ISLAMABAD: Civil society activists, sportsmen and residents of the federal capital on Saturday spent time with street children in front of a slum at Sector F-6 on the occasion of the International Day of Peace.

The aim of the event organised by a non-governmental organisation, ‘Right to Play (RTP)’, was to create awareness among the new generation that intolerance and violence have been increasing the problems of Pakistan. By promoting peace, all the issues of the country can be resolved.

The theme of the International Day of Peace 2014 was “Right of peoples to peace.”

Former hockey Olympian Mansoor Ahmed while talking to the children said everyone had the right to live peacefully and “we should ensure that this right is not violated.”

He said sports made a person tolerant so every child should participate in any kind of sports. By playing different games children can develop patience and will be able to face the difficulties in their life, he added.

Pride of Performance award holder Master Ayub said almost 25 years ago he decided to work for the betterment of street children.

“I decided to give informal education to them. Most of the children, with the passage of time, became productive members of society,” he said.

“I never thought about religion, caste and lifestyle of the children. I believe that this is the only reason due to which I have got respect in society,” he said.

Literary figure Zeeba Hussain said every person had to start struggle for peace from their home.“If there is peace in the house, it will spread to the city and all over the country. Peace is the basic requirement for the development of the country,” she said.

Country manager RTP Iqbal Jatoi said Pakistan needed the message of peace, tolerance and harmony. It is essential to create awareness among the children to ensure a better future for them. He said more than 30,000 children were being engaged for the peace day celebrations across Pakistan.

“Children and youth have exceedingly become sensational to promote peace and development and mitigate conflicts. Children and youth are a key instrument to nurture peace and strengthening tolerance in society,” he said.

Published in Dawn, September 21st, 2014