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Subscribe to PAKPAC E-Letter April 2009 |
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 PAKPAC Press ReleasesPAKPAC calls on Pakistan Government to act swiftly on Swati girl flogging Maryland April 4th 2009: In a strongly worded letter to Government of Pakistan through Ambassador Haqqani, PAKPAC President Saud Anwar demanded from the Government of Pakistan to act swiftly in bringing an end to animalistic and heinous acts carried out in the name of Islam in particular against women. As the world watched in horror yet another barbaric act was carried out in Swat in the name of Islamic justice the Pakistani American community has only one word for government and people of Pakistan, ENOUGH. We say enough to savagery in the name of religion but more importantly enough to all the apologists who always seem to find some twisted explanation for these heinous crimes. We feel that government has given a free hand to extremist religious groups to abandon the sovereignty and constitution of Pakistan and enforce their own brand of laws in the name of Islam. Nothing less than Pakistan's soul itself is at stake.PAKPAC asks will Pakistanis rise up to the occasion and reclaim their own country or will they lose this war after seemingly having lost the battle. Pakistani's have a stark choice. They alone can determine whether Pakistan's future is one of a respectable member of the world community or as an outcast only to be feared and loathed. We urge the Pakistan Armed Forces, politicians of good faith and most importantly the courageous people of Pakistan to unite against virulent militancy hiding behind religious facades. PAKPAC urges Pakistanis living outside Pakistan to write to Pakistan media, their friends and families in Pakistan asking them to stand against extremism in all forms. Below is a text of PAKPAC President Saud Anwar’s letter to Ambassador Haqqani.
April 4 th, 2009His Excellency Ambassador of Pakistan to United States, Husain Haqqani, Washington DC, USA Your Excellency Ambassador Haqqani, I am writing this letter to you to not only share my sentiments but those of the Board Members of PAKPAC and the entire Pakistani American community. The recent identification of the widely distributed video with cruelty being committed on a young girl in the name justice is nauseating and shameful. The fact that these individuals are carrying these actions in the name of religion is a disgrace and humiliation of all people of the faith or any other faith. The fact that this video came out may actually be a tip of the iceberg of what may actually be going on. The other concern we have is that this action occurred when there was no treaty and no actual "Shariah Law" (the version of Shariah wrongfully defined by these thugs) implemented there. Now with their "legitimacy" provided by the current government may actually lead to even more blatant violations of any and every rule of faith and humanity known to mankind. Mr. Ambassador, the recent incidents and activities going on in Pakistan vis a vis the attacks on the Sri Lankan cricket team, the Lahore Police Training college attacks, the daily incidents and now this brutality have all been condemned by the government officials in Pakistan. Our concern is that we are not seeing any results beyond the condemnations. The security, protection of the people of a Country is the primary and basic responsibility of any and every elected government. The lack of actual results and appropriate actions on a multitude of occasions by the people responsible for implementing the laws is appalling. What is even more concerning is the current setups inability to remove such inept people from their positions of responsibility. There is an acute need to have people who are committed and capable of upholding the writ of the government, and will and capacity to protect all citizens and visitors in Pakistan. Mr. Ambassador, I would like to end this letter with a clear message from the Pakistani American community in United States, with this Latin phrase, "facta, non verba" ( Deeds NOT words). Sincerely, M. Saud Anwar President, Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee.
