Live and let live: Stop violence in the name of Religion.

Recently, Pakistanis initiated online petitions and wrote to the relevant authorities to protest the  hate campaign and violence against Ahmadis in Pakistan specially by members of the so-called Difa-e-Pakistan Council, target-killing of Shias and other acts of violence in the name of religion. Incidents where people are stopped, identified and killed for their religious beliefs are increasing in Pakistan, the only country where it’s a crime for Ahmedis to practice their religion. Forced conversions, attacks on Christian churches and false cases under blasphemy laws (including against Muslims of various sects) are becoming more and more common. The space for free practice of religion and civil public discourse is  shrinking.

It is high time for Pakistanis to unite and raise a collective voice against these trends before it’s too late. We need to follow up the letter campaigns with a more visible public action. We need to make concrete, consistent and focused attempts for our survival, and consolidate the struggle to take our country back. Every little step counts. In this spirit, Citizens for Democracy (CFD) is planning an online petition and another public signature campaign and performance on Saturday, Mar 17, 2012 in front of Bagh Ibn-e-Qasim/opp. Park Towers, Clifton, Karachi. The theme is “Live and let Live: Stop violence in the name of religion”. Program schedule and letter text:

Signature Campaign:     12pm – 6pm

Mural Drawing:              4-5pm

Performance by Tehrik-e-Niswan & Flashmob:  5-6pm.