Pakistan-India Peoples' Forum for Peace and Democracy

A group of concerned citizens from Pakistan and India have initiated a process of discussions to build up a movement for peace and democracy in the sub-continent. The first formal discussion was held in Lahore, Pakistan, on 2 September 1994 (Declaration and list of participants attached). The second discussion was held on 25 and 26 November 1994 at which the following participated.

Members of Pakistan team:
Dr. Mubashir Hasan, Prof. Haroon Ahmed, Ms. Beena Sarvar, Ms. Madeeha Gohar and Mr. Karamat Ali.

Members of Indian team:
Mr. Nirmal Mukerji, Prof. Dinesh Mohan, Mr. Sumanta Banerji, Mr. Gautam Navlakha, Mr. Tapan Bose, Ms Kamla Bhasin, Ms Teesta Setelvad, Mr. Achin Vanaik, Dr. Kamal Mitra Chenoy, Dr. Anuradha Chenoy, Ms. Rita Manchanda, Ms. Amrita Chachhi, Mr.Smitu Kothari, Mr. E. Deenadayalan.

1. The politics of confrontation between India and Pakistan has failed to achieve benefits of any kind for the people of both countries.
2. The people of both countries increasingly want genuine peace and friendship and would like their respective governments to honour their wishes.
3. Peace between the two countries will help in reducing communal and ethnic tension in the sub-continent.
4. Peace in the sub-continent will help the South Asian region to progress economically and socially, especially in the face of the new economic order.
5. Governments of Pakistan and India must agree to an unconditional no-war pact immediately without yielding to any third party pressure. 6.A democratic solution to the Kashmir dispute is essential for promoting peace in the sub-continent.

1. Organisation of a People's Convention on Peace and Democracy in New Delhi on 24-25 February 1995. The convention will be attended by around one hundred representatives each from India and Pakistan.
2. Exchange of information on activities promoting peace and democracy in both countries.
3. Release of pamphlets containing writings of Pakistani and Indian authors concerning intolerance, religious bigotry, sectoral violence, discrimination against minorities and disadvantaged sections of society, militarisation, democratic governance and the Kashmir dispute.
4. Exchange of artists, scientist and technologists.
5. To create an atmosphere of peace to influence the governments of India and Pakistan to enter into meaningful negotiations for peace and democracy.
6. To make the governments aware that the people of both countries do not want war and want to live in an atmosphere of peace and friendship.

Sd/- Mr. Nirmal Mukerjee
Co-Chairperson Joint Preparatory Committee (India)

Sd/- Dr. Mubashir Hasan
Co-Chairperson Joint Preparatory Committee (Pakistan)

The representatives of the under mentioned organisations and individuals have endorsed this statement and pledged their support to the people's convention on Peace and Democracy.