Indian Citizens Delegation to Pakistan - 22 to 26 February 2009

South Asians for Human Rights (SAHR)

Media Release

The modern history of relations between India and Pakistan has been clouded from time to time by the politics of war and violence. Mumbai terror attacks of 26/11 seemed to have washed away the whole peace process.

In troubled times, it is the members of the civil society and the practitioners of culture – artists, painters, actors, singers, musicians, film-makers, writers, poets – who recall for us truths that are universal, of love that binds us in a much more fundamental humanity. They are of course conscious of political boundaries which separate us, but they are aware also of things deeper, more basic, more beautiful, which hold us together more than the politics of hate and terror can ever tear us asunder.

In difficult times initiatives to resolve the tense relations through dialogue by civil society groups of both the countries can play a major role. The unofficial diplomats can sometimes heal wounds faster than any official channel. People’s initiatives can pressurise governments to take necessary actions, to confront and address important issues and to find solutions.

A delegation from Pakistan recently visited India (January 21-24, 2009)

A reciprocal delegation of 13 people from India is going to Pakistan tomorrow on February 22, 2009. The delegation will be meeting the civil society members, groups, politicians and media. The delegation will cross over to Pakistan at 3 pm on February 22, 2009 at the Wagah border.

The list of the delegation is pasted below. The delegation will come back and hold a press conference in Delhi on Feb 27th

Shabnam Hashmi
 9811807558