The World March for Peace and Non-Violence 2024-2025 is a continuation of a powerful global initiative designed to promote peace, nonviolence, and disarmament. Since its inception in 2009, this international march has sought to foster solidarity, empathy, and mutual respect between nations. Now, as the 3rd World March unfolds, spanning continents and cultures, the movement’s visit to Pakistan holds particular significance. By welcoming the march, Pakistan has an opportunity to reinforce its commitment to global peace and highlight its rich traditions of pluralism and diversity.
The World March for Peace and Non-Violence was first launched on October 2, 2009, with an initial wave of international solidarity across 400 cities worldwide. The event spanned over 90 days and aimed to promote values of peace and harmony in a world increasingly divided by conflict and inequality. This march marked a significant milestone in mobilizing diverse communities and organizations across multiple countries in support of a common goal: global nonviolence. Since then, the World March has continued to gain traction, evolving into a worldwide movement for peace, disarmament, and unity.
The second World March took place a decade later, from October 2019 to March 2020, covering 122 cities across 51 countries. This expanded presence underscored the increasing relevance of the March in a world grappling with challenges ranging from regional conflicts to humanitarian crises. This year’s march, launched on October 2, 2024, carries the torch forward with an intensified call for peace amidst ongoing geopolitical tensions, climate change, and economic disparities. The World March 2024-2025 is expected to conclude on January 5, 2025, having traversed many nations and communities in its journey.
From October 26 to October 31, members of the World March for Peace are visiting Karachi and Lahore, two of Pakistan’s largest cities, known for their rich history and cultural diversity.This event provides Pakistan with a unique platform to share its longstanding values of hospitality, religious harmony, and respect for cultural diversity with a global audience.The World March’s stop in Karachi, Pakistan’s largest city and economic hub, offers a unique opportunity to showcase Karachi’s reputation as a cosmopolitan city where people from different religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds live together.
In Karachi, the March has engaged with local civil society organizations, students, and peace activists to promote the values of nonviolence and tolerance. Following its visit to Karachi, the World March traveled to Lahore, Pakistan’s cultural capital. Lahore’s heritage, marked by its historical landmarks, educational institutions, and literary traditions, made it an ideal setting for the peace movement. Lahore has long been known for its warm hospitality and inclusivity, and the city has played a significant role in promoting art, literature, and intellectual dialogue across cultural and national divides. The city’s inclusion in the March’s route further reinforces Pakistan’s image as a peace-loving nation.
Pakistani civil society has historically played an active role in advocating for human rights, interfaith harmony, and social justice. By embracing the World March, Pakistani civil society organizations have showcased their work and highlighted Pakistan’s progress in addressing social and cultural challenges. This participation has also enabled Pakistani activists to connect with their international counterparts, sharing best practices and forging partnerships that could lead to meaningful collaboration on future peace initiatives.
The World March offers a platform for Pakistan to engage in meaningful conversations with other nations, promoting intercultural understanding and empathy. This participation will demonstrate Pakistan’s dedication to fostering goodwill and dialogue across borders. Pakistan’s cultural diversity is one of its greatest strengths, and the World March can showcase this legacy to an international audience. By welcoming people from various backgrounds and promoting tolerance, Pakistan can counter negative stereotypes and demonstrate its commitment to pluralism.
The World March for Peace and Non-Violence 2024-2025 has also offered Pakistan a historic opportunity to highlight its dedication to nonviolence, disarmament, and global solidarity. By hosting the March in Karachi and Lahore, Pakistan can project an image of peace, compassion, and diversity to the world, reinforcing its role as a responsible and peace-loving nation. As the March continues its journey across continents, Pakistan’s participation has served as a reminder that peace is achievable when nations unite in their commitment to nonviolence. This involvement is not only a statement of Pakistan’s solidarity with the global community but also a powerful step toward a future rooted in peace, empathy, and mutual respect. In doing so, Pakistan reaffirms its identity as a nation grounded in values of pluralism and harmony, setting a positive example for others to follow.