Protest against the Talibanization of Pakistan

The 'Rally for Pakistan' was organized by the Pakistani diaspora of the greater Washington-Baltimore metro area at 14th Street/Pennsylvania Avenue (in front of Willard Hotel) Washington, DC 20004, on May 7, 2009 between 4.00 – 6.00 p.m.

The rally was organized to call upon the Government of Pakistan to take immediate and decisive steps to curb the threat of Talibanization and restore security and rule of law in all parts of Pakistan.

The rally sent a message to the people of Pakistan and USA that the Pakistani diaspora is concerned, active and engaged with these threats to the security and very existence of Pakistan by religious extremists. We call upon the Government of Pakistan to revoke the “Peace Deal” with armed militants in Swat, ensure the security of all citizens, and restore the constitutional basis of law and justice.

The rally also called upon the Government of Pakistan and the international community to address the humanitarian crisis caused by the displacement of more than half a million people in the last few months.

Ground Rules

· Supportive of One country, One constitution, One judiciary for Pakistan

· Non-political

· Non-partisan

· Focused on a single issue: Stop Talibanization of Pakistan

Ijaz Syed