Community Alert

Link Restored for Survey of Issues faced by Pakistani American Community

The Pakistani American Community was shocked and dismayed on May 4^th 2010 when they learned that Faisal Shahzad, an American Citizen of Pakistani descent had been accused of car bombing in Times Square, NY. The community struggled to understand how a supposedly assimilated person of Pakistani descent could perform such a despicable and vile act. This led to confusion within the Community, and they are now at a loss of how to get a grip of a deteriorating situation.

Sensing the needs of the Pakistani American Community, PAKPAC is requesting for your participation in a survey to better understand the needs and concerns of the Pakistani American Community. Results of this survey will guide us in developing programs to overcome the issues faced by the community. Completing this survey will take less than 10 minutes. Please forward this survey to family and friends for their participation.

Take me to survey  or paste the following link

https://secure.yourpatriot.com/services/surveyform.aspx?b49ds6BkeO-EGWNIwIBJA1Fw_hUeSOi0ejW8a5bg15GjV4YqiUVleH4Ezc4YpktQaeg

PAKPAC Mourns the Loss of Life in Lahore Massacre

Correction: This Community Alert sent earlier did not specify that that attack took place at two mosques of the minority Ahmedia sect in Lahore. We regret this oversight.

PAKPAC mourns the loss of innocent lives in the massacre carried out by terrorists at mosques in Lahore. Once again innocent Pakistanis became the targets of the stateless, faithless, and faceless extremists who live and move amongst us, and have repeatedly demonstrated that they are free to do whatever, whenever, and however they please. These extremists' have only one objective - to defame People and Government of Pakistan by creating panic and havoc. Sadly, worst of all these atrocities are committed in the name of Islam. Lahores' massacre is an attack on the sovereignty of Pakistan, and a stain on our peaceful religion. As Pakistani Americans we say with one voice it is time for the fair minded people of Pakistan to rise up against this scourge amongst them. We urge both the Punjab and the Federal Government to use full force of law enforcement in destroying the real organizations behind these heinous acts. It is the obligation of Pakistani media to strengthen our country by revealing the losses incurred from extremist's acts.

There are reports from Lahore that recently banners denouncing religions other than Islam had appeared in parts of the city. We ask why such intolerance is allowed and does not generate the passionate condemnation by the people and government of Pakistan as demonstrated with the stringent action against Facebook and Youtube.

It is well documented that what is happening in Pakistan today can be traced twenty years ago to the policies of Gen. Zia ul Haq, if the present Government does not change its policies, then our children will face its consequences twenty years from now. The People of Pakistan, Government of Pakistan, and the Pakistan media must stop taking cover under the "default mentality" of conspiracy theories. Some deep introspection and honest soul searching is urgently needed, it is time for Pakistani's to take ownership of its problems and address the true root causes.

PAKPAC urges its supporters to

1.                   Call your friends and families in Pakistan, asking them to own the extremist problem. Tell them to demand law and order from the Government, Judiciary, and Armed Forces.

2.                   Help the families of the victims through a charity of their choice, some for your reference are listed below.

a.       EDHI Foundation: http://www.edhifoundation.com/

b.       International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC): http://www.icrc.org/

c.        Pakistan Red Crescent Society: http://www.prcs.org.pk/

3.                   We demand action and not mere pledges from Government of Pakistan in upholding its basic responsibility of law and order, and punish those who have not fulfilled their duties.

4.                   Ask the Government of Pakistan to put to trial extremist and their organizations, seize their assets, and freeze their operations; we need a closure of all breeding grounds for extremism and hatred.

5.                   Ask the Supreme Court of Pakistan to have expeditious trials of the extremists, and make their punishment an example for others.

6.                   Write to Pakistan media to embark an all out battle against extremists by fully exposing them, and highlight the damage they have done to Pakistan and its sovereignty.

