Hartford, CT

“Americans Muslims and Pakistani Americans United Against Terrorism” was the theme of a large rally today that was held at the Capitol Building, in Hartford, Connecticut. This rally was sponsored by the Pakistani American Public Affairs Committee (PAKPAC), the Pakistani American Association of Connecticut (PAACT) and the Connecticut Association of Pakistani Physicians (CAPP).

This event was attended by over two hundred participants of Pakistan Americans, American Muslims and supporting fellow American’s. People from all walks of life came including men, women, children and the elderly who took time off from their busy schedules to make a strong statement to their fellow Americans. All spoke in complete unanimity, to categorically condemn terrorism in all its shapes and forms. Today they spoke in a unified voice against the ideology of hatred and violent extremism. They stated that the peace loving Muslim majority is faced by an enormous challenge of defending their ideological beliefs which are in sharp contrast with those of the extremists and terrorists. It was categorically stated by all that there is NO meeting point between Islam and terrorism.

The organizers thanked the generous and selfless people of the Christian and Jewish faith and all other Americans for their support of the rally. Hundreds of people were present holding banners stating: “Pakistani Americans United Against Terrorism”, “Not in Our Name”, “We Condemn Terrorism”, and “Hate Has No Religion”. Many small children were seen carrying the American flags and banners stating “We Love America” and “We Are American”.

There were a number of elected officials whose offices were represented at this event. The effort of the Pakistani American community’s current role in the betterment of the United States was praised. Moreover, the Pakistani American community’s unstinted stand on terrorism and the ideology of hatred was appreciated by the attendees.

The Governor of Connecticut, Jodi Rell’s office was represented by Adem Jamel. Senator Lieberman’s message, read by Ken Dagliere, thanked and congratulated the Pakistani Americans for organizing the event. He later stated that this event sent a clear message to the world community that we will work together to defeat terrorism and bring to justice all those masterminding death and destruction. Senator Dodd’s message to the community said that the terrorists seek to divide us and initiatives such as this rally are so important. It brings people together. He further stated in his message that the rally message loudly and clearly conveyed that terrorism will never be tolerated: no matter the cause, no matter the ideology. Congressman Larson, Congressman Simmon’s and Congresswoman Nancy Johnson’s messages echoed their similar sentiments and strong support to the efforts of the Pakistani American community in Connecticut.

The other speakers of the rally included Imam Qasim Shreef of Hartford Mohammed Masjid. He thanked the Pakistani Americans in Connecticut in taking this historical step and clearly conveying the American Muslim sentiment. Dr. Saud Anwar, the coordinator of rally and President of Connecticut chapter of PAKPAC, in his statement said that we will not allow an extremist minority to in anyway try and represent the Muslim majority perspective especially as it is far from the truth. Mr. Sohaib Sultan, Muslim Chaplin at the Hartford Seminary also spoke and gave religious explanations of moral failure of the extremist ideology. The crowd gave an overwhelming support to young Altamash Mufti, of Simsbury, Connecticut, a ten year old child who gave a message of peace and love to all on behalf of the Muslim children. Nilofer Haider gave the perspective of American Muslim women, and Sanya Zaheer of South Windsor, CT gave the perspective of American Muslim youth. The crowd repeatedly chanted statements emphasizing “Not in Our Name” and “Silent No More”.

Connecticut state law makers included in this rally included Representative Demetrios Giannaros and Representative Bill Aman. Representative Saggy Tahir joined in from New Hampshire to support the Muslim community of Connecticut and gave a patriotic speech and thanked the organizers. This event was also attended by a number of people of Jewish faith as well as Christian faith. The Jewish community was represented by Mr. David Warren of the Anti Defamation League (ADL). He spoke eloquently and stated that we must not allow people to use the word Muslim or Islam when the terrorists are being described.

The event organizers have called this event success and have thanked all the people including large number of volunteers who have put multiple hours to make sure that the message was received by all people in the area and beyond. The organizers have called upon other community members of Pakistani heritage and all Muslims across the United States to follow in their footsteps and have a unified stance of the community as “Americans Muslims and Pakistani Americans United against Terrorism”.