Pakistan Observes International Day of Living Together in Peace
In a message issued on the occasion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the day underscored the importance of building peaceful, harmonious and united societies at both national and international levels.
He said fostering a peaceful social environment was not only part of Pakistan’s visionary heritage but also a constitutional responsibility.
Recalling the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the prime minister quoted the Father of the Nation as saying: “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.”
The prime minister said these principles formed the foundation of Pakistan’s national identity and continued to guide the country’s efforts towards creating a more harmonious and united society.
He reiterated that the Government of Pakistan remained firmly committed to taking practical measures for establishing a peaceful, tolerant and cohesive society where every citizen, regardless of race, ethnicity or religion, could live with dignity.
Highlighting Pakistan’s diverse social fabric, the prime minister said the country’s multiple languages, cultures, schools of thought and civilizational traditions were a source of national strength. He added that initiatives such as “Paigham-e-Pakistan” were aimed at countering extremism while promoting national unity and social harmony.
The prime minister also referred to a number of policy initiatives undertaken by the government, including the “National Action Plan on Human Rights,” which focuses on women’s empowerment, child protection and safeguarding the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups.
He said implementation of Pakistan’s first “National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights” was also underway to encourage responsible business conduct, labour rights protection and elimination of discrimination.
He noted that the government was promoting the values of tolerance, unity and coexistence through the “Human Rights Awareness Programme,” while institutional mechanisms had also been strengthened through the operationalization of the National Commission for Human Rights and establishment of District Human Rights Committees at the provincial level.
The prime minister further highlighted recent legal reforms, 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,” describing them as important steps towards eliminating harmful social practices and ensuring protection of fundamental rights.
Calling upon youth, religious scholars and civil society to contribute towards strengthening social cohesion, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif urged all segments of society to promote the values of tolerance, compassion and coexistence.
“Let us work together to build a Pakistan and a world where harmony and shared prosperity prevail over division and discord,” he said.