For more information write to ed@pakpac.net or call 202 558 6404

Footnote: In a speech to the U.S. Congress in 1950 by Pakistan first Prime Minister Liaquat Ali Khan stated "we shall never allow the return of religious authoritarianism.  It has absolutely no place in our country."

Announcement

PAKPAC salutes our veterans on Memorial day

Please remember our military heroes and their families on Memorial Day. Especially thank and reach out to families of America's fallen soldiers, sailors and airmen. It is through their courage and sacrifices that our security and our freedoms are guaranteed. President Barack Obama said  that the meaning of Memorial Day is found in the story of ordinary Americans who become extraordinary for one simple reason: love of country.

* It is the veteran, not the preacher, who has given you freedom of religion.

* It is the veteran, not the reporter, who has given you freedom of the press.

* It is the veteran, not the poet, who has given you freedom of speech.

* It is the veteran, not the protester, who has given you freedom to assemble.

* It is the veteran, not the lawyer, who has given you the right to a fair trial.

* It is the veteran, not the politician, who has given you the right to vote.

* It is the veteran, who salutes the Flag, who serves under the Flag, whose coffin is draped by the Flag.

US Government Job Openings

State Department Job opening for Foreign Service Security Protective Specialist

State Department is accepting applications for Foreign Service Security Protective Specialist. You must be a U.S. Citizen, have at least three years of general experience in domestic or overseas security operations within the last five years and can successfully undergo a background investigation and qualify for a TOP SECRET/SENSITIVE COMPARTMENTED INFORMATION (TS/SCI) security clearance and pass a suitability review. Click the link below to start the application process (http://careers.state.gov/specialist/opportunities/ps.html) The deadline to submit completed applications is June 13, 2010.

State Dept 2011 Spring Student Internship Program

State Department is accepting applications for its 2011 Spring Student Internship program. You must be a U.S. Citizen and a student (a full- or part-time continuing college or university junior, or graduate student - including graduating seniors intending to go on to graduate school) to be eligible. Click the link below (http://careers.state.gov/students/programs.html#SIP) for more information and to start the online application process. Please note that the deadline to submit completed applications is July 01, 2010.

Job openings at Civil Rights Division

The chart below includes the Civil Rights Division job opportunities currently available. Individuals interested in applying for these positions should comply with the applications procedures and closing dates in the vacancy announcement.  More Information

In addition, please direct your law school and undergraduate contacts to the Division’s new Volunteer Internship Opportunities page, for information on available internships for the fall 2010 term.

News

PAKPAC gets clarification from State Department on India visa policy

The Indian Embassy in USA has initiated a policy where US Citizens holding dual nationality should apply for an Indian visa on their US passport if living in the US. The exception is for Pakistani nationals who must apply for a visa on their Pakistani passport and complete the extra Pakistan application and requirements.  Read Policy  

PAKPAC Executive Director Irfan Malik shared the concerns of Pakistani American Community with State Department Visa section about this requirement that singles out individuals holding dual citizenship of USA and Pakistan.  The concern was that such individuals when travelling overseas may not receive assistance from US Embassies overseas in case of emergencies during travel. State Department assured that any US citizen with dual nationality will receive full protection and service when travelling overseas on a passport other than US, as if the individual was travelling on US passport.

President Obama introduces new US National Security Strategy

President Barack Obama has released his first National Security Strategy (NSS), which outlines how the administration will deal with concerns ranging from counterterrorism to foreign aid. There are both overlap and sharp differences with Bush administration strategy. PAKPAC welcomes the move away from "war on terrorism" language to a more nuanced treatment of terrorist threats posed by al-Qaeda and other groups.  The document, for example, rejects the broad, vague 2001 formulation of a "war on terrorism." The 2001 approach committed the United States to wage war on a tactic; worse, it drove together fractious terrorist factions with otherwise local interests into a common cause against an America that had declared war on them all and recognized no differences between them. The 2010 strategy, by contrast, makes clear that the real enemy is al-Qaeda and those who affiliate with it, encouraging other terrorists to steer clear of them and facilitating wedge strategies designed to divide, rather than unite, potential enemies.

