PESHAWAR - Afghan and Pakistani youth have pledged to join hands for peace and harmony in the region.
The pledge came at the Youth Leaders’ Summit, jointly organised by the Centre for Research and Security Studies and Afghan Studies Centre.
Abdul Maroof, an Afghan delegate, said: “Dead-set against war, we want peace and are ready to work on commonalities and connecting people through art, culture, sports and literature.”
In order to make technology a common ground for promoting peace in the region, he proposed connecting information technology hubs of the two countries.
His compatriot Suraya Azizi believed the differences fanned by politicians and media could be narrowed down by understanding each other. “I have lived in Pakistan for nine years before we shifted back to Afghanistan.
“My sister studies here. I always feel like home when I am here,” she told The International. The suggestions floated at such forums should be implemented by the governments, she said.
Her Pakistani counterpart Warda Iftikhar called for more frequent dialogue between youth from the two countries. She hoped such debates would help end stereotyping around issues in bilateral relation.
Around 50 youth from the two sides attended the summit “Connecting Youth Beyond Boundaries for a Better Tomorrow.”
The youth also spoke on education, trade, refugees, gender equality, building commonalities and the role of media in bridging the gap between the two nations. (Pajhwok)