A new Pakistan?

Are there signs that Pakistan is changing? Are there voices in this country that go beyond the demand for Kashmir [ Images ]? Do people want freedom, democracy and development? Are they ready for it?

These are some of the many questions Contributing Editor Sheela Bhatt asked of a group of experienced grassroots workers from the South Asia Partnership organisation in Lahore [ Images ] whose goal is to emancipate women and uplift the poor. Each one of them works in a Pakistani village where people constantly battle harsh social traditions, lack of water and poor education in their daily struggle for survival:

January 20: Shakil Ibrar: We have never seen changes like these in the last 50 years

January 21: Naima Malik: The elders have a softer attitude towards India

January 22: Mehmood Ahmed: People take decisions carrying the Qu'ran in their hand

January 23: Uzma Zarrin: The teachers in Pakistan are pro-jihad