Friday, December 28, 2007
MPAC Condemns Bhutto Assassination
Salam/Peace:
December 27, 2007
Earlier today, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a suicide attack, after addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. MPAC condemns this and all acts of terrorism, and calls upon the Pakistani government to take all measures to halt the violence that has already occurred as a result of Bhutto's death. SEE: "Bhutto Assassinated in Attack on Rally" (New York Times, 12/27/07)
Bhutto's recent return from self-imposed exile was a symbol of the Pakistani people's aspirations for democratic reform. Coming just days after President Pervez Musharraf lifted a state of emergency, the attack is the latest blow to Pakistan's treacherous political situation. "The assassination of Ms. Bhutto - the first woman prime minister of a Muslim country - is a terrible blow to Muslims worldwide who seek democracy, freedom and peace. We hope the Pakistani government will identify and bring to justice those behind such a criminal act and restore tranquility to the country," said MPAC Communications Director Edina Lekovic. "We should all use this tragic moment as an opportunity to reflect upon how we can help eradicate the irrationality of violence and defy the culture of destruction."
It is not clear whether Bhutto died from wounds suffered from shrapnel or from gunshots fired at her moments before the bomb detonated. At least 22 other people died in the attack and several more were injured. As details surrounding Bhutto's assassination continue to unfold, it is evident that her death is the result of ideologically-based violence. The attack came just hours after four supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif died when members of another political party opened fire on them at a rally near the Islamabad airport Thursday. Several other members of Sharif's party were wounded. Protests erupted in other cities as news of the assassination spread with unconfirmed reports of several deaths in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Police warned citizens to stay home as they expected rioting to break out in city streets in reaction to the death. Questions have arisen about whether parliamentary elections scheduled for January 8 will take place as scheduled. The democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan -- who have turned out repeatedly in massive public demonstrations to call for free and open elections, freedom and security -- should not be hindered by the actions of murderous criminals. Pakistan has been identified as a strategic ally for the United States, but also serves as a rising model for democracy within the Muslim world.
In light of Bhutto's assassination, however, serious questions must be raised about the effectiveness of the current U.S. strategy to combat terrorism and whether its diligent efforts to promote democracies abroad have been successful in transforming attitudes and practices on the ground. To ensure that democracy and democratic principles become organic to countries that desire genuine social and political reformation, the United States and its allies must defend those leaders who are committed to transparent and responsive governance with its people and with its neighbors around the world.
http://www.mpac.org/article.php?id=579
December 27, 2007
Earlier today, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was assassinated in a suicide attack, after addressing an election rally in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. MPAC condemns this and all acts of terrorism, and calls upon the Pakistani government to take all measures to halt the violence that has already occurred as a result of Bhutto's death. SEE: "Bhutto Assassinated in Attack on Rally" (New York Times, 12/27/07)
Bhutto's recent return from self-imposed exile was a symbol of the Pakistani people's aspirations for democratic reform. Coming just days after President Pervez Musharraf lifted a state of emergency, the attack is the latest blow to Pakistan's treacherous political situation. "The assassination of Ms. Bhutto - the first woman prime minister of a Muslim country - is a terrible blow to Muslims worldwide who seek democracy, freedom and peace. We hope the Pakistani government will identify and bring to justice those behind such a criminal act and restore tranquility to the country," said MPAC Communications Director Edina Lekovic. "We should all use this tragic moment as an opportunity to reflect upon how we can help eradicate the irrationality of violence and defy the culture of destruction."
