Solidarity Day is an expression of the power of ordinary citizens.

It is a call to enable the people of this region to exercise their choices and free will.

It is a clear message that we SHALL NOT sit back and watch.

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When I say things like this people tend to turn around and scream “well life is like that here is it not” I agree there are days like the last ashura but then even on that day aside from those 3 blocks the entire city was not in flames so why was that impression given? Is it not the responsibility of an informed media to present views in a balanced manner on any crises instead of jumping from breaking news to breaking news like some sort of perverted vampire thirsty for ratings blood?

In any case new year was bound to come whatever hell we might live in and it did. With it came the realization that 2010 no matter how difficult to type and write is finally here. On the first day of the year I joined some people in a peace rally at the press club, this rally was organized by a loosely knit set of organizations including, women’s right activists, print media columnists, bloggers, social activists as well as a few celebrities thrown in for the glam of it. Plus lets not forget people like me who were there to see just what the heck all the hoopla was about?

The banner uniting all of these people from different strata’s of life is the AMAN ITTEHAD and it came about after a series of efforts from individuals in all facets of civil society holding a conference in murree to come up with a strategy and perhaps a modus operandi for registering and raising their voice against injustice. As to why that meeting was held in the leafiness of the hills is worth a chuckle if you consider the irony of civil activists replicating the actions of those they are strategizing against right down to meeting locations.

As for the peace rally? The first day of the year was officially decided as the “Solidarity day” and was registered with similar rallies in 37 different cities of the land all at 3 pm, though someone should have explained that to Karachiites better as in KST 3pm means about 4 or so. Thus people ambled in about an hour late and joined up throughout the marching throng which first gathered at the press club and then went towards the governor house (junction) to release a plethora of white balloons, after which everyone trooped back to the starting point amidst much chanting, singing and general air of merriment at having achieved something. I must admit it does give one a heady feeling to be part of something like this, but for me that feeling sank right after we released the balloons and waved our white paper doves as I overheard two policemen talking to each other as they walked by. The words of that conversation, although too crude to reproduce here were along the lines off “If balloons could restore peace what the heck are we doing all day”

See when you hear something like that, you begun to think as to what purpose did so much organizing, meetings, banner making, gathering and singing and chanting achieve? Does it really matter to those in power if civil society is mad at the way the country is being treated. Does any of this serve any purpose except for an extended photo op with the who’s who of the literary circuit and civil activist ranks?

That day thankfully my mind gave me a clear and simple answer. If we the people who live in Pakistan do not own up to the violence here and raise our voice against it who will? If we do not register our protest in a civil manner then do we have any reason to sit in our homes and complain when the shit hit’s the fan? No we do not! We must take action, be it by contributing in any manner possible on any forum. We must all unite for this country and demand from our elected representatives the basics of any societies needs, we must all ask for an end to violence and injustice in any shape or form, be it in the face of our brave army fighting the Taliban or a judiciary which can take action on injustice swiftly. Its no good blaming people for things that go wrong when none of us have even the decency to try and do something to support those we blame in any effort.

So here is to a year, where Pakistan and its people will inshallah come together and forge ahead into a future that is peaceful for our children!!

In the most gloomy atmosphere around us in Pakistan, we had no reason to celebrate New Year’s Eve. The morning of Jan 1, 2010, however, gave us a pleasant surprise when we read that the editors of the Jang group in Pakistan and of the Times of India group have taken a bold initiative to join hands for promotion of peace, economic prosperity, education and health much needed by the one-and-half-billion people of our two countries.

This was not the only good news on Jan 1. The civil society in Pakistan, realising the importance of peace had also observed a solidarity day under the banner of “Aman Ittehad” and took out rallies in more than 35 cities of Pakistan, attended by exuberant citizens despite a hartaal in Sindh and fear of the terrorists. These demonstrations once again vindicated the burning desire of the people for peace.

I can state with confidence that the ordinary people of India equally desire peace with the same keenness, desire and spirit. It is for this reason that supporters of peace in India have once again convened a conference in New Delhi on Jan 10 in search of “A Road Map Towards Peace.” We greatly appreciate this initiative of the intellectuals, leaders, human right activists, NGOs, journalists and other people, including former Indian PM I K Gujral and Kuldip Nayar, a former member of the Rajya Sabha, who are two of the hosts of this meet.

