Photo showing Sajid Tarar with Donald Trump, courtesy Diversity Group
Maryland businessman Sajid Tarar, who led a Muslim coalition for President-elect Donald Trump, has said he is working to form an advisory council with the aim to coordinate efforts with the upcoming Republican Administration for protection of religious freedoms of American Muslims.
“What I am doing in the future, which I started during the campaign, with the intention of Donald Trump that we need to form an advisory council, bipartisan, from every city where the a majority of Muslims are living,” the Pakistani-American said in an interview with NEXT TV and Views and News.
Tarar, who is interested in performing “some role related to interfaith or Islamic outreach,” under the Trump Administration, said he would be traveling to different cities and meet with groups and prospective candidates for their inclusion as members in the group.
“So, whenever any laws or regulations are under consideration, this advisory council can tell them what are the values of Islam or what are the cultural barriers are there so that they can listen and ensure that our religious freedom is prevailed,” said Tarar, who also addressed the Republican National Convention in July.
The businessman appeared to discount the possibility of the Trump Administration enforcing a Muslim registry as part of a controversial program that began under former president George W Bush but was halted by President Obama in 2011.
In late 2015, Trump angered Muslims with a notion of completely shutting down entry of Muslims to the United States. But Tarar said since then Trump has changed the ban proposal with “extreme vetting.”
Tarar agreed in response to a question that the Trump White House, like the Barack Obama Administration, should continue to have a resident designated envoy for outreach to American Muslim communities in view of the ongoing challenges.
On US policy toward Pakistan, he felt the two countries would continue to enjoy close relations.
“Pakistan’s geographical situation is such that it cannot be ignored. We have a border with China, we have a border with India.
“So geographically, demographically, it is vital for the new Amerrican administration to maintain a healthy relationship with us.”
Tarar also noted that Pakistan has made some important strides toward combating terrorism and boosting democracy.
“We are not the same Pakistan anymore. Gen Raheel Sharif has done a wonderful job, has led 12000 operations against terrorists, law and order has improved.
“The second democratic government (in succession) has almost fulfilled its tenure, which has helped to soften up our image. Our NADRA (National Database Registration Authority) is doing a wonderful job. Our passports are (machine) readable. And even if we become part of extreme vetting process, we will fulfill responsibilities.
“As a matter of fact, it will improve our relationship—-I think when a business becomes an American president, I think, trade regulations will improve, Pakistan’s exports will improve, and I think, Pakistan will enjoy a healthy relationship (with the United States).”
