SAFMA celebrated Independence Days of India and Pakistan

Let us light candles for peace: SAFMA celebrated Independence Days of India and Pakistan

Nibiah Masood

When Pakistan was engulfed by protests, political rallies and slogans against parliament and democracy, forgetting celebrations of Independence Day of Pakistan, the South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) was the one that did not forget this historic day of history and celebrated Independence Days of Pakistan and India in an impressive manner at both sides of the border. Participants of both sides expressed their resolve for peace and democracy.

Hind-Pak Dosti Manch organised peace vigil at India-Pakistan border on the night of August 14-15. Hundreds of peace lovers gathered at both sides of the border for celebrating Independence Day of Pakistan on the night of August 14. Participants stayed at border and celebrated Indian Independence Day on August 15 started.

Secretary General SAFMA Imtiaz Alam paid rich tributes to Quaid-e-Azam for the creation of Pakistan through democratic and constitutional means. He called upon the people and governments of India and Pakistan to resolve their differences through a sustained and productive dialogue.

On the other side of the border, SAFMA Punjab Coordinator Satnam Singh Manak expressed his solidarity with people of Pakistan and called for steps to ease visa restrictions and allow free trade across Wagha/Attari border for the benefit of people on both sides. Leading journalists, intellectuals, civil society and peace activists participated in the candle vigil. They waved Pakistani flags and raised slogans for peace between India and Pakistan. The SAFMA and peace activists on both sides of the zero-line exchanged greetings, flowers and candles and vowed to continue their struggle.