ISLAMABAD, Sep 21 (APP): The four-day National Peace Festival, organized by National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) concluded on Thursday with resolve to make vigorous efforts for peace in the society.
The objective of the event was to uphold and enhance social agreement against extremism and engage social actors in exchanging knowledge and proposing solutions to promote lasting peace in the country, a news release said.
NACTA in line with its mandate collaborated through the four-day National Peace Festival with its diversified stakeholders. Experts and practitioners, academia, religious scholars, media, policy makers and community leaders participated in the festival to work together in enhancing social consensus in the fight against extremism.
Minister for information and Broadcasting Murtaza Solangi was the chief guest at the concluding ceremony.
Federal Minister for Human Rights Khalil George, speaking on the vision for a peaceful and tolerant Pakistan, stressed upon the importance of interfaith harmony in the social society.
Referring to the recent unfortunate incident of Jaranwala, he said that the menace of extremism was the only reason behind it. He hailed the humanitarian role of local community in providing shelter and safety to the victims in their homes and mosques.
The minister said Pakistan was built upon the values of democracy, justice fair play, and interfaith harmony as envisioned by Dr Allama Iqbal and Qauid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.
Earlier, National Coordinator NACTA and Inspector General of Police Muhammad Tahir Rai warmly welcomed the guests and participants from various walks of life for joining hands with Authority in the national cause of fighting against terrorism and extremism.
He aid Pakistanis, who were a great nation, were passing through difficult times.
He said Global events like wars, epidemics and climate change had definitely affected billions of people in fields of food and energy, and were facing hunger.
“We are also affected, obviously. But still Pakistanis are able to face it boldly by sharing food and happiness with each other. We have many blessings which other people don’t have.
“Having said that, Pakistan with its cultural diversity, exemplifies the strength of unity in the face of diversity. Our history is a diverse tapestry of communities, languages and traditions that have shaped our vibrant society. Here diversity has become a source of strength that enriches our nation.”
He said Pakistan was facing several challenges including conflicts, regional wars, insecurity and environmental calamities and on the other hand it was also suffering at the hands of violent extremists.
He informed the participants that NACTA was actively engaged in developing mechanisms to strategize solutions for the prevailing issue of growing intolerance in the country.
“We are working with our partners in other ministries and institutions to give solutions and most importantly engage with youth.”
He said NACTA had developed a comprehensive National CVE Policy 2023. “Pakistan’s national narrative against terrorism and extremism is a part of that policy. These policy documents are aimed at implementing an integrated model that embraces a whole-of-the-government and whole-of-the-society approach to effectively prevent and counter extremism and foster peaceful co-existence in our society.”
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