We the first generation pf Pakistani Americans who came in the last 4 decades to this land of Liberty, Justice and Citizens Rights to ALL might be used to being treated as unequal citizens of this great country after 9/11. We can move back to where we came from with little difficulty, if we have to. But did we seriously think about the 2nd generation of Pakistani Americans? They are here without their choice. Most will have major difficulties going back to Pakistan, if forced to. Do you know the options that will be left to the Pakistani-American community if another incident like 9/11, God forbid, takes place? The law enforcement and homeland security agencies keep saying it is not a matter of ‘If’ but ‘When’.
It is almost 5 years after 9/11. The Pakistani-American community is 4 decades late in doing what the Jewish, Indian and Armenian communities have done. They became politically active at all levels of the city, state and the federal government. The Pakistani-American community is very fragmented and always divided as individuals or local groups. Everyone always has his personal agenda. A successful long-term political activism initiative can only take place if the entire community –each and every member - physically, intellectually and financially supports such an initiative.
Two years ago I and nine other community friends started a most powerful political activism initiative on the Hill called PAL-C. For the first time in two years PAL-C helped create one of the fastest growing Congressional Pakistan Caucus in the Congress. Today the Pakistan Caucus has 74 members. With no support from the community, the PAL-C initiative will fold as quickly as it began. Today only I and three other founding Board of Directors are bearing the load to keep it going. But for how long? The decision to support PAL-C and impart renewed momentum to its activities or to remain idle bystanders and let it die prematurely is all yours.
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Hi Pervaiz, just wondering if you want to take part in a global discussion program on BBC radio called World Have Your Say. We're linking up Pakistanis around the world and discussing whatever you want to discuss. It's short notice-- it's tomorrow (Monday July 17), so if you want to take part, email me at anu_anand@mac.com with a contact number and I'll call you straightaway. Our program website is: www.bbcnews.com/worldhaveyoursay.
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