Eminent economist Dr. Ahmad Faruqui, author of Rethinking the National Security of Pakistan.

Bay Area activist Ijaz Syed

The discussion was moderated by well-known Berkeley activist Snehal Shingavi (left).

Over 50 people attended today’s panel discussion on “Pakistan: What Now?” arranged by the Friends of South Asia (www.friendsofsouthasia.org). The main attraction of the program was Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa Agha. Dr. Ahmad Faruqui and Ijaz Syed were the other two panelists.

Sunday, December 2, Tarun Tejpal met with activists belonging to FOSA (Friends of South Asia), Asha for Education, and AID (Association for India's development).

Dyamani Barla spoke in Hindi. Shalini Gera of FOSA provided English translation for the benefit of non-Hindi speaking audience.

Anu Mandavilli of FOSA gave a brief introduction of Dayamani Barla and her work.

Dyamani Barla gave a talk at the San Jose Peace Center on Saturday, December 1. The program was arranged by Friends of South Asia (FOSA).

Friends of South Asia (www.friendsofsouthasia.org) and other Bay Area organizations arranged an anti Martial Law rally in San Francisco, today.
Here is a part of the media advisory they issued:

“STOP U.S. SUPPORT OF GENERAL MUSHARRAF, NOW!”
San Francisco Bay Area community groups to protest Martial Law and US government support for military dictatorship in Pakistan with a peaceful rally

WHEN: Saturday, November 10th, 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm
WHERE: City Hall, 1 Dr. Carlton B. Goodlett Place, San Francisco, CA

WHAT: Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI, www.moveforjustice.org), Friends of South Asia (FOSA, www.friendsofsouthasia.org), Act Now to Stop War and End Racism (ANSWER, www.actionsf.org) and a number of concerned citizens from all walks of life will rally in front of the City Hall to protest the imposition of Martial Law in Pakistan and the US Government’s support for military dictatorship there and also to show solidarity and support for the pro-democracy movement in Pakistan. The day of action will begin at 2pm with speeches from community leaders which will be followed by a rally.

In response to emergency rule imposed by General Pervez Musharraf on November 3, FOSA (wwww.friendsofsouthasia.org) had a poster making session after its 2007 Eid-Diwali dinner on Sunday, November 4.

An older video interview with Dr. Ayesha Siddiqa was also screened.

Ijaz Syed, a prominent Bay Area activist, provided insights into current Pakistani politics.