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Pakistan-origin Mansoor Qureshi has made history by becoming the first Pakistani-American to serve as an adviser to the governor of Virginia. Qureshi, a prominent figure in the state’s political landscape, was appointed to this key position by Republican Governor Glenn Youngkin.
Governor Youngkin expressed confidence in Qureshi and other newly appointed advisers, praising their leadership potential to drive progress and strengthen Virginia’s spirit. “I am confident their leadership will help the administration achieve remarkable success for the Commonwealth,” he said.
In an interview, Mansoor Qureshi thanked Governor Youngkin for the trust placed in him. “I am honored to serve on this esteemed board and contribute to Virginia’s growth and development. I look forward to working with Governor Youngkin and my fellow board members to address the needs of our diverse communities and strengthen ties with Asian nations,” Qureshi stated.
Qureshi will serve on the Virginia Asian Advisory Board (VAAB), which acts as a bridge between the state’s administration and the growing Asian American Pacific Islander (AAPI) communities. His role will involve advising Governor Youngkin on enhancing economic and cultural ties between Virginia and Asian nations, including Pakistan, India, and Bangladesh. Key areas of focus for Qureshi include commerce, trade, art, education, and government policies, as well as addressing issues affecting Asian communities in Virginia.
One of Qureshi’s primary goals is to address the challenges faced by different communities and ensure they receive the necessary support from the governor. He noted that while Muslims, Indians, and Pakistanis in Virginia are among the most educated and economically influential groups, their political engagement remains relatively low. He aims to bridge this gap and encourage these communities to become more politically active.
With over 250,000 Muslims and 40,000 Pakistani Americans registered to vote in Virginia, Qureshi believes these numbers could play a significant role in state elections. He emphasized that ethnic and religious minorities should be more involved in the political process, seeking internships or jobs within legislative offices to ensure their voices are heard.
Born in Nawabshah, Pakistan, and a cancer survivor, Qureshi moved to the U.S. in 2001, where he later became an IT professional, entrepreneur, and expert in staffing and recruitment. He has been active in American politics for over 15 years, contributing significantly to the campaign of Juan Pablo Segura, who ran for Virginia Senate District 31. Despite Segura’s loss, the campaign, which featured popular Pakistani food events, mobilized the South Asian community and led to Qureshi’s nomination as an adviser to the governor.
Qureshi, who has never contested an election himself, is now focused on strengthening ties between Virginia and Pakistan. He aims to increase economic relations between Richmond and Islamabad, positioning Virginia as a global hub for international collaboration.
Qureshi’s appointment is hailed by the American-Pakistani community as a significant achievement, particularly in a political environment dominated by Republicans. His appointment is seen as a testament to the growing influence of Pakistani Americans in U.S. politics, even as they continue to fight for greater representation in state legislatures.
