Dear friends,
As proposed earlier, the first meeting of the broad platform we would like to see emerging in the country under the suggested title "Coalition of the Oppressed" was held at the Research and Publication Centre (RPC) Lahore on December 18, 2021. Unfortunately the turnout was below the widespread support the idea had attracted in the first instance. This could be because people forgot, were distracted or busy, or reflect the general apathy our society appears to have fallen into. Nevertheless, the meeting went ahead, with Rashed Rahman introducing and mooting the idea of a broad coalition of workers, peasants, oppressed nationalities, women, youth, students, religious minorities and all other oppressed communities. Difficult as the task appeared to the participants in the obtaining circumstances and political atmosphere, the consensus that emerged after the discussion was to broaden our engagement and appeal, prepare to hold similar meetings in all the major cities of the country, and only contemplate some organisational structure after this round of consultations is over and the sense of the discussions can light the way forward.
Further updates will be presented as this initiative goes forward and unfolds. Thanks to all those who attended, and hope that those who were unable to make it will contact us and be open to future interactions.
Rashed Rahman
Editor, Pakistan Monthly Review (PMR) (link: pakistanmonthlyreview.com)
Director, Research and Publication Centre (RPC), 2nd floor, 65 Main Boulevard Gulberg, Lahore.
Cells: +92 302 8482737 (WhatsApp) & +92 333 4216335. Email: rashed.rahman1@gmail.com
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