On same page: Moot wants designs of capitalist powers defeated

Pakistanis, Indians scorn hegemonic ambitions of capitalists.

ALLAHABAD, INDIA: The 8th joint convention of Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Peace and Democracy on Friday called for initiating joint efforts by the peoples of the two countries to ‘frustrate the hegemonic designs’ of global capitalist powers in the region.

The 8th joint convention is being held with a focus on promoting peace between India and Pakistan through people-to-people initiatives and stepping up promotion of peace and democracy in the two countries besides encouraging the efforts for early peaceful resolution of outstanding disputes between the two countries, including the lingering issue of Jammu and Kashmir.

The delegates pointed out that many states lack the capacity to resist the dictates of the power controlling the world resources. They called upon the governments of India and Pakistan to pursue people-friendly policies. If this is not done, they warned, the two countries will risk conflict with their own citizens.

The convention reviewed progress on issues the forum has been discussing in its joint sessions since 1995. The convention reiterated its demand for greater democratisation of state institutions, struggle against fundamentalist groups, religious intolerance and the escalating arms race in the region.

The convention took note of the resistance movements being waged by people throughout the region for their democratic rights and social justice and expressed the hope that these movements will prevail.

Over 200 delegates from all over Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir, comprising politicians, social and human rights activists, lawyers, business community, journalists, educationists, and working women are participating in the convention being held under the auspices of the India chapter of the Pakistan-India Peoples Forum for Peace & Democracy in the capital of the Indian state of Utter Pradesh.

The convention focused on global hegemonies and challenges to democratic rights in South Asia, an early peaceful democratic solution of the Jammu and Kashmir issue and demilitarization of the region. The convention also took serious note of the emerging issues, including the global war on terror, imperialism, sovereignty and security perspectives in governance.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 31^st, 2011.