News

PAKISTAN REGIONAL STABILIZATION STRATEGYREPORT

Ambassador Holbrooke Special Representative for Afghanistan and Pakistan issued its progress report for Afghanistan and Pakistan. A major focus of the President’s policy review was the importance of Pakistan to our efforts in Afghanistan, to regional stability, and to our national security and foreign policy interests. There remains mistrust between our two countries, but we see a critical window of opportunity created by the recent transition to democratic, civilian rule and the broad, sustained political support across Pakistan for military operations against extremists. We seek to lead the international community in helping Pakistan overcome the political, economic, and security challenges that threaten its stability, and in turn undermine regional stability. And we seek to build a long-term partnership with Pakistan based on common interests, including a recognition that we cannot tolerate a safe haven for terrorists whose location is known and whose intentions are clear. Read Complete report

New Assistance Program: The United States is making a sizable, long-term commitment of economic assistance, consistent with the landmark Kerry-Lugar-Berman legislation that authorized $7.5 billion in U.S. civilian assistance over five years, with the following objectives:

·                     Helping Pakistan address immediate energy, water, and related economic crises, thereby deepening our partnership with the Pakistani people and decreasing the appeal of extremists;

·                     Supporting broader economic and democratic reforms that are necessary to put Pakistan on a path towards sustainable job creation and economic growth, which is necessary for long-term Pakistani stability and progress; and

·                     Helping Pakistan build on its success against militants to eliminate extremist sanctuaries that threaten Pakistan, Afghanistan, the wider region, the United States, and people around the world.

SUMMARY OF KEY INITIATIVES

·                Committing sizable resources – including fully funding the landmark Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill – toward high-impact projects addressing the challenges that most affect the Pakistani people (e.g., energy and water). We will increase direct assistance through Pakistani institutions to enhance their capacity and to bolster economic and political reform.

·                Sustaining and expanding counterinsurgency assistance to support Pakistan’s military, police, and intelligence operations against militant groups.

·                Leading international humanitarian assistance efforts to help displaced Pakistanis with recovery as they return to their homes and rebuild their lives.

·                Expanding our public diplomacy effort to build increased people-to-people contacts, convey our policies effectively, and challenge the extremists’ narrative.

·                Ensuring that women’s needs are met through assistance activities in health, education, economic development, civil society, rule of law/human rights, and political participation.

US Financial Assistance to PAKISTAN

FY 2009- FY 2011

State Department issues its annual Human Rights report on Pakistan

While acknowledging some positive steps taken by Pakistan’s civilian government in the past year, the overall human rights situation remained poor. Major problems included extrajudicial killings, torture, and disappearances. Collective punishment was a problem, particularly in the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Lengthy trial delays and failures to discipline and prosecute those responsible for abuses contributed to a culture of impunity. Poor prison conditions, arbitrary arrest, and lengthy pretrial detention remained problems, as did a lack of judicial independence. Corruption was widespread within the government and police forces, and the government made few attempts to combat the problem. Rape, domestic violence, sexual harassment, and abuse against women remained serious problems. Honor crimes and discriminatory legislation affected women and religious minorities respectively. Religious freedom violations and inter-sectarian religious conflict continued. Widespread trafficking in persons, child labor, and exploitation of indentured and bonded children were ongoing problems. Child abuse, commercial sexual exploitation of children, discrimination against persons with disabilities, and lack of respect for worker rights remained concerns.

During the year, military operations in the FATA and the NWFP killed approximately 1,150 civilians, and militant attacks in FATA and NWFP killed 825 more civilians. Sectarian violence in the country killed approximately 1,125 individuals. More than 65 suicide bombings throughout the country killed an estimated 970 individuals. In Balochistan, the ongoing low-level insurgency killed approximately 125 civilians, according to media reports. Ongoing battles with militants created a fluctuating number of internally displaced persons (IDPs). At year's end there were an estimated 1.2 million IDPs in the NWFP and FATA. Read Complete report

Pakistani Charity recipient of President Obama Nobel Peace prize money

President Obama announced the charities that will receive a portion of the $1.4 million award that comes with the Nobel peace prize. “These organizations do extraordinary work in the United States and abroad helping students, veterans and countless others in need,” said President Obama. “I’m proud to support their work.”

