all different types of specialties making it easy for doctors to help each other out, for example, an anesthesiologist can discuss an issue with a cardiologist through a simple text message. The organization works under six branches.
These branches include Continuing Medical Education (CME), Youth Mentorship, Outreach, Islamic Entrepreneurship, Networking, and Financing. Since its founding, the organization holds an annual solidarity iftar dinner.
Islam in Chicago
Muslims make up 11% to 18% of Chicago’s population. These Muslims belong to diverse backgrounds and ethnic groups. Meanwhile, major Muslim ethnic groups in the city include African-Americans, Arab-Americans, Pakistani-Americans, Indian-Americans, and Bosnians.
Pakistanis in Chicago
There are around 5 hundred thousand Pakistan across the United States. A small but active community lives around the Chicago area. In addition, Pakistan’s Consulate-General in the city serves the needs of the Pakistani community.
Pakistani presence has been most visible along Devon Avenue, which is the cultural and commercial center of Chicago’s South Asian communities.
Moreover, a portion of Devon just east of Western Avenue has been designated “Mohammed Ali Jinnah Way,” in honor of Pakistan’s founder and first head of state.
