News

General Kiyani, Qureshi to attend upcoming US-Pak strategic dialogue in Washington DC

The third round of US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue will be held in Washington DC on October 22.Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi will lead Pakistani delegation and US Foreign Secretary Hillary Clinton will head US delegation. Chief of Army Staff (CAAS) General Ashfaq Pervez Kiyani will also attend the meeting.  General Kiyani will hold separate talks with Pentagon and National Security Council Officials.  Diplomatic sources told media the issues of mutual interest concerning with growth in energy sector, education and stepping up security measures will feature the dialogue. Security will be key issue on the agenda

State Department official described the dialogue between the two countries as "the best testament" to the strength of the US-Pak relationship. "I think it's going to be critical in the next few weeks as they prepare for the strategic dialogue between Pakistan and the U.S. ... that they don't have any of these flare-ups, neither do they have any lingering doubts about each others intentions," said Shuja Nawaz, director of the South Asia Centre at the Atlantic Council, a Washington think tank. That will require a lot of "direct communication," he added, and not dealing with each other via the media.  The administration official agreed that "ratcheting up pressure on Pakistan is not the way to get them to do things."

"With Pakistan, as with most countries, the more public and vocal you are, the harder things get," he said. But the United States will continue to deliver the message that Pakistan needs to do more against insurgent groups, even at the strategic review.

"It doesn't need to be confrontational," the official said. "We will continue with this message," he said. "We have constant communications with the Pakistanis. They know where we're at." U.S.-Pakistani relations are dogged by suspicion and mistrust. Although it has repeatedly engaged with Pakistan over the years, the United States has just as frequently cut off aid and disengaged, to punish Islamabad for actions like pursuit of nuclear weapons or through disinterest. "It's been like a roller coaster going back nearly 60 years," said Teresita Schaffer, head of the South Asia program at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

Alarming rise in Drone Attacks

Drone Attacks have been carried out by US in Pakistan for the past three years; interestingly both countries have not officially acknowledged the occurrence of such attacks, even when Intelligence agencies of both countries have heavily cooperated in identifying and tracking targets.   Unofficially both countries have indicated the affectivity of such attacks in eliminating targets. Both countries have not accepted collateral damage of civilian deaths, and ill feeling generated in Pakistan due to drone attacks. A senior United Nations official issued a report in June,  that the growing use of armed drones by the United States to kill terrorism suspects was undermining global constraints on the use of military force. He warned that the American example would lead to a chaotic world as the new weapons technology inevitably spread. In a 29-page report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, the official, Philip Alston, the United Nations special representative on extrajudicial executions, called on the United States to exercise greater restraint in its use of drones in places like Pakistan and Yemen, outside the war zones in Afghanistan and Iraq

Location of Drone Strikes by District, 2004-2010

Recently there has been a sharp increase in drone attacks. There have been about 93 in 2010 vs. 53 in the year before, about 25 occurring in the past two weeks killing about 150 people; bringing the total casualties for this year to about 800 people, mostly militants, three fourths of the attacks have occurred in N Waziristan area. The current rate of drone attacks is twice the number of attacks of previous months.

Monthly Unmanned Drone Strikes in Pakistan, 2008-2010

For more details read complete report

Not to undermine the striking efficiency, low cost of operation versus conventional warfare techniques, and low human loss of the drone attacks, PAKPAC still believes that these advantages do not outweigh the civilian casualty loss and negative perception that it generates amongst the Pakistani people. PAKPAC therefore urges Obama Administration to reconsider its current drone attack policy.

First Muslim Judge Appointed in Connecticut

Governor Jodi Rell has nominated a Pakistani American Muslim Mr. Nawaz Wahla as a Judge to the Superior Court. This is the first time in the history of the State of Connecticut that an American Muslim has been appointed to such a prestigious and important position.

Many community members have joined in to congratulate Mr. Nawaz Wahla for his hard work, dedication, excellent credentials and services which made him one of the most credible and worthy candidate for this position.  The time has come for the community members to be active and be a part of all parts of the Government.