Central Asia Institute started by Greg Mortenson that promotes and supports community-based education and literacy, especially for girls, in remote regions of Pakistan and Afghanistan received $100,000 from the donated prize money.  The Institute’s co-founder, Greg Mortenson, was also a Nobel Peace Prize nominee this year, whose book, Three Cups of Tea: One Man’s Mission to Promote Peace, One School at a Time, recounts his attempt to successfully establish dozens of schools and promote girls’ education in rural Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Pakistani born religious scholar issues categorical fatwa against suicide bombing

Dr. Muhammad Tahir ul-Qadri an Islamic Scholar and ex MNA from Lahore, the founding leader and patron-in-chief of Minhaj-ul-Quran International, has issued his detailed Fatwa against terrorism which consists of more than 600 pages. The launching ceremony of the Fatwa was held on March 2, 2010 in London (UK). It is a matter of great misfortune that these terrorist activities of the misguided elements have been bracketed with Islam though the reality is otherwise. He said that majority of the religious scholars condemn terrorism but the condemnation is merely rhetorical. No one has come forward with an authentic and intellectual response to terrorism in the form of a patent decree. He said that the suicide bombers are out of the pale of Islam. He hoped that the youth would not become the fodder for the cannons of terrorist elements or extremist organizations after studying the Fatwa. He regretted the fact that the Islamic teachings, which are based on love, peace and welfare, are being manipulated and quoted out of contexts to serve the designs of the vested interests. He said that Islam spelled out a clear code of conduct during the course of war and gave complete protection to the non-combatants including women, the old, and children etc. He vehemently condemned those who perpetrate terrorism in the name of religion and branded them as the greatest enemies of Islam. He said that if at all these people have to wage Jihad, they could do so against ignorance, corruption, dearness, poverty and other social evils.  Read the complete fatwa

Community Alert

Census Questionnaire to be mailed this week

US Government is conducting a count of its residents; such a count -census is conducted every ten years. The 2010 Census will be mailed or delivered to over 130 million households in the third week of March. You are requested to fill and return it promptly. Participation is not only mandatory, it is crucial for the Pakistani American community as one of the fastest growing and traditionally undercounted populations. An accurate count through the census will allow for fair allocation of $500 billion of federal funding and political representation. Make yourself count by participating in the 2010 Census! It will also indicate what is the total count of Pakistani Americans in USA, and in which states, towns they reside in.

An accurate count of the U.S. population forms the basis for many important but often overlooked political, economic, and social decisions that are made that end up affecting our daily lives. By filling the Census form you’re making a statement about what resources your community needs going forward. Starting February US households will start getting Census forms in mail. PAKPAC requests to all Pakistani Americans to fully participate and make sure that they and their loved ones are counted. Anyone in the family can complete the Census papers and it is required to have information on all people in the household.

Participation in census is not dependent on your visa or residency status. The census does not ask about your status. (Your information is protected). Please complete the form and include any relatives and friends even if temporarily staying at your address. To make it easier for US residents, Census Bureau have translated many forms and instructions and other information in many languages including Urdu. Read Census form in Urdu.

In 2000 Census the questionnaire had problems confusing the Pakistani Americans to be wrongfully counted as Asian Indians. To find out how to correctly fill the form checkout PAKPAC instructions.

If you have any questions about 2010 Census please contact ed@pakpac.net or 202-558-6404.

Census Timeline: Key Dates to Remember

March 2010: United States Postal Service delivers census questionnaires

April 1, 2010: CENSUS DAY Send your questionnaire back!

May 2010 – July 2010: Census takers follow up with households that did not return questionnaires

December 31, 2010: U.S Census Bureau delivers apportionment counts to the president.

Census information is immune from Patriot Act

Announcement

Internships at Washington DC

College students are encouraged to apply for Summer Internships in various Congressional and US Administration offices. Most offices are in the process of accepting applications. Please visit webpage of your elected representative for application process requirements and details.

For internship in a US government agency visit the webpage of that agency. Further details are provided herein.

Summer Scholarships for Capitol Hill work

The Center for Global Understanding (CFGU) in partnership with The Washington Center (TWC) announces the availability of 25 scholarships of $3,000 for Muslim American students to intern in Washington D.C for the summer of 2010. In addition, students from the following states may be eligible for additional funding:

Arkansas, Delaware, Kentucky, Maryland and Tennessee - Up to $6,000

Florida, Massachusetts, North Dakota and Pennsylvania - Up to $5,000

Ohio - Up to $3,500

Apply online: http://centerforglobalunderstanding.org/how_to_apply.php

Overview: http://www.centerforglobalunderstanding.org/Washington_Internship.php

CFGU Alumni Profile:

 http://www.centerforglobalunderstanding.org/class_of_2009.php

Please feel free to contact internship@cfgu.us or 310-710-3460 if you need any further information.

Job Openings at DOJ

Civil Rights Civil Liberties division at Department of Justice have the following job openings.  Click on the position title for more details.

Fundraiser

Fundraiser for Congressman Joe Courtney

Dr. Saud Anwar, Dr. Marvasti and other hosts are holding a reception honoring Congressman Joe Courtney on Sunday March 28^th at 4 PM in Manchester CT. Please contact Saud Anwar at (860) 644 5316 for more details.

