Dear All,

Labour Education Foundation (LEF) and South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE) are jointly organizing a peace rally “Labour for Peace” at

“Stop Drone Attacks, Stop Religious Fundamentalism”.

Hundreds of trade unions and social and political activists will take part in this rally. They will come from different industrial zones of Lahore, Sheikhupura and industrial suburbs of these two districts.

South Asia not only a home to the largest number of world’s poor but also a region where minimal efforts are made to promote justice and peace. Different types of internal conflicts are prevalent in almost all countries. At the same time occupation of Afghanistan and presence of imperialist forces in the region is generating different kind of threats to peace and justice. Human rights of different communities and people are violated in various pretexts.

The consequence of conflicts, violence and war causes unbelievable suffering particularly for women and children. Communities have been reduced to terror, suspicion and insecurity. The livelihood of millions of people has been severely affected and the fabric of social relationship between people and communities torn apart.

In last few years, Pakistan has faced terror of religious extremism and attacks by the US forces in form of drone attacks and direct military operations. Thousands of people have been killed by Taliban in Kyber Pakhtunkhwa province and Tribal areas of the countries and in other provinces by suicide attacks and targeted killings. Since January this year more than 700 people are killed in drone attacks in Northwest of Pakistan by US forces.

The strategy of the American imperialism to curb the growing influence of religious fundamentalism by drone attacks mounts a direct attack on Pakistan sovereignty. The military solution of religious fundamentalism is counterproductive and helping the fanatics to grow more. We can not support one monster against the other. We have to oppose the both and create an alternative social voice. This peace rally is a effort in that direction.

Even though some national and bilateral peace initiatives at the level of civil society are taking place, there is need of a vibrant civil society initiative to take this issue at the regional platform. So under South Asia Alliance for Poverty Eradication (SAAPE) a comprehensive peace initiative has been taken. It is being further strengthened and expanded by organizing different peace initiative at the country level.

You all are cordially invited to attend the rally.

Fraternally,

Khalid Mahmood