A salute to Toba Tek Singh


A salute to Toba Tek Singh

Toba Tek Singh, the town made famous by Sadat Hasan Manto’s short story with that title, has recently made the news for its active participation in peace efforts between India and Pakistan.

On the evening of June 24, the Toba Tek Singh District Administration invited civil society, the district bar association, media, traders and people of all sections of life to a meeting aimed at encouraging young peace makers of Toba Tek Singh who were setting off for the border very early (2.00 am) the next morning to participate in the Peace Chain event organised by Aman ki Asha.

The peace movement in this town owes much to the prominent Pakistani human rights activist and development icon Rev. Fr. Bonnie Mendes, a former parish priest of the Catholic Church, Toba Tek Singh. Mendes played an active role in trying to deescalate tensions between Pakistan and India in the wake of the 1998 nuclear tests and continues to support education in the district from Thailand where he is currently based.

“We are thankful to him for gifting the people of Toba Tek Singh with his vision,” said Ashfaq Fateh, Principal of St Peters’ School, Toba Tek Singh, who led the delegation and considers himself a disciple of Rev. Fr. Bonnie Mendes. “And we are so glad to have participated in the peace chain event on the zero line.”




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