Assembling for National Deliberations on June 13

Lucknow, 12 June (HS): “A National Pasmanda Muslim Chintan

Workshop will be organized on June 13, 2026, at the Press Club, Lucknow, from

11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The workshop aims to facilitate a comprehensive

national-level discussion on the political representation, social justice,

religious participation, and future roadmap of the Pasmanda community. Social

activists, academicians, religious scholars, administrators, public

representatives, and political analysts from different parts of the country are

expected to participate in this significant deliberative forum,” informs senior

Advocate Arif Iqbal.

“At a time when issues of social justice, equal opportunity,

and inclusive development occupy the center stage of national discourse, the

workshop seeks to bring the real concerns, aspirations, and challenges of the

Pasmanda community into the mainstream conversation. Discussions will focus on

education, employment, political participation, women's empowerment, social

discrimination, representation in religious institutions, and effective access

to government welfare schemes,” he added.

National President Parvez Hanif stated that despite

constituting a substantial segment of the Muslim population, the Pasmanda

community has not yet achieved adequate social, political, and institutional

representation. He emphasized that the workshop would serve as a platform to

seriously address issues related to dignity, rights, equality, and empowerment

of marginalized sections of society.

Chief Executive Officer Muhammad Yunus observed that

challenges relating to education, employment, and leadership development

continue to affect the Pasmanda community. He stressed the need for various

sections of society to come together on a common platform to collectively

determine a future course of action. According to him, the objective of the

workshop is not merely to identify problems but also to formulate practical

solutions and a concrete action plan.

The workshop will be chaired by Parvez Hanif, while Muhammad

Yunus and National Executive President Shariq Adeeb Ansari will coordinate the

proceedings. Prominent speakers and guests expected to address the gathering

include Maulana Dr. Mufti Obaidullah Qasmi, Maulana Zafarul Hasan Jalalpuri,

Dr. Anees Ansari (Former IAS Officer and Former Vice-Chancellor), Prof. Masood

Alam Falahi, Chaudhary Kaifulwara Ansari, Manzoor Ali Ansari (ADG, CBIC),

Hifzur Rahman, Shamim Akhtar Ansari, Muhammad Junaid Ansari, and M. Rashid,

along with several distinguished personalities from across the country.

According to Advocate Arif Iqbal, the workshop is expected

to emerge as an important initiative toward strengthening the voice of the

Pasmanda community at the national level, advancing the agenda of social

justice, and developing a concrete strategy for equitable representation and

constitutional rights. This version is suitable for media circulation,

newspapers, websites, and institutional communication.

It is worth mentioning that All India Pasmanda Muslim Mahaj

has appointed Arif Iqbal as legal advisor. Parvez Hanif National President of

the organisation has expressed hope that appointment of Arif Iqbal as legal

advisor will go a long way in creating awareness and self-respect in the

Pasmanda community. Experience of Arif Iqbal in social and professional career

will promote education, health, employment and scientific outlook, to ensure

social justice, political participation and economic empowerment, to strengthen

the spirit of religious harmony and nationalism among Pasmanda community.

“Keeping in view your interest in the ideology, goals,

objectives and working methodology of the organization, you are given the

responsibility. As National Legal Advisor, I have full faith that you will

strive to fulfill the interests of the organization with full dedication and

hard work towards your responsibilities,” reads the letter issued to Arif

Iqbal. The letter ends with the slogan - Our decision, our respect – this is

the identity of 85 percent Pasmanda people now.

Hindusthan Samachar / Abhishek Awasthi