The 2010 strategy also keeps the terrorist threat in context: Rather than identifying it as the defining challenge of our time, the strategy sees it as but "one of many threats," and one which "cannot define America's engagement with the world." In fact, most terrorism--even by al-Qaeda--is not an existential threat to the United States. Nuclear terrorism is an important exception and warrants special efforts in Afghanistan, where a major al-Qaeda presence across an unstable border combines with a threatened Pakistani nuclear arsenal to convey a unique peril. But elsewhere, restraint is often the best policy in the face of a tactic designed to spur excess by its targets, and the new strategy wisely cautions against fear and overreaction in responding to terrorism.

In Pakistan, the Pakistani government has undertaken its biggest offensive against the violent extremists within its borders in years.  The President signed the bipartisan Kerry-Lugar-Berman bill that authorizes $1.5 billion in non-military assistance to the Pakistani people every year over the next five years .  FY 2010 and FY 2011 funds will continue the effort we started with the FY 2009 Supplemental to focus on high impact, high visibility projects that meet the urgent demands of the Pakistani people, with an initial focus on energy and water.  The U.S. Mission in Pakistan now has 584 Americans – a seventy percent increase since 2008.  We expect to grow by another 120 Americans in the next two years.  On the military side, we have fully resourced our security assistance to Pakistan including the provision of $238M in Foreign Military Financing for FY 2010 and last year we initiated a special counterinsurgency assistance fund for $1.1 billion.  We have also reimbursed Pakistan $1.3B in 2010 for military expenses they incurred in 2008 and 2009 under our Coalition Support Funds program

Read the Full National Security Strategy 2010

Remarks By Secretary Of State Hillary Rodham Clinton

Remarks By National Security Advisor General  James L. Jones

Viewpoint

MADRASSAH - IKRAM SEHGAL

Established at first as an institution of higher studies, a madrassah (plural madaris) initially taught law, Islamic sciences and philosophy. During the 11^th and 12^th centuries, madaris specialized in law and jurisprudence. Today’s madrassah is an Islamic religious school (seminary) where students, as young as nine or ten, at times even younger, learn religious education, schooled first of all in reading and then in religious studies. Initially a part of a mosque, madaris only later became separate institutions. With the introduction of western education under colonial rule their curriculum underwent a change.

A Madrassah is not a Quranic school or a maktab – a place where Muslim children read and recite the Quran only at a very elementary level, they offer a more organised institutional structure and different academic levels of religious studies. Most Pakistani ones are affiliated with one of the five Islamic school boards, or Wafaq: three Sunni Madrassah Boards (Deobandi, Barelvi, Ahl-e-Hadith), one for Shia and one for Jamaat-e-Islami (JI). This entire system, mostly belonging to the Sunni sect because Pakistan is predominantly Sunni, is supported largely by the private sector and communities through trusts, endowments, donations and zakat (religious tithes) contributions. Read More

Pakistan Facebook ban not the answer – Nadia Naviwala & Balal Baluch

Since "Everybody Draw Mohammed Day!" was announced on 20 May, those associated with its creation have been rushing around to distance themselves from the ensuing controversy. Cartoonist Molly Norris has announced, "I am NOT involved!" Apparently, Facebook user Jon Wellington used her cartoon to create the group. But even he has stepped back, "Ya'll go ahead if that's your bag, but count me out." It's not so easy to step away from these developments, however.

