NEW YORK, Aug 6: A group of Pakistani and Indian physicians living in North America plan to organize a joint celebration of “Independence Day” of both countries from Aug 14 to Aug 16 in California, Houston, Boston and Atlanta.

The events are being organized by an Action group of Physicians of South Asia (APSA) which is also coordinating with other non-physician groups for such an event, Dr Zaffar Iqbal a convener of the group said.

Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy is expected to be the keynote speaker at the California event.

The efforts to bring Pakistani and Indian Physicians to work for peace in South Asia is coordinated by Amit Shah (Indian Physician) and Zaffar Iqbal (Pakistani Physician).

The APSA which was formed a month ago has 35 members with an objective to develop trust and exchange of ideas between Indian and Pakistani communities living in the United States.

Dr Zaffar Iqbal says that APSA wants to support peace initiatives between the two South Asian countries in order to promote tolerance to the diversity of South Asia and prevent rise of religious extremism in south Asia.APSA has setup a “Dosti Fund” to achieve its objectives.