An Unprecedented Jewish/Muslim Dialogue Their Deaths Were Too Horrifying

P2 JUNE 15,Community 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK LinkOPINION/LETTERS VOL. 17/24 Friday, June 15, 2007 29 Jumadal-ula 1428H PAGE 27 PAGE 55 PAGE 42 Sheriff Baca State Bank Governor CJ Opens His For news, updated round Meets Pakistan on Investment Heart to the clock, visit Advisory Council Opportunities Angels www.PakistanLink.com

memory of what happened to their children when the events involving An Unprecedented Jewish/Muslim Dialogue their deaths were too horrifying. Mas- sive psychic trauma lacks a beginning, n By Nancy R. Goodman, PhD knowledge of trauma from psycho- scholars have the tenacity to know, beautifully with the topic of Fear and middle and end. It weaves its way into and Batya Monder, MSW, BCD analytic study of Holocaust survivors study, and teach about ruptures of Trauma. Each commentary included the memories of several generations and the contemporary conflicts be- soul and culture. They are each dedi- exquisitely sensitive work with trau- as is internalized by the children of An unprecedented Jewish/Muslim tween Islam and the West. cated to creating ways to hear about matized patients. those who were victims. Many sur- dialogue took place on May 5, 2007 Dr. Nancy Goodman, the mod- the unspeakable and to facilitate cre- Dr. Dori Laub presented a pa- vivors were unable to speak because at a conference on Fear and Trauma: erator of the program, opened the ation of narrative as individuals and per on “Knowing the Unknowable of of their inner speechlessness, having Ruptured Souls; Ruptured Cultures. conference with comments about groups learn to listen to each other. the Holocaust”. He spoke eloquently split off their traumatic experiences Two speakers, one Jewish the other the importance of hearing from two Psychoanalytic commentar- about the place of testimony as an both emotionally and cognitively. Dr. Muslim, were addressing the large scholars who have been courageous ies further enriched understanding alternative to dramatic fragmenta- Laub noted that a good object is es- subject of Fear and Trauma from the witnesses to the truths of unspeakable sential for survival. Survivors don’t perspective of their own backgrounds traumas: the destruction of the Nazi know what they know till they give and their very meaningful contribu- era and the terror facing us today in testimony. Dr. Laub spoke of the ur- tions to the understanding of these the contemporary conflicts within the gency he experienced to co-found the profoundly disturbing subjects. world of Islam and between Islam and Holocaust Video Archives Project at A psychoanalyst and scholar of the West. Yale University in 1979 as a living me- the Holocaust, Dori Laub, MD and a Dr. Dori Laub and Dr. Akbar morial for testimonies of survivors. scholar of contemporary Islam, Akbar Ahmed created a double narrative as Dr. Akbar Ahmed presented a Ahmed, PhD presented papers and they spoke from extensive knowledge paper on “Creating Dialogue when entered into dialogue inviting partici- of their fields of interest and from their Cultures Rupture”. Akbar Ahmed be- pation from an esteemed audience of personal experiences as children. gan his talk by noting the uniqueness psychoanalysts, mental health pro- of the Holocaust which has no parallel fessionals, academics, and leaders of Dr. Laub, a child survivor of the in the Muslim world and the impor- organizations interested in Islam and Holocaust, spent the better part of his tance of a Jewish-Muslim dialogue. He the Holocaust. professional life working with vic- stressed the need for a narrative about The conference on Fear and tims of massive trauma and writing Muslim history and the urgency for Trauma allowed for the suffering of about therapeutic work with severe the West to understand what is hap- n Dr. Akbar Ahmed (second from right) and participants in the dialogue the Holocaust and the suffering in the trauma. Dr. Ahmed, a child on one of pening in Muslim society. The enor- world of Islam to be discussed togeth- the trains during the mayhem of the of how narratives and dialogues de- tion. Only in the creation of testi- mity of unrest was underscored by his er for the first time. Pakistani partition, and holder of the velop out of terrifying experience mony could the knowing take place. remarking that of all the refugees in The New York Freudian Soci- Ibn Khaldum Chair of Islamic Studies and were presented by Paula Ellman, “Testimony,” said Dr. Laub, “can only the world today, 80% are Muslims. He ety, Washington, DC Program and at the School of International Service PhD, Arlene Kramer Richards, EdD emerge in the presence of a passionate went on to say that in Iraq alone four the School of International Service of at American University, is a prolific and Robert Rovner, PhD. The three listener.” million refugees have been created by American University in Washington, writer on the world of Islam and a clinical papers focused on otherness He presented examples of the our involvement there. DC collaborated in bringing together creator of interfaith dialogue. Both in one form or another and meshed incapacity of mothers to have any n DIALOGUE, P28 First Muslim to Command an Aviation Squadron in US Navy

n By Lt. Nathan Christensen ployed to the US 5th Fleet area of operations pilot,” he said. “There is a Naval Aviation Mu- (AOO). seum poster with a little boy holding a toy air- Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar F. Khan relieved “I am absolutely thrilled and honored to plane and looking up at the sky. That little boy Cmdr. Timothy Langdon as Commanding Of- be placed in that position of stewardship,” said was me.” ficer of Sea Control Squadron (VS) 31 during a Khan. “It’s an honor and a tremendous feel- Some 40 years later, Khan does not just ceremony held at sea aboard USS John C. Sten- ing.” have ambitions to be a jet pilot; he is one. Not nis (CVN 74) May 13. Khan is the first Muslim As a child in Pakistan, Khan grew up only does Khan fly jet airplanes almost daily to take command of an operational aviation around aviation. His father served in the Paki- near his native Pakistan, but also, he now com- squadron in the US Navy. The “Topcats” of VS- stani Air Force for 21 years and then flew com- mands an aviation squadron responsible for six 31 are assigned to Carrier Air Wing (CVW) 9, mercial airplanes for 24 years. “As far back as aircraft and over 200 personnel. n Cmdr. Muhammad Muzzafar F. Khan embarked aboard Stennis, and currently de- I can remember, I’ve always wanted to be a n FIRST MUSLIM, P28

