– Mohd Naushad Khan
Following the deadly terrorist attack on civilians in Pahalgam, leading peace activists, journalists, and intellectuals from India and Pakistan jointly condemned the violence. In a powerful statement released Tuesday from both Islamabad and New Delhi, they demanded justice, urged de-escalation, and called for renewed dialogue between the two nations.
The joint statement began with a strong condemnation of the attack that killed innocent tourists in Pahalgam. The signatories expressed deep solidarity with the victims and declared that terrorism, in any form or justification, must be rejected. They stressed that targeting civilians is inexcusable and must be universally condemned.
The group urged a transparent, fair, and credible probe into the incident. They called for the perpetrators to be identified and prosecuted through legal means. Only an honest investigation, they said, would ensure accountability and prevent further conflict.
Rising tensions and aggressive rhetoric after the attack also alarmed the signatories. They warned that war hysteria could push both nations toward another military conflict. Referring to the tragic history of past confrontations, they urged political leaders to remain calm and avoid emotional decisions.
The statement appealed for immediate de-escalation. The group argued that both India and Pakistan cannot afford another war and that their people long for peace, not bloodshed. They insisted that weapons cannot bring lasting peace—dialogue must.
They urged both governments to act responsibly. Open communication, resumed peace talks, and negotiation were cited as the only path forward. The signatories emphasized that disputes must be solved through understanding, not aggression.
This cross-border initiative reflects rare civil society unity. Signatories include a broad mix of journalists, academics, political leaders, human rights defenders, and artists from both countries.
From Pakistan, the signatories were:
Imtiaz Alam, Secretary General, SAFMA
Tariq Khosa, Former Inspector General of Police, Punjab
Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, Editor, Pakistan
Hussain Naqi, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Zahid Hussain, Columnist, Dawn
Afrasian Jhatak, National Democratic Movement, KP
Rashid Rehman, Senior Editor
Saleema Hashmi, Renowned Artist
Khawar Mumtaz, Women’s Action Forum (WAF)
Farooq Tariq, President, Haqooq-i-Khalq Party & Gen. Sec. of Kissan Rabita Committee
Dr Abdul Maalik, President, National Party
Ayub Malik, National Party Punjab
Sheema Kirmani, Tehreek-e-Niswan
Mohammed Tehseen, Convener, Pakistan India Peoples Forum for Peace & Democracy
Syed Akhtar Ali Shah, Former IGP, KP
Tasneem Rizvi, Architect
Imtiaz ul Haq, MKP
Beena Sarwar, SAPAN Representative & Peace Activist
Khalid Farooqi, Editor, Awaz (Jang Group)
Dr Jabbar Khattak, Editor, Awami Awaz, Sindh
Senator Buledi, National Party, Balochistan
Nasir, National Trade Union Federation
Mahesh Kumar, Editor, Daily Sindh
Kamran Chaudhary, Peace Activist
Allama Siddique Azhar, Anjuman Taraqi Pasand Musanafeen
From India, the signatories were:
O. P. Shah, Peace Activist
Tarun Basu, Peace Advocate
John Dayal, Senior Journalist & Peace Activist
Satish Jacob, Gen. Sec., SAFMA India
Kumar Ketkar, Member of Parliament & Senior Editor
Satnam Singh Manak, Editor, Ajeet, Member, Hind-Pak Dosti Manch
Rumesh Yadev, Amritsar Lok Academy
Prof. Anand Kumar, Academic & Public Intellectual
Nizamuddin Bhat, Peace Advocate
M. Y. Tarigami, Political Activist
Sunil Wattal, Peace Advocate
Anita Katyal, Senior Journalist, SAFMA India
Rita Manchanda, Author & Peace Activist
Qurban Ali, Peace Advocate
D. Khajuria, Peace Activist
Rana Siddiqui Zaman, Peace Advocate
The joint appeal stands as a bold call for reason, urging both nations to prioritize humanity and peace. As the Pahalgam tragedy becomes a moment of sorrow and reflection, this collective effort by civil society leaders from both sides offers hope and a way forward.
