Peace, like democracy, is a process, not an event

Posted on April 15, 2026 by beenasarwar

Extract from an interview about the Islamabad peace talks — before they ‘collapsed’ — and a visit to ancient archaeological sites in Sindh

I spoke to the eminent Indian journalist Arfa Khanum Sherwani on Saturday about the peace talks then taking place in Islamabad. She published the interview on her YouTube channel on Sunday — with several cuts since everything had, as she said, changed overnight. I tried to represent our peace constituency.

Poster for the upcoming PIPFPD National Convention in Delhi. Peacemongers zindabaad

One of the cuts was about a Pakistan India Forum for Peace and Democracy (PIPFPD) webinar on Friday, which I refer to when mentioning the maturity of the Indians I heard “yesterday“. Here’s a recording of that seminar “Counting the costs of conflict – why peace matters” — most of it is in English. This webinar precedes PIPFPD’s upcoming National Convention, ‘Ishq, Siyasat aur Awam’ (Love, politics and the people), being held in Delhi, 18–19th April.

We need to amplify these voices of wisdom and courage.

A field trip to Chaukandi, Makli, Thatta, Bhambore

On Sunday, I took some 50 students from the Insitute of Business Administration, Karachi University where I’m teaching this semester, on a field trip to ancient archaeological sites in Sindh — the necropolises of Chaukandi and Makli (a UNESCO site) with their stunning stone carvings and tile work; the Shah Jehan Mosque in Thatta – one of the coolest (literally) and possibly most beautiful mosques in the world; and ruins of Bhambore (also known as Bhanbore), Muhammad Bin Qasim is believed to have landed, on the banks of the then mighty River Indus which has since changed its course.

A plaque by the site of a mosque in Bhambore terms it the first mosque in South Asia. I had always heard that the first mosque in the region lies in Kerala. An online search reveals that according to tradition, the Kerala mosque was established in 629 AD, while the Bhambore mosque (727 AD) is the first “archaeologically verified” one.

It was inspiring to see how the Sindh Archaeology Department is managing these sites, and the dedication and passion of the employees. There’s always room for improvement but let’s give credit where it’s due.

Curation of photos on a public instagram page by an IBA student

https://www.instagram.com/p/DXEK0sKioWa/?igsh=OWdvMDRjdjJuNGJ5

(ends)

Filed under: Pakistan-India, Resistance, Southasia, Travel | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment »

The dream that MLK articulated may seem distant, but we’re moving towards it

Posted on January 20, 2025 by beenasarwar

I began writing this piece some time ago, after watching Ava DuVernay’s ‘Origin’ at a friend’s place in Chicago – appropriate because that’s where Dr. King did a lot of his activism. Today seemed like a good time to finish it.

There is more awareness about systemic racism, caste oppression, and gender rights than ever before but we have a long way to go to achieve the dream of equality, justice and human dignity embodied by Dr. Martin Luther King. Those who fear change will continue to fight it. The struggle continues

Personal Political
By Beena Sarwar / Sapan News

The third Monday of January, which falls this year on the 20th,  is a federal holiday in the U.S., in honour of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. Born on 15 January 1929, Dr King was assassinated on 4 April 1968. A bill passed by Congress led to his birthday being commemorated  as a federal holiday on the third Monday in January since 1986.

The U.S. Presidential Inauguration also takes place on 20 January. This will mark the third time ever for a president to take the oath of office on the holiday designated for Dr Martin Luther King – the earlier two were President Bill Clinton and President Barack Obama. 

Dr King’s children have urged supporters to hear what President Trump has to say, even if they do so later.

The ideals of equality, justice, human dignity, and peace that Dr King stood for remain relevant, opposed by those threatened by these concepts.

Martin Luther King, Jr.
A photo of a photo from the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Center in Atlanta, Georgia, by Matt Lemmon.
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Filed under: democratic political process, Freedom of expression, Human rights, Interfaith, Peace, Southasia, Violence in the name of religion | Tagged: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment »

Commemorating ‘the second 9/11’ and the way ahead

Posted on September 29, 2021 by beenasarwar

The United States and India should join with other regional powers to deal with the Taliban and help the Afghan people – Noam Chomsky

BOSTON, 27 September: Prominent academic Noam Chomsky has urged the United States and India to engage with the Taliban, work towards overcoming differences with other regional powers, and help the Afghan people rather than blocking ”the best of the options that are available”.

He was speaking last Sunday at the tail end of a webinar titled “20 Years After 9/11: Impact on South Asia and South Asians” organised by the recently launched South Asia Peace Action Network, Sapan. Speakers shared stories of hope and inspiration, besides those of distress and challenges.

Noam Chomsky: Put the Afghan people first. Screenshot from Sapan webinar, 26 September 2021.
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Filed under: Afghanistan, Human rights, Progressive politics, Southasia, Terrorism | Tagged: , , , , , | Leave a comment »