The peace caravan’s inaugural ceremony featured several writers, artists, and activists. Prominent among them were the poet Fehmida Riaz and the dancer and actor Sheema Kermani.

“Arts and literature transcend borders. Sharing a common history, both India and Pakistan can learn a lot from each other,” said Kermani.

As the ceremony continued amidst rain and wind, Fehmida Riaz expressed her thoughts through poetry. She spoke about how war serves the purpose of the elite and the powerful.

During the event, she spontaneously wrote a moving poem about a koel who believes that peace is possible, but those with warped minds and hearts full of hatred remain unmoved by her sweet singing. “These warped minds may not immediately melt but a drop followed by persistent drops can shake even the hardest of hearts,” said Fehmida Riaz.

Her poetry was full of pain and despair about the situation in Pakistan. Speaking of apathy she said that it is making us isolated rather than being in the centre. She added, “We are in the centre but for all the wrong reasons.”

Karamat Ali read out the points on which the caravan is seeking support of the people of India and Pakistan: an end to proxy wars against each other, dismantling of nuclear establishments, removing visa restrictions and support from both governments – “even though that (government support) seems a bit difficult, we should still demand it from our respective governments,” he added, tongue in cheek.

Peace is always risky as it involves trust, he continued, “but we are willing to take that risk. We will take one step at a time and ensure that every step matters.”

The peace caravan set off from the shrine of Abdullah Shah Ghazi in Karachi the following day, having collected a hefty amount for the people of the flood hit areas. As this goes to print, they are on their way to Wagah border, where they will be met by marchers from India.

– Saher Baloch