of Pakistan from falling victim to the Faakhir Joins Battle against machinations of the tobacco industry. “Music is a driver of emotions, and it Smoking in Pakistan works if you strike the right chord”, Faakhir said, before he announced that he will release a song called ‘JIAY n Pakistan Link Report Speaking on the occasion, the JA’ to initiate a campaign against Federal Heath Minister said a role smoking and drugs and also create In a high-profile event to mark the model like Faakhir had the ability to awareness about healthy lifestyle! World No Tobacco Day in Islamabad inspire youth to lead a healthy life- It was also announced during recently, leading pop artist Faakhir style. He said it was his firm belief the event that the Ministry of Health was appointed Ambassador for To- that Faakhir being a well-known ce- is clamping stricter restrictions on bacco Control in Pakistan . An MoU lebrity would be highly successful in tobacco advertisement in Pakistan was signed in this regard between the dissuading our youth from tobacco as part of a renewed initiative to se- Federal Minister for Health, Moham- use. cure 100 percent smoke-free envi- mad Nasir Khan and Faakhir. The Faakhir in his remarks said he ronments. The Ministry will also dis- World Health Organization chief in was convinced that he could play a n Federal Minister for Health, Mohammad Nasir Khan with Faakhir after the courage the setting up of designated Pakistan was also present. positive role in preventing the youth signing of the MoU smoking areas. www.PakistanLink.com COMMUNITY P20 JUNE 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK n Pakistan Link Report ister Shaukat Aziz are admittedly Pakistan in Washington, concurred aware of Link’s role in furnishing Pak- with the New America Media report: istan’s perspective on various issues to “It is in my knowledge that the edito- Newport Beach, CA: In 1991, an policymakers in Washington. rials and the news analysis published enterprising family named Rehman Like the Rehmans, Qureshey re- in Pakistan Link are accorded serious saw the pressing need in the growing lied on his family for the day-to-day consideration at the policy levels of Pakistani community for a newspa- management of the paper. Safi ’s broth- the USA Administration. Th e weekly per of its own that would connect not er, Wasi Qureshey, as President and is known for its pro-Pakistan stance only the two countries, but Pakistanis Managing Editor of Pakistan Link, and the community owns it with across America as well. Faiz Rehman worked with great energy and zeal to pride because the end product is quite became the editor of the fl edgling introduce all-round improvements, impressive as compared to the other Pakistan Link with the enthusiastic and his eff orts were richly rewarded as similar publications of the commu- support of his father, the noted Urdu Pakistan Link and Urdu Link became nity”. poet Abdul Rehman Siddiqi. buzz names in the community. Th e task of launching the news- Indisputably, it was Wasi’s vast A Man with Goals

n The Mansuris in the Badshahi Mosque, Lahore (March 2007) Newport Beach, CA: Well-known have a direct focus on the main- industrialist and community activist stream American community and its Arif Zaff ar Mansuri has acquired PL policymakers, think tanks and inter- Publications, LLC, the publisher of faith groups. Pakistan Link is among Pakistan Link. He assumed the offi ce those who have traditionally served of President and Managing Editor on this crucial role, and it is my dream Faiz Rehman Abdul Rehman Siddiqui Saﬁ Qureshey Wasi Qureshey May 14, 2007. to have it serve as an even stronger An active member of several link in the future between the Paki- paper was daunting, but the Pakistani-American and mainstream stani-American community and the family showed extraordinary zeal in experience in the Army, SUPARCO American associations, Mansuri en- mainstream American community.” surmounting start-up obstacles and and computer organizations like Au- May 14, 2007 marked the begin- joys immense popularity in the com- Mansuri urges the community the paper began to fl ourish. dioramp which helped in establishing ning of a new chapter in the history of munity. He has been instrumental in to support Pakistan Link by submit- Under the leadership of the a base in Pakistan, automating the Pakistan Link with Arif Mansuri as- organizing many community events ting feature articles, opinion pieces Editor-in-Chief, Faiz Rehman and publication, and reducing the un- suming charge of President and Man- and fundraisers and is highly regard- and poetry, taking subscriptions the strong support of his father and necessary overheads which enabled it aging Editor of the paper. He comes ed for his patronage of learning and and placing advertisements. He also brothers, the paper began to serve as to survive through the recession and with a sound academic background scholarship. warmly welcomes suggestions, cri- a forum for the Pakistan-American post-9/11 period. - two Masters degrees from American Mansuri regards Pakistan Link tiques and letters to the editor. community. Subscribers multiplied, Due to Wasi’s sustained strivings universities and many professional at- as a national heritage that he has pages went up and the readership and the painstaking eff orts of his de- tainments to his credit. His priorities come to share, not own, with fellow n MANSURI FROM P1 soared. voted lieutenants - the late Riaz Ansa- and goals are well-defi ned. Th e mis- Pakistanis. “I am thankful to God Prominent community mem- ri, a truly lovable person who despite sion of the paper, clearly spelled out that He has given me the opportu- bers have welcomed Mansuri’s tak- n LINK FROM P1 failing health put his heart in the chal- by him, is to: nity to serve my dear country, Paki- ing over of Pakistan Link and have Blissfully, the community had lenging task, and Mahboob Akhtar, et  Promote the positive image stan, and the Pakistanis residing in greeted him with many congratula- found an eff ective platform to air its al. - there were vivid indications of of Pakistan in North America. North America. I feel honored to be tory messages. Literary circles, too, views on, fi rst and foremost, politics. the growing infl uence of the paper.  