PESHAWAR, July 1: The Pakistan-India People’s Forum, NWFP chapter, has urged both the countries to de-escalate tension and spend their surplus defence budget on the welfare of their people.

Speaking at the post-election ceremony of the forum’s newly elected body here at a local hotel, Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Chairman Afrasiab Khattak said wars were no solution to any problems as ultimately nations “have to initiate dialogues” to solve their problems.

He said this area (the Subcontinent) had been a cradle of rich civilisations for centuries, which spread knowledge and culture to other nations around the world. “Our culture and religion demand tolerance and peace for the protection of mankind and we must adhere to our religious teachings,” he added.

Mr Khattak said wars and bickerings had caused great damage to cultures and civilisations. “Only peace promotes human development process and democratic values,” he added.

Bacha Khan, he said, had spent his whole life preaching the philosophy of non-violence. “We must take a lesson from his teachings on non-violence and work for tolerance, peace and democracy in our society,” he added.

National Awami Party’s General Secretary Latif Afridi and others also spoke and opposed the jingoism eating into the fabric of both nations.

Earlier, the delegates elected Khwaja Wasim (Chairman), Qaiser Khan (General Secretary) and Riaz Gul (Finance Secretary). The delegates also elected a 13-member provincial council.