CPR Strongly Condemns Attempted Times Square Car Bomb Attack

The Council on Pakistan Relations strongly and unequivocally condemns the attempted terrorist car bomb attack in Times Square. The alleged actions by Faisal Shahzad offer a terrible reminder of the threat that extremists pose to innocent civilians not only in the United States but around the world, including Pakistan. The extremist ideology of hate and wanton disregard for human life must be stopped for it has no place in the modern, civilized world.

The Council applauds the actions of local, state and federal authorities in quickly detaining the suspect and preventing any loss of life.

We cannot allow the actions of one individual, however, to tarnish the hundreds of thousands of Pakistani Americans who love this country and represent a vibrant part of its social fabric.

We also cannot allow this attempted attack to damage U.S.-Pakistan relations. Over the past year, the U.S. and Pakistan have made great progress in building trust and strengthening ties, improving cooperation on military and intelligence matters and addressing the issue of radical terrorism.

CPR urges the Pakistani American community to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the authorities. In particular, we all share a responsibility in working to ensure that our youth are not exposed to any radical ideology in this complex age of information.

The Council on Pakistan Relations is a pro-America, pro-Pakistan not-for-profit advocacy organization interested in strengthening ties and enhancing mutual understanding between the two nations.

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