Infl uence the policy and the current caretaker of this precious have expressed optimism that Link’s Among other things, one of Rehman’s Th e University of California, Berke- policymakers at all levels of the gov- heritage. already well-respected literary stand- motivating factors in founding the pa- ley, decided to microfi lm the issues of ernments of the United States and “I admire the Pakistani-Ameri- ing will reach even higher levels; for per was to draw more attention to the Link, and the national airline of Paki- Pakistan, for strengthening the Paki- can media, including the many news- years, Mansuri has been associated role that Pakistani troops had played stan, PIA, carried copies of the paper stan-US ties and betterment of Paki- papers, magazines, radio, TV and the with the Urdu Writers Society and in the fi rst Gulf War. on its trans-Atlantic fl ights. Th e num- stanis all around the globe. Internet. However, very few of these has fi gured prominently in other lit- Urdu poetry and literature has ber of contributors multiplied and  Deliver news and infor- long been a vibrant part of the Paki- the website registered record traffi c mation of interest to the Pakistani- stani cultural scene and it became a as think tanks, policymakers and in- American community, eff ectively and Pakistan Link’s New Look & popular feature of the paper. In addi- terfaith groups began to increasingly effi ciently, using the print and Inter- tion to Pakistan Link in English, Urdu peruse the contents of Link. net- based newspaper. Link came to serve as a great stimulant Meanwhile, Urdu Link, under  Link the Pakistani-Ameri- the Man Behind It for the promotion of Urdu in North the stewardship of Shabbir Ghori, can community by providing a plat- America. With Abdul Rehman Sid- also gained immense popularity. form to discuss issues that impact Th isissue of Pakistan Link has a new eter fame. diqi as the Editor, Urdu Link gained Ghori’s background as a journalist their every- masthead and a layout that conforms In addition to various publica- immense support and popularity and his enterprise and industry, along day life in the to the latest graphic techniques. Fa- tions, Imam headed the graphics and among the literary circles in North with his role in facilitating the transi- US. Also to mous designer and graphic artist, arts departments of several advertis- America, Pakistan and India. tion from solely a literary to a popular forge links Arif Imam, designed the masthead ing fi rms in Pakistan such as Sachi & newspaper, did not go unnoticed. His between the and the layout. Sachi and Ogilvy & Mather. He also Enter the IT Star eff orts were duly applauded by the Pa k i s t a n i - Mr. Imam was commissioned by designed the advertisement and pro- growing readership. A m e r i c a n the new management to improve the motional campaigns of major inter- It was a measure of the penetra- community look of the newspaper and to intro- national brands such as Nestle, Pepsi, tion of Pakistan Link across the nation Link’s Inﬂ uence Grows and the host duce the latest layout style and graph- Brooke Bond and the City Bank. that only nine years later, the paper at- community. ics. Th e task turned out Imam is an excel- tracted the notice of none other than A report of the ‘New America Mansuri also plans to create a to be truly daunting as lent poet and is known Safi Qureshey, the well-known and Media’, the largest national collabo- nationwide directory of Pakistani- the amount of time at the in literary circles as one extremely successful IT entrepreneur ration of ethnic news organizations, American businesses and individu- disposal of the artist was of the best poets in North who founded AST. Under the chair- has testifi ed to this welcome trend: als to bring the community together too short. Imam however America. manship of Safi Qureshey, AST had “Pakistani Americans aren’t the only through the widely accessed website lived up to his reputation Says Imam, “Work- become a Fortune 500 company with ones who read Pakistan Link. It also of Pakistan Link. and imparted a well-bal- ing on the Pakistan Link over 6,000 employees in more than attracts university professors, lead- Under Mansuri’s stewardship, anced modern and unique design was one of my 100 countries and annual revenues in ing experts on Pakistan and South- Pakistan Link is poised to break new look to the paper. most challenging assign- excess of $2.6 billion. Th e IT celebrity, east Asia and young people. (Editor ground and to be a greater source of Imam has played an important ments. Creating the design that takes who was once described by Newsweek Akhtar) Faruqui...says he runs into strength for the community. role in the design and layout of sev- many months in less than four weeks magazine as the Pakistani giving a run professors from UCLA and once, eral newspapers and publications. He was quite an uphill task. I am however to Microsoft , added many pluses to even the Los Angeles County Police Faruqui Continues as Editor was a key member of the team that pleased that the fi nal outcome is of in- the paper, including fi nancial stability. Chief, who say they enjoy and admire launched Th e News International, ternational standards. Pakistan Link A full-fl edged offi ce was established his paper. ‘Th ese are heartwarming Akhtar Mahmud Faruqui, Edi- Jung Group’s leading English news- is a prestigious and premier newspa- in Karachi, Pakistan, which resulted things for an editor to hear’, says Fa- tor of Pakistan Link, will continue to paper. He was also responsible for per of the Pakistani-American com- in further content improvement of ruqui. ‘I am sometimes surprised at edit the newspaper aft er the change in the design and layout of the popular munity. My desire was to produce a the paper. the response. People all over the US ownership. business daily, the Financial Post. design which is truly representative of Qureshey’s already-established, read us avidly’. Th is is proven, not only Before joining Pakistan Link, Among the various magazines that he our great community”. high-profi le success in the IT world by the geographical diversity of their Faruqui served as Assistant Editor of has designed are ‘Politics and Busi- We hope that you too would like was also instrumental in introduc- subscribers, but the many letters they Dawn, a leading Pakistani daily news- ness’ published by Altaf Gohar, ‘TV this new look of the paper! Please ing the paper to the higher echelons receive from all over the country”. paper based in Karachi, and earlier, Times’ and ‘Women’s Own’ published favor us with your comments at Edi- of Washington and Islamabad. Both More recently, Akram Shaheedi, as Principal Public Relations Offi cer by Riaz Ahmed Mansuri of the Crick- [email protected] President Musharraf and Prime Min- Minister (Press) at the Embassy of of Pakistan Atomic Energy Commis- www.PakistanLink.com

sion. Faruqui has contributed papers to UNESCO and IAEA publications and has rendered editorial services to the UN International Center for Th eoretical Physics founded by Nobel Laureate Professor Abdus Salam in P21 JUNE 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK ENTERTAINMENT Miss Asia USA 2007 Fashion Show n Pakistan Link Report Miss Asia USA 2007 fashion show was organized at the Hollywood Celebrity Center on June 3, 2007. AThe show displayed the rich ethnic diversity of 58 countries that are considered part of the Asian continent. Thirty-five participants dressed up el- egantly demonstrated the beauty and culture of the area. Miss Ayesha Khan represented Pakistan. The show was presented by Virgelia Produc- tions. Around 400 people attended the show. Pres- ent among the audience were Miss Asia USA 2007, Miss Asia USA 2006, and Miss Asia USA 2005. All proceeds from the event were donated to CHF International and Cure Autism.