It is not clear whether Bhutto died from wounds suffered from shrapnel or from gunshots fired at her moments before the bomb detonated. At least 22 other people died in the attack and several more were injured. As details surrounding Bhutto's assassination continue to unfold, it is evident that her death is the result of ideologically-based violence. The attack came just hours after four supporters of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif died when members of another political party opened fire on them at a rally near the Islamabad airport Thursday. Several other members of Sharif's party were wounded. Protests erupted in other cities as news of the assassination spread with unconfirmed reports of several deaths in clashes between demonstrators and security forces. Police warned citizens to stay home as they expected rioting to break out in city streets in reaction to the death. Questions have arisen about whether parliamentary elections scheduled for January 8 will take place as scheduled. The democratic aspirations of the people of Pakistan -- who have turned out repeatedly in massive public demonstrations to call for free and open elections, freedom and security -- should not be hindered by the actions of murderous criminals. Pakistan has been identified as a strategic ally for the United States, but also serves as a rising model for democracy within the Muslim world.
In light of Bhutto's assassination, however, serious questions must be raised about the effectiveness of the current U.S. strategy to combat terrorism and whether its diligent efforts to promote democracies abroad have been successful in transforming attitudes and practices on the ground. To ensure that democracy and democratic principles become organic to countries that desire genuine social and political reformation, the United States and its allies must defend those leaders who are committed to transparent and responsive governance with its people and with its neighbors around the world.
http://www.mpac.org/article.php?id=579
CAIR Condemns Bhutto Assassination
Salam/Peace:
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/27/07) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazzir Bhutto, who was killed this morning in an attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. At least twenty other people died in the attack. SEE: Benazir Bhutto Assassinated (CNN) http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/12/27/pakistan.sharif/index.html
In a statement, CAIR said: "We condemn this cowardly terrorist act, and offer our condolences to the Bhutto family and the families of the others who were killed. “We stand in sympathy with the Pakistani people, who suffered a great loss when violence rather than a peaceful political process, decided the fate of former Prime Minister Bhutto. Political assassinations fly in the face of Islamic and universal principles. “In the heightened instability, Pakistani Americans fear for the safety of the people of Pakistan, and for family and friends living in or visiting the area. “We hope the Pakistani government will do everything to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice, and to restore security and order to prevent further bloodshed. We pray that the Pakistani people will maintain their commitment to a democratic, non-violent process.”
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 33 offices, chapters and affiliates nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails/tabid/165/ArticleId/24012/Default.aspx
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 12/27/07) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) today condemned the assassination of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazzir Bhutto, who was killed this morning in an attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan. At least twenty other people died in the attack. SEE: Benazir Bhutto Assassinated (CNN) http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/asiapcf/12/27/pakistan.sharif/index.html
In a statement, CAIR said: "We condemn this cowardly terrorist act, and offer our condolences to the Bhutto family and the families of the others who were killed. “We stand in sympathy with the Pakistani people, who suffered a great loss when violence rather than a peaceful political process, decided the fate of former Prime Minister Bhutto. Political assassinations fly in the face of Islamic and universal principles. “In the heightened instability, Pakistani Americans fear for the safety of the people of Pakistan, and for family and friends living in or visiting the area. “We hope the Pakistani government will do everything to investigate the attack and bring the perpetrators to justice, and to restore security and order to prevent further bloodshed. We pray that the Pakistani people will maintain their commitment to a democratic, non-violent process.”
CAIR, America's largest Muslim civil liberties group, has 33 offices, chapters and affiliates nationwide and in Canada. Its mission is to enhance the understanding of Islam, encourage dialogue, protect civil liberties, empower American Muslims, and build coalitions that promote justice and mutual understanding.
http://www.cair.com/ArticleDetails/tabid/165/ArticleId/24012/Default.aspx
COUNCIL OF ISLAMIC ORGANIZATIONS OF GREATER CHICAGO CONDEMNS ATTACK, OFFERS CONDOLENCES ON DEATH OF BENAZIR BHUTTO
Salam/Peace:
CHICAGO-The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago condemns the suicide attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan earlier today that killed Benazir Bhutto and others, and offers its sincere condolences to their families.
The Council also prays for God’s mercy on all those affected and the people of Pakistan.
