- Premier Shehbaz calls for addressing poverty, rights denial and intolerance as root causes of conflict
- Highlights humanitarian tragedies in Palestine, IIOJ&K, stressing peaceful resolution of disputes under UN Charter
- Recalls Pakistan’s decades-long role in UN peacekeeping and humanitarian missions
- Urges global community to ‘silence weapons, restore diplomacy and uphold humanity’
ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has said that sustainable global peace will remain elusive unless the root causes of conflict—including poverty, denial of human rights, and rising intolerance—are effectively addressed.
In a message issued on the occasion of the International Day of Peace, observed worldwide on September 21, the Prime Minister cautioned that today’s conflicts and injustices threaten the future of humanity. He said the day served as a sobering reminder that “every individual and every nation must play their role, individually and collectively, in promoting peace.”
Reiterating Pakistan’s stance, the premier said, “On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, Pakistan reiterates its unwavering commitment to the lofty principles of peace and justice.”
The Prime Minister stressed that peace cannot be maintained in isolation but must be anchored in strong international institutions. He called upon the global community to reaffirm its commitment to resolving disputes through dialogue and diplomacy in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
Turning to regions facing long-standing crises, Shehbaz Sharif underscored that genuine peace could not be achieved without addressing the humanitarian tragedies unfolding in the occupied Palestinian territory and Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK). “Until the people of these regions are granted their right to self-determination in line with United Nations Security Council resolutions, lasting peace will remain a dream,” he remarked.
The Prime Minister recalled Pakistan’s consistent contributions to global peace, noting that the country had played a significant role in supporting stability across conflict-torn regions. “Pakistan’s decades-long participation in UN peacekeeping missions and its continued humanitarian assistance to affected populations demonstrate our commitment to peace and stability,” he said.
Calling for constructive global action, the prime minister urged nations to “silence the weapons that kill innocents, restore faith in diplomacy, and resolve conflicts through peaceful means.” He emphasized that the world needed a collective effort to counter the growing challenges of wars, terrorism, and human rights violations that jeopardize the lives of millions.
Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s readiness to play its role in fostering peace at the regional and international levels. He appealed to the international community to join hands in the pursuit of peace, justice, and humanity.
“On this International Day of Peace, let us all pledge to take constructive and collective action to restore the spirit of diplomacy and uphold the dignity of human life,” he stated.
Concluding his message, the prime minister prayed for peace across the world. “Pakistan stands ready to play its part. May Allah Almighty grant peace to the entire world. Ameen,” he said.
The International Day of Peace, established by the UN General Assembly in 1981, is observed globally each year to promote ideals of peace, unity, and conflict resolution.