n Pictures by Naushad Sarwar www.PakistanLink.com sion. Faruqui has contributed papers to UNESCO and IAEA publications and has rendered editorial services to the UN International Center for Theoretical Physics founded by Nobel Laureate Professor Abdus Salam in COMMUNITY P24 JUNE 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK A Look Back at OPEN as Forum 2007 Tests Exuberance

n By Ras H. Siddiqui

“OPEN Forum 2007: Rational Exuberance,” on June 16, 2007 brings the Organization of Paki- stani Entrepreneurs of North America (OPEN) - Silicon Valley chapter to another important milestone since its inaugural event. Pakistan Link has been covering this organization since Tuesday, November 13, 2001 with a report from the Crowne Plaza Cabana Hotel in Palo Alto, where the topic of discussion and the focus (so eloquently opened and closed by the first OPEN-SV President Asim Abdullah) was “Entrepreneurship in the Post Dotcom Era”. Moderated by Arif Janjua, the presentation by a panel of experts, Ammar Hannafi, Asad Jamal, Faysal Sohail and Zia Chisti was enlightening. We had concluded in reporting on that event that the only challenge left now is to ensure the n Hatim Tyabji’s keynote address at OPEN 2004 n President Musharraf via Teleconference at OPEN 2006 n Dr Ishrat Husain addresses OPEN 2005 continuity of this momentum. It now appears that OPEN Silicon Valley has certainly met that goal. OPEN Forum 2007 is the fourth annual conference which will be held at the SAP Cam- pus in Palo Alto on June 16. The first forum proved to be very significant. Over the years since 2004 when Idris Kothari, then President of OPEN, introduced former California Gover- nor Jerry Brown at afternoon and closed the forum behind the amazing keynote of Mr Hatim Tyabji (who said, “If somebody tells you that it can’t be done, prove them wrong”) this organization has continued to gain in stature. In 2005, Zia Yusuf, then President of OPEN, kicked off the day with quotes from Dwight Eisenhower, George S. Patton and even Napoleon Bonaparte whose “A leaders is a deal- er in hope” attracted much attention. OPEN Forum 2005 focused on “The Art of Leadership” as a number of true lead- n Pak Minister Awais Leghari: Keynote Speaker at OPEN 05 n OPEN Forum 2005 ers gathered there from the world of business, high-technology and sports. The number of women in attendance still may have been small but their contribution grew to be significant enough to be mentioned here. With over five keynote speeches, two panels, a fireside chat and four workshops, plus other sessions, along with tea and lunch, the day gave everyone an ample opportunity to network and to learn the ropes about setting up businesses that can at- tract the attention of Venture Capitalists (VC’s) and/or Angel Investors willing to back innovation and ideas. And to top it all, as one added the presence of Pakistani cricket legend, Imran Khan to this mix, the day attracted its share of local, national and even worldwide attention (CNN was there). Open Forum 2006 focused on “The Rising Tide” of optimism in Silicon Valley and was ad- dressed by General Pervez Musharraf via teleconference. Also addressing the gathering were Dr Ishrat Husain, the former Governor of the State Bank of Pakistan, and Asad Jamal, founder and Chairman of ePlanet Ventures). Talks by President Musharraf and Dr. Ishrat Husain did reflect the rising optimism of some people in Pakistan and even here in California’s Silicon n Attendees at OPEN Forum 2004 Valley, where the “Rising Tide” could possibly have been just a stir. But we concluded with the hope that at least the tsunami years were behind us. It is with this short historical look back that Pakistan Link welcomes OPEN Forum 2007 and shares in its “Rational Exuberance” theme. This newspaper has remained a part of the Pakistani-American community for over 15 years and continues to support Boston origin OPEN whose chapter here on the West Coast is inspiring community members to become business and technology leaders. (OPEN-Silicon Valley promotes entrepreneurship within the Pakistani-American community by providing guidance, mentoring, and networking opportunities to its members in or- der to facilitate their success.) n Imran Khan at OPEN Forum 2005 n Monis Rahman, Babar Ahmed and Hina Chaudhry at OPEN 05 www.PakistanLink.com COMMUNITYP2 JUNE 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK OPINION/LETTERSP26 JUNE 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK OPEN Silicon Valley: An Organization on the March n By Zunaira Durrani and Open Silicon Valley was formed strength from voluntary participa- All I can say is that OPEN’s po- speak for the first time at the OPEN in June 2001. tion. Certainly, looking at the last six tential pales its achievements, and it Forum. Since then, the dialogue has In 1998, six Pakistani entrepreneurs Q: Does OPEN work with other years, how much or how little OPEN is this potential that drives us all. The been maintained. in Boston found themselves in con- organizations targeting Pakistani- has achieved depends on your per- great thing about potential is you will In terms of presence in Pakistan, versation about their daytime pur- American working professionals? spective. It has achieved a sense of sta- never succeed in achieving it, but we have started to think of OPEN as suits frequently. Linking the Paki- Umair: Our focus is the Paki- bility and regularity, which is difficult you will achieve far more than what’s standing for Organization of Paki- stani professional community in the stani Entrepreneurs, and not just for United States with the entrepreneur- Entrepreneurs in North America. ial environment around the group be- We will be opening foreign chapters came an ambition. Following twelve starting with one in Dubai. Likewise, months of informal meetings, the we are talking to people in Pakistan. group of six founded the Organiza- TiE Pakistan exists and it is a very tion of Pakistani Entrepreneurs of good organization. We are working North America, or OPEN. with the right people in Pakistan to From Boston, OPEN went coast put together a bridge between Silicon to coast as the ambition snowballed Valley Pakistanis and US Pakistanis. into a full-fledged organization with The business community in a charter. Volunteers, who to this date Pakistan is aware of OPEN and it are