Events & Activities

Event honoring Pakistan Caucus Co Chair Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee

PAKPAC participates in White House efforts to increase Financial Literacy

A Financial Capability meeting was organized by White House, Treasury and Education staff in the Executive Office Building at White House.  The purpose of this brain storming session with financial companies, community organizations, academics, economists, and world bank staff  was to improve financial capabilities of Americans through financial literacy. There is a plan to start a financial literacy program for 1 million students in nation's high schools. Issues discussed were  complexity of forma and loan documents, social and religious taboos to credit, legal protection from false advertizing.  The  group plans to introduce its plan in eth next four weeks. PAKPAC was represented by its Executive Director Irfan Malik.

Interagency meeting at Department of Justice

PAKPAC Board of Director Shehzad Akhtar met with representatives of the Department of Justice at the Interagency meeting in Washington DC.  The meeting was chaired by the new Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division, Tom Perez.  The meeting was also attended by various representatives from different federal agencies such as the FBI, State Department, Treasury Department, TSA and Homeland Security.   The main issue discussed at the meeting were the increased screening procedures for individuals traveling from 14 specific countries.   Representatives from Homeland Security stated that although this policy will be reviewed after 60 days - increased screening for all international travel will be enforced for the foreseeable future.  TSA representatives also stated that new imaging machines were being installed at U.S. airports for domestic travel.

Other organizations also brought up the shooting of an imam in Detroit, Michigan by law enforcement officials and were encouraged by the fact that the Civil Rights Division was investigating the incident.

Finally, the DOJ stated that a reference guide of Arabic terms for law enforcement was being rewritten.  The original version was filled with incorrect and offensive information.  PAKPAC was one of many organizations that submitted corrections and suggestions for a new reference guide.

2010 Election Campaign Kickoff

US Senators Mikulski and Cardin were the key speakers at the 2010 Election campaign kickoff at the home of PAKPAC Director Irfan Malik.  Both Senators talked about the urgency and need for health care reform.  Senator Mikulski reiterated the sacrifices and hard work immigrant community undergo to make America their home. Senator Cardin talked about his travels to Pakistan, and the need of peace in that region being critical to peace in the world. US Congressman Elijah Cummings addressing the group talked about the need to create jobs in months to come, and how large corporations from banks to auto manufacturers have focused more on their profits than social responsibility. Congressman Cummings remarked that time for reform, health care, financial, environment, and immigration is now. US Congressman John Sarbanes talked about immigration reforms, offering to help the community with immigration issues. Many other Maryland State and County elected officials were present to start the 2010 campaign.

PAKPAC Past President on a relief mission to Haiti

The Immediate Past President of PAKPAC, Dr. Saud Anwar will be joining in a Medical Mission being coordinated by the Pakistani American Association of Connecticut (PAACT) along with the CT Haitian American Organization. The team will consist of 17 members including 3 Pakistani American physicians, Dr. Saud Anwar (Specialist in Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and Internal Medicine), Dr. Mustapha Kemal, (Physiatrist and prosthetics expert) and Dr. Haq Nawaz (Specialist in Internal Medicine and Preventive Medicine). The team will also include psychiatrists and psychologist of Haitian descent along with nurses and translation and logistical work supporters for the team. The team is expected to be there for about 5 days and see patients in Port au Prince, Haiti.  Watch video news clip

Immigration

USCIS Reminds Petitioners to Provide Approved  Labor Condition Applications

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced  that it will not extend the period in which it temporarily accepted H-1B petitions filed with uncertified Labor Condition Applications (LCAs).  Due to processing delays associated with Department of Labor’s (DOL) “iCERT” system, USCIS responded to requests from the public and temporarily allowed H-1B petitions to be filed with uncertified LCAs. This temporary measure went into effect on November 5, 2009 and expired on March 9, 2010.  As of March 10, 2010, USCIS will reject any H-1B petition filed without an LCA certified by DOL.   For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov.

Immigration Reform Needed

Pakistani American Community know all too well the challenges that exist within the current immigration system. Family members are separated due to lengthy visa backlogs. Workers, both skilled and low-wage, face workplace abuse and restrictions on changing jobs due to their immigration status. And an increasing number of undocumented immigrants from South Asia are facing detention and deportation.

The President noted the need for immigration reform during his State of the Union address. Last December, Congressman Luis Gutierrez of Illinois introduced an immigration bill in the House. Senator Charles Schumer of New York and Senator Lindsay Graham of South Carolina are also currently working on legislation. With all eyes on the Senate to kick start immigration reform, it is crucial that South Asian community members let Congress know that just and humane immigration is needed. (Click here for a list of principles that the National Coalition of South Asian Organizations supports around fixing the immigration system.)

