Singers unite for S Asian peace

Singers unite for S Asian peace

Rock band Junoon want peace between Pakistan and India

Top Pakistani rock band Junoon have joined Indian folk singer Anaida in a concert to promote peace.

The concert, held in the Pakistani city of Karachi, was designed to show that the two countries could live in peace without the threat of nuclear war.

"We have come here to share love and promote peace," Indian Punjabi singer Anaida told the 2,000-strong audience.

"We want to see peace, peace and only peace in Pakistan and India," she added.

Artists from both countries joined together on stage to get their message across in the hope of finding "global peace".

The volatile relationship between Pakistan and India has seen three wars fought in the past 50 years, two over the disputed region of Kashmir which is divided between the countries, but wholly claimed by both.

The fighting in Kashmir has led to the deaths of more than 60,000 people since 1989.

Junoon lead singer Salman Ahmad told the concert: "We are also for peace ... we are also for love."

Speaking before the concert, Anaida said the musicians were planning to perform similar gigs in Bangladesh and Dubai.

Borders

Junoon have also signalled their desire to play in India if they are given permission.

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

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

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

They have played in Europe and 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.