Lahore: The South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA), along with over a dozen civil society organisations and progressive parties, came together in a seminar with a strong message: peace must become the new normal.
Hundreds of civil society peace activists gathered to oppose escalating tensions, warning that wars can be provoked by a handful of extremists or agent provocateurs, but their devastating impact is borne by millions of ordinary people. The participants called for a permanent ceasefire between India and Pakistan and the urgent resumption of comprehensive dialogue.
Speakers from academia, politics, and civic platforms urged both governments to demonstrate maximum restraint, build confidence through concrete measures, and restore normalisation in the region. They cautioned against the grave dangers of renewed conflict in a nuclear-armed neighbourhood.
A resolution passed by the assembly demanded:
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Restoration of full-fledged diplomatic relations.
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Opening of borders and resumption of people-to-people contacts.
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Revival of trade and economic ties.
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Entry into a nuclear stabilisation agreement to avert catastrophic risks.
Civil society participants further proposed turning the Wagah–Attari border into a Peace Park as a symbol of reconciliation. They also emphasised reviving SAARC, strengthening regional blocs like SCO and BRICS, and moving towards the creation of a South Asian Economic Union.
Prominent voices included Imtiaz Alam, Dr. Waseem (LUMS), Farooq Tariq (Haqooq-i-Khalq Party), Tehseen, Sabina Malik, among others.
Later, around 200 peace activists drove in a caravan to Wagah Border, where they held a moving candlelight vigil till late night, waving flags, chanting slogans against “hot and cold wars,” and paying tribute to martyrs of freedom struggles. Meanwhile, in solidarity, Indian civil society activists lit candles outside Jallianwala Bagh after being denied access to the Attari post.
This united civil society initiative once again reaffirmed the people’s desire for peace, cooperation, and a conflict-free South Asia.
