Washington DC, 9 August 2022 (TDI): Ambassador of Pakistan to the United States, Masood Khan expressed deep grief over the loss of four men including one of Pakistani descent. The Ambassador condemns the wave of hate killings in Albuquerque city against Muslims.
The Pakistani envoy assured that the killers will be punished and that justice will prevail soon.
We condemn killing of four Muslim men in Albuquerque,at least one of them of Pakistani descent. These killings appear to be hate crimes. Our condolences to the bereaved families. We appeal to New Mexico police to apprehend perpetrators and bring them to justice.
— Masood Khan (@Masood__Khan) August 8, 2022
Coincidently, all four victims were South Asian Muslims. The victims include Mohammad Ahmadi, Muhammad Afzaal Hussain, Aftab Hussein, and Naeem Hussain.
Additionally, Naeem Hussain and Muhammad Afzaal Hussain were from Pakistan, while Aftab Hussein and Mohammad Ahmadi were Afghans.
The three most recent killings happened within the span of two weeks. While the fourth unfortunate one happened on Friday. The local authorities are describing it as a targeted attack.
Out of the total population of the city of Albalquequer which is 500,000, 3000 to 5000 are Muslims.
Furthermore, following the incident, the Islamic Center of New Mexico (ICNM) urged Muslims in Albuquerque to avoid walking alone at night in the city.
Statement by the officials
US President Joe Biden became “angered and saddened” by the horrific killings of four Muslim men. The President added that “these hateful attacks have no place in America”.
I am angered and saddened by the horrific killings of four Muslim men in Albuquerque. While we await a full investigation, my prayers are with the victims’ families, and my Administration stands strongly with the Muslim community.
These hateful attacks have no place in America.
— President Biden (@POTUS) August 7, 2022
Furthermore, New Mexico Governor, Michelle Lujan Grisham said, “The targeted killings of Muslim residents of Albuquerque are deeply angering and wholly intolerable.”
Moreover, the Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) National Executive Director, Nihad Awad, said ‘The tragedy impacted not only the Muslim community – but all Americans.’
With the assurance of a full investigation by President Joe Biden, Ambassador Masood Khan thanked the President and senior officials for their strongly-worded statements.
The Ambassador has also assured the families of all possible assistance from the Embassy and Pakistan Consulate in Houston.
The Council on American Islamic Relations (CAIR) National Executive Director Nihad Awad has announced an award of $10,000 for information regarding those responsible.