7350 Vandusen Road, Suite 450, Laurel, MD. 20707. 202 558 6404 www.pakpac.net info@pakpac.net PAKPAC supports US-Pakistan relationship outlined in President Obama’s new Afghanistan Strategy Maryland Mar 30th 2009. President Obama emphasized a greater role for economic assistance for Pakistan as part of his new Afghanistan Strategy, and underscored the necessity of such help for Pakistan to the American citizens. The plan, formulated after consultation with countries in the region, NATO allies, donor countries and international organizations, has received strong support from leaders of Pakistan, Afghanistan, India and Britain. PAKPAC supports the thrust of the new initiative, which is in line with its and other Pakistani organizations’ message delivered to US elected leaders on Pakistan Advocacy day on Feb 26th. The plan still requires elaboration regarding the level and timing of the aid, its monitoring, the share allocated to counterinsurgency, and measures to be taken by the Government of Pakistan to ensure its maximum effectiveness so that aid dollars get fully invested in needed projects with minimal overhead. The plan calls for the international community to recognize that instability in the region is an international security challenge, which warrants collective action focused on strengthening the economies and political institutions of Pakistan and Afghanistan. The plan is aimed at a long-term commitment for support to Pakistan and Afghanistan helping them build their institutional capacities, and an end of terrorist activities by providing access to basic social services, security, and the rule of law. President Obama asked of Pakistan to demonstrate its commitment to rooting out violent extremists within its borders by fully supporting the fight against the terrorists. PAKPAC has frequently expressed concern about the rise in terrorist attacks and the casualties suffered mainly by innocent people and welcomes the creation of a National Counter-terrorism Authority in Pakistan to coordinate the struggle against terrorist activity on a national scale. PAKPAC urges the Government of Pakistan and its agencies to work with National Counter-terrorism Authority in eliminating terrorists from Pakistan’s soil. PAKPAC would continue to educate US lawmakers how Pakistani’s suffer on a daily basis at the hands of extremists for their participation in the war on terror. To support the new strategy, President Obama called on the congress to pass two bi-partisan bills; the Kerry - Lugar bill that authorizes the provision of $1.5 billion annually to Pakistan over the next five years – resources aimed at improving access to schools, roads, and hospitals; and Reconstruction Opportunity Zone bill to support the creation of economic and industrial opportunity zones in the region bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan. In addition, President Obama called on Pakistan’s trading partners and international organizations, such as the IMF and the World Bank to step up their support for Pakistan’s economy. PAKPAC at its Advocacy day had requested the US lawmakers to double the economic assistance, and it will continue to push for that. Additionally PAKPAC will push for this assistance to be front loaded to have maximum effect as soon as possible. Addressing the matter of regional stability, the plan calls for pursuing constructive diplomacy with both India and Pakistan to help them in resolving their long-standing issues. PAKPAC recommends that these diplomatic efforts should be an integral part of the current trilateral dialogue between United States, Afghanistan and Pakistan. While President Obama confirmed that US has no intention of sending troops, including in hot pursuit, into Pakistan’s territory, as an indication of its recognition of Pakistan’s sovereignty, he did not mention ending future drone attacks within Pakistan territory, which PAKPAC believes are counter-productive in building support against the extremists. The plan calls for support for Pakistan’s democratic institutions over the long-run and widening its political engagement in Pakistan by developing contacts with the opposition political parties and the civil society. To strengthen cultural ties and build confidence between the people of Pakistan and the US, PAKPAC calls for increased exchange of government officials, intellectuals, artists, and students. PAKPAC welcomes reinstatement of Chief Justice as a first step towards independence of Judiciary Maryland, March 15th 2009 - PAKPAC welcomes the news of reinstatement of Justice Iftikhar Muhammad Chaudhry as Chief Justice of Pakistan on March 21, 2009, as the first step towards the independence of the Judiciary in Pakistan. We are pleased that Government of Pakistan arrived at this decision without further deterioration of law and order situation and inconvenience to the citizens of Pakistan. We now ask all branches of Government and Political parties to cooperate with one another to stabilize and strengthen the democratic system in the country. We, along with Pakistanis who have patiently waited for this defining moment, believe today’s action will bring credence to institutions in Pakistan, and usher in a period of positive changes within the country. In this context, we would like to see changes made to the Constitution of Pakistan to reflect the independence of the Judiciary. We ask President Zardari to now lift Governor rule in the Punjab, and let the democratically elected members of the Punjab Assembly elect their leader as well. We believe such actions would enhance Pakistan’s image in the world, and result in favorable considerations by “Friends of Pakistan” in helping Pakistan achieve economic self sufficiency.
