DR. KHURSHEED AHMED

I regret that I missed such an important and historical event in Toronto. It's

 truly wonderful to see that we have reached a point where we are seeing an increasing number of cultural, scientific and business exchanges between our two countries.  The cricket diplomacy has opened a new opportunity between people who have demonstrated that they can rise above petty differences created by the political and religious leaders. There is a true optimism amongst the youth who have never known each other's country, except through TV and Bollywood movies.  It's heart-warming that in Toronto, people joined hands and celebrated the Pakistan and India Independence Day together.

In Hamilton, we organized an event entitled "India and Pakistan:
Security in Unity" on Nagasaki Day (August 9) at McMaster University to show how important it is for the two nations to set aside the
differences and work toward a peaceful future.  We screened the film by Dr.. Pervaiz Hoodbhoy (Crossing the Line: Pakistan, India and Kashmir), and had a lecture by Dr. Neil Arya, Vice-President, International Physicians for the Prevention of Nuclear War.  The event

Was attended and greatly appreciated by Pakistani, Indians and Canadians alike.

I was very touched at the sentiments expressed by Mr. Najeeb Kazmi in his address on this special occasion, and I want to congratulate the
organizers for this bold move forward.  Let's hope that many more of
this kind of events will be organized around the world, and especially
within Pakistan and India.

Khursheed Ahmed
McMaster University
Hamilton, ON