A wave of fear has gripped America's Muslims, especially the Pakistani community, after Faisal Shehzad, a U.S. citizen of Pakistan origin who tried to bomb Times Square, pleaded guilty to all terrorism related charges. Many in the Pakistani-American community say the long-term effects of Faisal Shehzad's confessions are yet to be known.

However, they say, what is certain in the short term is the fear gripping the community.

Many community members expressed fear to the Urdu Times, saying they could be seen or treated as a terrorist following Shehzad's failed bombing attempt in Times Square.

Faisal Shehzad could face life when he is sentenced on October 5.

Many Pakistanis say they see the need to improve the community's image by proving they are good U.S. citizens and not give rise for others to hold a grudge or lodge complaints against them. There is widespread hope that Shehzad's act of terrorism will fade in people's memories with the passage of time. Some likened what is taking place within the community to the after-effects of 9/11, when, they say, Pakistani Americans were the worst victims of the backlash and government raids.

"The Pakistani community has again been subjected to scrutiny by security agencies following Shehzad's act of terrorism," said Riaz Qureshi, a New York City resident of Pakistan origin. "Faisal Shehzad had added to the community's difficulties," he added.

Saleem Akbar, a Brooklyn resident, commented that many community members are hesitant to identify themselves as Pakistanis after the Times Square incident; however, he reminded them that America is their permanent home and they must not live in fear of anyone. "Pakistani Americans must maintain good relations with members of other communities," Akbar says. He believes that the best defense against discrimination is if the community is well knit into the society as a whole.

The community in Staten Island fears the worst case scenario, according to Mohammad Basheer, a Pakistani American who resides in the area. It is in a state of fear and worries about discriminatory arrests and deportations for minor offenses, something Pakistani Americans witnessed after the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Basheer agreed that they must work to improve their image by embodying good citizenship.