Terror grips Pakistani-Americans as they fear repercussions of Shehzad’s bombing plot

WASHINGTON - The sensational arrest of Faisal Shahzad, a US civilian of Pakistani origin accused of plotting the botched Times Square bombing, has raised several security related issues, but the foremost effect has been on hundreds of Pakistani-Americans who have been living in the US for years.

The incident has once again brought with itself the horror that followed September 11, 2001 terror attacks on the US.

Fears of post 9/11 situation, where each and every Pakistani living across America were seen with suspicion, has returned back to haunt people.

Recalling an incident, Raja Jaffery, who has been living in Washington for years, said a day after the 9/11 he and his wife were strolling near the White House when they were stopped by two men.

“Terrorists, terrorists. Arrest them,” Jaffery recalled those men shouting.

After the incident Jaffery told her wife not to wear ethnic Pakistani dress in public.

And now, he fears that things can go only worse from here.

Taking into account past incidents, one thing that is particularly noticeable is the involvement of people of Pakistani origin in terror plots that have hit the US.

“Why are you so unhappy here? I have never heard of Indian or Bangladeshi Muslims being involved in such activities, why?” The Dawn quoted Muhammad Younas Ansari of Lahore asking his Pakistani-American friends.

Former Pakistan’s Ambassador to the US Maleeha Lodhi also admitted that Shahzad’s case would hurt Pakistan very badly, but it is likely to affect the Pakistanis living in the US the most.

“Sad, very sad. It will hurt all Pakistanis, particularly those living in the United States,” said Lodhi. (ANI)