PAKPAC Applauds Pakistani Civil Society's Efforts against Extremism

WASHINGTON DC May 4th 09: The major Pakistani American advocacy group has commended different sections of the Pakistani civil society including political and non-political religious parties for their open opposition to extremism and Talibanization in Pakistan. A vast majority of the Pakistanis have rejected extremist and obscurantist position of the defunct Taliban Movement. Regrettably, such positive news are not finding much coverage in US TV and print media, PAKPAC has therefore taken on itself to distribute these positive developments to our readers.

In Islamabad, students from several universities and colleges took out a huge rally to oppose and condemn Talibanization in Pakistan. They called for strict action against the extremists. In Karachi, writers, lawyers, artists, students, and other sections of the society have initiated a petition to condemn extremism. The petition will be signed by the thousands before being sent to the prime minister and president. Similar campaigns from across Pakistan have been reported in the Pakistani media.

"Members of the PAKPAC stand by their brothers and sisters in Pakistan in their efforts to oppose and stop the spread of extremist hateful ideology in Pakistan. We believe that the Pakistan envisioned by its founder Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah will stay a modern, democratic Islamic state which respects and protects its minorities, and offers equal opportunities to all of its citizens," said Saud Anwar, President of PAKPAC. He said his group is heartened by the response of the Pakistani civil society and Pakistani Americans to the menace of extremism in Pakistan.

Almost a million strong Pakistani American community and its organizations, including PAKPAC, have voiced their concern in unison over the spread of extremism in Pakistan. Last week a large number of Pakistani Americans held a protest rally in front of the Embassy of Pakistan in Washington and handed a petition to the embassy officials. The petition was signed by thousands of Pakistani Americans urging the government of Pakistan to act decisively and strongly against the extremists and terrorists.

"Pakistani Americans remain steadfast in their opposition to Taliban and their divisive ideology. Islam is a religion of peace and urges its followers to respect the rights of women, minorities, and the weak. We believe that the version preached by the Taliban is misguided and not the real Islam," Anwar added.

The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC) is a nationwide, membership based, non-profit lobbying organization registered with the United States Federal Government. PAKPAC's mission includes advancement and strengthening of U.S.-Pakistan relations. It is organized to be a unified voice on issues and concerns common to the Pakistani American community. PAKPAC's focus includes an active environment to foster greater political and civic engagement amongst the Pakistani Americans. PAKPAC is also focused on collaborating with other regional and national Pakistani American organizations to ensue increased efficacy and reduced duplication of the stated goals. PAKPAC along with our affiliates is working to serve as a watch dog for inaccuracies and bias in media coverage about Pakistan and Pakistani Americans. We are also involved in educating media groups, journalists, politicians, academicians and members of think tanks about views of concern and importance to the Pakistani American community.