Musicians unite for Asian peace

Musicians unite for Asian peace

Rock band Junoon want peace between Pakistan and India

Top Pakistani rock band Junoon and one of India's most popular singers are to unite at a concert to spread a message of peace between the two countries.

Junoon and singer Anaida will appear at the concert in the Pakistani city of Karachi on Saturday, to start a "global peace" campaign.

The concert is staged amid the US's war in Iraq and the threat of violence between Pakistan and India over the disputed Kashmir state.

"The world has seen too much blood since 11 September, 2001 and too many burnings of effigies in protest rallies," Junoon's singer Ali Azmat said.

The concert is the first time the two acts have played together. Thousands of fans are expected to attend.

"Anaida will perform to negate the theory of war," Azmat said.

The band and Anaida have called for more contact between India and Pakistan.

"Singers on both sides of the borders are ready to play their role," Anaida said.

'Sing for peace'

"People to people contact is the best voice for peace."

The two acts will be joined by eight other Pakistani bands who will also promote the pro-peace message.

"They will only sing for peace and will say no to war," Azmat said.

"We will also go to Bangladesh and Dubai for similar concerts. Junoon would love to perform in India, if allowed."

Junoon, who formed in 1990, are regarded as Pakistan's equivalent to U2.

They have played in Europe and in the US, including the BBC's Mega Mela event in Birmingham last year, and outside the UN headquarters in New York after the 11 September attacks.

They have written songs protesting against the attacks, corruption in Pakistan and the proliferation of nuclear weapons in south Asia.

They have also spoken out in favour of literacy programmes and anti-Aids initiatives.