International Peace Day: Pakistan renews pledge to peace and justice

ISLAMABAD: On the occasion of the International Day of Peace, President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif reiterated Pakistan’s steadfast commitment to the principles of peace, justice, and international cooperation.

In separate statements issued today, both leaders called on the global community to embrace dialogue, mutual understanding, and development as pathways to resolving conflicts and ensuring a sustainable future.

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President Zardari highlighted Pakistan’s consistent efforts in promoting peace both regionally and globally. He said that Pakistan remains committed to playing a constructive role in building a just and peaceful world, a role that has been recognised and appreciated by the international community.

Echoing similar sentiments, PM Sharif drew attention to ongoing humanitarian crises, particularly in Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJ&K) and the Palestinian territories. He said that peace will remain out of reach unless the people of these regions are granted their right to self-determination, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions.

PM Sharif also called for collective international efforts to address injustice and oppression, affirming Pakistan’s readiness to contribute to global peacebuilding and the advancement of human rights.

BRIDGING PEACEBUILDING, DEVELOPMENT AND SECURITY

The International Day of Peace, observed annually on September 21, was established in 1981 by the United Nations General Assembly. The day is devoted to strengthening the ideals of peace, both within and among all nations and peoples. In 2001, the UN declared it a day of global ceasefire and non-violence, encouraging nations and individuals to work together in harmony.

Each year, the day is marked by events promoting peace education, conflict resolution, and the importance of non-violence, particularly in areas marred by war and political instability. The International Day of Peace 2025 focuses on bridging peacebuilding, development, and security. This year, as the United Nations marks this day, Secretary General António Guterres insists, “Peace is the most powerful force for a better future – and it is within our grasp if we choose it.”

The 2025 Global Risks Report suggests that over the next two years, “uncertainty around the course of current conflicts and their aftermath is likely to remain high, and tensions elsewhere could escalate”.

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With this backdrop, the world must act to silence the guns and amplify diplomacy across the globe. United action is needed protect civilians and tackle the root causes of conflict, from inequality and exclusion to hate speech and climate chaos.

Pakistan, too, continues to observe this day to reflect on its contributions to global peace efforts, including its long-standing participation in United Nations peacekeeping missions around the world.