Islamabad: President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif stressed Pakistan’s dedication to global harmony and equity on International Peace Day.
On the occasion of the international peace day observed globally on September 21, leaders stressed the urgent need for international cooperation to address India-Hero Jamu and Kashmir and the occupied Palestinian territories.
President Zardari reiterated Pakistan’s willingness to contribute to a sustainable world order. He pointed out that the United States’ recognized contribution to regional stability.
Additionally, Prime Minister Shehbaz, who was in Britain on Sunday, said lasting tranquility still cannot be achieved, and the right of self-determination of Kashmir and Palestinian people was denied. He called on the global community to uphold the UN resolutions and support their struggle for rights.
Gillani says
In addition, Sardar Ayaz Sadiq, the Speaker of the National Assembly, emphasized the importance of global unity, tolerance and dialogue in the establishment of lasting peace and stressed that conflict should be achieved through peaceful means. He said the theme of this year is “now a peaceful world”, both timely and relevant.
Collective responsibility
Earlier, Acting President Syed Yousaf Raza Gillani said in the statement that peace is not only absent from war, but also a country based on justice, equality, harmony about human rights and society.
Mr. Gilani said that sustainable peace can only be achieved through dialogue, tolerance, justice and cooperation, because strength and coercion will never bring true harmony or tranquility. He said peace is an indispensable prerequisite for human survival, progress and well-being. He urged world leaders to prioritize conflict and hostile negotiations, mutual respect and diplomacy.
“Peace is a collective responsibility that must be assumed at all levels,” he said. He urged global communities to unite and take effective measures to peacefully resolve conflicts and protect human rights.
Mr. Gilani recalled that Pakistan has maintained and presented a message of peace and justice.
Balance with nature
Federal Maritime Affairs Minister Junaid Anwar Chaudhry said during this period that true peace must include the protection of the ocean and the marine species that live in them.
Peace, he said, is about life balanced with nature. He warned: “If our oceans are unhealthy, marine animals and coastal communities suffer.”
The minister highlighted the threats facing endangered sea turtles, overfishing sharks, fragile coral reefs around hilly islands and mangroves on the coastline.
He said sea turtles are at risk of poaching, pollution and habitat destruction, while sharks need protection to maintain balance in marine ecosystems.
Additional investment with agents
Posted at Dawn on September 22, 2025
