A four-day youth festival was held in Turbat district of Balochistan province to spread the message of peace and harmony while countering the menace of terrorism and extremism in the society.
The series of events titled ‘Youth Peace Mela’ was organsied by the University of Turbat from August 19-22 in collaboration with the Islamic Research Institute, International Islamic University, Islamabad. A large number of faculty members and students from across Makran Division, renowned scholars and district as well as provincial government officials participated in the events. Makran Division Commissioner Captain (r) Tariq Zehri, IRI Director General Dr Ziaul Haq and University of Turbat Vice Chancellor Dr Abdul Razaq Sabir were prominent among those who spoke on the occasion.
The main objective of the four-day activity was to promote the message of peace among youth. Two days of the festival were dedicated for youth mobilisation while different workshops and seminars were held during the remaining days under the banners of Paigham-e-Pakistan and Dukhtaran-e-Pakistan. Different programmes and tableaus related to music, culture, lok virsa and history were part of the festival. Cultural stalls, sand art stalls, book stalls and food court were also set up at the festival. A special stall was established to express solidarity with the Kashmiri brothern.
A wall titled ‘Pakistan Aman Mela Wall’ was also set up at the festival. All the participants, including guests, faculty members, scholars and students, put their signatures on the wall and inscribed different slogans in a gesture of love for the motherland.
In their speeches at the events, the speakers maintained that Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative, which is based on a consensus decree by 5,000 clerics and aims at establishment of peace in the country and eradication of extremism and terrorism in the light of Quran, Sunnah and social principles of Islamic Shariah, is a beacon of hope for all segments of the society. They said by applying the golden principles of Islam, the country can be turned into a role model of peace and harmony by ridding the society of hatred, divisions and prejudices.
Addressing at the concluding ceremony, Balochistan Chief Minister Jam Kamal said the youth are an asset and their empowerment can play a significant role in development of Pakistan as well as making it a peaceful and safer place to live in. He said participation of youth in decision making on social, cultural and economic affairs is very important for the bright future of the country. He also urged the students to work for humanity and establishment of peace which will not only bring in stability, prosperity and growth but also end misconceptions and negativity and portray a positive picture of Pakistan before the world.
