Aman Ittehad holds Solidarity Day

KARACHI: The Aman Ittehad, an alliance of several civil society organisations against terrorism in Pakistan, held a programme here on Saturday to observe January 1 as the Solidarity Day. The programme was held in front of the Karachi Press Club.
Speaking on the occasion, Aman Ittehad’s Mehnaz Rehman said that the purpose of the programme was to express solidarity with those people suffering from violence in any form, including suicide attacks, bomb blasts, target killings and kidnappings.

She said that extremist elements and the war on terror were responsible for persisting unrest and lawlessness in Pakistan. “Drone attacks, suicide blasts and terrorism are boosting torture culture in the society. The Aman Ittehad condemns all these acts,” she said.

Ms Rehman urged the government to refrain from using force and immediately end military operation in Balochistan. She also called for adopting mechanisms that could provide effective recourse to those who are suffering because of inappropriate policies of the government.

She further said that more than 100 rallies are being organised on the Solidarity Day across the country. Aman Ittehad called for a social contract between the state and the citizens based on the 1940 Resolution, ensuring equal rights to all citizens. A special song sung by Arieb Azhar for Solidarity Day was also played on the occasion. asad farooq

Published in the Daily Times, January 2, 2011