THROUGH your esteemed newspaper I wish to express my heartfelt condolences to the families of the innocent victims of the barbaric act of terrorism in New York and Washington simultaneously on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. My heart goes out to them to share their sorrows and grief, to all those who lost their loved ones. I strongly condemn this callous act which took the lives of thousands of people of different nationalities and origin working at the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon.

As a matter of fact, terrorism is the product of the world wars and has no religion or nationality. There are several examples in history where the terrorists of the past have become the heroes and heads of state of the present. There have also been certain instances of state terrorism in the last decade.

The USA should endeavour to form a coalition of the global community at large, including the Islamic states, and stand firm, shoulder-to-shoulder, and make determined and steadfast efforts to stamp out the evil of terrorism from the modern world forever. Now is the time the Americans should sit back and look at their foreign policies cool-mindedly and hammer out fair and balanced solutions to the problems faced by the world at present. Whatever action they decide to take to deal with the current crisis, it should have the approval of the United Nations Security Council. There are several resolutions passed by the UNO not directly concerning the super powers that should be activated now without further loss of time if they really wish to lead the world community in the right direction. Some of the resolutions are 40 to 50 years old and are still lying in UNO's freezer waiting compliance.

Furthermore, I would like to humbly request the leaders of the super powers to avoid the use of a word like "crusade" at this critical moment. These terminologies are bound to give rise to unpleasant feelings and would hinder the opportunity to achieve the desired goal. If they sincerely wish to lead the global community into the 21st Century and eradicate the evil of terrorism from our society, they should cross the boundaries of race, culture and faith.

Whilst it is highly appreciated that the unstinted support offered at this time of need by Pakistan's military ruler, who has recently opted to be the President of the Republic, he has a daunting job on his hands. He is confronted with scenarios of domestic problems and he finds himself between the devil and the deep sea. God be with him.

In the end, I would like to point out that it will be most unfair and unjust to associate the members of the Muslim community resident in the USA and Great Britain, or any other part of the world, with the terrorists.

They are peace loving, law abiding and hard working people and contribute to the economies of their countries of residence to a great extent. I humbly appeal to them to remain calm and collective and to show solidarity at this difficult time.

Rana Rafiq Parwaz, Heathside Road, Moor Park, Northwood.

October 11, 2001 20:43