KARACHI: Political parties must rise above their party lines to develop a consensus on certain minimum agenda that can help attain a sustainable peace in the country, particularly against the backdrop of the recent wave of terrorism.

The lawmakers, academics, journalists, students and civil society members expressed these views at the launching ceremony of the “Charter of Peace” organised by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based advocacy and policy research think tank, here at a local hotel on Tuesday.

The speakers called for implementing the National Action Plan (NAP) to counter terrorism and extremism in the country. They also talked about ensuring peace in Karachi urging that everyone had to play his role in this connection.

It was demanded that equal opportunities of education and development should be provided to the people of Karachi.

Earlier, PIPS director Amir Rana in his introductory remarks said that the document of “Charter of Peace” was prepared after a long process of consultations with different stakeholders, including lawmakers, politicians, academics, youth, and representatives of civil society etc. He said that its basic purpose was to redefine and review the social contract within the society.

“Charter of Peace” is a consensus document that lays down key recommendations for countering violent extremism and building sustainable solutions towards attaining peace in Pakistan. It basically focuses on softer and political approaches for countering terrorism and violent extremism, the document said.

The charter also conforms to the United Nations resolutions urging the role of civil society in building peace and countering violent extremism. “We, the people of Pakistan, believe in democracy, and peace; respect all religions and faiths; revere our ethno-linguistic diversity; and accede to equal citizenship,” reads the charter.

“We affirm the sanctity of the Constitution, and demand uniform application of the Constitution in all parts of Pakistan,” it adds.

The speakers included MPAs Rana Ansar and Ali Khurshidi and former MNA Rehan Hashmi of the Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan, Muhammad Abbas Jaferi, former MNA Aftab Jehangir and MPA Adeeba Hassan of the Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf.

Published in Dawn, January 19th, 2023