Dated: 7 May 2025
“We, peace activists from India, Pakistan and elsewhere, categorically condemn every form of violent extremism and terrorism…”
Read the full joint statement below and endorse it here if you support the message of peace and cooperation.
Joint Statement
We, peace activists from India, Pakistan and elsewhere, categorically condemn every form of violent extremism and terrorism.
We particularly condemn the cowardly targeting of unarmed civilians, for any reason, including as a means to achieve political ends.
This cycle must end for peace to prevail. Communal and faith-based politics feeding frenzy on both sides, amplified by media and social media, gives the illusion of a consensus for war.
This loud warmongering puts tremendous pressure on governments and armed forces on both sides, as well as inciting the public. It has severely vitiated the political climate in Southasia*, fostering mistrust among citizens.
Sustainable peace requires a collective rejection of such divisive ideologies by the people of the region.
India and Pakistan must behave responsibly. Any war between these two nuclear-armed nations would be disastrous. As history shows, it is ordinary citizens who suffer the most—especially women, children, minorities, the elderly, and vulnerable communities forced to prove their patriotism.
We urge people to:
- Hold their governments accountable
- Reject war hysteria
- Defend longstanding bilateral agreements (e.g., Indus Water Treaty, Shimla Accord)
- Speak out against hate, violence, and vengeance
- Promote dialogue, cooperation, and a peaceful future
Why “Southasia” as one word? Because history, geography and shared struggles say so.
Endorse the Statement
Initial Signatories Include:
(List some prominent names with their credentials)
- Dr. A.H. Nayyar, Physicist, Lahore
- Anand Patwardhan, Filmmaker, Mumbai
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- Beena Sarwar, Journalist, Boston/Karachi
- Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, Physicist, Islamabad
- Sheema Kermani, Cultural Activist, Karachi
- Dr. Sandeep Pandey, Activist, Lucknow
(…and many more)