Pakistan’s economy is the 117th freest economy in world

Pakistan’s economic freedom score is 55.2, making its economy the 117th freest in the 2010 Index. Its score is 1.8 points lower than last year, mainly due to reductions in investment freedom and labor freedom. Pakistan is ranked 22nd out of 41 countries in the Asia–Pacific region, and its overall score is below the world and regional averages. Pakistan has pursued reforms to improve its entrepreneurial environment and facilitate private-sector development. The financial sector has undergone modernization and restructuring and has weathered the global financial crisis relatively well. Yet Pakistan lags significantly behind other countries in the region. Challenges to Pakistan’s overall economic freedom include a wide range of institutional weaknesses. Trade freedom remains burdened by high tariffs and non-tariff barriers. The tax system is complex and inefficient, though reforms to cut tax rates, broaden the tax base, and increase transparency have been undertaken. The judicial system suffers from a serious case backlog and poor security. Considerable corruption taints the judiciary and civil service. Together with political instability, these shortcomings continue to undermine overall economic progress. Read Compete Report

Viewpoint

Pakistan Is Not America's Enemy  - Ryan Crocker

The news from Pakistan is grim. NATO helicopters engage suspected militants inside Pakistan, killing three, only to discover they are Pakistani soldiers. The angry Pakistani government blocks NATO fuel shipments at the Khyber Pass, and militants attack the stalled trucks. An Obama administration report to Congress charges that the Pakistanis aren't doing enough against the Taliban and al Qaeda. Press accounts quote unnamed officials asserting that elements in Pakistani intelligence are encouraging the Taliban to step up attacks on NATO forces. And Bob Woodward cites President Obama as saying "the cancer is in Pakistan."

One could easily conclude that we are describing an enemy, not an ally. Many in Pakistan feel the same way. And yet the prospects for stabilizing Afghanistan, defeating al Qaeda and preventing further attacks on the United States are a direct function of that strained alliance. It is time for a collective deep breath.  Read More

The U.S. and Pakistan: An alliance too crucial to fail – David Ignatius

Is Pakistan America's ally in the battle against terrorist groups, or a potential antagonist? That delicate question was in the air Thursday during a meeting with a senior official of the country's fearsome spy service, the Inter-Services Intelligence directorate.

This has been a week when frustration on both sides boiled over. A new book by Bob Woodward, "Obama's Wars," quoted President Obama warning of a "cancer" of terrorism in Pakistan. U.S. drone attacks over the tribal areas were reported to be at a record level. And U.S. helicopters, which have been firing across the border in "hot pursuit" of insurgents, hit three Pakistani soldiers by mistake early Thursday. The Pakistanis responded by halting NATO supply trucks at the Khyber Pass. Read More

Developments in Pakistan Won't Help Relationship with the US - Shuja Nawaz

Even as the recently released tell-all Obama's Wars by Bob Woodward raises fresh doubts about the U.S.-Pakistan relationship and will likely stoke mistrust in the United States about Pakistan as a partner against the Afghan Taliban, a series of stories that paint the Pakistani army in a negative light will undoubtedly contribute to the tensions. These events occur against the backdrop of heightened U.S. drone activity inside Pakistan's border region and at least two reported NATO helicopter attacks on Pakistani soil. How the Pakistani army sees these events and addresses the ensuing challenges will have enormous impacts on the future trajectory of South Asia, as well as the direction of Pakistan's fragile democracy.

First, there was the reported kidnapping of The News journalist Umar Cheema and the standard operating procedures of Pakistani intelligence agencies used to humiliate and torture him, according to his detailed account of the incident. Other than denials, there does not appear to be a clear or detailed explanation from the government or the Inter Services Intelligence directorate, Pakistan's top spy agency, of who did this, nor any indication from the government that a rapid and credible public inquiry is underway. In the absence of such actions, rumors will fly and allegations will be made that will undermine the state and its agencies. Read More

Crisis Guide: Pakistan

Beset by devastating floods, increased terror attacks, and political instability, Pakistan's precarious state is a matter of global concern. "Crisis Guide: Pakistan," the Council on Foreign Relations' (CFR) new interactive multimedia feature, examines the roots of the country's challenges.  The array of Pakistan's challenges include: an increasing number of terrorist groups; a growing nuclear arsenal that could become vulnerable to these groups; a long-standing rivalry with India and troubled border with conflict-ridden Afghanistan; and the ongoing power struggle between a strong military and a weak civilian government. The guide draws on expert analysis to demonstrate what these problems mean for the region and the world, and to explore potential directions for the country.  View video

Fundraiser

Michigan Muslim Democratic Caucus invites you to join

Congressman Gary Peters-Michigan’s 9^th District

Zeeshan Javed (ZJ) Hafeez- Florida’s 67^th District

at the residence of the Host:

