News

Senate Committee establishes Pakistan-American Enterprise Fund

Senate Foreign Relations Committee passed legislation, S 3665 (http://www.congress.gov/cgi-lis/bdquery) establishing the Pakistani-American Enterprise Fund,   which will focus on strengthening the private sector in Pakistan using existing funds from the Kerry-Lugar-Berman aid package. This legislation will empower Pakistan’s private sector by creating jobs and opportunities, which will contribute to increasing economic growth and stability. The Fund is modeled after successful post-Cold War funds established by the United States 20 years ago for the development of Eastern Europe. According to the legislation, the President will "appoint a Board of Directors, comprised of four private citizens of the United States and three private citizens of Pakistan, who will leverage their experience and expertise operating in international and emerging markets to oversee the Fund."

Young Pakistan is moderate, finds results of new study

Pakistani youth are serious about their own religion, but do not want to impose it on other people, a new study conducted by Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) has revealed.  The latest issue of 'Conflict and Peace Studies', a quarterly research journal of the institute carries the outcome of the study focused at examining the thinking patterns of Pakistan's youth, the Daily Times reported.

According to the PIPS survey involving postgraduate students from 16 public and private universities and postgraduate public colleges across the country, 92.4 per cent respondents overwhelmingly considered religion to be an important factor in their lives, though 51.7 percent admitted that they did not offer prayers regularly.

In what may come as a surprise to many, 79.4 per cent of the surveyed Pakistani youth thought that the Pakistani Taliban did not serve the cause of Islam. While 85.6 per cent respondents believed that suicide bombings were prohibited in Islam, 61.7 per cent people supported military operations in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).  According to the survey, 95 per cent Pakistani youth favored women education.

President Obama Announces Key Administration Posts with Advisory Commission on Asian Americans

Two South Asian Muslims Farooq Khatwari and Dilawar Syed were appointment by President Obama to the President’s Advisory Commission on Asian Americans. The Commission is part of the White House Initiative on Asian Americans which is co-chaired by U.S. Department of Education Secretary Arne Duncan and U.S. Department of Commerce Secretary Gary Locke. The Commission will work to improve the quality of life and opportunities for Asian Americans by facilitating increased access to and participation in federal programs where they remain under-served. Education, economic opportunities, civil rights and sustainable communities will be key areas of focus of the Commission’s work. President Barack Obama announced his intent to appoint the following individuals to key administration posts: President Obama said, “Our nation will be well-served by the skill and dedication these men and women bring to their new roles. I look forward to working with them in the months and years ahead.”

Farooq Kathwari is the Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ethan Allen Interiors. He has been President of the company since 1985, and Chairman and Chief Executive Officer since 1988. Mr. Kathwari serves on many non-for-profit organizations including the chair of the Kashmir Study Group; a member of the Council on Foreign Relations; a director of the International Rescue Committee, the Institute for the Study of Diplomacy at Georgetown University; a director and former chairman of Refugees International; and a director and former chairman of the National Retail Federation. He holds a B.A. degree in English Literature and Political Science from Kashmir University, an M.B.A. in International Marketing from New York University, and also holds two honorary doctorate degrees.

Dilawar A. Syed is President and CEO of Yonja Media Group, an emerging markets internet company.  Prior to joining Yonja Media, Mr. Syed was head of business strategy and operations in the Platform division at Yahoo!. Mr. Syed was President of a non-profit entrepreneurship organization, OPEN Silicon Valley, and currently serves on the steering committee of the Fred T. Korematsu Institute for Civil Rights and Education.  Mr. Syed holds an M.B.A. from The Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and a B.A. from The University of Texas at Austin.

Khan Academy wins Google Award

Bagladeshi American entrepreneur Salman Khan founder of Khan Academy which is a non-profit organization that provides free online tutorials on math, science, finance and history. Its online library consists of 1,600 tutorial videos won the Google’s Project 10 over 100 with prize money of $2 million; he was a winner amongst 150,000 ideas submitted from 150 countries. He has been mentioned by Bill Gates as an example of someone making a difference. Gates said "This guy is amazing, it is awesome how much he has done with very little in the way of resources." Gates and his 11-year-old son, Rory, began soaking up videos, from algebra to biology. Khan Academy, with Khan as the only teacher, appears on YouTube and elsewhere and is by any measure the most popular educational site on the web. Khan's playlist of 1,630 tutorials (at last count) are now seen an average of 70,000 times a day -- nearly double the student body at Harvard and Stanford combined. Read More

