PAC's Successful Event at
Chicago
Pakistan Times, California, USA
America Must Stop Attacks on Pakistan and Withdraw its Forces From
Afghanistan- Dr. Ashraf
CHICAGO,
USA (October 12, 2008) (Special Reporter): The current U.S.
administration is thinking about taking the war against terrorism
inside Pakistan by directly taking military action inside the
country. Such an action would create a serious problem not only for
Pakistan but also for the United States of America. We strongly
believe that this is not a good way to fight war against terrorism
because such previous actions has produced more terrorists than
eliminating them at the expense of the hundreds of thousands of
innocent civilian lives. The best way to finish this war is to
withdraw US forces from Afghanistan and initiate dialogue. This was
stated by Dr. Khawaja Ashraf, President of Pakistani American
Congress, an umbrella organization of several Pakistani
organizations in North America, at its regional conference on " How
to Stop US Attacks on Pakistan" held at Chicago at the Sabri Nihari
Banquet Hall on Saturday, October 11, 2008.
Ms. Jill Morgenthaler, candidate for the
House of Representatives from the 6th District, Chicago,
Illinois, strongly refuted some of the rumors going on in the
Pakistani community. She said some vested interests are behind these
rumors who do not want to see good relationship between USA and
Pakistan. She said if Obama became President he will fully respect
the sovereignty of Pakistan and would like to work with democratic
forces in the country to allow democracy take its roots. He has
strongly condemned dictatorship. She said Obama do not believe in
war but dialogue so he cannot think of attacking an independent
country. He is not Bush but a peace loving individual who want to
focus on building good relationships with all countries including
Pakistan. She said the Democratic Party strongly believes in
developing Pakistan's economy and democratic institutions. She said
Mr. Joe Biden, Democratic Party Vice Presidential nominee, has
presented a substantial economic package in the Congress for the
development of Pakistan. She said Obama's view point is that if
Pakistani government is unable to act and asks us to help then we
will take action. We will respect the sovereignty of Pakistan and
will not act without their cooperation. She said US fully understand
Pakistan's importance in the fight against terrorism. They have been
supporting us as a frontline state. She asked all Pakistanis to
support Obama and other democratic candidates in the coming
election.
Mr. Azhar Minhas, Public Defender in
Chicago Court system, said Pakistani government have to focus on the
economic development and take action to control law and order
situation in the country. Pakistan cannot progress unless there is
peace and suitable environment for foreign investments' Pakistan
must act quickly. America has no right to attack a sovereign state,
he said. Mr. Rizwan Kadir said law and order situation in Pakistan
is deteriorating and it needs to be controlled as a top priority.
Dr. Riaz Ahmad, Ex President of PAC also emphasized the need for
controlling law and order situation in Pakistan and developing
democratic institutions. He said PAC must play its role persuading
USA to avoid attack on Pakistan. PAC has done it before and it can
do it again, he said.
Dr. Muhammad Akram, President-Elect of
PAC, said we must maintain our unity during coming election. He said
all Pakistani American citizens must register their vote and support
those candidates who support democratic process and respect
sovereignty of Pakistan. He said US must change its policy in Asia
and help Pakistan in dealing with current economic and political
crisis because the war on terrorism cannot be won without Pakistan's
help. If Pakistan is unstable war efforts will fail. He said direct
U.S. military action inside Pakistan will prove counterproductive
and will create a bigger mess for United States and Pakistan. Both
countries just cannot afford it and the world cannot afford it, he
said.