the pulse of OPEN, enrolled and makes sense for OPEN to have an of- encouraged likeminded colleagues fice there. Whether it’s a liaison office to get onboard. OPEN found itself or a full-fledged chapter, that remains filling a void for bright young Paki- to be seen. stani minds in business, technology, Q: Who are the hot shots to telecom and other sectors vying for a watch out for at the upcoming OPEN piece of the entrepreneurial action. Forum? With chapters in Houston, New Umair: We have an eclectic England, New York, Washington lineup. One of the big attractions is DC, and Silicon Valley, OPEN will Syed Babar Ali, the founder of LUMS be heading East with a new addition: who is extremely well respected in Dubai. OPEN is working with insti- n OPEN Silicon Valley chapter members and volunteers enjoy working and playing cricket together. Picture taken at a recent match held in the Pakistani business and educa- tutions locally and globally to offer Gilroy tion circles. Then Sophia Qureshi of Pakistanis a path to innovation and stani American business commu- to achieve in a decade of existence. possible. That’s true of me or you as Al Jazeera is one to watch, as part of success. A recent $50,000 contribu- nity, particularly the entrepreneurs Some of the highlights are events like a person, that’s true of OPEN as an a theme on alternative paths to suc- tion to the MIT Entrepreneurship and would-be entrepreneurs within the OPEN Forum which have gained organization, and of Pakistan as a cess. We also have Monis Rahman Center has brought it one strategic that community. The broader com- in stature. country. who created Naseeb Networks. He step closer to forging lifetime ties and munity benefits and the Pakistanis I see the strategic initiative we Q: What is the nature of OPEN’s is a fantastic story of a Silicon Val- knowledge exchange between Paki- back home benefit in the broader have launched with the MIT Entre- relationship with the government ley resident repatriating to Pakistan stan and the US. perspective. But the focus has been preneurship Center as a major mile- and the business sector in Pakistan? and then creating this whole world On June 16, 2007, OPEN Sili- narrow compared to other Pakistani- stone in OPEN growing up. OPEN Umair: OPEN is apolitical and online. Another one is a Pakistani con Valley will hold its fourth annual American organizations. We work has sponsored the MIT Entrepre- a secular professional organization. named Khalid Saiduddin who is a Forum in Palo Alto, CA. Here, Sili- with several other groups for instance neurship Center by giving $50,000 The relationship with the Pakistani runner up to the 100K MIT business con Valley chapter president Umair IOPWE which is focused on women. and becoming a lifetime sponsor. In government is an open dialogue on plan competition -- the first time Khan talks about the opportunities Their demographic is part and parcel this way, we are engaging the Cen- all issues of business and commerce. for a Pakistani to reach that high up in store. of our demographic. Then there are ter within the Sloan School to work So whenever there is an opportu- in the competition. His company Q: How did OPEN Silicon Val- other organizations that are working towards improving entrepreneurs nity to engage the government on is called SaafWater, a social entre- ley evolve? for the betterment of the Pakistani within the Pakistani-American com- business-related matters whether its preneurship project addressing the Umair: Back in early 2001, the community and Pakistan. We, true munity and within Pakistan. As a through our events, annual forum or number one need of Pakistan ful- journey for OPEN Silicon Valley be- to our name, are open to partnering direct result of that, the Head of the in private meetings, OPEN charter filled by this young student. He will gan when friends from Boston and with people and organizations that Entrepreneurship Department at membership takes the opportunity be part of this entrepreneurial idol MIT approached Salman Akhtar and want well for the Pakistani commu- MIT has traveled to Pakistan twice to hear what the government has to with two other companies pitching me about OPEN. They were narrating nity. to have day-long workshops on en- say and the government in turn lis- to VCs who, like Simon Cowell, will their positive experience, saying that Q: What are the opportunity ar- trepreneurship, venture capital, CEO tens to what we have to say to them. shred them to pieces (humanely, of they needed East Coast to West Coast eas OPEN is eyeing in the future? summits -- all of that in Karachi. This And that dialogue has always been course) and we’ll see who survives. transference and presence. We got Umair: The interesting thing is the first time that an MIT professor positive starting in 2004 when we No entrepreneurs will be harmed in together a group of charter members is that OPEN continues to draw its is teaching there. had Minister of IT Awais Leghari the process! n DIALOGUE FROM P19 n FIRST MUSLIM FROM P 19 Khan’s younger brother even fol- in Islam.” freedoms that I enjoy in the United We lament the approximately 3000 Khan came to the United States lowed his example joining the navy as Khan is flying missions over Af- States.” American deaths but do not regis- from Pakistan in 1981 to live with his a P-3 pilot, and is currently stationed ghanistan as part of CVW-9 to bring Khan said that while flying mis- ter the far greater number of Iraqi aunt in Texas. His goal was to learn in Whidbey Island, Wash. stability and security to the region and sions over Afghanistan from Sten- fatalities, estimated by the British to to fly, as well as earn a degree from In 2004, Khan was selected to help defeat the Taliban who incite ex- nis, he flies over Pakistan and catches be 655,000 and by the Iraqis to be 1.5 North Texas State. Although Khan enter the command-at-sea pipeline tremism. CVW-9, assigned to the USS a glimpse of his native country. “It is million. said life was good in Pakistan, he and became VS-31’s executive officer John C. Stennis Carrier Strike Group, awesome to look down to be able to Akbar Ahmed provided more made the decision to stay here in the shortly thereafter. Khan was compet- entered the US 5th Fleet area of opera- see Pakistan knowing I lived 18 years details about his own history. In 1947 United