Summer Internships Paid Federal Government Internships for Asian Pacific American Students Paid Federal Government Internship Opportunities for Asian Pacific Americans (APAs) in Washington DC (eight internships available). APAs include South and Southeast Asians, East Asians, as well as Pacific Islanders. Duties/Job Description: The Conference on Asian Pacific American Leadership (CAPAL) will place eight (8) summer interns in the U.S. Federal Government. These internship positions are open to ALL MAJORS, and are suited for individuals looking to gain real-world federal government experience. Specifically, CAPAL offers a diverse set of opportunities for acquiring public policy and management skills at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Depending on your interests and placement, your duties could vary from policy or scientific research, project coordination and management, business, law, communication, and more. Applicants are asked to specify their preferences on the application, and those selected will be placed based on their interests and skills. Agricultural knowledge is not required. CAPAL will also mentor all selected interns and provide guidance in transitioning to Washington, D.C. including how to locate housing, how to navigate the city, and how to make the best of their summer in the nation’s capital. The internship application deadline is April 17, 2009 or open until all internship positions have been filled. Applicants are encouraged to apply early. For more information or questions, please contact CAPAL at: scholarships@capal.org. CAPAL also provides two (2) scholarships, separate from the internship compensation, in the amount of $2,000. The deadline for the scholarship application is May 1, 2009. For more information about the CAPAL scholarships or for a copy of the application, please visit our website. http://www.capal.org
Gallup Poll shows American Muslim women are the most educated Gallup polling has released the results of the first-ever, nationally representative study of Muslim Americans, revealing great racial diversity, propensity for potential, and highly educated females. Polling found that Muslim Americans are the most racially diverse group surveyed in the United States, in comparison to Catholics, Jews, Protestants, and Mormons. Additionally, the report also reveals that Muslim American women are one of the most highly educated female religious groups in the US, and Muslim Americans overall have the highest degree of economic gender parity at all ends of the income spectrum. The report also examines the civic engagement of Muslims, and found that only 51 percent of Muslim Americans are registered to vote – one of the lowest percentages polled among young Americans with national average of 65%. On the area of life evaluation and whether they see themselves as “thriving,” Muslim Americans ranked least likely to see themselves as “thriving”; however, when compared to Muslim Americans in other Western societies, Muslim Americans ranked among the highest with the largest percentage of Muslims in Western societies who say they are “thriving.” For complete results of the poll click Upcoming Seminars at Think Tanks
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PAKPAC Announces new Administrative Team In their monthly meeting in March 09, PAKPAC BOD approved the addition of two administrative positions, namely Executive Director and Secretary. Both positions will have a term of three years. The role and responsibilities of Executive Director are to manage the day to day operations, and to provide administrative support needed by BOD. The position of Secretary will be responsible for Communication and legal aspects of the organization. Irfan Malik was selected to be the Executive Director, his term starting from Jan 1st 2009. Dr. Saud Anwar will assume role of Secretary after completion of his term as President of PAKPAC on Dec 31st 2009. PAKPAC's Expanded Role in Washington DC - Seeking Volunteers
Civil Liberties PAKPAC meets with DHS Deputy Secretary Lute PAKPAC Executive Director Irfan Malik along with other Minority advocacy organizations met on Apr 13th with Department of Homeland Deputy Secretary Jane Holl Lute. The meeting organized by DHS was to setup the agenda and tone for DHS activities under the Obama Administration, in particular DHS interaction with minorities. Deputy Secretary Lute signaled a shift from previous administration in the way policies will be set or administered. She assured the group that DHS policies will be based upon their effectiveness and results. Advocacy groups shared their concerns with Deputy Secretary Lute in particular the loss in civil liberties and the lack of trust between DHS and minority groups. Also discussed were DHS activities that in design are for general population but are targeted towards certain minority groups in particular Muslims and their mosques. Also highlighted were the issues faced by Muslim travelers at airports and other port of entries. Concern was raised about proliferation of personal data shared amongst various federal and local agencies. PAKPAC Committees Activities Missing Pakistanis Committee Mehlaqa Samdani met with the following officials in Washington DC about the issue of missing persons in Pakistan: i) Ambassador Haqqani ii) Michael O'Malley (Senior Officer-Pakistan Desk) iii) Atman Trivedi (Senator Kerry's aide) iv) Anne Bodine (Congressman Chris Van Hollen's aide) v) Andy Wright (Congressman John Tierney's aide) To each of the officials she met with, she explained the approach the current government in Pakistan had adopted (or lack thereof) in addressing the issue, in particular one such case of Masood Ahmed Janjua's. Ambassador Haqqani emphasized his commitment to resolving the Missing Persons' issue. We are now hopeful that with the reinstatement of CJ Iftikhar Chaudhry some positive developments may take place about the missing persons.
