Islamabad (Web Desk): International Day of Peace is being observed across the world including Pakistan today (Monday).
The theme for the day this year is “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The day honours the “everyday architects of peace”, individuals who take initiatives at the local level, strengthen the foundations of stability, and work towards creating sustainable peace within their communities.
President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif have reiterated Pakistan’s firm commitment to promoting global peace and strengthening an effective, inclusive multilateral system, with the United Nations playing a central role.
In separate messages issued on the occasion, both leaders stressed Pakistan’s support for resolving disputes through peaceful means and adopting a comprehensive strategy for preventing and resolving conflicts through dialogue, diplomacy and collective efforts.
President Zardari said Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives aimed at bringing an end to the conflict between Iran and the United States had received international recognition.
He maintained that lasting peace could not be achieved when the right to self-determination of peoples was denied and resolutions of the UN Security Council were left unimplemented, particularly in situations involving foreign occupation, including Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK) and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Pakistan valued its constructive contribution towards promoting peace at both regional and international levels.
He urged citizens to contribute towards countering hatred, intolerance and discrimination while encouraging empathy, dialogue and mutual respect.
The prime minister also stressed that building a peaceful society was a collective duty shared by government institutions, civil society, religious scholars, teachers, media organisations, communities and families.
Joining the international community in observing the International Day of Peace, pm Shehbaz renewed Pakistan’s commitment to peaceful coexistence, international stability and security, equal opportunities for development and prosperity, as well as justice and fairness.
In his message, he said Pakistan was proud of the positive role it had played in supporting peace efforts across the region and internationally.
“We have made sincere and consistent efforts towards the resolution of conflicts, de-escalation of tensions, and promotion of global peace. Pakistan has also consistently served as a vanguard in United Nations peacekeeping missions, a contribution that remains a source of immense national pride,” he remarked.
The prime minister said this year’s theme, “Invest in Peace, For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.” highlighted that peace should not simply be understood as the absence of armed conflict.
He said its real benefits could be seen at national and international levels through improved economic and social conditions, protection of basic rights, human dignity and respect, equal opportunities and greater inclusion.
The premier underlined the importance of establishing a fair and non-discriminatory social system without distinctions based on colour or race, saying such conditions were necessary for achieving sustainable peace.
He added that hatred, violence, prejudice and other harmful attitudes must be addressed collectively at both personal and societal levels.
“Islamic principles and the Constitution of Pakistan offer a strong basis for maintaining social peace by protecting human dignity and fundamental rights,” he said.
PM Shehbaz also pointed out that the government’s policies focus on protecting the equal rights and responsibilities of every citizen, with particular attention to women, children, minorities, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
He said his government had introduced a comprehensive framework for human rights protection and social harmony through the National Action Plan for Human Rights 2026.
The plan, he added, contains practical steps for strengthening interfaith harmony and religious tolerance, curbing hate speech and discriminatory practices, protecting minorities and vulnerable communities, improving access to justice and enhancing institutional accountability.
The prime minister said lasting peace also required collective social awareness and a strong sense of individual responsibility.
He stressed that education has a crucial role in developing and strengthening these values among society.
“Promoting civic responsibility, tolerance, and respect for diversity in our universities is vital to fostering social peace. The inclusion of human rights and peace education under the National Action Plan reflects our commitment to cultivating among future generations a culture of respect, empathy, and peaceful coexistence.”
He further said that safeguarding victims of human rights violations and ensuring prompt and effective institutional action were essential for strengthening public confidence in the state.
The prime minister called on citizens to actively counter hatred, intolerance and discrimination and to encourage empathy, dialogue and respect for others.
“Strengthening a culture of peace is a shared responsibility of government institutions, civil society, religious leaders, teachers, the media, communities, and families alike,” he said, while praying to Allah Almighty for lasting peace and prosperity for Pakistan and the entire world.