With a widening crackdown threatening Pakistan's 20 million internet users – Facebook was blocked first, on Thursday YouTube and Wikipedia were added to the list, and now Twitter – the Facebook ban is about more than a simple social networking site. While everyone, including the US state department, seems to want to clean their hands of this situation, neither Facebook nor Muslims can afford to step back. The question is, how to step up? Read More

Readers Corner

THE DESIRE FOR PEACE -IKRAM SEHGAL

A very good and laudable initiative, “Aman ki Asha,” has been undertaken by two of the largest media groups of Pakistan and India, the Jang Group and The Times of India. Aiming to advocate the many benefits of peace while also discussing core and non-core issues that have resulted in a state of hostilities and mistrust between the two countries for the past 60 years, both groups have agreed to honestly and forcefully articulate issues such as the Kashmir dispute, the water dispute, issues relating to terrorism and all other obstacles to peace. Aman Ki Asha will simultaneously promote the economic, educational and cultural benefits that an honorable and durable peace between the two neighbors will bring.’ It will be very helpful in understanding each other’s perspective on major issues and bridging the differences. For the sake of the two peoples and for peace in the region, the mistrust and suspicions of the last many decades must be erased and replaced by bonds of confidence and friendship.

This will not be easy sailing. Peace and good relations between Pakistan and India will remain a dream unless two core issues are sorted out. Kashmir has lingered for over sixty years for a resolution while the one now taking priority, is the dispute over water. The water dispute directly threatens the very survival of Pakistan because of the continuing impasse over our access to water supplies from India. The Indus Basin Water Treaty (known as IWT), a bilateral agreement signed by India and Pakistan in 1960, is meant to regulate water usage. India effectively controls water flows into Pakistan that begin in Jammu and Kashmir and has commenced a string of ambitious water projects because of which disputes over water allocation have risen, adding further impediments to a resolution of the Kashmir dispute in the foreseeable future. Read More

LINKS

US News

Congressional News

Pakistan News

World News

Events & Activities

PAKAPC meets with Department of Justice on AG Holder statement

PAKPAC and other Civil Rights organizations met with Asst attorney General Civil Rights Division Tom Perez in Washington DC to discus Civil Rights issues in particular systematic backlash for Pakistani American Community after the Times Square incident. PAKPAC is concerned about Attorney General Eric Holder interview with Meet the Press on May 9^th, where Attorney General Holder stated:  "Well, 200,000 people per year go back and forth between the United States and Pakistan, and we're doing a, a fair amount of monitoring with regard to, to that number.” PAKPAC has asked the DOJ to provide a clarification as to what is meant by “monitoring”.

PAKPAC Executive Director Irfan Malik also alerted the DOJ on its concern of a move by some law makers to strip US Citizenship for individuals involved with foreign terrorist organizations. DOJ assured PAKPAC that if such legislation takes shape, DOJ will get feedback from the Community to ensure that Civil Rights of all are protected.

Event for Executive Director of White House on Asian Pacific Americans

Pakpac Director Farooq Soomro, who also serves as the president of Asian American Foundation of Ga., organized the Annual dinner and fund raiser of Asian American Heritage Foundation (AAHF) in Atlanta on May 22nd. The Event  helped raise annual funds for the organization through the help of guests and corporate sponsors such Air Tran Airways, Coca  Cola,  Home Depot, Lockheed Martin, Turner broadcasting, Hartsfield Jackson Airport in Atlanta, Georgia Power and many other corporations.  Key note speaker was Kiran Ahuja, executive director of White House initiative of Asian Pacific Americans. Farooq and 30 plus Pakistani Americans from APPNA Ga spoke to her privately for 2 Hours on issues related to Pakistani Americans. Dr. Adnan Abassi , Dr Yaseen Abubaker, Dr Mustafa Jarwar, Dr. Waheed Malik, Dr. Mohammady, Dr. Chandar Bhimani, Dr. Faryal Abbasi and Dr. Rohi Abubaker spoke to her at length about appointing Pakistani Americans to agencies and White House initiatives. Kiran offered to help with advocacy and help with appointments but said that the Pakistani community needs to do more to advocate as well to get a voice in the community.

