KARACHI, March 15: Peace activists have termed the current cricket series between India and Pakistan a bonanza for peace efforts between both countries.

In a joint statement of the Pakistan Peace Coalition and the Pakistan Social Forum issued here on Monday, the PPC secretary general and PSF convener said that "Partners in Victory" campaign in the two countries, which coincided with the cricket series, aimed at promoting an atmosphere conducive for friendship, understanding and sportsmanship between the two nations.

"The current cricket series is a gift of the peace process and a historic opportunity to promote peace and amity between both countries," they said. The cricket matches between the two countries had been a source of rising tensions in the past, they said. However, they added that both the countries would now be "Partners in Victory" irrespective of who wins the match.

They said that millions of people in India and Pakistan were eager to see a lasting friendship established between the two countries and a collective expression to this wish was required.

The "Partners in Victory" campaign, aimed at bringing nations close, would mobilize cricket fans of the subcontinent to wear badges during this series with the slogan of "Partners in Victory" displayed in three languages.

The PPC and PSF emphasized on grabbing the opportunity to create an atmosphere of camaraderie instead of confrontation.