August 16, 2025
By Kaleem Ullah
LAHORE
Faiz Ahmed Faiz’s iconic verses “Hum Dekhenge” echoed at the Zero Point of the Wagah Border on the night between August 14 and 15, as Pakistan marked its Independence Day with great enthusiasm, while India prepared to celebrate its own the following day. By chanting slogans in favor of Pakistan–India friendship and lighting candles, participants sought to send a message of peace instead of war between the two countries.
As in previous years, the event was organized by the South Asia Free Media Association (SAFMA) to promote the spirit of peace. Participants held placards with slogans such as “No War, Only Peace”, “Start Dialogue”, “Create South Asian Economic Union”, and “Don’t Weaponize Water”.
The gathering brought together social and political activists, journalists, and poets. Speaking to Voicepk at the event, senior journalist and analyst Imtiaz Alam highlighted the absence of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and India. He noted that after the recent conflict, ties between the two countries had almost completely broken down and must be restored. He warned that another war between India and Pakistan would be catastrophic and stressed that the path of peace was in the best interest of both nations and their people.
Held under the title of a Candle Vigil, participants lit candles, raised slogans of friendship, and called for the resumption of trade. They also urged governments to ease visa restrictions, making it easier for people on both sides to connect and foster economic stability through cross-border exchanges.
Addressing the gathering, social and political leader Farooq Tariq said, “Today was our Independence Day and tomorrow is India’s, but we have not yet achieved real independence because people on both sides remain hungry. We want peace so that people can prosper, and through access to education, health, and other basic facilities, awareness can grow.”
Poetry against war and in favor of peace resonated at the event. Prominent poet and writer Baba Najmi, whose statue stands in Indian Punjab, recited verses underscoring the destruction wars bring to nations and their people.
A large number of Women have also participated actively, chanting slogans for peace. The event concluded with a symbolic “Peace Walk” as participants marched from the Zero Point of the Wagah Border, singing songs of solidarity with the people of India.