ISLAMABAD: Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Saturday called for unity, tolerance and harmony across Pakistan and the world in a message marking the International Day of Living Together in Peace.
Pakistan joined the global community in observing the day, which promotes peaceful and inclusive societies.
Sharif described peace as a national priority and a constitutional duty, recalling the vision of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who championed fairness, honesty and peaceful relations in domestic and international affairs. The prime minister said those principles continue to guide the country’s direction.
He emphasized that Pakistan’s cultural, linguistic and ethnic diversity strengthens the nation rather than dividing it.
The government, Sharif said, promotes unity through national initiatives such as ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan,’ a campaign aimed at countering extremism and fostering social harmony.
He outlined ongoing efforts to protect human rights and support vulnerable groups, including the National Action Plan on Human Rights, which focuses on women’s empowerment, child protection and equal rights.
Pakistan is also advancing its first National Action Plan on Business and Human Rights to ensure responsible business practices, protect labor rights, reduce discrimination and provide justice for rights violations linked to business activities, Sharif said.
The government continues its Human Rights Awareness Programme to spread awareness and promote tolerance, unity and social harmony, he added.
Sharif pointed to recent legal reforms strengthening protections for citizens, including laws against domestic violence, child marriage and discrimination against minorities. He said the steps build a fairer, more equal society where every citizen can live with dignity.
He also cited institutions such as the National Commission for Human Rights and district-level committees that work to raise awareness and resolve human rights issues at the grassroots level. Additional programs target gender-based violence and support minority welfare.
The prime minister called on youth, religious scholars and civil society to actively promote tolerance, respect and unity.
“Pakistan must move forward with shared responsibility to stop division and encourage peaceful coexistence,” Sharif said.