PAKAPC BOD Noor Khan meets with US Congressmen on Pakistani American Issues

PAKPAC Board of Director Dr. Noor Khan met with Congressman Howard Berman in New York City and discussed the status of Kerry Luger -Berman Bill. Dr. Noor emphasized that US must keep its commitment in making sure that the bill is fully funded and appropriated, and aid is properly utilized for the benefit of Pakistanis. Dr. Noor also covered the objectionable language that was introduced in the bill after committee reconciliation. Congressman Berman was very candid about it and admitted that the language does not add any value and could have been done differently.

In a separate meeting Dr. Noor met New York Congressman King, and discussed the issues faced by the working Pakistani American Community in New York City.

Immigration

Documentation Employers May Accept for Temporary Protected Status

Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is an immigration benefit granted by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to eligible individuals in the United States who are nationals of a country that has been designated for TPS.  TPS is granted to eligible individuals from the designated countries for time-limited periods, depending on the length of the country designation or an extension of that designation.

Individuals who have been granted TPS may work in the United States and may apply to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) to receive an Employment Authorization Document (EAD). When securing employment in the United States, TPS beneficiaries, like any other individual whom an employer hires, will be requested by their employers to attest to their authorization to work in the United States using the USCIS form, Employment Eligibility Verification, Form I-9. Read More

USCIS To Issue Redesigned Green Card

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that it has redesigned the Permanent Resident Card—commonly known as the “Green Card”—to incorporate several major new security features.  The Green Card redesign is the latest advance in USCIS’s ongoing efforts to deter immigration fraud.  State-of-the-art technology incorporated into the new card prevents counterfeiting, obstructs tampering, and facilitates quick and accurate authentication.

The enhanced features will better serve law enforcement, employers, and immigrants, all of whom look to the Green Card as definitive proof of authorization to live and work in the United States.  Among the benefits of the redesign:  Secure optical media will store biometrics for rapid and reliable identification of the card holder.  Holographic images, laser engraved fingerprints, and high resolution micro-images will make the card nearly impossible to reproduce.  Tighter integration of the card design with personalized elements will make it difficult to alter the card if stolen.  Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) capability will allow Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry to read the card from a distance and compare it immediately to file data.

New look of Green Card

Q &A about New Green card

Civil Liberties

Potential for Backlash in Wake of Attempted Times Square Incident

On May 4, Faizal Shahzad, a Pakistani-American, was arrested and charged for an attempted attack at New York City's Times Square. While it is important for community members to remain vigilant about potential threats to security, the incident has raised concerns about backlash against South Asians. In the aftermath of September 11th, hate crimes and discrimination against community members spiked at unprecedented rates and similar concerns arise in the wake of this recent incident. This is compounded by Senator Lieberman's (CT) proposed legislation to strip citizenship of individuals suspected of having connections to terrorist organizations, even if they have not been convicted of any crimes. If you are a victim of a hate crime or fear potential backlash in your community, below are several resources to assist community members:

·                     Know your rights by reading Hate Crimes: A Quick Information Factsheet: Developed by SAALT, this resource provides information on what to do if you have been affected by a hate crime and includes a list of organizational resources.

·                     Contact the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division through their website or at (202) 514-4609 if you become aware of a  hate crime or other incidents of bias or discrimination.

·                     Contact the Department of Homeland Security's Office of Civil Rights and Civil Liberties through their website or at 866-644-8360 if you become aware of violation of civil rights or profiling by immigration or airport screening authorities.

Elections 2010

2010 Election Update

Rep. Chris Van Hollen (D) of Maryland, chairman of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, sees voter perceptions about the economy and the high level of enthusiasm among Republicans as two key challenges Democrats face in holding control of the House of Representatives in the 2010 elections. A recent ABC News/Wall Street Journal poll found that among the voters who rate their interest in the 2010 elections as 9 or 10 on a 10-point scale, a Republican-controlled Congress is favored by 56 percent to 36 percent. Read latest rating changes

Republican Charles Djou won the special election in Hawaii's First Congressional District – the Honolulu heavily Democratic district where President Obama grew up. Djou is only the third Republican Hawaii has elected to Congress since statehood. But the Republicans will likely be careful not to tout the victory too loudly. Mr. Djou won with less than 40 percent of the vote, with two Democratic challengers taking 58 percent.

