Resistance in Pakistan: looking back to look forward

What can the student movements of the past teach us about the struggles of today? The Boston South Asian Coalition (BSAC), in collaboration with the Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan), invites you to a hybrid event exploring the history and future of resistance in Pakistan.

The afternoon begins with a screening of ‘Aur nikelnenge ushshaq ke qafley’ (There will be more caravans of passion), a documentary by Beena Sarwar. The film chronicles Pakistan’s first nation-wide student movement in the 1950s, capturing a pivotal moment of collective action and democratic aspiration.

Following the screening, Dr. Taimur Rahman of the Mazdoor Kisan Party will lead a discussion on the current state of resistance in Pakistan. As an academic, activist, and musician, Dr. Rahman will offer insights into how past legacies of struggle continue to inform contemporary movements for social and political change.

Event Details :

• Date: Saturday 28 March 2026
• Time: 10:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. (EDT)
• Venue: Community Church of Boston, Copley Square, Boston
• Format: Hybrid (In-person and online via Zoom)
• Note: Food will be provided for those attending in person.

How to join

Whether you are in Boston or joining us from across Southasia and beyond, please register via the link below to receive the Zoom details or to confirm your in-person attendance.

About the speakers

Beena Sarwar is a Boston-based Pakistani multimedia journalist, filmmaker, and journalism teacher. She is a founder member of the Southasia Peace Action Network (Sapan) and has focused her career on human rights, gender, and peacebuilding.

Dr. Taimur Rahman is an academic and activist who teaches political science at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS). He is the General Secretary of the Mazdoor Kisan Party and the spokesperson for the progressive rock band Laal.

Feature image: Democratic Students Federation (DSF) leader M. Sarwar addressing a student meeting, Karachi, early 1950s. Courtesy: Dr. Sarwar archives

*Sapan uses ‘Southasia’ as one word to reflect our shared histories, geographies and cultures.

Sapan is a voluntary organisation. We connect Southasia and the diaspora, and work to build a narrative of regionalism, peace, and dialogue. Please donate tax-free to help us cover our costs.

Thank you!