The Viewer's Forum is a platform where you can share your views with others on any particular current issue.
Please Note - The views in this forum are from the contributors' perspectives.

 What do you think about the backlash of the attacks in the US, faced by overseas Pakistanis especially residing in America, and Pakistan’s support to combat terrorism at global level?
Views must be focused and to the point to avoid unnecessary editing and should not exceed 250 words. No views without the full name and address will be entertained. 

Please send your opinions at
vf@jang.com.pk

Your Opinion

1. A lot of Americans are hurting Muslims, especially Arabs.
   Hassan Syed
   Hawaii, USA
   
   

2. The situation is pretty bad in the US. So far, to my knowledge, two Muslim women have been raped in Chicago, Palestinian killed in NYC, Pakistani woman killed in Texas. I am sure there have been other incidents as well in America that have gone unreported.
   
   

3. It's the ignorance of the American majority who are unable to distinguish among the innocent people and the actual persons involved behind the WTC tragedy. Speaking of ignorance, a Sikh was killed in Arizona believed to be a Muslim because of his beard.  
   Osama Ali,
   Austin, TX, US
   
   
4. We never felt as bad as we are feeling now.
   Dr. Uzma Kidwai
   New York
   
   
5. There is a lot of racial tension in the US. Even though Pakistan has agreed to help the US, white American's are still harassing and burning down mosques. They don't bother to find out if they are harassing a person from an ally country. They just label us as terrorists.
   
   Personally, I think Pakistan should only let the US to use their airspace but they shouldn't give any military assistance whatsoever.
   Fareeha Ashraf
   USA
   
   
6. There is much anger in my country right now, not towards those who happen to be from Pakistan, but those who condone killing innocent men, woman and children.  All countries have their share of foolish people and America is no exception.  Those who react before the facts are known and harm or harass innocent Pakistanis are no better than those who would do the same to us because we happen to be Americans.  Fortunately, these people are very few and will be treated as the criminals they are if they engage in this activity.  By far, most Americans wish only peace to all people of the world and will take whatever action is necessary not only to protect our own people, but those of other nationalities and religious beliefs.
   
   
7. Our two nations have much more in common than the few issues that may sometimes divide us. To rid this planet of those who promote terrorism does not just benefit America, it creates a safer world for all of our citizens. 
   John Taylor
   Anacortes, Washington
   USA
   
    
8. Be assured that majority of the Americans do not blame Muslims/Arabs. We understand that this was the action of our enemies. Our brothers will remain our brothers.
   
   Let me assure you, that this is still the land of the free and Americans will always respect those who truly want to be free, no matter where they may live, or where they come from.
   
   I personally would like to thank the Pakistani government and the Pakistani people for their commitment to what is right and just.
   Karen A. Kerr
   Rochester, New York
   USA
   
   

9. I am so grateful that your nation is playing on team with the rest of the civilized world in this matter.
   Roar Heggelund
   Norway
   
   

10. I'm a student of Arizona State University. There have been lots of incidents over here in the United States concerning the Muslims after the terrorist attack in New York and Washington DC. The things are pretty tense here. We are told not to give out our opinions on what happened and who was involved and so on. The police is very co-operative with all of us.
    
    They are willing to escort us to our destinations if we are facing any danger. Several incidents have occurred here involving the deaths of our fellow Muslims. What can we do? The only thing we can do is to pray for things to get better. Pakistan is doing a great job. The political leaders are taking reasonable steps to prevent bloodshed in our country.
    
    A lot of Pakistanis do not realize that what can be done other than not helping the US. Let’s all hope that our economical stand becomes better after this.
    Nauman Qureshi
    USA  
    
    

11. I live in California, and I am a Pakistani.  Personally, I haven’t experienced any backlash by the other Americans. However, I cannot say the same about the rest of the Muslims here in US.  We have been told by the Muslim community leaders not to go out in public unless we absolutely have to.
    
    I have been going out in public and haven’t experienced any kind of change in attitude but I guess people have started to realize it’s not the fight against American- Muslims rather against Terrorism.  Muslims are told to report any kind of harassment, be it verbal or physical, so that appropriate actions could be taken.
    Ayesha Mian
    Chino, CA 
    
    

12. I think the Pakistani government and its people are facing a dilemma at this moment. We must not be swept away by emotions and must not take any decision in a haste considering the past experience of Gulf War and the fall out of the tragedy on Muslims.
    
    We must unite irrespective of our religious, ethnic and political differences and stand firm with our President Pervez Musharraf. I am sure he will be able to lead us away from this turmoil and confusion.
    Dr. Hani Ahmed
    Karachi
    
    
13. My three brothers live in USA. One of them said that a Sikh student was beaten up because he was wearing a cap (probably mistaken for Osama style). My second brother says that Americans are now quite nice to us. And the third one is afraid. However, Pakistanis haven't been targeted. Some of the Arabs have been threatened.
    
    Pakistan needs to make it clear to US that there are security, refugee and financial problems ahead when the war occurs and must be compensated. I hope Pakistan is able to 'benefit' from the present situation.
    Noorilhuda
    Rawalpindi
    
    
14. First few days were passed under fear, uncertainty and confusion. But since the Pakistani government’s assurance to help US fight terrorism has encouraged the community to get back to normal business. We are explaining our fellow Americans that Pakistan has always supported the United States in the past. We are not feeling guilty because this inhuman act is not committed by us.
    Malik Majid
    Atlanta, Georgia
    
    
15. If it is the international fight against terrorism then the United States should come through the United Nations to solve this problem.
    Faisal Nadeem
    Toronto
    
    
16. Being an American I would like to say ‘Thank you to all Pakistani people for their support’.
    Lance Sykes
    USA 
    
    

.

 

Send this page to a friend!

The News International Pakistan