Future Activities

UNDERSTANDING RADICALIZATION AND COUNTER RADICALIZATION STRATEGIES

Saturday, June 19^th 2010 10 AM to 5 PM At Sheraton Hartford Hotel 100 East River Drive East Hartford, CT 06901

For more information contact Dr. Saud Anwar 202-558-6404

Moving Up

PAKPAC Past President Dr Saud Anwar selected as Asian Pacific American Affairs Commissioner

Dr. Saud Anwar was nominated by Connecticut Governor M. Jodi Rellto  21 member bipartisan Asian American Affairs Commission. The Commissioners generally oversees matters concerning the Asian Pacific American population in Connecticut and makes recommendations to the General Assembly and the Governor on the health, safety, education, economic self-sufficiency and efforts to remain free from discrimination within the Asian Pacific American population in Connecticut. The Commission reviews and comments on proposed state legislation or recommendations that may affect the Asian Pacific American population of the state; advises the General Assembly and the Governor concerning the coordination and administration of state programs that affect the Asian Pacific American population of the state; gathers and presents current information regarding the Asian Pacific American population of the state; maintains a liaison between the Asian Pacific American population of the state and government agencies, including the General Assembly; and conducts educational and outreach activities intended to raise awareness of critical issues for the Asian Pacific American population of the state. Read More

Book Review

Journey into America: The Challenge of Islam by Akbar Ahmad

The most comprehensive study ever done on the American Muslim community, Journey into America explores and documents how Muslims are fitting into U.S. society, seeking to place the Muslim experience in the U.S. within the larger context of American identity. In doing so, it is a major contribution to the study of American history and culture. Renowned scholar Akbar Ahmed and his team of young researchers traveled through over seventy-five cities across the United States—from New York City to Salt Lake City; from Las Vegas to Miami; from large enclaves such as Dearborn, Michigan, to small towns like Arab, Alabama. They visited over one hundred mosques and visited homes and schools to discover what Muslims are thinking, what they are reading, and how they are living every day in America.

Ahmed illuminates unexplored Muslim-American communities through his pursuit of challenging questions: Can we expect an increase in homegrown terrorism? How do American Muslims of Arab descent differ from those of other origins (e.g. Somali or South Asian)? Why are so many white women converting to Islam? He also delves into the potentially sticky area of relations with other religions. For example, is there truly a deep divide between Muslims and Jews in America? And how well do Muslims get along with other larger religious groups, such as Mormons in Utah?

Much like Ahmed’s widely hailed Journey into Islam: The Crisis of Globalization (Brookings, 2007), Journey into America is equal parts anthropological research, listening tour, and travelogue. Whereas the previous book took the reader into homes, schools, mosques, and public places in heavily Muslim nations, Journey into America takes us into the heart of America’s Muslim communities in America. It is absolutely essential reading for anyone trying to make sense of America today, especially its Muslim population—the challenges it faces, the challenges it poses, and its prospects for the future.

Praise for Journey into America: “A timely and stimulating contribution to a critically important issue:  The West’s (and especially America’s) relationship to Islam.” Zbigniew Brzezinski, Former National Security Advisor

Purchase Book

Spotlight

How I Made It: Pervaiz Lodhie

Pervaiz Lodhie, 66, is the founder and chief executive of LEDtronics, a manufacturer of LED (light-emitting diode) bulbs. LEDs burn cooler, use significantly less energy and last tens of thousands of hours longer than traditional incandescents. Lodhie's LEDs can be found in spacecraft, robots, traffic lights and other products in which reliability is crucial. His clients include Northrop Grumman Corp., IBM Corp. and Caterpillar Inc. More than 300 employees work at the privately held firm, which is headquartered in Torrance and has an additional plant in Pakistan. Read More

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