OPWC urges steps to avert NZ-like attacks

LONDON: The Overseas Pakistanis Welfare Council (OPWC), on behalf of the Pakistani community in the UK, has strongly condemned March 15 terrorist attack on two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand, and extended deepest condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.

It also urged the New Zealand government to promote inter-religious harmony by holding talks and seminars as well as involving learned religious scholars from all faiths.A memorandum, addressed to New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern, said the entire world including the Muslim community had been deeply saddened and affected by the unprovoked act of terrorism in the place of worship. “We look upon New Zealand to implement measures for the protection against such heinous acts towards humanity,” it said.

It said among those men, women and children killed, were Pakistani nationals who travelled to New Zealand in the hope of a better future and security. “We urge on behalf of the Pakistani community in UK, that the martyrs such as Mr Naeem Rashid, a Pakistani national, and others killed, not to be forgotten in the history of mankind.”

It added: “We are the followers of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (Peace Be Upon Him), an epitome of peace, love, equality, humanity and patience. We as a nation deliver the message of Almighty Allah, practising the above among all mankind irrespective of creed, colour and caste. Teachings of Islam condemn such needless deaths and killings.

“We, the Overseas Pakistanis Welfare Council, demand the New Zealand government to implement measures that will prevent any future atrocities and penalise the perpetrators to the highest degree.

“We demand that the punishment given to the terrorist should be a deterrence to any such person who intends to carry out inhumane acts of enormity and genocide on innocent helpless victims.”It said in order to avoid further acts of terrorism, New Zealand needed to eliminate Islamophobia.

The memorandum was signed by Muhammad Naeem Naqshbandi, founder and Chairman OPWC; Abid Hussain, President OPWC; Kiran Aisha Khalid, President Women Forum; Emmanual Roy, President Christian Forum, Mujahid Hussain, Business Forum; and others.