The vast majority of the people do agree that war is not the solution. Over the past 62 years, the three wars with India and two battles of Siachen (1987) and Kargil (1999) couldn’t help in any way. Pakistan is already at an unending war for the past over three years, with the worst enemies — the terrorists within. I hope all thinking sections of the public in India would appreciate that, now or in future, Pakistan cannot afford to indulge in any aggressive designs or adventurism against India. Hence, there is nothing to fear from Pakistan.

Not only were the wars in the past six decades destructive, but equally counterproductive and destructive was the strategy to promote jihad and jihadi organisations in Pakistan, on the pretext of keeping the Kashmir issue alive. The activities of the jihadis and extremist militant religious terrorist in the past three decades have only resulted in further loss of life, places of worship and properties not only of the Kashmiris but more so in Pakistan. The so-called jihad could not force India to budge an inch or motivate any country, including our closest allies, to pressure India to resolve the issue peacefully. Nor was the Indian economy or its image damaged by the jihadis in any significant manner. On the contrary, it is Pakistan that is bleeding profusely on account of the undeclared, endless war unleashed from within by the terrorists.

Indeed, the people of India have suffered many terrorist attacks, including the attack on the Houses of Parliament of India, the tragedy of Nov 26 in Mumbai and bombing of the markets in Delhi are some of the most heinous, condemnable crimes against the state and people of India, I share the grief of the people of India and join them in condemning these terrorist forces. I would however, draw the attention of the people in India to the fact that the people of Pakistan are suffering such disasters and barbaric incidents of far worst terrorism almost every day in every nook and corner of Pakistan, where several thousands innocent citizens have lost their lives and properties. Hence, peace is our need not only for our country but also for the entire region. We can only succeed in eradicating the terrorism with concerted efforts and joint line of action between our two countries, without any further loss of time. Not only the people but also the governments of the two countries agree that all disputes can be resolved through dialogue, with sincerity of purpose.

In the first place, dialogues between the two countries must resume unconditionally and with the sincere commitment to resolve the issues. There is no harm if both the countries agree to accept the Line of Control, with some necessary adjustments, as the international border, at least for the time being. It would be in the best interest of all the people if the two agree to establish visa-free borders and free exchange of economic, cultural, academic, intellectual groups and access to the electronic/print media.

I am conscious of the fact that such bold decisions cannot be implemented without mobilisation of the opinion of the public and the leaders. Here I see the most vital positive role that can be played by the media of the two countries. We are fortunate that the two biggest groups of publications — the Jang group and the Times of India group — have come forward to save one-and-a-half billion people from wars, prejudices, terrorism and poverty.

SUKKUR, Jan 1: Peace rallies were held in different cities and towns of Sindh on Friday to promote social harmony in the wake of a blast in the central Ashura procession and large-scale arson attacks in Karachi.

More than 2,000 activists of political, religious and social organisations, on the call of the South Asia Partnership Pakistan, held a big protest rally in front of Sukkur Press Club against rising incidents of terrorism in the country.

Carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans against terrorism and in favour of peace, participants took to the streets from Hawa Bunder, from where the island of Sadh Belo, housing some Hindu shrines, could be seen.

Shouting slogans terrorism, they marched on the main thoroughfares of the city and reached in front of the press club.

Speaking on the occasion, provincial coordinator of South Asia Partnership Ali Mir Shah, social activist Punhal Sario and DCO Abdul Majeed Pathan said that everybody needed peace and rising incidents of tribal feuds, kidnapping for ransom, robberies and theft, karo-kari and jirga system had ruined Sindh.

They said lawlessness had badly damaged peace and harmony, education, agriculture and economy of the province, rendering thousands of people jobless. This situation forced poor people to commit suicide and sell their children.

They said that only unity of the people of Pakistan could foil the heinous designs of terrorist elements.

Condemning the Karachi tragedy, they said that in retaliation to the army operation, terrorists were targeting innocent people.

They expressed sorrow over torching of hundreds of shops in Bolton Market immediately after the bomb blast.

