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Lahoris
unite for peace in the country
* Concerned Citizens of Pakistan
announces establishment of fund for IDPs
* SAFMA secretary general urges media to isolate, expose Taliban
By Ali Usman
LAHORE: Patriotic fervour was at fever pitch on Friday when citizens
gathered at the Liberty Roundabout and Huzuri Bagh to pray for the
promotion of peace in the region and lit candles for the country’s
safety.
The large gathering of people at Liberty Roundabout was intended to
show their commitment for the country’s affairs. The number of
female participants surpassed the number of men present on the
occasion, with most people waving national flags and holding
placards to convey feelings of nationalism.
Justice (r) Nasira Iqbal recited verses from Allama Iqbal’s poetry
and collective prayers were recited for the country’s cause: “We
pray to You, God, to help guide us through these difficult times. We
ask you to protect us from those who threaten the peace and unity of
our country. We pray for those who have sacrificed their lives for
us. We pray to you to bring us all onto the right path of unity,
justice, tolerance, equality, compassion and understanding for
mankind.” The prayers were followed by the national anthem.
Funds: Concerned Citizens of Pakistan (CCP), the organisers of the
gathering, announced the establishment of a fund for internally
displaced persons (IDPs) from war-struck regions. CCP Chairman Hamid
Zaman said funds were urgently needed and citizens should make
generous donations. “We want to show our commitment for peace and
unity. We do not want the military to kill people during the
operations but we want terrorism to be eliminated,” he said.
Participants carried banners and placards to convey their message to
the general public. Prominent banners read: ‘Save Pakistan, save
your identity’, ‘Save Swat save Pakistan’, ‘There was never good war
or bad peace’, ‘Pakistan Key Dushman Taliban’, and ‘Islam Key
Dushman Taliban’.
Isolate: South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) Secretary
General Imtiaz Alam said the Taliban had burnt schools, mistreated
women, and declared democracy and constitution as illegal concepts.
He urged the media to isolate and expose the Taliban.
Umme Laila, a human rights activist, said the Taliban’s
interpretation of Islam was the opposite of the true meaning of the
religion. He said the country’s citizens should join hands to unite
against Talibanisation, terrorism, and extremism.
Jugnu Mohsin, Strengthening Participatory Organiation Regional
Manager Salman Abid, senior journalist Zahid Akasi, Abdul Rauf,
Munnu Bhai, and many prominent civil rights activists also
participated in the vigil.
Daily Times:May 09,2009
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