Focusing on Afghanistan and PakistanTo the Editor: Re “The Remembered War” (editorial, March 28): President Obama’s strategy review for Afghanistan and Pakistan, unveiled last week, finally focuses the government’s attention and resources where they are most needed. After years of our country’s being bogged down in Iraq, the president recognizes that the key to our national security is defeating Al Qaeda, and that to do so we must address both Pakistan and Afghanistan. But while the president clearly understands that the greatest threat to our nation resides in Pakistan, the strategy he unveiled last week has the potential to escalate rather than diminish this threat. While the Obama administration’s plan and rhetoric recognize the vital need to confront this threat, the decision to send 21,000 additional troops to Afghanistan before fully confronting the terrorist safe havens and instability in Pakistan could very well prove counterproductive. Increased military engagement against the Taliban in Afghanistan could push it further into Pakistan while aggravating the militant extremism that has spread to more and more parts of that country. New Taliban safe havens could emerge from which attacks in Afghanistan or Pakistan, like last week’s bombing in the Khyber Pass, could be planned. More Pakistanis could fall under the control of those who would violate basic human rights, particularly the rights of women and girls. Already weak government institutions could deteriorate further, undermining the legitimacy of the Pakistani state. And a country with nuclear weapons could be dangerously destabilized. President Obama has stated clearly that we cannot prevail in Afghanistan without addressing Pakistan — but that recognition alone is not enough. We need to address the insecurity in Pakistan before any decision to send significantly more troops to Afghanistan. Russ Feingold U.S. Senator from Wisconsin Washington, March 30, 2009
PAKPAC supports the following individuals in their efforts to achieve political roles in their regions. We ask our community to whole heartedly support these candidates either through volunteerism or financial resources. Comptroller New York City Salim Ejaz CPA has announced his candidacy for the NYC Comptroller's office. With the incumbent not in the running, the field is wide open. Mr. Ejaz has held senior management positions, and for the past 12 years, he is the Director of Audit in Nassau County, a $ 2.6 billion New York State county, New York City is home to a large number of Muslim voters estimated to be 300,000 with about half of them being from South Asia. With voter turnout in the primaries being traditionally very low, Muslim participation even at a moderate level can deliver a victory. Please support Mr. Ejaz’s campaign by sending your checks made to "Friends of Sal Ejaz". Kindly mail them to: Salim Ejaz, 97 Sterling Court, Syosset, NY 11791. Selectman, Shrewsbury, MA Rashid Shaikh is a global lean operations and change management leader known for creating sustainable competitive advantage with “Back End branding”, lean structures and with uniquely designed “Total Value System” that ensures operation excellence at significantly reduced system cost. Please contribute to his campaign. http://www.electshaikh.com/contribute.html Pakistani Americans run for County Positions in Jersey City Municipal elections In a city where Muslims voters make almost 20% of the registered voters three Pakistani Americans are running for various offices they are: Abdul J. Malik a Physician from Pakistan is running for Councilperson At large. He is an active member and contributor to the efforts of Assn. of Pakistani Americans for community organization Azam A. Riaz - For Councilperson for Ward E. Asem Usman- Councilperson for Ward C. Immigration USCIS received 42000 H-1B Petition Filings for FY2010; announces new requirements WASHINGTON—USCIS announced additional requirements for employers, who receive funds through the Troubled Asset Relief Program. Under this legislation any company that has received covered funding and seeks to hire new H-1B workers is considered an “H-1B dependent employer.” All H-1B dependent employers must make additional attestations to the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) when filing the Labor Condition Application.
USCIS has received approximately 42,000 H-1B petitions counting toward the Congressionally-mandated 65,000 cap. The agency continues to accept petitions subject to the general cap. Additionally, the agency has received approximately 20,000 petitions for aliens with advanced degrees; however, we continue to accept advanced degree petitions since experience has shown that not all petitions received are approvable. Congress mandated that the first 20,000 of these types of petitions are exempt from any fiscal year cap on available H-1B visas. For cases filed for premium processing during the initial five-day filing window, the 15-day premium processing period began April 7. For cases filed for premium processing after the filing window, the premium processing period begins on the date USCIS takes physical possession of the petition. USCIS Revises Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued a reminder that the revised Form I-9, Employment Eligibility Verification (Rev. 02/02/09), goes into effect today for all U.S. employers. The revision date is printed on the lower right-hand corner of the form. The interim final rule, published Dec.17, 2008 in the Federal Register, revised the list of documents acceptable for the Employment Eligibility Verification (Form I-9) process. Employers may no longer use previous versions of the Form I-9. The revised list improves the security and effectiveness of the Form I-9 process. The list specifies that expired documents are no longer acceptable forms of identification or employment authorization. Allowing for expired documents makes it more difficult for employers to verify an employee’s identity and employment authorization and compromises the Form I-9 process. USCIS also updated the Handbook for Employers – Instructions for Completing Form I-9 to reflect the requirements of the revised Form I-9. For more information on USCIS and its programs, or to obtain the revised Form I-9 and handbook, visit www.uscis.gov. USCIS Initiates Procedures for Unaccompanied Children Seeking Asylum WASHINGTON—U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced it is now responsible for initial adjudication of applications for asylum from *Unaccompanied Alien Children. Some of these children previously would have been required to file for asylum in immigration court with the Executive Office for Immigration Review in the Department of Justice. The new procedures were created to carry out the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2008 (TVPRA). Under one of the provisions of the TVPRA, these unaccompanied children, who have been issued a Notice to Appear in immigration court, will now file their initial application for asylum with USCIS. Further details on the asylum-related provisions of the TVPRA to protect unaccompanied children please visit www.uscis.gov/asylum. Future Activities
PAKPAC has more openings for active community members to join in and become Board of Directors. Email Nomination@pakpac.net Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee Board of Directors
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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 |
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