Honourable Ujjal Dosanjh
Constituency Office
6408 Fraser Street
Vancouver, B.C.
V5W 3A4

October 2, 2006

Dear Mr. Dosanjh,

As the leading representative organization for Pakistanis in the Lower Mainland we are shocked and dismayed at the recent comments attributed to you in a televised interview on CTV which aired on Friday September 22nd, 2006. Stating that ‘Pakistan is harbouring terrorists,’ insinuates that the government of Pakistan is wilfully offering shelter to known terrorists. Without proof of such an allegation an immediate apology is necessary. Pakistan has been one of the leading forces behind the ‘War on Terror.’ To make such a comment at this time only serves to mislead the Canadian community and drive a further spike into the racial tension that already exists in today’s day and age. An individual in your position and with your experience knows that a comment like this has a long and lasting impression with the greater community. Pakistan-Canada Association has been working tirelessly to paint Pakistan with a different brush then is being portrayed in the mass media, and comments like yours only serves to undermine any efforts and progress we have made.

We are aware that a Trustee from our association, Mr. Haroon Khan, has been in touch with you and that you have indicated you would be interested in meeting with members of the Pakistani community. Pakistan-Canada Association needs to be a prominent player in any such meeting. We have recently acquired a property in Surrey at 12059 88th Avenue that will become a community center for all Pakistanis; we would like any meeting you intend to have to be held at this site. Our recommendation is that a meeting be held Sunday October 8th at approximately 3:00 pm at this location. Please confirm whether this time fits with your schedule and we will make the necessary arrangements to inform the community. We hope an apology is forthcoming at this meeting and that this issue can be put behind us.

Sincerely,

Tarik Kiani
General Secretary
Pakistan-Canada Association