Salman Ahmad is the guitarist and composer of Junoon, South Asia’s biggest and longest-lasting rock band.  Junoon has performed at BBC’s Mega Mela, the MTV music awards in India, and the United Nations General Assembly in New York.  As a UN Goodwill Ambassador, Ahmad is active in spreading awareness about HIV/AIDS in South Asia.  He is also currently teaching a class called “Islamic Music and Culture of South Asia” at Queens College, City University of New York.

1. 1. When you first learned that a Pakistani American man was linked to the attempted bombing of Times Square, how did you react?

Only a week earlier, Junoon had performed in Times Square on Earth Day.  Our songs’ messages of joy, unity, and peace was appreciated by everyone – a mini planet Earth of New Yorkers, Mayor Bloomberg, and United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki Moon.  But then all that good work was wiped clean by a moron brainwashed by murderous thugs masquerading as holy men.  My first reaction was that Pakistani Americans need to organize themselves and speak in one voice against wackos like Faisal Shehzad who are destroying the name of Islam and Pakistan.  I’m happy that the Pakistani community in America has shown zero tolerance and has publicly condemned this alleged terrorist’s failed attempt at blowing up Times Square.

1. 2. What are your thoughts on the recent raids that have been taking place by the FBI on Pakistani American households?  Do you think they are necessary for this investigation?

The law enforcement agencies need to realize that the Pakistani-American community is an asset to the United States.  These are teachers, doctors, lawyers, firemen, artists, home-makers and others who have been contributing to their local communities for decades.  They are loyal American citizens and a natural firewall against terrorism.  Raids against innocent US citizens will only complicate the issue of radicalism among young Muslims.  The real solution is to treat American Muslims with respect and justice.  Sharing intelligence with them will get their cooperation and trust.

1. 3. Are you afraid that this event is the start of another Red Scare in the United States, but this time involving Pakistani Americans or all Muslim Americans?

There is a danger of things spiraling out of control if we don’t remain vigilant both from the Pakistani-American community perspective and that of mainstream American media and society.  Terrorists have a single point agenda: they want to drive a wedge of hate and fear between cultures and nations.  Civil society has to act smarter and unite to defeat the extremists and the fear mongers.

1. 4. Do you think that the media deliberately focuses on negative images of the Pakistan American community?

The media thrives on chaos.  If it bleeds it leads.  Pakistani-Americans have to engage with the media and show the true peaceful practice of Islam and Muslim culture.  In America every culture is celebrated and as I write in my new book, Rock and Roll Jihad, music, poetry, and sports give expression to people.  Through sports, music, books, movies, and community service we can highlight what Pakistani-Americans really stand for and counter the extremist’s narrative of hate and division.

1. 5. You and you wife had established The Salman and Samina Global Wellness Initiative (SSGWI) which is based in New York.  What had prompted both of you to do this?

We all live in a world which is facing multiple threats – terrorism, poverty, global warming, nuclear proliferation, illiteracy.  Communication and education is key to meeting all of these challenges.  SSGWI helps promote cross cultural dialogue, education and wellness through arts and culture.  SSGWI organized the concert for Pakistan at the United Nation General Assembly last year to raise awareness about the 3 million Internally Displaced Persons in Northern Pakistan.  We are also doing projects in the US, UK, and Pakistan, in which we are reaching out to young people and promoting pluralism and coexistence.  For more information, check out www.ssgwi.org

1. 6. One of the fundraising efforts your organization is involved with is raising money for Pakistan’s Internally Displaced Persons.  Do you think that there should be more awareness about the need for funds and resources for the millions of Pakistanis that are losing their homes as a result of the Pakistani army’s battle against the Taliban and Al-Qaeda?

I believe that the Pakistani-American community has great potential to bring significant social change both in Pakistan and in America.  We have to learn to unite and organize ourselves and provide community service in whatever capacity we can – small or large.

1. 7. You also recently published a book called Rock & Roll Jihad.  What was the main message you were trying to convey to your readers?

I wanted to share my personal story of following my heart, channeling my frustration through music and becoming an internationally recognized artist.  I hope that other young people will also listen to the whisper in their hearts and follow their passion.  That passion could be writing, medicine, sports or science, but we need to try and excel at anything we set our heart to do.  Hai jazba e junoon to himmat na haar justajoo jo karey voh chue aasman!

1. 8. You overtly promote interfaith dialogues and projects.  Do you think these efforts are especially important now in the wake of recent events regarding the Times Square incident?

When you see with the heart all the masks fall down.  As Rumi said, “If you follow the music, it will show you the way.”  Generation Next Magazine readers can also follow me in Twitter at Sufisal.

Author: Tehreem Rehman