Solidarity with victims of cruelty marked

Published in Pakistan Observer (2 Jan. 2011)

Sana Jamal

Photo Courtesy: Teeth Maestro.

ISLAMABAD: Solidarity Day 2011 rally was held in Islamabad as an expression of solidarity with people suffering violence in any form, including suicide attacks, bomb blasts, target killings, kidnappings, disappearances, and torture killings.

A large number of students, traders, labour unions, human rights activists, journalists, and civil society members took part in Aman Ittehad’s peace rally which marched from the National Press Club to the Parliament.

Solidarity Day was an expression of the power of ordinary citizens who believe that they are ready to lead the nation to progress, to justice, equity and tolerance. Citizens at the rally demanded an end to the protection of all those state and non-state actors who take the law in their own hands and propagate extremism in the state.

The rally in Islamabad was part of Aman Ittehad’s countrywide peace rallies held simultaneously in more than 100 locations all over the country including Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Abbottabad, Gujranwala, Swat, Gwadar, Jacobabad, Kohistan, Jhang, Dera Ismail Khan, Mithi, Multan, Larkana, Gilgit and in FATA and Azad Jammu & Kashmir.

Addressing the rally Ali Asghar Khan said that “peace in Pakistan is possible if the state gives primacy to the welfare of its citizens.” He said that Aman Ittehad’s rallies in 108 locations in every part of Pakistan were an expression of the determination of citizens to bring change. “A new leadership is emerging through Aman Ittehad that is demanding stronger democratic institutions, fair accountability, equal opportunity, and justice for all citizens,” said Ali Asghar Khan.

A view of the gathering in Islamabad. - Courtesy: Teeth Maestro

Speaking on the occasion, the Secretary General of the All Pakistan Federation of Labour, Zahoor Awan, demanded that the state must secure livelihood and ensure a life of dignity for all citizens without any discrimination on the basis of class, religion or gender.

In her address, Rashida Dohad said that citizens must be united and demand fundamental reforms needed to make peace possible in Pakistan.

Naeem Mirza speaking on the occasion demanded strict action against state and non-state actors that take the law in their own hands and propagate or encourage militancy and extremism by their words or actions. “We must not let anyone mislead us in the name of religion or ideology,” he

said.

At the conclusion of the rally the popular artist Arieb Azhar performed live the song Fikr-e-Insan produced on this occasion. He also sang his hit Husn-e-Haqqiqi, the kalam of Khawaja Ghulam Farid.

Aman Ittehad is a citizen platform striving for peace, democracy and justice in Pakistan. Solidarity Day was an expression of the power of ordinary citizens, and a call to exercise their choice and free will.

Courtesy: Teeth Maestro.