Sir: This is with reference to the civil society peace rally held in Lahore. The rally opposed the Taliban and demanded that the government act against them. Further, participants condemned the barbaric activities of the Taliban, especially the shutting down of girls’ schools in Swat. One is heartened by such displays of solidarity with the suffering people of Swat, who are being held hostage by the Taliban and their Al Qaeda taskmasters. While many state that most Pakistanis oppose Talibanisation, there is a dearth of leadership that can highlight and bring out the people’s sentiments about this situation. Therefore, the leadership of the peace rally in Lahore deserves high praise for having the courage and the integrity to organise this event. We need more such displays to let the people in affected areas know that we understand their plight and sympathise with them; and also to let the terrorists know that they can use violence but will not dim our spirits. SHOAIB KHANIslamabadMedia wars