Originally published in Lansing State Journal When I heard about the horrific attack on a military school in Peshawar, I was deeply saddened at the progression of Taliban terrorism in Pakistan. But when I heard that they targeted and killed over 130 innocent children, I was speechless. How could anyone who claims membership of my own faith commit such an act of inhumanity? Especially with...
Reflections, memories
Originally published in Houston Chronicles Regarding “Pakistan vows to step up fight after school massacre” (Page A1, Wednesday), as an alumnus of the Army Public School in Peshawar, Pakistan, it grieves me greatly to see the tragedy that took the lives of over 130 children. I was dumbfounded when I saw the hallways of my school that made up my childhood in pictures across the...
School attack senseless, cowardly
Originally published in The Press Enterprise The horrific killing of at least 132 schoolchildren and nine adults by the Taliban in Pakistan saddens me tremendously as a parent, a Muslim and a son of Pakistani immigrants. There is no place for this senseless violence. It must be condemned in the strongest terms. The Pakistani government must come down hard on these cowards who are an embarrassment...
Praying for the families of the Franklin Regional High School stabbings
Originally published in Montgomery News Once again, unfortunately, there has been senseless violence against our nation’s youth in the recent stabbings at Franklin Regional High School. This time, the violence occurred in our home state of Pennsylvania. First and foremost, I would like to extend condolences to the families of those that were hurt by this tragic event. With God’s mercy, there were...
Heavy heart
Originally published in MySanAntonio Re: “No target, motive ID’d yet in Pennsylvania school stabbings,” Nation, April 12: As an American-born Pakistani Muslim, I am all too familiar with the violence in Pakistan. But when an event of such violence occurs in this nation, it can be even more upsetting. It is with the heaviest of hearts that I extend my condolences to all those affected by the...
Tragedy and heroism at Pennsylvania high school
Originally published in The Duluth News Tribune On April 9 a terrible incident occurred at a Pennsylvania high school. A teenage boy wielding two kitchen knives went on a stabbing rampage and injured 21 people, including 20 students and one adult. I would like to extend my sincere condolences to all those who were harmed because of this tragedy. At the same time, I also would like to commend all...
Qur’anic Wisdom
Originally published in Montgomery News and The Intelligencer Once again, unfortunately, there has been senseless violence against our nation’s youth in the recent stabbings at Franklin Regional High School. This time, the violence occurred in our home state of Pennsylvania. First and foremost, I would like to extend condolences to the families of those that were hurt by this tragic event. With...
Bravery during Pennsylvania school stabbings
Originally published in Dallas News Last week, the small town of Murrysville, Pa., was shocked when Alex Hribal, a 16-year-old high school student, went on a stabbing rampage, critically injuring 20 students. Fortunately, no student was fatally injured. However, a small place such as Franklin County definitely felt the distress caused by such a chaotic and horrible attack. This news shocked me...
Stop Ripping Pages and Start Reading
Originally Published on The Orlando Sentinel Regarding the article “Lake man’s effort against textbook with ‘Muslim civilizations’ chapter raises security concerns,” OrlandoSentinel.com, Nov. 6: The hue and cry of the conservatives on this issue is rife with contradictions. The lack of awareness about Islam has led to unnecessary fears and fuels skepticism. Any...