Pakistan Rangers, Indian BSF exchange smiles at Wagah
Another victory for Aman ki Asha
By Moayyed Jafri
LAHORE: 'Aman ki Asha' among the people on both sides of the border witnessed another victory when the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force exchanged smiles, instead of a show of strength and force.
The stance taken up by the Aman ki Asha project by the Jang Group has broken many myths and misconceptions between the peoples across the border. Today, consistent and relentless efforts of the project have established the importance of people-to-people interaction.
Owing to awareness and governments' acceptance, cheers and smiles were a much-needed addition to this world famous event that had a reputation of uniqueness. Flag hoisting and lowering ceremonies at the Wagah border, associated with a show of national pride and strength by both sides, had been a tourist attraction for a long time and people not just from all over Pakistan but also abroad deemed it a ceremony of its own kind in the world.
The show at Wagah, though inspired patriotism in both nations, yet the nationalistic feeling came at the cost of an element of hostility exhibited by a head-high kicking march and earsplitting foot stamping by forces on both sides.
Yet the show expressed little of the will of the peoples on both sides, who want an end to negativity projected from both sides. The crowd cheered the new practice and termed it a major acknowledgement of the will of the people in both countries, as border officials of the two countries shook hands and exchanged smiles.
It was like the dawn of a new era on the line which marks the division between the two countries, yet it marked a sense of union and friendship. Talking to The News after the ceremony, people welcomed the new initiative.
"The previous practice was very theatrical, patriotic and fun to watch but it highlighted and glorified anger and arrogance, which was a dangerous ploy and could have kept alive inconvenient feelings across the border," commented Nasir, who had arrived there along with his family to witness the ceremony from Khushab.
"Nationalism does not come from uncomfortable feelings for other nationalities;
it takes root from strength within and confidence and harmony developed thr-
ough strong ties with neighbours. "Therefore, this was a much-needed measure and should be taken as the first drop of rain," said a spectator, Nazia.
Friday, November 05, 2010
WAGAH: An official of the Pakistan Rangers shakes hands wiht a member of the Indian Border Security Force here on Thursday.
By Moayyed Jafri
LAHORE: 'Aman ki Asha' among the people on both sides of the border witnessed another victory when the Pakistan Rangers and Indian Border Security Force exchanged smiles, instead of a show of strength and force.
The stance taken up by the Aman ki Asha project by the Jang Group has broken many myths and misconceptions between the peoples across the border. Today, consistent and relentless efforts of the project have established the importance of people-to-people interaction.
Owing to awareness and governments' acceptance, cheers and smiles were a much-needed addition to this world famous event that had a reputation of uniqueness. Flag hoisting and lowering ceremonies at the Wagah border, associated with a show of national pride and strength by both sides, had been a tourist attraction for a long time and people not just from all over Pakistan but also abroad deemed it a ceremony of its own kind in the world.
The show at Wagah, though inspired patriotism in both nations, yet the nationalistic feeling came at the cost of an element of hostility exhibited by a head-high kicking march and earsplitting foot stamping by forces on both sides.
Yet the show expressed little of the will of the peoples on both sides, who want an end to negativity projected from both sides. The crowd cheered the new practice and termed it a major acknowledgement of the will of the people in both countries, as border officials of the two countries shook hands and exchanged smiles.
It was like the dawn of a new era on the line which marks the division between the two countries, yet it marked a sense of union and friendship. Talking to The News after the ceremony, people welcomed the new initiative.
"The previous practice was very theatrical, patriotic and fun to watch but it highlighted and glorified anger and arrogance, which was a dangerous ploy and could have kept alive inconvenient feelings across the border," commented Nasir, who had arrived there along with his family to witness the ceremony from Khushab.
"Nationalism does not come from uncomfortable feelings for other nationalities;
it takes root from strength within and confidence and harmony developed thr-
ough strong ties with neighbours. "Therefore, this was a much-needed measure and should be taken as the first drop of rain," said a spectator, Nazia.
Friday, November 05, 2010
Indo-Pak Peace Now: Peace-mongers at a global vigil
Despite below freezing temperatures and last minute notice at many venues, 'peace-mongers' showed up in several cities around the world in solidarity with the India Pakis
.....more
Despite below freezing temperatures and last minute notice at many venues, 'peace-mongers' showed up in several cities around the world in solidarity with the India Pakis
.....more
From Kansas to Jaipur, peace seekers speak out
our correspondent
Karachi
Civil society activists on Sunday gathered outside the Karachi Press Club for a candlelight vigil in order to urge the governments of Indi .....more
our correspondentKarachi
Civil society activists on Sunday gathered outside the Karachi Press Club for a candlelight vigil in order to urge the governments of Indi .....more
Pak girls to 'build bridges' with India
LAHORE: Pakistan's women cricketers left for India late on Saturday to compete in the World Cup, with their batting coach hoping the team will 'build bridges' between the
.....more
LAHORE: Pakistan's women cricketers left for India late on Saturday to compete in the World Cup, with their batting coach hoping the team will 'build bridges' between the
.....more
Briefs
The National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) in India has invited Students of Karachi's NED Universi .....more
Architecture students build bridges
The National Association of Students of Architecture (NASA) in India has invited Students of Karachi's NED Universi .....more
VOICES: 'We want peace in the region'
We need peace relationship between India and Paki .....more
Some comments from the Aman ki Asha Facebook page and group
Peace is practical
We need peace relationship between India and Paki .....more
India, Pakistan: Peace Now - Global Vigil
Concerned citizens in dozens of cities across the world will observe a global vigil on Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013 to urge India and Pakistan to ensure that the dialogu .....more
Page 10 of 175
Special Editions
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The News on Sunday Special Report: India Pakistan prisoners
We probably didn't need to do this Special Report. Newspaper stories don't matter when it comes to Indians in Pakistani jails and vice versa. In fact, 'vice versa' sums it up. We do to them what they do to us.
Except when the two countries decide to begin talking, yet again! This time a little before the foreign secretary level talks, some Pakistani prisoners were released by India (and vice versa must have happened) and some more were release....read more
Blog
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For the past 2 years the Jang Group and Geo have been working on a project of great national interest; one that we hope will help usher in an era of peace and prosperity in the country and indeed, in the region. And one that hopefully all Pakistanis can be proud of.
The Jang Group has entered into an agreement with the Times of India Group, the largest media group of India, to campaign for peace betw
Global Media
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