Mowahid Hussain Shah, Special Assistant to Chief Minister Punjab, on Tuesday evening said, to face the challenges of the post 9/11 world, it is imperative that the Pakistani-American community "develops confidence to reach out." He said this in his remarks at a well-attended function held in his honour by top activists of the Pakistan-American community based in the greater Washington area.
"The community needs to connect with mainstream American society to avoid the perils of isolation, which can be brought about by an inward looking approach," he stated.
Mowahid said: "It is understandable that the Pakistani-American community is 'in a state of disquiet' because of what he termed "having been unfairly scapegoated." According to him, it is a moment for stock-taking and rethinking.
Docility, he viewed, invites marginalisation, and described such a conduct as "a mistake." "The community needs to develop 'effective speakers and writers', who can confidently participate in conversation in America on issues that matter." In this connection, he said, "the American-born Muslim youth need to assume a role."
He concluded on a sanguine note by alluding to the past Islamic history which, he said, "is a constant reminder that Muslims are at their best when under the test."
Earlier, Mowahid met ambassador Jahangir Karamat at the Pakistan embassy in Washington, DC, where discussion centred on the new challenges ahead.