How Rich are Pakistani MNAs?: PPPP MNA tops list with Rs3.288bn

A comparative analysis of the assets declared by MNAs belonging to the 12th and the 13th National Assembly of Pakistan revealed that the average value of an MNA's assets has increased three folds in six years from 2002-2003 to 2008-2009. The average value of an MNA's Assets in the 12th National Assembly was just below Rs. 27 million in 2002-2003 which has increased to almost Rs. 81 million in 2008-2009, a 3-fold increase in six years, according to a Pildat Analysis of the Declarations of Assets submitted by MNAs, said a news release. Read More

Pakistan neuroscientist given 86 years for shooting at US agents

Aafia Siddiqui, a US-trained Pakistani neuroscientist who was named as one of the FBI's most wanted terrorists, was today sentenced to 86 years in prison by a New York court, in a case that has prompted outrage in Pakistan. Siddiqui, 38, was convicted of attempted murder this year after shooting at US soldiers and FBI agents in Afghanistan in 2008 as she tried to escape from custody. Siddiqui claimed she had been abducted by US agents and held incommunicado in Afghanistan for five years. The case has drawn appeals from the Pakistani government for her release, and divided legal opinion.

Protesters took to the streets across Pakistan after the sentence, lighting fires and chanting anti-American slogans. The Jamaat-e-Islami religious party announced a national strike after weekly prayers. Opposition leader Nawaz Sharif said he was "saddened"‚ by the sentence; his brother Shahbaz, the chief minister of Punjab province, called the sentence a "crime against humanity". Read More

ICOM ACTS AGAINST LAWSUIT INTENDED TO STOP TENNESSEE MOSQUE

The newly formed Interfaith Coalition on Mosques (ICOM) today took its first action in support of a mosque.  On behalf of ICOM, the Anti-Defamation League (ADL) filed a brief opposing a lawsuit which is intended to stop a Murfreesboro, Tenn. mosque from being built.   

ICOM, formed in early September to assist those Muslim communities confronting opposition to the legal building, expansion or relocation of  their mosques is comprised of prominent individuals and organizations from different faith traditions – Christian, Jewish and Muslim.

The lawsuit in this case is an example of such obstruction as it presents an artificial roadblock to delay the start of this approved project and to deny the mosque’s sponsors their religious freedom to worship freely.  ICOM is confident that this lawsuit has no merit and that its brief will help the court conclude that the law protects religious freedom from just this kind of action.  

Opponents of this new mosque had asked a judge to block the project arguing that in approving the mosque, county officials violated Tennessee law by failing to give proper public notice of a meeting discussing the project and placed county citizens at risk because, they claimed, “there was considerable evidence of elevated risks to the public safety of citizens of Rutherford County from the proposed ICM compound.”

ICOM’s amicus brief to the Chancery Court urges the court to rely on “Tennessee’s and America’s well-settled and robust history of religious tolerance and acceptance as its guiding principle,” and argues that nothing in the complaint established the highest-order government interest that would justify interfering with the religious freedom of the mosque’s builders. 

The brief relies upon the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA) – a statute ADL was instrumental in passing – which safeguards the religious freedom of houses of worship and other religious institutions in the land-use context by requiring courts to apply a strict standard for reviewing laws that substantially burden religious exercise. The case is Estes v. Rutherford County Regional Planning Commission.

Viewpoint

Message to Muslims: I’m Sorry-  Nicholas Kristof

Many Americans have suggested that more moderate Muslims should stand up to extremists, speak out for tolerance, and apologize for sins committed by their brethren. That’s reasonable advice, and as a moderate myself, I’m going to take it. (Throat clearing.) I hereby apologize to Muslims for the wave of bigotry and simple nuttiness that has lately been directed at you. The venom on the airwaves, equating Muslims with terrorists, should embarrass us more than you. Muslims are one of the last minorities in the United States that it is still possible to demean openly, and I apologize for the slurs. Read More

The real injustice in Pakistan isn't the conviction of Aafia Siddiqui By Saba Imtiaz

It was bound to create controversy and outrage in a country fixated with Dr. Aafia Siddiqui. The sentencing of the Pakistani neuroscientist -- dubbed the ‘Grey Lady of Bagram,' the ‘daughter of Pakistan' and ‘Prisoner 650' by her supporters -- in a New York court on Thursday has riled many in Pakistan, including the government that had campaigned for her release.

