Activism and awareness: ‘Recognise those who died for peace’

Youth trained to promote social harmony.

LAHORE: “Our state should compile data for all those who have died for peace in Pakistan. It is unfortunate that no such research has been undertaken so far” said Peter Jacob, a human rights and peace activist. He said books should have been written on such individuals.

A peace rally and a seminar were organised at Saint Anthony’s High School on Sunday by the National Commission of Peace and Justice as a part of its Youth for Peace Initiative Project. Young people were selected from different parts of the country and given training for the promotion of peace.



Peter said corruption and injustice were barriers to promotion of peace.

He said truth and reconciliation commissions had been formed in more than 60 countries. Through these commissions, those who had given up weapons were pardoned by the state but crimes like murder, forced disappearance and torture were not forgiven. He said Pakistan had a lot to learn from such commissions. Peter added that the youth’s role in creating social harmony was crucial, as they constitute a large part of the population.

Peter also spoke about the importance of decentralisation. He said that political parties had approved decentralisation under the 18th Amendment through which powers were transferred from the federal government to the provinces.

Now the same political parties are not in favor of transferring powers from the provinces to the districts. Decentralisation would empower the common man, said Peter.



NCJP National Director Father Emmanuel Yousaf Mani requested Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs to stand up one by one. He thanked them for participating in the youth rally, organised by mostly Christian rights activists. He emphasised the need to work in harmony for a progressive Pakistan.

The rally couldn’t be taken outside the school due to security concerns.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 13^th, 2014.