Pakistani Americans for Peace has issued a statement strongly condemning threats and fatwas reportedly directed at Anila Ali, President of the American Muslim & Multifaith Women’s Empowerment Council (AMMWEC), in response to her outspoken opposition to extremism.
In its statement, the organization said no one should face threats for expressing their views or for working to promote peace, education, women’s leadership, civic engagement, and understanding between communities, adding that every person has the right to speak freely without fear of violence or intimidation.
Pakistani Americans for Peace strongly condemns the threats and fatwas reportedly issued against Anila Ali for speaking out against extremism.
No one should face threats for expressing their views or working to promote peace, education, women’s leadership, civic engagement, and understanding between communities. Every person has the right to speak freely without fear of violence or intimidation.
As Pakistani Americans, we reject anyone who uses religion to spread hate, justify violence, or silence others. These actions do not represent Islam. Our faith teaches peace, justice, compassion, and respect for human life.
We stand with Anila Ali and with everyone who has the courage to speak against extremism. We may not always agree with one another, but disagreements should be settled through respectful dialogue — not threats or violence.
We call on community leaders, religious leaders, elected officials, and people of goodwill to stand together against extremism in all its forms and to defend the right of every person to speak freely and safely.
Violence, fear, and intimidation have no place in our communities. Together, we must build a future based on peace, respect, and understanding.
— Pakistani Americans for Peace
The statement frames the response to threats against Ali as a broader test of whether communities will defend the right to speak freely, regardless of disagreement.
The organization’s statement emphasized that using religion to justify hatred, violence, or the silencing of dissenting voices does not reflect the teachings of Islam, which it described as rooted in peace, justice, compassion, and respect for human life. It called on community leaders, religious leaders, and elected officials to stand together against extremism in all its forms and to defend every person’s right to speak safely.
