R E C E N T EE V E N T RR E P O R T S

Peace Caravan

Solidarity Peace Caravan organized by Pakistan Peace Coalition (PPC) which left Karachi on 13th Feb to express solidarity with terrorism affected people of NWFP concluded its visit on 16th late evening by attending a reception hosted by Awami National Party at Bacha Khan Markaz. Members of the caravan, over 100 in number including a large number of female participants left for their homes in two groups on 17th.



The caravan remained a very successful initiative and has been well appreciated by people in Peshawar and in other parts of the country. The caravan received very warm welcome during 38-hour train journey from Karachi to Peshawar and also during two-day stay in Peshawar. Major activities are briefly highlighted here; a detailed report will be shared later.

Train journey from Karachi to Peshawar: The caravan left Karachi on 13th Feb at 10pm by Khyber mail and was accorded warm welcome in Hyderabad, Rahimyar Khan, Khanpur, Multan, Khaneval, Okara, and Lahore. Multan and Lahore were the major stations where hundreds of people came to welcome the caravan. From all these stations people also joined in the caravan.



At Karachi Cantt. Station, prominent among who came to see off the delegation were B. M. Kutty, Dr. Tipu Sultan, Adam Malik, Hassan Nasir, Javed Qazi, Ramzan Memon and others. In Hyderabad Punhal Saryo, Zain Daudpoto and others came for welcome at the railway station. In Multan Dr. Alvin Murad of Justice and Peace Commission, Fatima of Awaz Foundation, Munaza Hashmi, Nadeem Pervez, Saleem Lodhi led a large of number people who came to welcome and also hosted lunch for the participants. Ms. Akeela Naz and Dr. Christopher along with a large crowd of peasants came for welcome to Caravan delegation at Khaneval station. In Lahore, Irfan Mufti of SAP-PK, Asma Rehman, Mehar Safdar and others led the crowd who came for welcome. Mian Qayoom of LQM and others from Faisalabad also joined caravan from Lahore.
15 Feb



Peshawar: The caravan was accorded a very warm welcome in Peshawar on its arrival on 16th February at Cantt. station. A large number of activists of trade unions, civil society organizations and political parties greeted the caravan. The entire station echoed with anti Taliban and anti war slogans. Prominent among those who came to receive the Caravan included Gul Rehman Khan of Muttahida Labour Federation, Dr. Syed Alam Mehsood and Idress Kamal of Aman Tahreek, ANP member of provincial assembly Tabssum Yoinis and others. The caravan was taken to labour colony in the shape of a caravan, where their stay was arranged.
SAP-Pk and Aman Tahreek Reception: SAP-PK and Aman Tahreek gave a joint reception to the craven participants and also hosted lunch at Grand Hotel. During these sessions Mr. Fareed Awan, a senior trade union leader from Karachi shared the aims and objectives of the delegation. Aman Tahreek representative Dr. Syed Alam Mehsood gave detailed briefing to the participants on conflict and root causes of Talibanization. A large number of local activists and political figures including some MPAs also attended the programme. Later, the caravan participants staged a demonstration and raised anti war and anti Talibanization and anti America slogans on the main university road.



Rehman Baba Mazar: In the evening the delegation visited Mazar of Rehman Baba, which was bombed by Taliban in December last year. Delegation was received by local people and caretakers of the Mazar. They were briefed on losses incurred to the shrine. Delegation participants expressed solidarity and condemned the terrorist attacks.

Labour Solidarity: The caravan participated in a public meeting organized by MLF in Industrial area of Hayatabad in the evening. More than 1000 workers participated. Anti war slogans were raised. Also demands were made to address the issues of workers. A large number of those workers directly affected by terror also participated. It was labour solidarity.



PP Sherpao reception: The delegation was given a reception by PP Sherpao at Peoples House in Hayatabad. Besides 100 members of delegation a large number of local activists also participated. MPA Sikandar Hayat Sherpao, Senator Haji Ghufran were the main hosts. They appreciated the delegation and were of the view that their visit has encouraged them. Mr. Sherpao himself was injured in a suicide attack.
17th Feb

Reception by Governor: Owais Ahmed Ghani, governor of NWFP hosted a lunch in honour of over 100 members of the Caravan. Mr. Ghani appreciated the efforts of PPC and other organizations for organizing such a delegation of solidarity with people of his province. While giving a detailed presentation on conflict and government initiative in the province, he said that the visit of delegation has boosted the morale of the people and will be a major breakthrough in breaking down the fear of Taliban. He also shared government’s socio-economic strategy. Mr. Karamat Ali, Samina Khan and Gul Rehman spoke on behalf of the peace caravan participants and presented demands of the caravan.

Solidarity with Media: The caravan reached at Peshawar Press Club at 3 PM to express solidarity with journalists who were targeted by a suicide bomber. President of press club Shamim Shahid and other senior journalists received the delegation and welcomed the participants. Press Club also hosted a reception which was addressed by President of press club, Idress Kamal of Aman Tahreek, Karamat Ali and Samina Khan of Sungi and others. A large number of TV channels and journalists covered the event.

ANP meeting: In the evening, the delegation visited Bacha Khan Markaz, headquarters of Awami national Party (ANP), the ruling party in NWFP. On the occasion a seminar type programme was organized, which was addressed by senior leaders of ANP and also senior representatives of the delegation including Mian Abdul Qayom, a labour leader from Faisalabad. Several issues including America’s role in the region came under discussion. ANP leadership appreciated the delegation’s visit and were of the view that it will bring people of different parts closer and will give courage to people of the provinces in difficult times. ANP also hosted dinner in the honour of caravan participants.