On Saturday 25th July, students and workers gathered in Lahore at the Research and Publication Centre to stand with Cuba. The Conference was organized by the Mazdoor Kissan Party and Progressive Students Federation featuring special remarks by the Cuban Ambassador to Pakistan, H.E. Damian Cordero and an art exhibition of posters for Hundred Years With Fidel by artists of the Utopix and Tricontinental throughout the Global South. Comrade Irfan and Comrade Mohsin delivered the opening of the program by talking about the necessity of internationalism in the era of hyperimperialism.
Director of Research Publication Centre and Chief Editor of Pakistan Monthly Review, Rashed Rahman delivered his remarks where he stated that his generation of youth in the 1960s were inspired by the Cuban Revolution, under the banner of Fidel and Che. It was the symbol of resistance of an era that still persists despite all adversity imposed by US Imperialism.
Cuban Ambassador to Pakistan, Damian Cordero highlighted in his address how Fidel is alive in the struggle of students, workers, peasants and oppressed nations today. Fidel held up three main rules — non-negotiable principles, absolute consistency and garnering public support. Upon this approach, the victory of the revolution has been repeatedly reinforced. He reminded how Cuba saved millions of lives amidst the 2005 earthquake in Kashmir and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Is it that debt to humanity that we owe to the Cuban people.
General Secretary of Progressive Students Federation, Fatima Shahzad talked about the lessons we can draw from the life and work of Fidel Castro in the year of his centenary. The Cuban Revolution is a great example to the oppressed and working people of Pakistan to follow, to break the chains of neocolonialism and exploitation. She concluded by saying that Cuba remains the symbol of hope and dignity, leading at the frontlines as the people of the world declare “Hands Off Cuba”.
The program concluded with a performance by Taimur Rahman, General Secretary MKP, of the Internationale in Urdu. Over 300 people from campuses, left organisations and trade unions attended the Conference to say in unison that “Cuba Is Not Alone” and “Down With US Imperialism”. It was concluded with the Firmoporcuba petition signing led by the Cuban Ambassador, followed by all the participants.
#CubaIsNotAlone
#CubaNoEstáSola
#CubaIsNotAThread
#CubaNoEsUnaAmenaza
#JuntosXCuba
#TumbaElBloqueo
#CubaNoEsUnaAmenaza
[The Ambassador of Cuba to Pakistan with workers and students of MKP and PrSF at Fidel x 100 Exhibition.]
