Anthology of Indo-Pak love to be released on Independence Day

At a time when Indo-Pak border tensions are escalating, an anthology of love, connection and friendship that transcends the physical divide between India and Pakistan and celebrates love will be unveiled on August 14-15 to mark the Independence Days of both countries.
"Love Across Borders", edited by Naheed Hassan and Sabahat Muhammad, is the first civic and literary initiative that compiles stories of cross-border love, relationships and connections.
"The short stories in this anthology, original works of fiction by Indian and Pakistani writers, are attempts to create newer narratives about modern-day India and Pakistan," Hassan, the founding publisher of Indireads, told PTI.

The stories celebrate the "similarities between the people across borders, and the kinds of connections that can be created between ordinary people on both sides of the border".
Hassan said, "You have heard hundreds of stories of the Partition, sadness and loss over the years; this year let's celebrate independence by reading stories of hope, togetherness and the possibility of a better tomorrow."
The "stories of love, connection and friendship that transcend the physical divide" are as important as those that deal with wars, loss, displacement and anger, Hassan said.
But the pain associated with the stories of conflict and the Partition keeps the two nations back, she pointed out.

The anthology, which will be given away as a free e-book to persons who register at a special website, opens with a short story titled "That '70s Babe" by Mamun Adil, a Pakistani.