Islamabad (GNP): Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to advancing regional and international peace, calling for greater dialogue, tolerance, respect and collective action to address conflicts and strengthen peaceful societies.
In his message on the International Day of Peace, observed on September 21, the Prime Minister said Pakistan takes pride in what he described as its constructive role in efforts aimed at promoting peace.
He said the country has made consistent efforts toward conflict resolution, de-escalation of tensions and the promotion of international peace.
The Prime Minister’s message comes as the United Nations marks the 2026 International Day of Peace under the theme “Invest in Peace: For Everyone, Everywhere, Every Day.”
The United Nations says the observance highlights the role of people and communities in building peace and emphasizes that peace requires sustained investment in dialogue, human rights, development and cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz said Islamic teachings and Pakistan’s Constitution provide a foundation for social peace by safeguarding human dignity and fundamental rights.
He emphasized the importance of protecting the rights and responsibilities of all citizens, particularly women, children, minorities, persons with disabilities and other vulnerable and disadvantaged groups.
The message placed social inclusion and respect for human dignity alongside diplomacy and conflict resolution as important elements of a culture of peace.
The Prime Minister called on citizens to contribute to efforts against hatred, intolerance and discrimination while promoting empathy, dialogue and respect for others.
“Strengthening a culture of peace is a shared responsibility,” the Prime Minister said, identifying government institutions, civil society, religious leaders, teachers, the media, communities and families as stakeholders in creating peaceful and inclusive societies.
His remarks broadly correspond with the United Nations’ 2026 focus on the everyday dimensions of peace.
The UN has said that peace extends beyond the absence of armed conflict and involves safety, dignity, opportunity and cooperation in daily life.
It has also called attention to the role of local communities, civil society organizations, peacebuilders and individuals in bridging divisions and supporting peaceful coexistence.
Pakistan’s leadership has also highlighted diplomacy and multilateral cooperation as mechanisms for addressing international disputes.
On International Day of Peace, the Prime Minister and President Asif Ali Zardari separately reaffirmed Pakistan’s support for peaceful settlement of disputes and approaches based on dialogue, diplomacy and collective action, according to Radio Pakistan.
The Prime Minister’s message further emphasized that peace-building is not limited to governments or international organizations.
Communities, educational institutions, religious leaders, families and media organizations can all influence social attitudes toward tolerance and coexistence.
The emphasis on combating discrimination also reflects the wider international focus on inclusive peace.
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The United Nations has linked lasting peace with protection of human rights and dignity and has encouraged efforts to ensure that people have a voice in decisions affecting their communities.
The International Day of Peace was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1981. In 2001, the General Assembly unanimously designated September 21 as a day of non-violence and cease-fire.
For 2026, the UN is using the observance to highlight what it calls the “everyday architects of peace” — people working at the community level to build trust, reduce divisions and create conditions for lasting stability.
The UN has encouraged individuals to contribute through dialogue, community engagement and actions that strengthen cooperation.
Prime Minister Shehbaz concluded his message by calling for collective efforts to promote peace and prosperity in Pakistan and around the world, offering prayers for lasting peace.
The message places Pakistan’s national emphasis on social harmony, equal rights and peaceful dialogue within the broader international observance of the International Day of Peace, which this year calls for sustained investment in peace at every level of society.