States during college and being for one of two spots against 32 tions (AOO) Feb.19 to conduct Mari- of my life there.” there was madness in North India. come an American citizen, a decision candidates, he said. “The fact that I time Security Operations (MSO) in After 20 successful years in the With the creation of Pakistan, 15 mil- he does not regret. “I am 100 percent was selected for command after Sept. regional waters, as well as to provide Navy, today marks the pinnacle of his lion people were displaced and two American. I bleed red, white and 11 is a good indication that the Navy support for the International Security career as he assumes command at sea. million people died. Hindus went to blue,” said Khan. is an equal opportunity organization Assistance Force (ISAF) troops on the However, Khan has no intention of re- India and Muslims to Pakistan. The He not only remained in the and that we don’t discriminate on race, ground there participating in Opera- tiring anytime soon. intense intimacy of these peoples was United States and became an Ameri- religion or color,” said Khan. While tion Enduring Freedom (OEF). “I have completed 20 years and I converted into violence overnight. can citizen, but decided to become a many Americans may not have known “As far as the mission is concerned, absolutely love the Navy. I’m still hav- He also spoke about the rising tide naval aviator Khan’s decision, howev- much about Islam prior to Sept. 11, I hope and wish the same things I wish ing a lot of fun and I don’t see myself of Anti-Semitism and the mistaken er, did not please everyone in his fam- the terrorist attacks in New York City for my fellow Americans; I hope there’s getting out anytime soon,” he said. “I belief throughout the Muslim world ily at first, he said. “My father initially changed that completely. peace, I hope there’s stability, I hope for love it, I enjoy it and I feel extremely that Israel is behind 9/11. He closed was opposed to the idea of me joining “After Sept. 11, pretty much the all people in the region that they can go honored and privileged to be an Amer- with the plea for Christians and Jews the US Navy because I am the oldest entire American nation knew about to the market as freely as I can and let ican and serving in the United States to help Muslims tell their stories and son. My father wanted me to return Islam and the image they had is not their children play on the street or get Navy. Knowing what I know now, I for the repeated need for dialogue be- home and follow in his footsteps and the right one,” said Khan. I read an a job and be able to provide for their would not change anything about my tween Muslim and Jew. fly with the airlines for him. So, when article, which I believe to be true, that family,” said Khan, as he flies missions decision to join the Navy.” As they spoke together about the I told him I was joining the Navy, he Islam was basically hijacked. “The Is- in support of ISAF, which is comprised Asked what he hopes to achieve incomprehensible terror they have wasn’t initially happy.” lamic teachings were turned around or of more than 35,000 troops, with con- down the road in terms of his career, each witnessed in their work and in Since then, his father and him taken out of context so that they could tributions from 37 nations. Khan smiled. “The sky is the limit,” their lives, exquisite need for conver- have grown very close over the years, be used for political gain and to incite “That is what my hope is – that in he said, suggesting a desire to be- sation and knowing the narrative of sharing the common bond and pas- violent behavior. Suicide and killing the end there will be stability and ev- come the first Muslim admiral in US the other was evidenced. sion for aviation. innocent people is strictly forbidden eryone will be able to enjoy the same Navy history. www.PakistanLink.com OPINION/LETTERSP27 JUNE 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK P2 JUNECOMMUNITY 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK Sheriff Baca Meets Pakistan Advisory Council

n Pakistan Link Report important role by promoting and en- couraging communications between the Sheriff’s Office and the members Sheriffof the County of Los Angeles, of the Pakistani-American commu- Leroy D. Baca, invited the Sheriff’s nity. In this capacity the Advisory Pakistan Advisory Council to his Council provides civilian review of headquarters for a meeting. Despite proposed and ongoing departmental his busy schedule he spent consider- programs. The Sheriff relies on this as able time with the members of the part of the input to adjust his efforts Council and had meaningful discus- in serving the County. It also serves sions with them. as a conduit between the department Sheriff Baca is the most well- and citizens, bringing community known sheriff in the country and his concerns to the Sheriff’s attention and support to the Pakistani-American helping to work towards solutions. community is unwavering. He has As always, Sheriff Baca expressed lead a delegation of Sheriffs and se- great interest in receiving input from n Members of Pakistan Advisory Council with Sheriff Baca curity officials from Alabama, New the members of the Advisory Council. Jersey and California to Pakistan. On A lively discussion ensued with inter- one of the goals of the Council is to utilized by the community members American community. that trip he visited many parts of Paki- action between Sheriff Baca and the educate the members and the com- as a result of the educational efforts In recognition of the dedica- stan and held meetings with President Advisory Council Members regard- munity on the extensive range of of the Advisory Council. tion and efforts of the members Musharaf and other high officials of ing various topics of mutual interest. services available to County residents Members of the Advisory Coun- of the Advisory Council, Sheriff the Pakistani Government. Waqar Ali Khan, the Chairman through the Sheriff’s Office. He antic- cil thanked Sheriff Baca for his sup- Baca presented certificate awards to The Advisory Council serves an of the Advisory Council stated that ipates that these services will be better port of Pakistan and the Pakistani- each member. Pakistan Link A Glittering, Spacious Restaurant Is Inaugurated in Pomona Pakistan Link Report at APPNA and n