Amritsar, August 14: The 31st India-Pakistan Friendship Conference held in Amritsar highlighted the urgent need for peace, mutual understanding, and stronger relationships between the two nations.
Former Madhya Pradesh MLA and Working President of the Bangladesh-India-Pakistan People’s Forum, Dr. Sunil, emphasized the importance of dialogue and friendship among the common people to reduce hatred and tension between the countries. He stated that war is not a lasting solution for any nation, and resources spent on conflict should be redirected towards education, health, and employment.
During an interview, Dr. Sunil referenced the painful stories recorded at the Partition Museum, noting that the India-Pakistan partition forced ordinary people to endure significant human tragedies. He stressed the need to learn from history, as it is the common families that pay the highest price for war and violence. Continuous efforts are necessary to establish peace and build trust between the two nations.
He mentioned that nearly 400 participants from around 20 states attended the conference, all sharing a common desire to break down walls of hatred and promote messages of peace and brotherhood. Both India and Pakistan should allocate a substantial portion of their resources towards welfare rather than military preparations. He advocated prioritizing education, health, and job creation.
Dr. Sunil suggested that if the resources currently spent on war and weapons were invested in schools, hospitals, and job opportunities, it could lead to positive changes in the lives of millions in both countries. The aim of the India-Pakistan Friendship Conference is to spread the message of peace and strengthen the voices advocating for mutual respect and friendship.
He also highlighted the role of youth, stating that just as the new generation has effectively voiced their concerns in various movements, young people and citizens in India and Pakistan should unite for peace. He expressed hope that the people of both nations would amplify the call for peace on the streets and social platforms, urging governments to recognize this public desire.
Dr. Sunil cited examples of cooperation and regional integration following prolonged conflicts in Europe, suggesting that India-Pakistan relations could also be steered in a new direction. He referenced the fall of the Berlin Wall and the formation of the European Union, advocating for exploring cooperation beyond boundaries and enmity among societies connected by history and culture. The shared history and cultural heritage of the people of India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh can serve as a foundation for mutual understanding and friendship rather than hostility.
Meanwhile, Raj Smriti, another participant, noted that the current generation has not directly witnessed the horrors of the India-Pakistan partition. Many young people lack sufficient knowledge about the tragedy of partition, as their parents and older family members did not experience all the challenges of that era. After viewing the painful stories associated with partition at the museum, they realized the pressing need for peace in society and nations. The familial and humanitarian losses caused by war are profoundly painful, necessitating serious efforts towards peace.
She urged that India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan must move beyond old animosities and mutual distrust to pursue a peaceful path. War brings no real benefit to the common people; instead, it severely impacts families, youth, and vulnerable segments of society. While countries supplying modern weaponry may gain economically, the people in conflict-affected nations face issues like inflation, insecurity, displacement, and loss of life and property.
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