Turkish Festival – (Special Correspondent/News Desk) – Pakistan poverty minister Imran Shah is set to attend the Chicago Turkish Festival this August. The Federal Minister for Poverty Alleviation and Social Safety will travel to the United States for a two-day event filled with culture, food, and community talks. His visit marks a special moment for the Pakistan Minister Turkish Festival connection, bringing together two nations through shared values of service and faith.
The Zakat Foundation of America invited Imran Shah to speak at this year’s festival. The event will take place at the Tinley Park Convention Center on August 1 and 2, 2026. Organizers expect more than 30,000 people to attend over the weekend.
Halil Demir, founder of the Zakat Foundation, personally extended the invitation. Demir has led the organization since 2001. His group has worked closely with Pakistan for almost twenty years, helping families through food aid, health care, and disaster relief.
Imran Shah will give a keynote speech titled “Poverty: A Global Threat.” He plans to talk about how poverty affects millions of families around the world. He will also share what causes people to fall into hardship in the first place.
The minister’s speech will highlight two major Pakistani programs. These are the Benazir Income Support Programme and Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal. Both programs aim to support poor families and reduce hunger across the country. Imran Shah is expected to explain how these efforts could guide other nations facing similar struggles.
Beyond his keynote address, the minister will join a special panel. This session is called “The Enduring Legacy of Mawlana Rumi.” It will focus on the life and teachings of the famous 13th-century poet. Rumi’s message of love and unity still touches people worldwide.
The panel will also explore the deep ties between Sufism and the region now known as Pakistan. Scholars and guests will discuss how Rumi’s ideas continue to shape Muslim thought today. This topic connects well with the festival’s spiritual and cultural theme.
The Chicago Turkish Festival is now one of the largest Muslim gatherings in the Midwest. It brings together Turkish, Pakistani, and other Muslim-American communities each year. Civic leaders and interfaith guests also attend to celebrate unity and shared traditions.
Visitors can expect two full days of music, dance, and traditional food. The festival will also feature art displays and cultural exhibits. Families from across the region often travel just to take part in the celebration.
The Zakat Foundation runs a busy office in Islamabad. Through this office, the group has reached more than 750,000 people in Pakistan. Their work includes flood relief, housing support, and help for orphans. They also support Humanity Hospital in Lahore with ongoing medical aid.
This visit shows the strong bond between Pakistan and Muslim communities in America. As Pakistan poverty minister Chicago plans continue to grow, more attention turns to shared solutions for poverty around the world. Imran Shah’s trip could open new doors for cooperation between Pakistan and international charity groups.
The minister’s appearance also brings global attention to Pakistan’s social safety efforts. His message may inspire other countries to invest more in poverty programs. As the festival approaches, excitement continues to build among organizers and attendees alike.
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