now. Rashid used to arrange shows OPEN Events Theinauguration ceremony of Shali- sometime back. Their father, late Qa- mar Restaurant in Pomona on May sim Siddiqui, was also a prominent n Pakistan Link Report 26 was a lively event enjoyed evenly community member and is still re- by the invitees and the hosts. Attend- membered for his services. The two Pakistan Link will fully participate ed by the community’s leading lights brothers have the active support of in the upcoming Annual Business and prominent figures, the ceremony their wives –Roohi Siddiqui and Mrs Conference of the Organization of was held in the spacious hall of the Amir - in the laudable undertaking Pakistani Entrepreneurs of North restaurant, by far the most commodi- of running the Shalimar Restaurant. America (OPEN) and the Annual ous and roomy among the Pakistani A singular feature of the evening Summer Meeting of the Associa- restaurants in the Greater Los An- was the respect shown to the seniors. tion of Physicians of Pakistani De- geles area. The décor too is appeal- The mother of Rashid and Amir, Mrs scent of North America (APPNA) ing. Everything appeared spick-and- Qasim Siddiqui,was escorted to the by putting up a stall and covering span. The food served was delicious dais with great propriety and show the two important events. and enjoyed by all and sundry. of affection by her sons and bahoos. This year the OPEN Silicon The arrangements were so per- She prayed for the success of the Valley’s 4th Annual Business Con- fect that Mrs. Tabatai, wife of the late restaurant as any loving Pakistani ference: OPEN Forum 2007 will Brigadier Tabatabai who was well- mother would do. be held on June 16 in Palo Alto, known in literary circles, announced The management has hired Above: Spacious banquet hall of Shalimar. Below: Glimpses of the inauguration ceremony California. The Annual Summer that Shalimar would be the venue of n Chinese and Pakistani chefs who Meeting of APPNA will be held in the next mushaira to be held in the at Shalimar every month to take ad- few invitees were surprised to see a prepare dishes. Besides Pakistan- Orlando, Florida from June 26 to Los Angeles area. Mr. Ashraf Ali, vantage of its décor, food and the motor rickshaw at the entrance with is, the restaurant has a good number July 1. The Silicon Valley Chapter President of the Pakistani-American management’s hospitality. the message “Maan ki dua, Pappoo of regular non-Pakistani clients who of OPEN was launched in 2001. Arts Council, was the emcee of the The setting had a striking Paki- yar tang na kar.” enjoy the delicious halal food and re- OPEN is a voluntary,y not-for profit evening and enlivened the proceed- stani touch. The owners have im- The restaurant is owned by two lax in the ideal surroundings. association dedicated to the pro- ings with his well-meaning remarks. ported a container full of handicraft brothers – Rashid Siddiqui and Amir For good food in a tasteful set- motion of entrepreneurship within Mr. Ali suggested that a meeting of from Pakistan that seemed to lend a Siddiqui - who have been involved in ting Shalimar should be an ideal the Pakistani-American commu- community members should be held familiar look to the setting. Quite a community affairs for several years choice for everyone. nity. Established in Boston in 1998, OPEN has chapters in Boston, New York, Silicon Valley, and Washing- ton DC. APPNA is a non-political, not- for-profit organization dedicated to fostering scientific development and education in the field of medicine and to delivering better health care, irrespective of race, color, creed, or gender. APPNA saves lives and re- lieves suffering through its participation in medical relief and other charitable activities both at home and abroad. Established in 1976, APPNA is one of leading ethnic medical societies in the US.Being a community newspaper, Pakistan Link strongly believes in supporting the community organizations and participating in their programs. Come visit Pakistan Link at our booth at the OPEN and APP- NA meetings! We sincerely strive to serve you better and we expect the community to know us more. To- gether we can set out to attain our collective goals. www.PakistanLink.com P31 JUNE 15, 2007 - PAKISTAN LINK COMMUNITY Message from Minister Pakistan Consul General’s Message

t is my pleasure to felicitate the the Pakistan Link would continue further cementing the existing bonds (Press) Akram Shaheedi weekly Pakistan Link under providing quality coverage of news, between the Pakistani-American the new Management. Paki- objective analysis and economic de- community and their motherland akistan Link is doing good job how best they can cope with the situ- Istan Link is a well known weekly velopments around the globe espe- Pakistan. for the Pakistani community ation under the circumstances. Th e for its valuable services to the cially in Pakistan. In addition, Paki- Th e golden principles - Faith, in particular by presenting enviable number of hits of Weekly’s Pakistani-American stan Link will also play Unity, Discipline - enunciated by Pcredible reporting and website and the subscrip- community in shape its due role in portray- Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jin- the thought provoking tion speak in volume of of news, reportages ing and promoting the nah, the Founder of Pakistan, it is my news analysis to them of the interest of the people and commentaries. rich cultural heritage hope, shall serve as the guiding prin- the developments taking all across America. Th e regular columns, and traditions of Paki- ciples of the Weekly. place in Pakistan and in I am sure the write ups and con- stan. I extend my best wishes and pray this country. Pakistani weekly will continue tributions by prolifi c Th e vibrant Paki- for the continued success of Pakistan community and the host its march of mak- writers are its dis- stani-American com- Link under the new Management. community hold the pa- ing signifi cant impact tinction. munity is a source of per in high esteem be- on the wider segment In this age of glo- strength for us in the Pakistan Paindabad cause the quality of service the weekly of the society under the leader- balization media plays a signifi cant Consulate General. Pakistan Link Syed Ibne Abbas is providing to them on a ship of Mr.Arif Mansuri, Manag- role in creating awareness and help- with its community based news cov- Consul General of Pakistan regular basis. ing Editor and Mr.Akhtar Mahmud ing develop public opinion. I believe erage shall prove to be a real link in Los Angeles, California Pakistan Link also provides the Faruqui, Editor.I have no doubt in platform to the Pakistani scholars, my mind that the Weekly will make writers, reputable professionals and all of us proud by reaching out to the LA Consulate congratulates Pakistan Link’s new management CEOs to convey their ideas and senti- populace of the United States and ments about various issues facing the the overseas countries in the future. community as a whole. It keeps the I extend my heartiest best wishes to members of the community fully in- the whole team for their resounding formed about the problems and also success. Link Booth Attracts Community Members in Fremont

