LAHORE (Dunya News) – On the International Day of Peaceful Coexistence, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif has said the purpose of observing the day is to turn the dream of a peaceful, calm and dignified world into reality.
She stressed that promoting peaceful coexistence requires collective effort rooted in tolerance, understanding and mutual respect.
She added that amid recent global crises, Pakistan has further strengthened its identity as a peace-loving nation, highlighting the country’s continued contributions towards global peace and prosperity. According to her message, the country’s reputation as a peaceful state is a matter of pride for every citizen, and building a harmonious, united and purposeful society remains a shared national responsibility.
Maryam noted that Pakistan’s peaceful identity has been reinforced on the international stage through consistent efforts and responsible conduct during turbulent global developments. She underlined that the country has played a constructive role in promoting peace and supporting stability across regions where possible.
She further stated that the vision of a cohesive and harmonious society continues to guide national aspirations, with unity and mutual respect forming the foundation of social progress. The emphasis, she said, remains on ensuring that all communities work together to strengthen long-term peace and development.
The Punjab government, she said, remains firmly committed to building a society based on tolerance and peaceful coexistence. She highlighted that, with the grace of Allah, law and order in Punjab has improved significantly compared to the past and is now considered more stable and exemplary.
She noted that every citizen in Punjab is entitled to live with dignity and peace, regardless of race, ethnicity or religious background. Efforts are also underway to reduce linguistic, social, sectarian and cultural tensions through structured initiatives aimed at long-term stability and harmony.
The chief minister emphasised that eliminating intellectual and practical extremism is essential for promoting peaceful coexistence. She described ongoing efforts to empower women and ensure their safety as a key step towards achieving a peaceful and balanced society.
She added that legal reforms are being introduced to ensure the prevention of violence and to strengthen protections for citizens across all segments of society. These measures, she said, are designed to reinforce justice, equality and public safety.
Referring to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, she reaffirmed the commitment to building a peaceful society where every citizen can live with dignity, respect and mutual understanding, supported by continued institutional and social reforms.