Citizens rally for justice, peace and democracy

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Like other parts of the country, people from various walks of life participated in Aman Ittehad’s peace rally and marched from the National Press Club to the Parliament House to express solidarity with those suffering from violence and repression. The participants of the rally demanded that the government must take a stern action against state and non-state actors that break the law and propagate or encourage militancy and extremism by their words or actions. Addressing the gathering, the speakers said, Peace in Pakistan was possible only if the state would give primacy to the welfare of its citizens.
They said Aman Ittehad rallies at 108 locations in every part of Pakistan were an expression of the determination of citizens to bring a change that would improve their lives. Likewise, hundreds of students, traders, labour, farmers, human rights activists, journalists, lawyers, and political workers demanded a stronger democracy and equal rights, and condemned all forms of tyranny, violence and injustice. They were participating in Aman Ittehad’s peace rally to mark Solidarity Day 2012.
The rally began from the Press Club in Haripur, made its way to Havelian and concluded at the main bazaar in Abbottabad. The rally was part of a nationwide series of Aman Ittehad rallies held simultaneously at 140 locations including Islamabad, Lahore, Karachi, Quetta, Peshawar, Hyderabad, Multan, Gwadar, Jacobabad, Kohistan, Dera Murad Jamali, Jhang, Charsadda, Mithi, Pishin, Kasur, Gilgit and Azad Jammu & Kashmir. Rallies were also organized in 29 places across FATA.
Addressing the rally, Ali Asghar Khan demanded that the state must take immediate and effective actions to prevent target killings and kidnappings. He said that the failure to apprehend culprits reflected the lawlessness that no civilised society could tolerate. “The state must be held accountable for its inability to protect the lives, livelihoods and liberty of all its citizens,” he said. Khan also condemned the continued spate of violence in Balochistan and called for a political solution and a roadmap to peace that reflects the aspirations of the people of the province. Khan demanded continued and stronger democracy in Pakistan. While calling for the supremacy of the parliament, he also urged legislators to represent public interests. He condemned the misplaced budget priorities and demanded a reduction in non-development and military spending so that urgently needed investments may be made to provide gas, electricity, health, education and justice to every citizen.
“The demand for a separate province of Hazara reflects popular belief that greater control over resources is urgently needed to realize the potential of Hazara and its people,” he said. The Aman Ittehad is a citizen platform striving for peace, democracy and justice in Pakistan. It calls for a shift in Pakistan from a security to a welfare state. The Solidarity Day is an expression of the power of ordinary citizens, and a call to exercise their choice and free will.