ISLAMABAD: Federal Minister for Information, Broadcasting and Parliamentary Affairs Murtaza Solangi on Tuesday said that the Government of Pakistan, international institutions and grassroots organizations have contributed in a unique way to promote peace, tolerance and harmony in the country.
Addressing the inaugural session of the PeaceFLIX International Conference and Awards Ceremony on ‘Policymaking and the Peace Process in Pakistan’, he said in the complex tapestry of Pakistan’s landscape, the pursuit of peace transcended individual efforts; it became a shared responsibility.
“We are witnessing the collective efforts of various entities that form the basis of peace in our nation,” he said.
“As our nation straddles the complex realms of economics, politics and the environment, the preservation of social peace assumes paramount importance,” the minister added.
Solangi said national and international think tanks as well as peace organizations have done invaluable research and facilitated dialogues to understand the nuanced dynamics of peace and conflict.
He said their efforts have expanded support for initiatives aimed at countering violent extremism, conflict management and promoting a deeper understanding of conflict prevention and resolution.
He believed that media houses and journalists served as powerful agents of change, challenging extremist ideologies and promoting inclusiveness.
“Their key role in empowering voices of moderation and facilitating dialogue across cultural divides is essential to creating connections between disparate groups,” he noted.
The Minister said that in the pursuit of peace, political parties must bear immense responsibility as their support for reconciliation and mutual respect underscores the profound impact of politics in promoting peace.
He said the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (NCTA) is the core institution that coordinates the country’s counter-terrorism efforts.
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“The office’s commitment to countering extremism and maintaining security demonstrates an unwavering determination to protect the citizens of Pakistan from the threats posed by militant groups,” the minister said.
He said that expanding the sphere of peace builders, initiatives of the US Embassy in Islamabad for sustainable peace and conflict prevention in Pakistani society are commendable.
Similarly, the East-West Center, bridging the gap between East and West, has contributed significantly to peace and tolerance in Pakistani society, Solangi added.
He pointed out that these organizations have catalyzed transformation in vulnerable communities in Pakistan, especially in rural areas.
The minister said Pakistan’s Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) think-tank has made significant contributions to strengthening democracy, good governance and peace in the country.
He said that another prominent Pakistani think tank, the Jinnah Institute, has conducted major policy research, strategic analysis and opinion polls related to peace and security.
Similarly, the Center for Peace and Development Initiatives (CPDI) promoted transparency, accountability and citizen participation in peace-building efforts, thereby strengthening the collective commitment to a harmonious society, he added.
The minister said that in the field of peace building in Pakistan, various organizations including government bodies, civil society organizations and research institutions have actively implemented policies and programs aimed at promoting peace, tolerance and harmony in the country.
He said government institutions such as the Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of External Affairs and Ministry of Human Rights spearheaded initiatives such as the National Action Plan (NAP) to combat terrorism and extremism.
These policies were essential in addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting stability in the country, he added.
“Civil society organizations play a significant role in promoting peace and social cohesion. Research institutions such as the United States Institute of Peace (USIP) have been instrumental in conducting policy-related analytical work that contributes to a better understanding of the dynamics of peace and conflict in Pakistan. ” said the minister.
He said USIP’s efforts included supporting Track 1.5 and II diplomacy between India and Pakistan to facilitate peace-building, a comprehensive assessment of Pakistan’s counter-terrorism challenges and understanding the dynamics of violence in cities such as Karachi.
He said it is an honor to recognize the contribution of peacekeepers of different ethnicities and cultures from across Pakistan.
“In the presence of international delegates, especially from the East-West Center (EWC), we are showcasing Pakistan’s balanced and progressive approach to development and stability,” he continued.
The minister said the event served as a clarion call to both national and international peace builders and urged them to contribute to the common goal of promoting a society of peace.
He said shifting focus to the role of government, ministries such as home, foreign affairs and human rights play a key role in formulating policies that promote peace and stability.
The National Action Plan (NAP), a strategic framework drawn up by the government, tackled terrorism and extremism by implementing measures to strengthen the criminal justice system and regulate seminaries, he added.
Through collaboration with government bodies, civil society organizations and research institutions, these policy initiatives have made significant contributions to the broader peace process in Pakistan, Solangi said.
“They are improving our understanding of conflict dynamics, building local capacity in conflict prevention and resolution, supporting innovative projects to counter violent extremism and fostering dialogue between different groups,” he said, adding that through this concerted effort, Pakistan has moved closer to a more peaceful, tolerant and harmonious society.
