Record 62 Million Pakistanis Sign Anti-Terror Petition

What started off as a song inspired by Waseem Ahmed's children has grown into one of the largest grass roots campaigns ever. About a year and a half ago, he set up a Non Profit Foundation "Yeh Hum Naheen" (YHN) or "This is Not Us" (www.yehhumnaheen.org) in Pakistan to rally public support against terrorists.

Apparently YHN tapped into a mother lode of latent public sentiment -- obtaining over 62 million signatures for its anti-terror manifesto which condemns terrorism in whatever form, wherever it may occur, condemns the distortion of Islam by terrorist idealogues and promotes mainstream tolerant Islam. YHN is very particular about its sources of funding and donations are by invitation only. This is necessary to stave off any accusations of covert agendas by special interest groups.

Part of the reason for the petition's enormous appeal is that Television and Music artists, who are highly popular in Pakistan, are championing the drive. Though its popularity in the liberal majority is unchallenged, the question is will the petition and the sentiments it is promoting making inroads into the conservative minority.