Dr. Waseem Ullah

Sunday, October 24, 2010

9:00am -11:00am ~Meet & Greet Fundraising Tea

41596 Burroughs Avenue Novi, Michigan 48377

Host ~ $1,000 per couple

Guest ~ $500 per person

To RSVP contact Seema Ahmad at (734) 674-9506 or contact@mimuslimdems.com

Michigan Muslim Democratic Caucus invites you to join

Congressman John Conyers -14^th District

Congresswoman Sheila Jackson - 18^th District (TX)

Congressman Mark Schauer – 7^th District

Hansen Clarke – 13^th District US Congress Candidate

and Mayor of Lansing Virg Bernero

Sunday, October 24, 2010 5:00pm ~ Muslim Chai Party

Hyatt Regency

600 Town Center Dr Dearborn, MI 48120

Host ~ $1,000 per couple

Patron ~ $500 per couple

Guest ~ $250 per person

To RSVP or for additional information, please contact Seema Ahmad at (734) 674-9506 or contact@mimuslimdems.com

Announcement

Current Job openings at Department of Justice

Civil Rights and Civil Liberties Group at Department of Justice have the following job openings. Individuals interested in applying for these positions should comply with the application procedures and closing dates in the vacancy announcements. http://www.justice.gov/crt/recruit.php.

State Department Job Openings

State Department is looking for Medical/Health Foreign Service Specialist positions.

·                     Foreign Service Health Practitioner - Deadline December 17, 2010.

·                     Foreign Service Regional Medical Officer - Deadline: December 17, 2010

·                     Foreign Service Regional Medical Officer/Psychiatrist - Deadline: December 17, 2010

·                     Site Security Manager, PSC-0080-14 

Events & Activities

Senate approves nomination of Ambassador-designate Cameron Munter as US Ambassador to Pakistan

The U.S. Senate has unanimously passed the nomination of Cameron Munter, a career diplomat, to be the next American ambassador to Pakistan. Senate Foreign Relations Committee Chairman John Kerry, welcoming the confirmation, said “given the importance of our relationship with Pakistan and the many issues we are trying to tackle together to bring prosperity and stability to the region, we could not afford a delay in confirming our next Ambassador.’ Kerry, who recently visited Pakistan’s flood-stricken areas, said “Pakistan is suffering from its worst natural disaster in modern history.”
“The United States will continue to stand with the people of Pakistan and has already led international donor efforts.’ The new US Ambassador-designate to Pakistan Cameron Munter said that he was very much optimistic about the future of democracy in Pakistan and the future of Pak-US relations. Speaking after taking oath of his new assignment here at the State Department on Wednesday, Munter said he has great hopes about the future of democracy in the countries where democratic governments came into being after long rules of dictators and military generals. Secretary Clinton administered the oath. Ambassador Munter, considered to be a close confidant of Holbrooke, was born in California in 1954. He attended Cornell University in New York and the Universities of Freiburg and Marburg in Germany. Ambassador Munter has served as envoy to the Republic of Serbia from 2007 to 2009. Later he was transferred to Iraq and served Adviser to US Ambassador Christopher Hall. A career US Foreign Service Officer, Ambassador Munter has also served as Deputy Chief of Mission at the American Embassy in Prague.

PAL-C had organized a meeting of Pakistani American Community with Ambassador Munter at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Muslim Lakhani earlier this week. Pakistani American Community presented many topics of advice for the incoming Ambassador including increased trade, investing in signature projects, better governance and transparency, increased people to people connection, drone attacks. PAKPAC was represented at this meeting by its Executive Director – Irfan Malik.

DHS hosts Rima Hussain Fakih – Miss USA

Civil Rights Civil Liberties Group of DHS hosted Rima Hussain Fakih first Lebanese American Muslim Miss USA.  She represented the state of Michigan in the Miss USA 2010 pageant. Born in a small town in Southern Lebanon, her family moved to USA In 1993. Miss Fakih faced lot of criticism from within the community during her quest for the Miss USA title, but her determination and family support kept her going.  Miss Fakih is active in community engagement; she is involved in Civil Rights, Entrepreneurship, media relations, Arab Chamber of Commerce in Michigan. She plans to spend more times in these areas in coming years.

Present at the meeting were representatives of various agencies including State Department, Department of Justice, Customs and Border Enforcement, Department of Treasury, TSA. PAKPAC was represented at this meeting by its Executive Director – Irfan Malik.