“She was the first woman Prime Minister of any Muslim nation,” remarked Council Chairman Abdul Malik Mujahid about Bhutto. “After her, three other large Muslim nations also elected women as their top leaders.” Mujahid was referring to Indonesia, Bangladesh and Turkey.
The Council hopes and prays that Pakistanis will gain strength in the face of this tragedy by seeking healing, peace and reconciliation over retaliation.
The Council is the main federated body representing the cross-section of over 400,000 Muslim Americans in the Greater Chicago area.
http://www.ciogc.org/pages/Announcements/3438/pageDetailPB.html
CHICAGO-The Council of Islamic Organizations of Greater Chicago condemns the suicide attack in Rawalpindi, Pakistan earlier today that killed Benazir Bhutto and others, and offers its sincere condolences to their families.
The Council also prays for God’s mercy on all those affected and the people of Pakistan.
“She was the first woman Prime Minister of any Muslim nation,” remarked Council Chairman Abdul Malik Mujahid about Bhutto. “After her, three other large Muslim nations also elected women as their top leaders.” Mujahid was referring to Indonesia, Bangladesh and Turkey.
The Council hopes and prays that Pakistanis will gain strength in the face of this tragedy by seeking healing, peace and reconciliation over retaliation.
The Council is the main federated body representing the cross-section of over 400,000 Muslim Americans in the Greater Chicago area.
http://www.ciogc.org/pages/Announcements/3438/pageDetailPB.html
Islamic Society of North America condemns murder of Benazir Bhutto
Salam/Peace:
The Islamic Society of North America condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto who was killed along with numerous supporters in Rawalpindi today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. "To God we belong and to Him we return" (Qur'an 2:156). We offer condolences and sympathies to the families of Mrs. Bhutto and others killed and injured by this murderous attack. May God have mercy upon the souls of the deceased and give comfort to their families and friends.The people of Pakistan deserve to live in a country free of violence, vigilante action, instability and insecurity. The vast majority of Pakistanis reject the message and methods of militant extremists; indeed, they are the primary victims of their violence and criminality. Such extremists will only be fully marginalized and disempowered if those who hold political office in Pakistan scrupulously uphold the rule of law, respect the human and civil rights of the people and act in their interests along the pathway of democracy. We urge the government of the United States in all its dealings with Pakistan to consider paramount the aspirations of the Pakistani people for a dignified life in a stable and democratic country.We commiserate with our Pakistani-American community in this hour of distress. ISNA is committed to working with their leadership and organizations to address concerns about US-Pakistan relations and to work for peace, stability and democracy in Pakistan.
http://www.isna.com/articles/Press-Releases/BHUTTO-ASSASSINATION.aspx
The Islamic Society of North America condemns in the strongest terms the assassination of Former Pakistan Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto who was killed along with numerous supporters in Rawalpindi today. Inna lillahi wa inna ilayhi raji'un. "To God we belong and to Him we return" (Qur'an 2:156). We offer condolences and sympathies to the families of Mrs. Bhutto and others killed and injured by this murderous attack. May God have mercy upon the souls of the deceased and give comfort to their families and friends.The people of Pakistan deserve to live in a country free of violence, vigilante action, instability and insecurity. The vast majority of Pakistanis reject the message and methods of militant extremists; indeed, they are the primary victims of their violence and criminality. Such extremists will only be fully marginalized and disempowered if those who hold political office in Pakistan scrupulously uphold the rule of law, respect the human and civil rights of the people and act in their interests along the pathway of democracy. We urge the government of the United States in all its dealings with Pakistan to consider paramount the aspirations of the Pakistani people for a dignified life in a stable and democratic country.We commiserate with our Pakistani-American community in this hour of distress. ISNA is committed to working with their leadership and organizations to address concerns about US-Pakistan relations and to work for peace, stability and democracy in Pakistan.
http://www.isna.com/articles/Press-Releases/BHUTTO-ASSASSINATION.aspx
