Hamza Ihsan : A one-day conference titled “Pakistan’s Role in Global Peace” was held at Governor House Quetta, bringing together political leaders, academics, religious scholars, civil society representatives and youth to discuss interfaith harmony, national unity, counter-extremism and Pakistan’s role in promoting regional and international peace.
The conference was chaired by Balochistan Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail. Participants emphasised the importance of engaging young people, particularly women, promoting the responsible use of digital platforms, addressing poverty, strengthening governance and advancing Pakistan’s national narrative of peace and tolerance under the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative.
Prominent participants included Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) head Nader Gul Barech, former federal minister Barrister Dr Muhammad Ali Saif, Balochistan Chief Minister’s Adviser Dr Rubaba Buledi, Balochistan Rural Development Programme CEO Dr Tahir Rasheed, International Research Council for Religious Affairs (IRCRA) President Muhammad Israr Madani, Home Secretary Hamza Shafqaat, Dr Dost Muhammad Barech, Dr Aamir Raza, Dr Ismatullah, programme managers Bushra Ali and Madeeha Malik, Mohsin Arab and Imran Ali, along with youth representatives from across Balochistan.
Joint declaration calls for a stronger peace narrative
Representatives of political, social and religious organisations adopted a joint resolution highlighting Pakistan’s diplomatic role in promoting peace and calling for a stronger national consensus on addressing emerging regional and global challenges.
The declaration credited Pakistan’s leadership with facilitating diplomatic engagement between the United States and Iran, describing such engagement as a significant development amid heightened international tensions. Participants also said Pakistan’s diplomatic initiatives had created opportunities to strengthen its international standing and counter what they described as Indian propaganda against the country.
The resolution called on the media, civil society, think tanks, religious and political parties, and the country’s leadership to work together in addressing international challenges. It stressed that a credible global narrative could only be developed through domestic unity, political consensus and social cohesion.
Participants said Pakistan’s evolving international role required a broader diplomatic and communication strategy, enabling the country to present its position effectively at global forums.
The conference also endorsed Pakistan’s calls for a ceasefire between the United States and Iran, while describing the Islamabad peace initiative as an important effort towards de-escalation and regional stability.
Economic opportunities and regional cooperation
The participants stressed that diplomatic progress should be translated into tangible economic opportunities for Pakistan, particularly in areas such as investment, trade and regional cooperation.
They described the Mecca defence agreement as an opportunity that could extend beyond security cooperation and contribute to broader economic and strategic engagement. The declaration called for measures to ensure that Balochistan’s youth benefit from development initiatives and participate more actively in the country’s economic progress.
The speakers also highlighted the need to create employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for young people, arguing that sustainable development and social inclusion were essential to long-term peace.
Participants commended the role played by the Pakistani public, political and religious organisations, civil society and the media alongside the armed forces during the conflict referred to as Marka-e-Haq. They also praised Pakistan’s leadership for its efforts towards international peace and described the Mecca defence agreement as an important milestone.
The resolution extended appreciation to the President of Pakistan, the Prime Minister, Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir and the negotiating team for their efforts towards international diplomacy, including the Islamabad peace initiative and the Mecca defence agreement.
Counterterrorism and stability in Balochistan
The conference acknowledged the continuing challenges posed by extremism, terrorism and attempts to undermine Pakistan’s stability. Participants said relevant institutions and security agencies were working under the National Action Plan and provincial strategies, while expressing the view that the law-and-order situation in Balochistan had improved.
The speakers paid tribute to young people, security personnel, police officers, religious scholars, religious leaders and the armed forces for their contributions to countering extremism and terrorism.
They called for a long-term strategy based on social harmony, economic opportunities for youth, community engagement and the promotion of peaceful narratives. Participants stressed that security measures must be complemented by efforts to address the social and economic factors that can contribute to instability.
The declaration further recommended holding similar conferences and dialogue sessions at the district level across all provinces to encourage public participation, strengthen national cohesion and promote a shared understanding of Pakistan’s domestic and international priorities.
Governor calls for Pakistan’s narrative to reach global forums
Addressing the conference, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail thanked the speakers and participants for their contributions and commended PPAF and IRCRA for organising the event and initiating dialogue on Pakistan’s role in global peace and development.
The governor said his visits to the United States, Europe and the Middle East had given him an opportunity to observe Pakistan’s growing international profile. He remarked that the country’s image had improved and that Pakistan was receiving greater recognition abroad.
He said similar conferences and discussions should be organised in major international centres, including Washington, Beijing, Brussels, Geneva, Vienna, Moscow and London, to communicate Pakistan’s perspective on peace and international cooperation to a wider audience.
The governor also stressed the importance of working with think tanks and international institutions to sustain the initiative and strengthen Pakistan’s engagement with the global community.
The conference concluded with participants from different religious communities and political and social organisations reaffirming their commitment to Paigham-e-Pakistan, the Islamabad Declaration on Global Peace and Harmony, and the promotion of peaceful narratives at both domestic and international levels.
The participants called for practical measures to prevent extremism and terrorism, promote tolerance and interfaith harmony, engage young people in peacebuilding and strengthen national stability.
At the conclusion, Governor Jaffar Khan Mandokhail presented honorary shields to the speakers and organisers in recognition of their participation and contributions to the conference.
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