CALIFORNIA, USA ( PR) The Pakistani American Congress strongly condemns terror strikes in Mumbai. Pakistan herself is a victim of similar circumstances and should not be held responsible for the action of such miscreants. This was stated by Dr. Khawaja Ashraf, President of Pakistani American Congress.
Dr. Khawaja said so far there is no conclusive evidence showing any complicity of the government of Pakistan in this incidence. He said that the attacks probably were the acts of external forces who do not want good relationship between India and Pakistan. He urged both governments to cooperate in the investigation of this crime and take appropriate action based on facts not on emotions. He said the crisis in India and Pakistan should be used to fortify the peace process initiated in 1999 during Nawaz Sharif government. The progress made during the previous regime should be augmented with new initiatives to devise a solution in our common interests. Pakistani reaction to this incidence was laudable, he said. We ask a similar response from India. He said both governments should think seriously to revive the peace process and ensure that such crises do not recur.
Dr. Khawaja urged the US government to play a positive role during these crises. Instead of unilateral pressure on Pakistan, USA should act as a neutral broker not only to defuse this issue but also to resolve other long standing problems which are the root cause of such acts. He requested all members of PAC to play their constructive role during this critical time by contacting their respective elected officials to explain the cause of this problem and the positive role the government of Pakistan has played after the Mumbai incidence.
Dr. Khawaja said violation of international boundaries by the armed forces of any country could lead to serious consequences. He urged the leadership of both countries to use utmost restraint to maintain peace and tranquility in the region. He said both countries should share intelligence to investigate the root cause of this terrorism and come up with ways to avoid such acts. He said Pakistan is committed to the pursuit, arrest, trial and punishment of anyone involved in these heinous attacks. India should do the same. They must work together for the betterment of their masses.