People for peace: 8th PIPFPD Joint Convention, Allahabad

My curtain raiser on the Eighth Pakistan-India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) Joint Convention being held in Allahabad, India, Dec 29, 2011-Jan 1, 2012 (slightly shorter version published as an op-ed in The News). When the name was being decided, the Indians insisted that Pakistan should

Prominent Indian citizens condemn violence in Kashmir on Eid Day, demand inquiry

In a press note released today, prominent Indian citizens have condemned violence in Kashmir on Eid Day and demanded an inquiry. Received from People’s Initiative on Jammu & Kashmir (c/o Confederation of Voluntary Associations, COVA, 20-4-10, Charminar Hyderabad, A.P. India; Ph:+91-40-24572984; Email: covanetwork@gmail.com Violence in Kashmir on Eid Day: Condemnation and Demand for Enquiry SEPT 13: We condemn strongly and unequivocally [...]

Conversations 12: A grounding for reconciliation

I forgot to upload the last few Conversations published in The News on Sunday, Aman ki Asha page in Political Economy. The entire archives are also up at the Aman ki Asha website A grounding for reconciliation Dilip D’Souza and Beena Sarwar continue their email discussion, questioning state versions of history and politics May 20, [...]

Conversations 10: The trust deficit

“What if Kasab stayed alive and was used in a joint India-Pakistan effort to identify and take action against the powerful instigators of terrorism who put him on that boat? Surely that’s a goal enough people in both countries want.”

Kashmir solution ‘a hair’s breadth away’ – Kasuri at Aman ki Asha seminar

“We agreed on a point between complete independence and autonomy”. All that was left to do was to sign on the dotted lines.All that remained to be done was the formal signature of all the three parties to the issue – Pakistan, India and representatives of Kashmir. “All India and Pakistan now need is to defreeze the process. The entire paperwork has been done. The copies of related documents are safe with some friendly countries as well”.

Aman ki Asha Press release: Dialogue on ‘A Common Destiny’

Delegates at the first of Aman ki Asha’s series of discussions on issues of strategic importance to India and Pakistan, titled “A Common Destiny”, agreed on the need for peace between the two countries, and the importance of a sustained dialogue to resolve bilateral issues including Jammu & Kashmir, terrorism, water-sharing, trade and investment.

Conversations 8: Clap with both hands

Dilip: “We are both large and powerful enough that we can dispatch each other into a nuclear lala-land — such is the power of the weapons we possess. I think the more productive way to consider each other is as equals: no arrogance, no condescension, no grovelling, but just mutual respect and willingness to live and let live.”

Conversations 7: Frankly my dear, let’s give a dam(n)

Dilip: “A lot of us in India believe that even if we’ve made occasional mistakes, we’ve generally tried to do the right thing in our relationship with Pakistan, in how we’ve approached Kashmir. We believe it is Pakistan that is the villain, that Pakistan has been nefarious in its dealings. So it’s sobering — putting it mildly — to find that Pakistanis think it’s we who have screwed up badly.”

CONVERSATIONS-4: It’s about time

There are historical circumstances that we cannot take blame or credit for. What I am saying is, instead of superiority, try understanding and empathy. We don’t want your pity but your support. We will fight on, with or without it.

HAITI: How and why Pakistanis can help

Pakistani-American professionals are urged to help, especially physicians whose skills could save lives. Those who responded after the earthquake in Pakistan have experience that could be invaluable in Haiti. If you want to help, beyond donating money – which is also needed – please email Ethan Casey