Embassy addresses concerns of Pakistani-Americans

WASHINGTON: The Embassy of Pakistan assured Pakistani-Americans on Wednesday that it was engaged with US authorities to ensure that the community’s fears of insecurity and discrimination were addressed.

“The embassy shares the anxiety and concerns of the Muslim American community and possible backlash in the wake of San Bernardino incident,” said a statement issued in Washington.

The embassy said it was also working closely with the Pakistani-American community to address their concerns.

“We regard the Pakistani-American community as one of the most peace-loving, well respected and law-abiding communities in the United States,” said an embassy official, Nadeem Hotiana.

The statement noted that Pakistani-American physicians, engineers, IT professionals, lawyers, entrepreneurs as well as wage earners were contributing to the socio-economic development of the United States as well as Pakistan through their hard work, integrity and commitment.

“The Pakistani diaspora’s role as a bridge between two friendly countries, cultures and peoples is adding value to the efforts of the two governments and is well acknowledged at all levels,” Mr Hotiana said.

The embassy also praised US President Barack Obama’s approach toward this issue, which, it noted, was “duly reflective of American values.’

The embassy also released the text of a letter Ambassador Jalil Abbas Jilani has sent to the Pakistani-American community, urging them to continue to work hard and honestly, as responsible citizens and residents of the United States.

Ambassador Jilani assured the Pakistani-American community of Embassy’s cooperation and assistance and also highlighted the ongoing collaboration between the two countries, which, he said, was reflective of mutual trust and respect.

The Embassy expressed hopes that the tremendously positive role of the Pakistani-American community and their services in the United States would be duly recognised.

“The Pakistani-American community joins the Embassy in condemning the horrific act and shares the grief and sorrow of the victims and their families,” Mr Jilani said.

“In this hour of grief the people of Pakistan, being worst victims of terrorism over the years, also offer their prayers and sympathise with the people of the United States and stand by them in their pain and suffering,” he said.

The ambassador hoped that the investigations would lead the authorities to bring the perpetrators of this act to justice.

Published in Dawn, December 10th, 2015