Here are three simple steps that you can take add your voice to the call for immigration reform:

• Send a message President Obama and your Senators in support of just and humane immigration reform (and it only takes 3 seconds!)
• Going to be in Washington, DC on March 21? Join thousands of community members at the March for America: Change Takes Courage rally organized by the Reform Immigration FOR America campaign to call on Congress and the Administration to address immigration reform. If you are interested in attending, email SAALT at saalt@saalt.org.

Elections 2010

Close Senate Contest in Colorado

PAKPAC will be monitoring close races in US Senate, House of Representative, and State Governors. Various polls are listed to help you understand which way US voters are leaning during the mid term elections.  One such close contest is in Colorado where Sen. Michael Bennet (D-Colo.) and former Lt. Gov. Jane Norton (R) are locked in a tight Senate race, according to a Public Policy Polling survey taken March 5-8. PPP surveyed 580 Colorado voters and found Bennet and Norton each with 43 percent support. Neither Bennet nor Norton has a great public image. Just 32 percent of respondents said they approved of Bennet's job performance, compared to 46 percent who said they disapproved. For Norton, 25 percent approved and 35 percent disapproved.

According to latest polls, Senate breakdown is as follows, with Colorado, Illinois, Kentucky, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, and Pennsylvania as toss up seats. Potential gains fro Republicans are in Arkansas, Delaware, Indians, and North Dakota.

Senate Balance of Power Scorecard

House Republicans voted among themselves to forgo earmark requests for a year — a move designed to trump a more limited curb on member-directed spending adopted by Democrats earlier. Republican leaders said the ban — which the conference approved by voice vote — would apply not only to appropriations bills but also to authorizing and tax measures.

But none of those moves is likely to end or even alter the earmarking process in a major way, because Senate Democratic and Republican appropriators do not want to curb the practice.

Moving Up

First Pakistani to  make Forbes billionaire list

Mian Muhammad Mansha Pakistan's richest person is the only  Pakistani to be listed in this year's Forbes Billionaire list with a net worth of $ one billion and being the 937 richest person in the world. Mian went to college in the U.K.; joined family business after graduation.  His Nishat Group is now Pakistan's largest exporter of cotton clothes (for brands like Gap) and nation's largest private employer; also invests in power projects, cement and insurance. Smart bet in banking: Won a controversial bid for Muslim Commercial Bank during the country's privatization push in 1991. Sold more than half of his MCB shares for $900 million May 2008.

Viewpoint

Finally, a Taliban Crackdown – Bruce Riedel

A year ago, Pakistani officials at the highest level repeatedly told their American counterparts in the new Obama administration that there were no leaders of the Afghan Taliban in Pakistan. When asked what about the Quetta Shura—the top leadership of the Taliban that allegedly operated from Quetta in Pakistan’s Baluchistan province—they said it did not exist. When told the Shura was actually meeting at the same time as Obama’s team was reviewing Afghanistan and Pakistan policy, they denied the reports.

So when Pakistan detained Mullah Baradar, the No. 1 official in the Quetta Shura and the second in command of the Afghan Taliban this February in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city, it was big news. Since then a half dozen or so other senior officials of the Taliban have been captured by the Pakistani intelligence service, the ISI. The Taliban’s eight-year-old safe haven in Pakistan no longer looks so safe—at least for some of its top commanders.

Naturally there is enormous speculation about why Pakistan is taking this action. For a year, the Obama team has been pressing Islamabad for just this sort of crackdown. The Bush team pushed for it when they were in power. Every senior American visitor to Islamabad has made a case for Pakistan to arrest the Taliban leadership. Clearly more than American encouragement—although that is useful—is behind the Pakistani policy shift.

It may be that the Pakistani army, which controls the ISI, came to the conclusion that the ties between the Pakistani Taliban—which it is now at war with—and the Afghan Taliban were too close and too dangerous. The two recruit from many of the same Pashtun tribes along the border and have long been allies. Pakistan last year very reluctantly went to war with its own Taliban jihadist Frankenstein, first in the Swat Valley and then in the tribal regions. The cost has been huge, with suicide bombings across the country. A Pakistani think tank estimates 25,000 Pakistanis were killed or wounded in the terror war last year—an unprecedented level of violence in the country’s 62-year history. Read More

Future Activities

Meeting with Director Mayorkas USCIS - March 17th  at Washington DC

Meeting with United States Commission on International Religious Freedom - Mar 23rd at Washington DC

Upcoming Seminars at Think Tanks

To get information about future seminars and events relating to US-Pakistan relations, please visit the following websites

Atlantic Council

Brookings Institution

Heritage Foundation

Middle East Institute

SAIS