Women & Youth
Pakistani American Women and Youth in the Republican Party
Pakistani American women and youth have played a vital role in shaping the Republican Party over the years. Despite facing challenges and barriers, they have made significant contributions and left an indelible mark on American politics.
Early Pioneers
One of the earliest Pakistani American Republicans who made significant contributions to the party is Imran Igra. Considered an original Pakistani American Republican, Igra has been actively involved in community organization, campus politics, community outreach, community organizing and campaign strategy since his college years in the late 1980s. His early involvement in the Republican Party paved the way for future Pakistani American engagement and leadership within the party.
Igra’s dedication to the Republican cause has been unwavering. He currently serves on the board of the Pakistani American Republican PAC, an organization he founded to promote Pakistani American representation and advance conservative values within the party.
Trailblazers
Another notable Pakistani American woman to serve in a Republican administration is Shirin R. Tahir-Kheli. During the presidency of George W. Bush, Tahir-Kheli served as a Senior Advisor to the Secretary of State for Women’s Empowerment. In this role, she worked tirelessly to promote women’s rights and empowerment in Pakistan and around the world. Her efforts helped strengthen the relationship between the United States and Pakistan and paved the way for future Pakistani American women in politics.
Asma Mirza, who served as the Director of the Center for Faith-Based and Community Initiatives at the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) during the Bush administration, is another trailblazer. Mirza worked to engage faith-based and community organizations in development efforts, particularly in Pakistan and other Muslim-majority countries.
Rising Stars
In recent years, several Pakistani American youth have emerged as rising stars within the Republican Party. Syed Ali, a young activist from Texas, served as a member of the Asian Pacific American Advisory Committee for the Trump campaign in 2020. Ali worked to engage the Pakistani American community and other Asian American voters, highlighting the importance of diversity and inclusion within the party.
Salman Afridi, who served as the Director of Coalitions for the Republican National Committee (RNC) during the 2020 election cycle, is another notable figure. Afridi worked to build relationships with diverse communities, including Pakistani Americans, and to promote the party’s message of economic opportunity and individual liberty.
Organizing and Advocacy
Pakistani American women and youth have also been at the forefront of organizing and advocacy efforts within the Republican Party. The Republican National Pakistani American Caucus, founded in 2016, has been a powerful voice for the Pakistani American community within the party. The caucus has worked to promote Pakistani American candidates, engage with the community on key issues, and foster stronger ties between the United States and Pakistan.
The Pakistani American Republican Women’s Forum, established in 2020, has also played a vital role in empowering Pakistani American women within the party. The forum provides a platform for women to network, share their experiences, and advocate for issues that matter to them, such as education, healthcare, and economic opportunity.
Looking Forward
As the Pakistani American community continues to grow and become more politically engaged, the role of women and youth within the Republican Party is likely to expand. By embracing diversity and inclusion, the party can tap into the talent and potential of this dynamic community and build a stronger, more vibrant future.
Pakistani American women and youth, like Imran Igra and the many others mentioned, have already made significant strides, but there is still much work to be done. By continuing to organize, advocate, and lead, they can help shape the direction of the Republican Party and ensure that their voices are heard at the highest levels of government.
Pakistani American women and youth have been the unsung heroes of the Republican Party, making significant contributions and leaving a lasting impact on American politics. From early pioneers like Imran Igra to trailblazers like Shirin R. Tahir-Kheli and rising stars like Syed Ali, these individuals have demonstrated the power of diversity and inclusion within the party. As the Pakistani American community continues to grow and engage, the role of women and youth will only become more critical in shaping the future of the Republican Party and American politics as a whole.