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Musicians unite for Asian
peace
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.
Rock band Junoon want peace between Pakistan and India
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.
BBC NEWS
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