ISLAMABAD: Books build relationships between the past and present. They help us understand the differences between two civilisations and the similarities between two religions. Only books can ensure a peaceful society, which is why ‘peace literature’ should be added to the curriculum of educational institutions.

This was stated by speakers at a peace conference held as part of the National Book Festival at the Pak-China Friendship Centre this Wednesday.

Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) Forest Minister Sardar Javed Ayub told the conference: “Peace starts at home and then spreads all over the society. In this region, genocide began in Kashmir when the Indian government began killing Kashmiris. Now, the genocide of different sects has begun in Pakistan.” He went on to add that people from all religions and sects were demanding peace in the country and that peace can only come from educating the new generation and teaching tolerance.

Activist Rehana Hashmi said that peace could not be ensured through war, adding that, “Peace literature should be included in the curriculum”.

She talked about how people of different faiths lived in harmony in Pakistan until the 1960s.

“After the 70’s, issues between people of different religions began and now there are issues between different sects of Muslims,” she said.

Dr Safdar Ali Shah said that it was incorrect to define peace as simply an absence of war, adding that, “Peace is the absence of mental stress and anxiety. All religious books bring a message of peace but unfortunately, people do not follow them.”

Dr Shah added that some literature had been used to spread hate in the name of peace, and that many books have been written to justify war but war simply could not be justified.

Retired Brigadier Tughral Yameen spoke of Pakistan’s frontline role in the United Nations peace-keeping missions. Since 1960, approximately 138 Pakistani soldiers have been killed in such missions, something that has stayed out of mainstream discourse. He explained how the UN Military Observer Group for India and Pakistan had been deputed at the control line, but that the working of these groups is not included in the educational curriculum.

“In Pakistan Studies and political science we learn about wars, but nothing is said about how peace is ensured after war,” he said.

Several students also attended the conference. Among them was Mohammad Ali, who joked that there would only be peace once teachers stopped pressuring students and punishing them for failing to submit homework.

Hira Nisar Khan, a student at the National University of Science and Technology, said that peace would make Earth a better place to live.

“We are spending millions on peace but it cannot be ensured this way. Parents buy toy guns for children, and kids watch movies and play games full of violence – which affects their mindset. Children should be sent to libraries so they start reading.”