On the first day of the year 2011, a large number of social and peace activists, elders of Swat’s Qoumi Jirga, political workers and students participated in a rally held in Swat observing a day of unity and solidarity with the victims of violence.
“We want peace on our land” was the slogan of students who held a walk under Global Peace Council, Swat and College of Youth Activism and Development at Mingora.
The participants resolved to work for peace in the picturesque Swat valley at every level and vowed to continue their struggle for strengthening the lasting peace after the three years of violence.
A student of Khushal Public School and College, Malalay Yousufzai, told The Express Tribune, “We have staged this rally not for a temporary peace but for a permanent one.” She demanded of the government to reconstruct those schools which could not be rehabilitated in 2010.
“Education and sustainable development can be achieved only when there is lasting peace and order in our valley, nothing can be done in disorder and mayhem,” said another student, Malka Noor.
Global Peace Council member and President Swat Hotel Association Zahid Khan said, “We are still skeptical about peace in future because our civilian government is weak; peace can never be sustainable unless the writ of the government is established. Therefore through this walk, we want to remind the international community and all of Pakistan that we want sustainable peace.”
College of Youth Activism and Development representative Ms Maria said that peace is most essential prerequisite for development, education and leading a better life because it [peace] ensures security of life. “On this day we give a message to the whole nation that we need peace.”
Swat valley suffered a lot in every sector during the conflict which destroyed the infrastructure and paralysed the economy. The people of Swat have rendered great sacrifices during military operation against militants. Hundreds lost their lives and millions were displaced. “Staging the peace rally on the very first day of the new year proves that people here want durable peace to help build their future.”
CHITRAL
The Legal Aid Forum for Human Rights Chitral (LAFH) also arranged a peace walk here on Saturday. The walk started from the town hall where people belonging to all walks of life and social workers gathered and marched through the main bazaar carrying placards and banners inscribed with messages of peace.
The walk was led by Legal Aid Forum for Human Rights President Abdul Nasir
Addressing the participants, speakers stressed the need for maintaining peace. They said that a country can develop only when there is a peaceful environment. They stressed on every citizen to play their role in maintaining peace in the country so as to put the nation on the path of development and enhance living standard of people.
They also condemned drone attacks in the country that have killed children and innocent people.
Those who spoke included Prof Muhammad Dost, a minority member of the Kalash community Barzangi Khan, social worker Qimat Nazim Baig, and District Bar Association Member Arshad Javed.
A large number of people participated in the peace walk which ended in front of Press Club Chitral.
Published in The Express Tribune, January 2nd, 2011.
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