n Pakistan Link Report

California. It was well attended by the lovers of Urdu from the local community as well as from far away places. Pakistan Link representative, Nikhat Khan, who manned the booth reported that the attendees of the event converged at the booth in large numbers. Th ey were happy to see the Link at the event and were curious to know about the new poli- Group picture of LA Consulate ofﬁ cers and staff. Sitting (R to L): Zahoor Ellahi, Accountant; Shahid Ashraf Tarar, Commercial Consular; cies of the newspaper aft er the recent K.K.Ahsan wagan, Consul; Muhamad Javed, personal assistant to CG and Muhammad Iqbal, Consular attache. change in ownership. A large num- Standing (R to L): Nadya Veljee, Ms Shamim Zaveri, Ms Ashraf Nanjee, Faisal Ilyas, Shahid Ali, Muhammad Sharief, and Zahir uddin Baber. ber of subscriptions were sold at the event. Khan said, “Th is was a very busy and hectic event for us. People kept on coming to our booth non- Pakistan Link Invites Reader Participation Pakistan Link recently set up a stop. We were exhausted but thrilled booth at an event held to pay tributes to see such a response”. to the creative genius of well-known Pakistan Link is one of the oldest Pakistan Link has announced two new features, ‘Life on Campus’ and ‘Mehfi l-E-Tarah’. Plans are being made for poet and writer Irfan Murtaza and to and most liked Pakistani-American several other new features to be launched soon in the Pakistan Link. accord recognition to his new books newspaper, and enjoys a strong fol- ‘Life on Campus’, will provide an opportunity for students to discuss issues of particular interest to their lives. – Chanda and Tasweraen. Th e event lowing in the community. Such dem- A topic will be announced every month and the selected articles from the submissions will be printed in the fi rst was organized by the Karachi Uni- onstration of respect and patronage issue of the following month. versity Alumni Association of North- inspire the staff of Pakistan Link to Th e topic for Life on Campus for the next month is “Th e Generation Gap – Does it Exist?” Articles discuss- ern California and held in Fremont, work hard for the community! ing the diff erences or similarities between the older and the younger generation of Pakistani-Americans and the impact of these on our family dynamics are welcome. To participate, please write an opinion up to 150 words and e-mail to [email protected].* A photo of Nur Ali Finishes Second in Texas yourself is welcome but optional. For the ‘Mehfi l-E-Tarah’, a misra-e-tarah will be announced every month and the Urdu poets will be invited to A1 Team Pakistan driver Nur Ali the UK, Nur Ali was fi nally back at submit poems using the given misra. Selected poems will be printed in the fi rst issue of the following month. continued his summer race program the Texas Motor Speedway in Fort Th e misra-e-tarah for the next month is from Jigar Murad Abadi’s shair: at a Star Mazda race in Texas. Th e Worth, Texas, to race his #42 Star Karachi-born driver raced to a fan- Formula Mazda Regional race car in tastic second place fi nish in front of the Sunburn Grand Prix. a crowd of family, friends and spon- Saturday dawned cloudy, with To participate, please send your ghazals to [email protected] along with your photo (optional). sors who gathered to show their sup- a light but steady drizzle. Th e week- “We are introducing these new features to bring even more reader participation in the paper”, Editor Akhtar port. end’s format included both a quali- Faruqui said. “Th ese are additions to the paper that I look forward to reading myself!” Aft er seven long months of a fying race on each day. During the *Note: All submissions should be brief, and may be edited. Th ey become the property of Pakistan Link and grueling travel schedule, culminat- morning qualifying session, a total may be republished in any format. Please include your full name, mailing address and daytime phone number ing in the fi nal A1GP World Cup of of 31 racecars took to the track from (your number will not be published). Motorsport Race at Brands Hatch in four diff erent racing classes. By Mohammad Ashraf n blind love and reverence is a danger- the microscopic scrutiny of a disil- Hazrat Umer’s standing orders that was quartered in old Ctesiphon. Chaudhry ous proposition. Till recently, it was lusioned people; both have deep were that ‘armies of occupation’ were He immediately ordered that ‘camps Pittsburgh, CA pronounced loud and clear that the fi ssures within their own columns. to be held aloof from the established be placed in the open near the des- judiciary and the armed forces of the Both are engaged in a self-destructive urban centers as much as possible. ert.’ And as we now know, later these G. K Chesterton once said, “My country were above criticism. game of affi xing the blame. Th ose He was much distressed once when camps grew into camp-cities in each country, right or wrong” is like say- Now, both are in triple-trouble: who once held them in their highest he saw the soft ness and paleness of the newly won provinces, namely, ing ‘My mother, drunk or sober’, one, they are horn-locked against esteem, now appear so ready to pelt spread wide on the faces of the troops Basra in lower Iraq, Kufah in central which, in simple words means that each other; second, both are under stones at them. that he had sent to conquer Iraq, and Iraq, Jabiyah in Syria, Ramlah in Pal- www.PakistanLink.com