ID :
208680
Wed, 09/21/2011 - 19:13
Auther :

President stresses winning the battle of ideas against extremism

Islamabad, September 21, 2011 (PPI): President Asif Zardari has said that militancy and extremism posed a great challenge to global peace and stressed the need for winning the battle of ideas against extremism for world peace reiterating also Pakistan's commitment to promote international peace.

He said this on the World Peace Day being observed throughout the world. President Asif Ali Zardari said in his message on World Peace Day: "The World Peace Day on September 21 is a wakeup call to every government and every individual to promote the cause of world peace.

The success of a durable global peace lies in the international community's collective interest and effort to promote and sustain peace. Pakistan believes in promoting world peace and resolving contentious issues by peaceful means through dialogue and discussion. For this reason it has promoted the idea of dialogue between different faiths and cultures and promoting reconciliation.

Indeed reconciliation is a central plank of the policy of the present democratic government of Pakistan. A great challenge to peace and stability comes from intolerance to opposing views. Whether it is militancy, extremism or sectarianism its roots lie in intolerance. For sustainable peace therefore we must win the battle of ideas against extremism and militancy

One effective response to growing militancy lies in strengthening democracy that believes in unity in diversity and in tolerance towards dissent. Another effective response lies in promoting interfaith harmony. We believe that democracy creates the ambience for realizing the aspirations of our people for peace, progress and prosperity.

On this day therefore we reiterate our pledge to strengthen democracy and democratic institutions in the country as a bulwark against internal and external threats to peace and stability. We have a dream for an enduring peace in Pakistan and South Asia. Realization of this dream calls for democracy, dialogue and development of the region. We resolve once again on this day to work for the promotion global peace and harmony, he added in his message.

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