PRESS RELEASE

Washington D.C.

July 04, 2007

PAL-C Urges Restraint and Reconciliation in Lal Masjid Crisis

Washington, D.C.: The Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C) strongly condemns the recent violence between Pakistani security personnel and the Lal Masjid students of Jamia Hafsa and Jamia Fareedia madaris.

On Tuesday July 3rd, Lal Masjid students provoked the Pakistani government by attacking a government building and by taking police officers hostage. After receiving authorization by President Musharraf, the government launched a security operation to re-establish the writ of the state on Lal Masjid and to free the hostages. So far, sixteen lives have been lost due to the ensuing violence, including a businessman, a journalist and innocent bystanders. So far, at least 700 students of the Lal Masjid have surrendered while an estimated 1,000 more are still holed up inside the mosque. The students that have surrendered are being granted full amnesty by the government of Pakistan and will be returned to their homes.

PAL-C, on behalf of the Pakistani American community, extends its condolences and deepest sympathies to the victims, their families and friends.  At the same time, PAL-C urges all parties to show restraint and to reconcile their differences in a non-violent manner. We believe that Pakistan's image as a progressive and enlightened country is being tarnished due to use of force by both sides.

The Pakistani American Leadership Center (PAL-C) is the only professional Pakistani-American advocacy organization that is located on Capitol Hill. It launched the Congressional Pakistan Caucus in May 2004 and works to raise awareness about Pakistani-American interests in Washington policy circles. Our activities include managing the Congressional Pakistan Caucus, liaisoning Pakistani officials and the community with Members of Congress, and mobilizing all Pakistani-Americans at the grassroots level. If you wish to learn more about PAL-C, please visit our website www.pal-c.org or email us at info@pal-c.org.

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