On the occasion, people and activists of the SAPP, Awami Tehrik, Jeay Sindh Qaumi Mahaaz, Sindhi Adabi Sangat, Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam, Wapda Labour Union, traders and labour unions, Sindh Hari Committee, Shahree Ittehad Sukkur, Women Forum and Mallah Tanzim joined hands and vowed to defeat terrorism.

Specialty of this rally was dozens of Jogis (snake charmers) who were wearing traditional orange outfit and were dancing to the tunes of ‘Murlis’.

Participants also freed pigeons as symbol gesture for peace.

Another rally was taken out by the Shia Action Committee. Speaking at the end of the rally, Allama Ali Bux Sajjadi and others condemned the bombing in the Ashura procession of Karachi and said that it was a target killing of Shias.

Expressing concern over arson attacks on shops, they said people belonging to their community were not involved in that cowardly act. It was the handiwork of terrorists who wanted to destabilise Pakistan.

They demanded arrest of the real culprits and exemplary punishment to them.

They also demanded that the government should compensate the loss of traders.

Similar peace rallies were also held in Mirpur Mathelo, Ghotki, Ubauro, Daharki, Thull, Jacobabad, Kandhkot, Dadu, Mithi and other cities.

Hundreds of people participated in each rally.

LAHORE, Jan 1: The Coalition for Strengthening Democracy observed Solidarity Day on Friday by organizing peace rallies in more than 60 cities of the country to condemn `threats’ to democracy.

The peace rally in the provincial metropolis was held from Regal Chowk to Faisal Square on The Mall. Representatives of civil society organisations, students, lawyers and trade unions participated in the rally carrying banners and placards inscribed with slogans condemning terrorism.

Addressing participants of the rally, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan chairperson Asma Jehangir, secretary general I.A. Rehman, Shahtaj Qizilbash, Rana Safian Arshad, Farooq Tariq and Irfan Mufti said that the Coalition condemned the killing of innocent citizens and destruction of private and public properties by the terrorists and extended unconditional support to the government for restoration of peace and strengthening of democracy.

They said that the Coalition wanted supremacy of the parliament and end of interference of army and agencies in political affairs.

PTI: The Pakistan Tehrik-i-Insaaf (PTI) on Friday took out a peace rally from its office in Allama Iqbal Town up to Moon Market.

The participants, including party activists and people from other walks of life, lit candles and offered fateha for the victims of Moon Market and Karachi blasts.

Carrying banners and placards, PTI activists led by Saad bin Azam Hashmi also distributed flowers among the passersby as mark of peace and brotherhood.

Hashmi demanded of the government initiate dialogue with the Taliban to find a solution to militancy and ensuring peace in the country.

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Iqbal Tareen hailing from Virginia , United States , presided the function, while Jami Chandio of CPCS, Jaffar Memon of We Journalists, Mahesh Kumar President Hyderabad Press Club and Amar Sindhu of WAF also spoke on the occasion.

Ustad Mazhar Ali was invited to perform songs from the poetry of Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai, a great Sufi poet, to open the dialogue and cultural event.

In his welcome address, Jaffar Memon told the audience that this programme under the banner of Aman Ittehad is being organized at around 50 locations of different cities and towns of Pakistan– from Khyber to Karachi– to involve the people in large numbers to raise voice together to promote peace and harmony in the society, as increasing fears of terrorism and restlessness have panicked the peace-loving people all over the country.

Memon on the occasion read out the joint statement, saying “as the new decade begins, citizens from across Pakistan will reaffirm their belief in the indivisibility of peace and their commitment to struggle for democratic governance, rule of law, justice, and a life of dignity for all.”

The Solidarity Day, organized under Aman Ittehad– a citizens’ platform connecting trade unions, media, students, lawyers, youth organizations, minority groups, NGOs, academia, and business, Jaffar Memon said will express a resolve to strive for stronger democracy and democratic institutions.

Identifying extreme inequality and disenfranchisement as a cause of extremism, the Solidarity Day will demand that the state provides equal opportunities to all its citizens. It calls for the reform of all state institutions as well as governance regulations and rules pertaining to key sectors of the economy in order to ensure efficiency, equity and accountability, he said.

