We, the assembly of NGOs, civil society organizations and peace groups, express our profound shock and horror on the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington and the killings of innocent people of various nationalities. It was a senseless act of terror that demonstrates the magnitude of devastation implied in the politics of hatred. As Pakistani's who have experienced terrorism in the past and continue to be confronted by the same forces, are fully sensitive to the sufferings that this global menace brings. We, therefore, unconditionally condemn terrorism in any form and any where.

We acknowledge the note of dissent registered by the international community including US allies on the kind of overwhelming force that the US appears getting ready to use. It is also time for the US and global community to reflect on unjust policies especially in the Middle-East which engender resentment and prevents a stronger support against this menace of terrorism from emerging.

We are gravely concerned about America's preparations for the indiscriminate bombing that would place at risk innocent civilian population in the region. They have nothing to do with the policies of the Taleban or crimes that Osama Bin Laden may or may not have committed.

We stand alongside the international community in our humanitarian concerns for the fate of those large number of hapless Afghan men, women and children, and urge that a structure that addresses their needs is put together with the joint efforts of the international community, the civil society and the government of Pakistan. While we share the deepest concerns about the well being of the Afghan People, we strongly oppose those elements who place Pakistan's security below other objectives such as saving Taleban government in Afghanistan.

While recognizing that this is a very delicate situation that imposes many constraints on Pakistan we urge the government not to allow US or allied ground troops on the soil of Pakistan.

This is a critical juncture for the Pakistan's establishment to review its policies and priorities which have contributed in no small measures to the deadly fallout that we are witnessing today. We strongly urge the government of Pakistan to ensure the safety and security of the citizens of Pakistan, especially the minorities and other vulnerable groups

We the civil society stand for peace and justice and strongly believe that use of force and military tactics neither strengthen human rights nor preserve democracy