Interagency meeting at Department of Justice

PAKPAC attended the quarterly Interagency at the Department of Justice this past Wednesday, on October 6, 2010.  The meeting was chaired by Tom Perez, the Assistant Attorney General for the Civil Rights Division.    In addition, David Kris, the Assistant Attorney General of the National Security Division spoke at the meeting as well.  He touched on three main topics:   1) Individuals and entities will be prosecuted under Title 18 2339(b), (the material support statutes for Foreign Terrorist Organizations) only after an organization has been designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.   There will be no prosecution under Title 18 2339(b) of an individual or an entity if material support is given to an organization prior to its designation as a Foreign Terrorist Organization.   2) The National Security Division will continue to use the word terrorist because the word has legal implications and 3) that Islam or any other religion is not seen as a National Security threat.

Furthermore, the Department of Justice and the Department of Education have partnered together to combat bullying in schools and held the First National Bullying summit.  Department of Justice representatives stated that bullying based on a student's race, religion or sexual orientation is a civil rights violation and will be investigated and prosecuted.

The Civil Rights Division also continues to enforce the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA).  The civil rights law protects individuals and religious institutions from discriminatory and unduly burdensome land use regulations.  The Civil Rights Division has opened 51 RLUIPA investigations since the passage of this legislation and has begun monitoring eight separate cases of alleged discrimination against Muslims under RLUIPA since May 2010. PAKPAC legal Counsel Shehzad Akhtar represented PAKPAC at this meeting.

PAKPAC BOD Zeb Mohiuddin meets with Texas elected leaders

PAKPAC BOD Zeb Mohiuddin met with Texas Governor Rick Perry, and US Congressman and Pete Sessions representing Texas 6^th District. Congressman Sessions is currently Chairman of Republican Congressional Committee.  Dr. Mohiuddin highlighted the issue of increased bullying of Pakistani American and Muslim students in public schools. Dr. Mohiuddin also shared his concerns with Governor Perry about recent Texas Board of Education recommendation to change history books in Texas, and eliminate references to Islam in them. Dr. Zeb asked Congressman Sessions to encourage and support more Pakistani American Candidates to run for public office.

Reception for Foreign Minister Qureshi

Rafat & Shaista Mahmood held a dinner reception for Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi at their home last week. Mr. Qureshi lauded the efforts of Pakistani American Community in strengthening US-Pakistan relationship. He also acknowledged Community concern and efforts to help Pakistan flood victims. Foreign Minister was satisfied with the cooperation offered by Obama Administration, and hoped that the upcoming US-Pakistan Strategic Dialogue would identify more areas of joint cooperation. PAKPAC was represented at this meeting by its Executive Director – Irfan Malik

PAKPAC Press Releases

PAKPAC Welcomes Sentencing of Would-Be Times Square Bomber

Washington DC: Oct 5th , 2010: The Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC)  welcomes the verdict of the Life Imprisonment of Faisal Shahzad. His comments and his remorseless attitude confirm the misguided, manipulated and a sick extremist mindset. At his sentencing hearing, Faisal Shahzad said he was a "proud" terrorist and warned of more attacks. The judge replied, "I do hope that you will spend some of the time in prison thinking carefully about whether the Koran wants you to kill lots of people." We at PAKPAC believe that individuals with such a ruthless ideological illness should be behind prison to protect all humans from their erroneous fury.

His comments, words, and ideology clearly shows how far fetched and sick he had become in his hatred and disgust for all people. PAKPAC would like to draw the attention of all people and especially the people residing in the Muslim majority countries that the largest number of victims of the Al Qaeda, Taliban and Al Qaeda affiliated groups have been the Muslims in all parts where these groups have any foot hold.

PAKPAC believes that homeland security starts with hometown security, the Muslims in the United States must remain vigilant and active to make sure that no such elements are allowed to develop, reside and flourish within their communities. A comprehensive effort needs to be made to identify ways to identify, rehabilitate such individuals and or groups from traveling towards this misguided path., PAKPAC supports the proper adoption of Department of Homeland Security Suspicious Activity Reporting (SAR) initiative of "If You See Something, Say Something", which provides critical tools to communities to identify and disrupt threats. Such SAR's however must not to be used to violate the rights of innocent people engaged in innocuous activities.