Aman Ittehad calls for a Social Contract between the state and the citizens based on the 1940 resolution establishing equal rights of all citizens, provinces and nationalities. The social contract must recognize the primacy of ownership of resources at the provincial level as well as the need for their equitable distribution among the federating units. It also calls upon the state and citizens to celebrate diversity promote pluralism and ensure that the function of the state is separated from personal religious belief. In order to reverse the trend of spiraling violence, it also identifies the need to reduce the trust deficit at all levels – between citizens and the state including its institutions; and, also amongst citizens.

Iqbal Tareen, who presently is in Pakistan , appreciated the organizers for the impressive event, which attracted people from different walks of life to sit together on the common understanding just to promote peace. He threw light on the sentiments of terrorism and condemned horrible incidents occurred recently, loss of precious lives and property, ever-increasing uncertainty and urged upon the participants to address this with extending unity among the people like they have come together today on the Aman Ittehad—Solidarity Day.

Tareen said State and Religion are two different things and should be dealt with separately. There is no need of this combination in the society, which is struggling to strengthen democracy. For restoration of peace in Pakistan all the people have to decide how to deal with this phenomenon. He called the nations living in Pakistan with combination like a rainbow and said all the colours have their natural beauty. He said small nations have never tried to breach the national agreements. They always struggled for unanimity, but he said, irony is that certain elements have always pushed the small nations to the wall and in result the people belonging to small nations always felt differently.

Talking about the particular case of Sindh, which is rich in natural resources, agriculture and its more contribution to national exchequer through different resources, Iqbal Tareen said “the people of Sindh should realize why they are not capable to represent their province on “negotiation table”, which decides the destiny of small nations in Pakistan . He emphasized the need to extend collaboration to recognize their right and sit together with the decision-makers of the country. Because, he said, looking to the changing world scenario we should realize the fact that the world nations are going ahead to a placeless society. There will be no borders in future. In this situation peace is the only way out to learn how to live together with national harmony.

Jami Chandio sharing about the events organized in different cities to express solidarity with each other disregard of their association with political ideology, religion and faiths, said terrorists are on rampage in the society, killing innocent people and spoiling peace. To counter this phenomenon, Chandio said, we all should come together, it is our responsibility. For this, he said, Aman Ittehad is broad platform where all the people struggling for restoration of peace should be part of this “movement for peace”.

He said the Solidarity Day will mark the beginning of a citizen struggle for their right to a life of dignity. He calls upon all citizens to join this struggle for peace and a democratic state and society.

He said terrorists in the all forms are in small number. The majority is of those wanting peace. Therefore, he appealed to all the participants to come together and light a candle each to contribute for the return of peace in the society, which presently is under countless threats. He said on this occasion all the people belonging to all four provinces and nations have put their signatures on a New Contract between the provinces.

Mahesh Kumar, President of Hyderabad Press Club expressed thanks to the organizers for choosing venue at Hyderabad Press Club for this august gathering for a cause. He said the participation of saner elements from political ideologies, civil society organizations, literature, human rights activists and journalists is inspiring for the wide majority, who are fighting terrorism and discrimination. He said this platform can be effective, because now the restoration of peace should be on top agenda for all the people of this country.

Amar Sindhu of WAF said we are living in a war-like situation and in this atmosphere talking about the restoration of peace is a great effort. She said the foundations of State in which we live are on the basis of unfairness. So there is a need to redefine this state now. There should be consensus that there would be no discrimination with anybody at any level. There would be no exploitation. In this connection, Sindhu said, this movement for peace is inspiring. Because, she believes that instead of military forces people themselves can restore peace through their mind change and unity.

The second session of poetry recitation to promote peace was also inspiring, attracted wide number to appreciate the poets for their creativity. This mushara was chaired by Taj Joyo, Secretary Sindhi Language Authority (SLA). Ali Dost Ajiz, Hafeez Kumbhar, Iqbal Rind, Irshad Leghari, Saleem Kumbhar, Gulshan Leghari, Abdul Rehman Sial and Qazi Manzar Hayat shared their creative moments with the audience. Ishaque Samejo of Saranga Literary Society conducted the session.

At the last, Ustad Sadiq Faeer and Shafi Faqeer with their musician teams performed songs of sufi poets.

Earlier the wide banner –Social Contract–was displayed for participants to put their comments and signature over it for national consent.

The Solidarity Day marked the beginning of a citizen struggle for their right to a life of dignity. It calls upon all citizens to join this struggle for peace and a democratic state and society.