Peace accolade: Karamat Ali receives South Asia Peace & Justice Award

Executive director of PILER recognised for his efforts.

KARACHI: The Pakistan Institute of Labour Education and Research’s (PILER) executive director, Karamat Ali, has been awarded the South Asia Dadi Nirmala Deshpande Peace and Justice Award in Patiala, India.

This was the first edition of the award, with next year’s edition to be held in Pakistan. The award will be given to peace promoting individuals of the region on October 17 every year, which marks Didi Nirmala’s birthday

Speakers present at the award talked about the issues of Afghanistan and their impact on the region as well as the role of NATO forces and the actions of US allies in the South Asia region.

Both India and Pakistan were asked to slash their military budget by 10 per cent and to sign a ‘no-war pact’. Peace in the region would free up capital in both countries, leading to prosperity in the area, said the award winner.

Karamat Ali expressed his delight and pride at winning the award and called for relaxed visa norms within South Asian countries.

The event started with PILER’s Farhat Fatima paying tribute to Didi Nirmala Deshpanday for her role in promoting peace in the South Asia region. A cultural show was organised at the end of the event, which exhibited the role of artistes in promoting peace and strengthening the relationship of the countries.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 21^st, 2013.