By Moin ullah Shah
KARACHI: The Working Journalists Forum Working Journalists Forum organised a large peace walk in Karachi to mark the completion of one year since what it described as the success of “Operation Bunyān al-Marsūs”.
The walk began from Karachi Press Club Chowrangi and ended at the Karachi Press Club. It was attended by journalists, political and social figures, civil society representatives, human rights activists, young people and members of different walks of life in large numbers. The participants were led by the forum’s founder and central president Mian Khurram Shehzad. They carried national flags, banners and placards carrying messages of national unity, peace, freedom of the press, democratic values and patriotism.
The purpose of the peace walk was described as paying tribute to the armed forces of Pakistan, Rangers, police and other law enforcement agencies for their sacrifices for peace and security in the country, remembering martyrs, and expressing commitment to the promotion of press freedom and the strengthening of democratic values.
Speakers said the operation had become a symbol of national resilience, unity, sacrifice and the struggle for truth, and that it had played an important role in maintaining peace and stability in the country. They said Pakistan had foiled hostile designs and demonstrated its capacity to respond to aggression.
Mian Khurram Shehzad said Pakistan was a peaceful country that desired relations based on mutual respect and stability with neighbouring countries, but warned that any attempt to challenge its sovereignty, security or national dignity would be met with a united response from the nation.
He urged restraint in regional tensions and said peace did not mean weakness but responsibility, dignity and mutual respect. He paid rich tribute to the armed forces, Rangers, police and martyrs, saying their sacrifices were a guiding light for the nation.
Other speakers included Sajid Ahmed, Aamir Raza, Abdul Razzaq Bajwa, Sajid Hussain and Syed Usman-ul-Hasan, who said journalists had always played a positive role in promoting truth, peace, democracy and public awareness.
The participants stressed that national unity and harmony were essential to address internal and external challenges facing the country. They said journalism was not only about reporting news but also a powerful tool for social cohesion and peacebuilding.
At the end of the walk, prayers were offered for national security, stability, development, unity, the higher ranks of martyrs, the success of the armed forces and lasting peace in Pakistan.
