Safma for progressive, peaceful Pakistan

LAHORE: The speakers at a seminar organized by South Asian Free Media Association (Safma) warned against terrorism and repression and called for bilateral and multi-lateral efforts to stop destabilising proxy wars that suit the terrorists and are against the state interests of the countries in the region.

Leading intellectuals and analysts including IA Rehman, Imtiaz Alam, Dr Tahir Pervaiz, Iftikhar Shahid, Laal Khan and others addressed the seminar ‘Progressive, Democratic and Peaceful Pakistan’ on the eve of Independence Day.

According to a press release, the participants passed a resolution, condemning terrorism in Quetta and demanded operation against all types of terrorists and measures to defeat extremist mindset. They called for an end to all kinds of proxy wars that can endanger peace and stability of the region.

Appealing the governments of Pakistan, Afghanistan and India, the resolution stressed bilateral dialogues and bilateral meetings among national security advisers to bring this dangerous trend to an end. Expressing their dismay over partial implementation of National Action Plan (NAP), they called upon the authorities concerned to take serious measures to overcome the shortcomings.

The resolution asked the Parliament to review Pakistan’s national security and foreign policies to avert current regional hostility and international isolation. The speakers emphasized the need to bring changes in the curriculum and develop an alternative progressive and democratic narrative to counter extremist narrative. They stressed the continuity of democratic system, while emphasising greater cooperation between the civil and military leaderships. They condemned violations of human rights and brutal suppression of Kashmiri people and asked the governments of India and Pakistan to start comprehensive dialogue to resolve differences through peaceful means. The seminar was attended by a large number of journalists and civil society activists. Later, a poetry reciting session (mushaira) was held to commemorate Pakistan’s independence.