But other than the typical and expected anti-U.S. comments made by Aafia Siddiqui's supporters, anger was directed at the Pakistani government. On Thursday night, Siddiqui's sister Fauzia addressed a press conference minutes after the ruling (86 years imprisonment on seven counts) and said it was a "slap on the face of our rulers and every leader of the Muslim world" and that she had been reassured by government officials that Aafia would be repatriated. She accused the Pakistani government of "selling Aafia out repeatedly."  Read More

Events & Activities

CMSA Eid Dinner

Congressional Muslim Staffers association held an Eid Celebration dinner at Capitol Hill. The event was attended by Senator Kerry (MA), Senator Burris (IN), Senator Merkley (OR), Congressman Snyder (AR), Congressman Keith Ellison (MN), Congressman Andre Carson (IN), Congresswoman Watson (CA), and Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee (TX).  Senator Kerry commended the staffers for fulfilling an important role with their work at Capitol Hill. Senator Kerry talked f legislation passed to increase people-people contact between USA and Muslim countries.  Senator Merkley reminded the strength of standing for minorities and other ethnic groups.  Congressman Carson said that US media may not represent American Muslims properly, so we have to take control of our destiny by getting more engaged in eth political process and US government. PAKPAC Executive Director Irfan Malik represented PAKPAC at this event.

Swearing-in Ceremony for Asian American Commissioners

The President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders held its swearing-in ceremony and first meeting in Washington DC. The Commission shall provide advice to the President, through the Secretaries of Education and Commerce, as Co-Chairs of the Initiative, on: (i) The development, monitoring, and coordination of executive branch efforts to improve the quality of life of AAPIs through increased participation in Federal programs in which such persons may be underserved; (ii) the compilation of research and data related to AAPI populations and subpopulations; (iii) the development, monitoring, and coordination of Federal efforts to improve the economic and community development of AAPI businesses; and (iv) strategies to increase public and private-sector collaboration, and community involvement in improving the health, education, environment, and well-being of AAPIs. There are 17 Commissioners representing the diverse Asian Americans and Pacific Islander countries.  Congressman Honda was the keynote speaker at the event. Other Asian American Senators and Congresspersons were in attendance. PAKPAC Executive Director Irfan Malik represented PAKPAC at this event.

Immigration

USCIS Announces  Fee Increases for Immigration Benefits

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced a final rule increasing fees by 10% for immigration applications and petitions. Rule does not increase the naturalization application fee The adjusted fees will go into effect on November 23, 2010. The final fee rule establishes three new fees, including a fee for regional center designations under the Immigrant Investor (EB-5) Pilot Program, a fee for individuals seeking civil surgeon designation, and a fee to recover USCIS costs to process immigrant visas granted by the Department of State. USCIS is a primarily fee-based organization, with about 90 percent of its $2.8 billion budget coming from fees paid by applicants and petitioners for immigration benefits.

The adjudication areas supported by fees include the following:

·                    Family-based petitions - facilitating the process for close relatives to immigrate, gain permanent residency, travel and work; 

·                    Employment-based petitions - facilitating the process for current and prospective employees to immigrate to or stay in the U.S. temporarily;

·                    Asylum and refugee processing - adjudicating asylum and processing refugees;

·                    Naturalization - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. citizenship;

·                    Special status programs - adjudicating eligibility for U.S. immigration status as a form of humanitarian aid to foreign nationals; and

·                    Document issuance and renewal - verifying eligibility for, producing and issuing immigration documents.

The final fee rule reduces fees for six individual applications and petitions:

·                     Petition for Alien Fiancé (Form I-129F);

·                     Application to Extend/Change Nonimmigrant Status (Form I-539);

·                     Application to Adjust Status from Temporary to Permanent Resident (Form I-698);

·                     Application for Family Unity Benefits (Form I-817);

·                     Application for Replacement Naturalization/Citizenship Document (Form N-565); and

·                     Application for Travel Document (Form I-131), when filed for Refugee Travel Document.

Read complete list of fee structure. For more information on USCIS and its programs, visit www.uscis.gov.

