BY LUKE FOMIATTI
& TAMARA PEARSON

LAHORE — The Anti-War Committee-Pakistan (AWC), a coalition of 27 progressive organisations and political parties, organised a protest here on January 18 to coincide with an international day of action against war.

The AWC includes the Labour Party Pakistan (LPP), National Workers' Party, People's Party Shahid Bhutto, Mazdoor Kisan Party and the Joint Action Committee for People's Rights.

The intention was to march to the US consulate and present a petition opposing war on Iraq. However, after extensive negotiations with police, the protesters were denied the right to march. Chanting “Bush, Bush, hush, hush” (Go away Bush) the rally managed to march about a block before being stopped by police.

AWC member and LPP leader Farooq Tariq told Green Left Weekly the protest was “a great success”. “Pakistan is known for anti-US demonstrations led by fundamentalists, but these fundamentalists are not anti-imperialist and they are not for peace. They want more war with America. It is only the left-wing forces that have consistently fought against US imperialism.”

A number of messages of solidarity were received from around the world including Action in Solidarity with Asia and the Pacific (Australia), the Asia Peace Alliance, International ANSWER (USA) and others. Radical journalist John Pilger also sent a message of support.

From Green Left Weekly, January 22, 2003.
Visit the Green Left Weekly home page.

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