To express solidarity with the affected families and to condemn the horrific murder of innocent children in the barbaric attack on a school in Peshawar, a candle light vigil was held at the Pakistan consulate at 10700 Santa Monica Boulevard Los Angeles California.
At least 700 members of the Pakistani American Community, US nationals, students, families with children and the elderly attended.
Consul General of Pakistan Hamid Asghar Khan took this symbolic initiative with the full support of the Pakistani American community in organizing the event which was attended by over 700 people.
Several senior community leaders, heads of organisations, interfaith spiritual and religious leaders as well notable politicians and two members of the US Congress stood together with the Pakistani American community and Pakistan at this very difficult time.
Notable attendees included, Congresswomen Janice Hahn, Congresswoman Maxine Waters, Father Alexia Smith of the LA Archdiocese, Bishop Sheardon McDaniels, Commander of the Los Angeles Police Department, Council Member Ali Sajjad ,
All attendees vociferously condemned this horrible act and expressed heartfelt commiserations with the families of the deceased. Speakers emphasized that Pakistan should take unrelenting action against the Taliban and to specifically target and uproot the poisonous and inhuman ideology they harbor from the soil of Pakistan.
Congresswoman Waters while speaking for the entire Congress called for swift and decisive action against the terrorists.
Due to the size of the crowd The Los Angeles Police Department had to shut down a section of the Santa Monica Boulevard for traffic during the speeches.
A Quran Khwani for the deceased is being held at the residence of the Consul General on Dec 27.
