LAHORE: The speakers at SAFMA seminar warned against terrorism and repression and called for bilateral and multi-lateral efforts to stop destabilizing proxy wars that suit the terrorists and are against the state interests of the countries of the region.
South Asian Free Media Association (SAFMA) organised a seminar on a “progressive, democratic and peaceful Pakistan” on the eve of its Independence Day celebrations. Leading intellectuals and analysts addressed the seminar, including IA Rehman, Imtiaz Alam, Dr Tahir Pervaiz, Iftikhar Shahid, Laal Khan and others.
The participants passed the following resolution: Condemning terrorism in Quetta, they demanded operation against all types of terrorists and asked for measures to defeat extremist mindset. They demanded an end to all kinds of proxy wars that can endanger peace and stability of the region. Appealing the governments of Pakistan and Afghanistan, India and Pakistan the resolution stressed bilateral dialogue among the security establishments and national security advisors to hold bilateral meetings to bring this dangerous trend to an end.
Expressing their dismay over partial implementation of National Action Plan, they called upon the responsible authorities to take serious measures to overcome the shortcomings. The resolution appealed to the parliament to review Pakistan’s national security and foreign policies to avert current regional hostility and international isolation.
The speakers emphasized the need to bring changes in the curriculum and develop an alternative progressive and democratic narrative to counter extremist narrative. They stressed the continuity of democratic system while emphasizing greater cooperation between the civil and military leaderships. They condemned violation of human rights and brutal suppression of Kashmiri people and asked the governments of India and Pakistan to start comprehensive dialogue to resolve differences through peaceful means. The seminar was attended by a large number of journalists and civil society activists. Later a mushaira was held to commemorate Pakistan’s independence.
