By ANIQA HAIDER
PAKISTANIS in Bahrain are being urged to sign a petition launched as what aims to be the world’s biggest anti-terror campaign.
More than 63 million people worldwide have signed the petition, launched by the Yeh Hum Naheen (This is not us) Foundation.
The non-profit organisation was launched in February last year by UK-based author and media consultant Waseem Mahmood, who took inspiration for the project from his children, Khurrum and Khaiyyam.
It has now reached Bahrain and 15,000 Pakistanis here had already signed it by the end of July.
The foundation says its objective is to build on the essence of Islam as a faith that promotes tolerance, peace and harmony, removing prejudices within the community and amongst non-Muslims around the world.
Its aim is to motivate all Pakistanis worldwide to sign a petition against terrorism and help project the true image of Islam in the world.
Big names in the showbiz and entertainment industry, such as Mohammed Shakeel, Zeba Bakhtiar, Nauman Ejaz, Samina and Usman Peerzada, along with other popular television artists, film stars and leading singers, have expressed their commitment to the anti-terrorism cause.
A theme song, also titled Yeh Hum Naheen has been written by one of Pakistan’s leading composers, Ali Moin. The song and video, being seen as Pakistan’s version of We Are the World, is topping charts in various countries.
It has become an anthem for Muslims who want to distance themselves from extremism and violence, says the foundation.
“When any Muslims, especially Pakistanis, visit European countries, people think of terrorism and start staring at them, which is not fair at all,” said Jawad Ahmed Qureshi, who took the initiative in Bahrain and has been encouraging community members and other Muslims to sign the petition. We want the world to know that we are not terrorists and stop marking terrorist labels on us.
“There are many countries facing the same problem these days, so don’t just blame us.
“We are signing this to re-build our image to the world that we are not amongst them. We have talked and discussed a lot, now is the time of action to prove ourselves.”
The foundation was set up under the Societies Act of Pakistan, with these aims:
l To reinforce the point that Islam is a peaceful faith that promotes tolerance and harmony.
l To develop an awareness among people regarding the issues of the growing radicalisation of Pakistani youth.
l To promote better understanding and co-existence of Muslims around the world among non-Muslim communities.
l To convey that the majority of Muslims do not support the rise in terrorism.
l To deny Muslims the opportunity for involvement in terrorist activities.
l To show the positive impact of Pakistan and Muslims around the world, and remove the distance between East and West through media education.
Activities of the foundation are funded by grants from public authorities, broadcasting activities income, as well as from gifts, legacies or donations from associations, organisations, institutions and private individuals.
For more information about the campaign and to sign the petition, please visit the website www.yehhumnaheen.org.
aneeqa@gdn.com.bh
