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Pakistan civil society groups urge constructive action
Labour Party Pakistan - January 4, 2009
Asma Jehanghir chairperson Human Rights Commission of Pakistan along with dozens of social activists addressed a crowded press conference at Lahore Press Club. Here is the copy of the statement.
"A large group of civil society organisations and concerned citizens of Pakistan have warned the two governments, India and Pakistan to resist any temptation of violating the territorial integrity of each other.
Better understanding and constructive action rather than polarization will discourage militant groups that are growing in strength in both countries.
The government of Pakistan must no longer stay in a state of self-denial. India too must bear in mind that militant groups and extremists thrive in a state of conflict and polarization. Both governments must sincerely redouble their efforts at addressing the rise of militant groups in the region.
This may well be done through the composite dialogue that must be resumed forthwith. At the same time, the joint statement urges the Pakistan government not to miss the opportunity of devising an effective strategy to overcome the menace of terrorism that is posing a greater threat to this country than any other nation.
A joint statement issued by the International Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) forum says:
We condemn the recent terrorist attack on Mumbai and extend our heartfelt condolence and sympathy to the victim families. Likewise, we condole and sympathize with the victims of terrorism in Delhi, Kabul, Swat, other parts of NWFP and FATA. Pakistan's civil society is alarmed at the loss of life, denial of education to girls and large scale displacement of civilians in FATA and Swat.
The influence of militant groups is rapidly growing in all parts of the country without any effective challenge by the government. Regrettably, there appears to be a total absence of a cohesive policy by the government of Pakistan to protect its own citizens and an absence of any strategy to challenge militant outfits that operate with impunity within and outside the country.
We regret that the media in both India and Pakistan failed to present the Mumbai outrage in a proper context and, instead, used the event to fuel hostility between India and Pakistan. It aided warmongers on both sides to whip up a war hysteria. Quite ironically, terrorism, which should have brought India and Pakistan together to defend peace and people's security, pushed them to the brink of a mutually destructive war. Confrontation between these two closest neighbors has never had such a puerile basis."
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