LAHORE: Participants in an international seminar called for regional unity and economic cooperation to foster peace among neighbouring countries.

The event titled ‘Stop Wars and Violence around the World’ was organised by the Department of Political Science of the Punjab University in collaboration with the Foundation of Peace and Public Policy for Sustainable Governance on Wednesday.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof Muhammad Ali Shah, Rafael de la Rubia Moreno-Sierra from Spain, Antonio Carvallo from UK, Decler Hague from Australia, Federica De Luca from Italy, Tulsi from Nepal, Prof Dr Rana Ejaz, faculty members and a large number of students from different departments were present.

Prof Shah said that the regional countries should resolve their differences on their own and enhance economic cooperation with each other instead blame game. “We want peace and prosperity in the region and it is our duty to improve relations with other each.”

The VC questioned that why we cannot trade with neighboring and nearby countries. Pakistan’s economic development is the solution to all national and international problems associated with the country.

He said that natural resources should be utilised for prosperity of the public.

“We usually blame others for some issues; however, we are responsible for not making real efforts in order to resolve those issues.”

Prof Shah said that some regional countries are responsible for what is happening in Gaza and very unfortunately, even some countries are not able to openly condemn this genocide.

“We have to be strong in the field of technology and transform our society.”

He said that women’s education is important not only for women but also for the betterment of the societies in the region.

The speakers also shed light on the processes to construct peace and non-violence in all fields of society. They discussed discrimination issues from a legal and humanist perspective.

The speakers saw peace-building as means of economic empowerment for countries like Pakistan. They said that the university is committed to advocate for peace and nonviolence practices as a social stakeholder.

Published in Dawn, October 31st, 2024