Read PAKPAC Press Release on Faisal Shahzad's arrest.

Archived Press Releases

Immigration

Secretary Napolitano announces immigration enforcement details

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Secretary Janet Napolitano and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Director John Morton today announced record-breaking immigration enforcement statistics including unprecedented numbers of convicted criminal alien removals and overall alien removals in fiscal year 2010.

In fiscal year 2010, ICE set a record for overall removals of illegal aliens, with more than 392,000 removals nationwide. Half of those removed—more than 195,000—were convicted criminals.

DHS has also expanded the Secure Communities initiative—which uses biometric information and services to identify and remove criminal aliens in state prisons and local jails—from 14 jurisdictions in 2008 to more than 660 today. DHS is on track to expand this program to all law enforcement jurisdictions nationwide by 2013. This year alone, Secure Communities has resulted in the arrest of more than 59,000 convicted criminal aliens, including more than 21,000 convicted of major violent offenses like murder, rape, and the sexual abuse of children. 

Since January 2009, ICE has audited more than 3,200 employers suspected of hiring illegal labor, debarred 225 companies and individuals, and imposed approximately $50 million in financial sanctions—more than the total amount of audits and debarments than during the entire previous administration.  

Endorsement

PAKPAC endorses Z. J. Hafeez candidate for State House in Florida’s 67^th District 

This is an open seat election and Z. J. has a considerable financial advantage on his Republican opponent.  Z. J. is on track to become the first Pakistani-American elected to Florida’s State Legislature.  He has run a strong campaign and has positioned himself for victory.  Read the update memo here.

This is an important region and what happens in the district has a profound effect on Florida and the rest of our great country.  As we have recently learned, the decisions made by our local elected officials certainly have a grand impact on our daily lives and the ability of our state and federally elected officials to get things done. That’s why I am focused in on Z. J.’ s candidacy. 

Additionally, we have a unique opportunity to back Hafeez’s first political run and make history.  Our ability to support this rising star is a key step in moving our community forward.  The doors we open together supporting Z. J. will pave an important path for others who wish to run for office or take a leadership role.

Please consider making a secure financial contribution of $500, $250 or whatever you can offer online by clicking here or you can send a check payable to “Z. J. Hafeez Campaign” to 6103 Marbella Boulevard, Apollo Beach, Florida 33572.

Please learn more about Z. J. and his platform at www.voteZJ.com.

Read Z. J.’s Bio here.

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.

Balance of power depends on voter turnout

With under three weeks 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, with Voter turnout and Independents holding the power to determine election result. The past few days have seen an increase in negative campaigning by all sides. Current polls show Congress switch a reality, projections are for Democrats holding 209 seats vs Republicans 226 in House of Representatives, and Democrats holding 48 Senate seats vs 50 for Republicans, check out election projections. At State level Republicans could have Governors in 31 states an increase of 7. Read latest polls.

PAKPAC asks you to participate in remaining primary elections in your state, voter turnout at primary elections is usually low, and as a result an increased participation by minority communities can make a significant difference.

Future Activities

Meeting with House Foreign Relations Committee Official

Coalition of Pakistani Organizations will meet House Foreign Relations Committee Official in Washington DC on Thursday Oct 14^th to discuss US-Pakistan relationship in post flood situation

As the Waters Recede in Pakistan: Restoring Hope and Livelihoods

Wednesday, October 13, 2010 from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (PT)

Carnegie Endowment for International Peace

1779 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. Register for Event

Relief Efforts in the Wake of the Pakistani Floods

October 15, 2010 - 9:30am, U.S. Institute of Peace 1200 17th St, NW Washington, DC 20036

Panelists: The event will feature the following speakers:

Mark S. Ward, panelist Acting Director, U.S. Office of Foreign Disaster Assistance U.S. Agency for International Development

Rabih Torbay, panelist  Vice President, International Operations International Medical Corps

Moeed Yusuf, panelist  South Asia Adviser U.S. Institute of Peace Abiodun Williams, moderator Vice President, Center for Conflict Analysis and Prevention U.S. Institute of Peace Register for Event

USAID Conducts Pakistan Open Houses in New York, Los Angeles and Houston

The United States Agency for International Development's Pakistan Open Houses have been set for New York - Oct 16th , Los Angeles - Oct 23rd  and Houston -Oct 30th 2010. For more information or to RSVP, contact Alison Salisbury at ASalisbury@usaid.gov