PM pledges inclusive Pakistan, urges unity on International Day of Living Together in Peace

• Premier Shehbaz says Pakistan committed to dignity, equality and mutual respect for all citizens

• Cites Quaid-e-Azam’s vision of peace, honesty and fair play in national life

• Stresses Constitution guarantees protection against all forms of discrimination

• Highlights Paigham-e-Pakistan and human rights action plans to curb extremism

• Urges youth, scholars and civil society to promote tolerance and coexistence

 ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Friday reaffirmed the government’s resolve to build a peaceful, tolerant and inclusive society, stressing that Pakistan remained committed to ensuring “dignity, equality and mutual respect” for all citizens regardless of “race, ethnicity, religion or background.”

In his message on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, the prime minister said Pakistan joined the global community in observing the day, which underscores the importance of fostering peaceful, harmonious and united societies at both national and international levels.

He said the promotion of a peaceful social environment was not only part of Pakistan’s civilizational and visionary heritage but also a constitutional obligation of the state.

Quoting the Father of the Nation Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the prime minister recalled his words: “We believe in the principle of honesty and fair play in both national and international dealings and are prepared to make our utmost contributions to the promotion of peace and prosperity within and without.”

Shehbaz Sharif said these guiding principles continue to form the foundation of Pakistan’s national identity and remain central to efforts aimed at building a more cohesive and harmonious society at home and abroad.

He said the Constitution of Pakistan guarantees protection against all forms of discrimination, including provincial, ethnic, sectarian and regional biases, while the country’s rich diversity of languages, cultures and traditions remains a source of national strength and unity.

The prime minister highlighted that national initiatives such as “Paigham-e-Pakistan” are helping counter ideological and practical extremism while strengthening unity and social cohesion.

He said the “National Action Plan on Human Rights” had been designed to promote women’s empowerment, child protection and safeguard the rights of vulnerable and marginalized segments of society.

He further noted that implementation of the country’s first “National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights” was underway to encourage responsible corporate conduct, ensure labour rights protection and eliminate workplace discrimination.

The prime minister said the government was also advancing tolerance and social harmony through the “Human Rights Awareness Programme,” while institutional mechanisms had been strengthened with the operationalization of the National Commission for Human Rights.

He added that District Human Rights Committees had been established at the provincial level to promote social cohesion at the grassroots, alongside initiatives such as the “National Strategy on Prevention of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence” and the Minority Welfare Fund.

Referring to recent legislative reforms, Shehbaz Sharif said the government had introduced key laws aimed at eliminating harmful social practices and violence, including the “ICT Domestic Violence Prevention and Protection Act 2026,” the “ICT Child Marriage Restraint Act 2025,” and the “National Commission for Minority Rights Act 2025.”

He said these measures reflected the government’s firm commitment to building a united, tolerant and peaceful society where every individual could live with dignity, equality and justice.

The prime minister also urged youth, religious scholars and civil society to actively play their role in promoting tolerance, compassion and coexistence, calling for collective efforts to build a Pakistan and a world where harmony and shared prosperity prevail over division and discord.