Civil Liberties

Muslims Report Rising Discrimination at Work

At a time of growing tensions involving Muslims in the United States, a record number of Muslim workers are complaining of employment discrimination, from co-workers calling them “terrorist” or “Osama” to employers barring them from wearing head scarves or taking prayer breaks. Such complaints were increasing even before frictions erupted over the planned Islamic center in Lower Manhattan, with Muslim workers filing a record 803 such claims in the year ended Sept. 30, 2009. That was up 20 percent from the previous year and up nearly 60 percent from 2005, according to federal data. Read More

Religious Freedom

Texas Board Approves Resolution Limiting Islam In Textbooks

The Texas state board of education, which last May scrubbed "anti-Christian bias" from history textbooks that have yet to be written, voted 7-6 to adopt a resolution to reject "pro-Islamic distortions" in textbooks that are no longer being used. The anti-"pro-Islamic" resolution was written by a conservative Christian (Randy Rives) who isn't on the board and who lost his bid to be elected to the board earlier this year to moderate Republican Bob Craig -- one of three Republicans on the board to vote against the resolution.  The resolution was based on facts the board declined to check for accuracy and about which there is some dispute. For example, the resolution cites one world history textbook as having devoted "120 student text lines to Christian beliefs, practices, and holy writings, but 248 to those of Islam." But, as the Texas Freedom Network pointed out, the resolution ignores entire sections of the textbook devoted to the Byzantine Empire, the Holy Roman Empire, the Reformation, and other sections that discuss Christianity. Read More

Justice Department Issues Report on 10th Anniversary of the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act

The Justice Department issued a report marking the 10^th anniversary of RLUIPA, showing that the law has had a positive impact on protecting the religious freedom of a wide range of faith groups, and had a particularly significant impact protecting the religious freedom of minorities. RLUIPA protects places of worship and other religious uses of property from discrimination and unreasonably burdensome regulation in zoning and landmarking law, and also protects the religious freedom of persons confined to institutions such as prisons, mental health facilities and state-run nursing homes.   

The report illustrates that in the 10 years since its enactment, RLUIPA has aided thousands of individuals and institutions from a wide range of faith traditions through Department of Justice lawsuits, private lawsuits, and successful efforts to achieve voluntary compliance.

The report details the Justice Department’s enforcement record:

·                     The department has opened 51 RLUIPA land-use investigations, filed seven lawsuits, filed ten amicus-briefs, and intervened in 71 lawsuits to defend RLUIPA’s constitutionality.

·                     Jewish, Muslim and Buddhist land-use cases made up a disproportionate number of the department’s RLUIPA investigations–13 times their representation in the population.

·                     Half of the department’s land-use investigations involving Christians have involved racial or ethnic minorities.

·                     Of the 18 land-use matters involving Muslims reviewed by the Department of Justice, eight have been opened since May of this year.   

The land-use provisions of RLUIPA are enforced by the Civil Rights Division’s Housing and Civil Enforcement Section. More information may be found at www.justice.gov/crt/housing. Please visit www.justice.gov/crt/rluipa_report_092210.pdf for the full report.

Related Reading Material

Read about RLUIPA.

Reported Cases of Mosque Opposition

Key Federal Statutes Prohibiting Religious Discrimination and Anti-Religious Violence

Security Basics for The Non-Profit Community

Elections 2010

Voter Registration Deadline

One of the most important tool we have as US citizens is the right to vote. We can use this right to adjust the policies of this country to our liking.  To be able to vote in November 2010 mid term elections we must register to vote. There are just days left to register to vote! Each state has its own deadline for voter registration. Click here to find voter registration deadline and forms for your state. Once your state has reached its registration deadline that’s it, you will not be able to vote in this year mid term elections.

Once you have registered to vote, you can exercise your right to vote either on Election day (November 3^rd 2010) or participate in Early Voting (if provided by your State) or by Absentee Ballot. From your State or County Board of Elections you can find deadline information and forms for Absentee Ballot.

Republicans likely to win House and/or Senate

With just about a month left for Mid term elections Republicans are riding high on anti incumbent mood in the country, and have a shot at taking over the Congress starting Jan 2011, with Independents holding the power to determine election result. Election result will be determined heavly by voter turnout which has been fairly week in the primary elections. The past few days have seen an increase in negative campaigning by all sides. Though the current polls show Congress switch a close call, projections are for Democrats holding 215 seats vs Republicans 220 in House of Representatives, and Democrats holding 50 Senate seats vs 48 for Republicans, check out election projections. At State level Republicans could have Governors in 30 states an increase of 6. Read latest polls.

Future Activities

• USCIS Director Mayorkas and the USCIS Baltimore District Office will be hosting an in-person stakeholder roundtable directly followed by an Open House  5 PM, Baltimore Oct 4^th

• DHS Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Group hold roundtable meeting with Miss USA – Rima Fakih, Tuesday 10 AM Sep 28^th, Washington DC

• Department of Justice Interagency meeting - Oct 4th, 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

Council on Foreign Relations

Heritage Foundation

Middle East Institute

SAIS

Woodrow Wilson Center