25/1/2002
"Nobody is Willing to be a Part of War."
By Akhtar Soomro

Karachi: It is strange to be welcoming in the New Year with the signs of war casting long shadows over the neighbouring countries of Pakistan and India. As planes drone over Karachi and newspapers print multiple images of soldiers standing ready at the border, one is compelled to make the case for peace. The public mood is very anti-war. It is not the automatic choice of people from third world nations.

"Nobody is willing to be a part of war. There is a lack of food, of water, and other basic human necessities in both neighbours, Out of a war will come nothing but the loss of precious lives. How then can we willingly be a part of any such war," said a veteran schoolteacher.

People from both sides, even those who harbour bitter hatreds for each other, should ask themselves today what would be achieved leading their country into war. Is it not time to consider whether the lack of clear foreign policy objectives and reliance on sinister security services to achieve domestic and regional objectives has brought anything better than chronic insecurity and the tattered dreams of a true democracy.

"Let our leaders remember that their job as politicians or rulers is to find political solutions to intractable problems. Our role as citizens is to insist on preserving the humanity in us all, and protecting the future for our children," said Zaib, a vocalist of local rock band
'JOSH'

In the past decades, both Pakistan and India have been victims of ruthless acts of violence, sponsored by intelligence agencies, foreign governments, their own governments, and even some of their own extreme political parties. In all cases, innocent people die, the sacred and humane within us gets buried in the earth or burnt on the pyres.

Can the rulers of India and Pakistan dare to take their people out of this danger? Or will they violate their peoples' humanity yet again? Indeed, it is only the failure of our rulers on both sides of the border that will lead us into a new war.

Anti war protestors praise a speech by President Bush to India, urging Indian troops to withdraw
Photos Ahktar Soomro