India, Pakistan: Global StandOut for Peace in South Asia


India, Pakistan: Global StandOut for Peace in South Asia

In a response to escalating tensions between India and Pakistan, peace-lovers around the globe are joining hands in a Global StandOut for Peace in South Asia. The citizen-initiated event, taking place on Sunday March 3 across various cities globally, was started by Indians and Pakistanis who believe their countries should have good neighborly relations with all issues resolved through dialogue.

Ajmal Jamal-HateWarIn a press statement titled “India, Pakistan #NOWAR #SayNoToWar: Global StandOut for Peace in South Asia”, the organisers invite peace lovers to “join in where ever in the world they are and stand in solidarity against, war, violence and bigotry in South Asia where tensions between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan have held the region hostage for too long”.

The StandOut will take place in various cities in the USA, UK, India and Pakistan so far. People in other places are welcome to join. Confirmed locations where the event will take place Sunday include Washington, D.C. (Dupont Circle, 3 pm), Boston (MIT main entrance, 4:30 pm), London (Tavistock Square, 2 pm), New York (Peace Fountain, 110th Street, 2-3 pm), Dallas (Al Markaz restaurant, 12 noon), Michigan (22575, Ann Harbor Tri, Dearborn Heights, 6 pm), Lahore (Liberty Chowk, 7-9 pm), Delhi (Red Fort, 8 pm), Kolkata (Iran Society, 5 pm), Dublin (the Spire, 3 pm), Karachi, (Beach Luxury Hotel, 6 pm), Los Angeles, (Pasedena Public Library, 2:30- 4:30 pm). Oslo and San Francisco are also joining. On Monday, March 4, the StandOut will take place in Providence, RI (Brown University, Faunce Steps, 12 noon).

Vishal Sharma-NoWarThose who’d like to join an event but are unable to do so for any reason are invited to get together with friends any time Sunday, 3 March. Carry signs of support in a public space or landmark, then take a picture and share it with the hashtags: #NoWar #SayNoToWar #iStandForPeace #iStandAgainstWar #PeaceInSouthAsia #GlobalStandOutForPeace.

Organisers also suggest slogans like “I am Indian and I stand with Pakistani peacemongers” or “I am Pakistani and I stand with Indian peacemongers”.

For updates on event locations and times, please visit the Facebook page: Global Standout For Peace in South Asia https://www.facebook.com/GlobalStandOutForPeace/ 

Bilateral peace groups supporting this initiative of individual Indians and Pakistanis include the Pakistan India People’s Forum for Peace and Democracy, Aman ki Asha (hope for peace), Aaghaz-e-Dosti (Start Friendship). Others in support include South Asia Solidarity Group (London), Artists Unite, student organizations at MIT, Columbia University, George Washington University, SOAS (London), SAIS (Johns Hopkins University), Brown University, as well as human rights advocates and peacebuilders.

For further information please contact the Global Standout For Peace Facebook page or email  [email protected]




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