PM Shehbaz Sharif Reaffirms Commitment to Peaceful, Inclusive Society
Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has reaffirmed the government's commitment to building a peaceful, tolerant, and inclusive society, emphasizing that Pakistan remains dedicated to ensuring dignity, equality, and mutual respect for all citizens regardless of race, ethnicity, or religion. In his message on the International Day of Living Together in Peace, the prime minister stated that Pakistan joins the international community in observing this day, which highlights the importance of promoting peaceful, harmonious, and united societies at both national and international levels. He noted that fostering a social environment that promotes peace is not only part of Pakistan's visionary heritage but also a constitutional responsibility.
Quoting Quaid-e-Azam
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.' Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said these principles form the foundation of Pakistan's national identity and continue to guide efforts towards creating a more harmonious and united society at both national and global levels. He added that Pakistan's Constitution guarantees safeguards against all forms of discrimination, including provincial, ethnic, sectarian, and regional prejudices, while the country's diversity of languages, cultures, and traditions remains a source of national strength.
Key Initiatives for Peace and Harmony
The prime minister highlighted several initiatives aimed at promoting peace and harmony. He said positive national narratives such as Paigham-e-Pakistan are helping eliminate ideological and practical extremism while promoting national unity and social harmony. He also mentioned the 'National Action Plan on Human Rights,' which has been formulated to promote women's empowerment, child protection, and the rights of vulnerable and marginalized groups. Additionally, implementation of Pakistan's first 'National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights' is underway to encourage responsible business conduct, labour rights protection, and elimination of discrimination.
Institutional Mechanisms
The prime minister stated that the government is further promoting tolerance, unity, and social cohesion through the 'Human Rights Awareness Programme,' while institutional mechanisms have been strengthened through the establishment and operationalization of the National Commission for Human Rights. He said District Human Rights Committees have also been set up at the provincial level to advance social harmony at the grassroots level, alongside measures such as the 'National Strategy on Prevention of Technology-Facilitated Gender-Based Violence' and the Minority Welfare Fund.
Recent Legal Reforms
Referring to recent legal reforms, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the government has introduced important legislation 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 reflect the government's unwavering commitment to building a united, tolerant, and peaceful society where every individual can live with dignity and equality.
Call to Action
The prime minister also called upon the youth, religious leaders, and civil society to play their role in promoting tolerance, compassion, and coexistence, urging collective efforts to build a Pakistan and a world where harmony and shared prosperity prevail over division and discord. He emphasized that these principles form the bedrock of Pakistan's national identity and guide the nation's efforts towards a more peaceful and inclusive future.
