South Asia Citizens Web

To mark the second anniversary of the Baldia factory fire incident, which caused deaths of over 250 workers and injuries to over 40 others on September 11, 2012. PILER, along with other partner organisations (trade unions and civil society organisations) held a press conference on Tuesday, Sep. 9, 2014 at Karachi Press Club. Attached is coverage of the press conference in English press of Pakistan.

We have been watching with increasing concern and dismay the fast deteriorating situation on the ground – on both sides of the border, especially in the Kashmir valley and the hilly terrains of the Jammu region. The scale of devastation is unprecedented though the armed forces are doing their best. We strongly believe that much more needs to be done on an urgent basis.

Appeals from different organisations for Relief work in wake of 2014 floods in Jammu and Kashmir [from Aman Biradri / Aman Trust / COVA / ANHAD / Pakistan India People’s Forum For Peace and Democracy and others]

Two cult leaders — one with his private army — are present in Islamabad’s Red Zone. The state that talks to them begins its discourse with “inshallah”, the same as the cult challenger, just like the Arab armies in the Middle East that cry “Allahu Akbar” before killing each other. The two cults challenging the state today are clearly different, as all cults must be varied. One leader is a cleric and can ask his followers to lay down their lives without fearing disobedience from them. The other is less sure of obedience but relies on religious inspiration and knows that dead bodies will ensure success.

With the controversy surrounding mixed religion marriages in India these days and terming them as ‘Love Jihad’ or part of a greater conspiracy, it seems it is time for me to stand up and share my story of ‘my JIHAD FOR LOVE’. After a long challenging battle for social acceptability and stability for more than fifteen years I eventually come out today as just another common Indian married woman living life in my terms. The only difference here is that I am married by my choice to a man from another religion who I met, fell in love and married.