War is costlier than peace - Saifullah Channa (Pakistan)
Essay: War is costlier than peace!
Contact Information
Author: Saifullah Channa
Executive Director, DIYA Pakistan
Alumina of Wonmo Global Leader
Sun Moon University, South Korea
https://www.linkedin.com/in/saifullah-pak/
WhatsApp: +92 (331) 3093003
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Essay:
Peace is a setting where everything is under control or more systematically under law and
order - In a very non-aggressive and non-violets way when different communities and
different countries co-exist to form a societal friendship.
In an equation where the end result is peace tolerance and harmony are to be added
multiplied with coexistence, divided conflict, and hostility and violence are to be subtracted.
The process of peace demands much more than the desire for peace only. Baby steps for a
peace settlement are mandatory and are to be commended.
As to talk about building lasting peace in war-torn societies is a daunting challenge for global
peace and security. Peacebuilding requires sustained international support for national
efforts across the broadest range of activities. For instance, peacebuilders monitor ceasefires,
demobilize and reintegrate combatants, assist the return of refugees and displaced persons,
help to organize and monitor elections of a new government, support justice and security
sector reforms, enhance human rights protections, and foster reconciliation after past
atrocities.
The United Nations better known as the UN is the authority to maintain peace internationally.
To genuinely acquire peace globally shared sacrifices, surrender (where necessary),
compliance with International law, and voluntary cooperation is a must. Planet earth has
witnessed many destructions in the form of wars and nobody in their right mind would deny
this fact that “There is no Winner in a War”. Opposite of war is bloodshed and this wreaked
havoc: Extreme violation of human rights.
Exclusion and lack of opportunities is yet another cause that blocks the passage of peace for
example if we talk about Pakistan. Pakistan carries the brunt of the youth population and as
a fact, it has been excluded and made vulnerable due to a lack of direction and opportunities
for positive engagement. Subsequently, young people are wedged into militancy and conflict
that triggers violence. Pakistan has one of the largest youth populations in the world; 50% of
the country’s population is below the age of 24. Different forces in society are competing for
young people’s attention and allegiance, not the least among them being extremist groups
who are eager to radicalize young people and recruit them to participate in acts of violence.
Extremism in Pakistan is alarming and intimidating the very viability of the state and continues
to destroy the social cohesion and traditions of communities across the country. Based on our
interactivity with these youth, we know that there is a very thin line between the decision to
join a peaceful, positive path to change and that of violent extremism.
Youth require opportunities to participate in local development activities and decisionmaking.

They need to be included in productive roles, which enable them to constructively
communicate with the systems. Young people need to experience a sense of belonging
through organizations and parties owned and led by them. Their positivity, energy, and
genuine desire to transform society give an opportunity and hope. The role of the media is
another important factor that has greatly influenced the mindset and opinion of young
people. The information that reaches youth through a variety of media sources is raw and
discriminatory and therefore often counter-productive. In the India-Pakistan subcontinent
where nearly a billion and a half people’s lives are blighted by poverty but a major chunk of
resources goes into propping up the militaries. These are the areas to work on instead of
preparing for war and spending on weapons, nobody in their right mind would oppose that
we should invest in the futures of the nations.
Objectively speaking, by doing the following we can contain peace:
 If we shun terrorism, extremism, hate speech, and intolerance
 Embraces free speech and media freedoms
 Constitutional rule
 Trade b/w countries
 Cultural Exchange Programs
 Deft diplomacy
 Through Inclusion
 By Protecting Political Space and Respecting International Law
 Real equality among all genders
 Fix intergenerational relations
 By controlling trafficking and smuggling of weapons and humans
 Connecting with people
 Commitment towards non-violent actions
 Attending/organizing peace rallies, talks, and dialogues
Finally, when we know ourselves and accept others, this is how we live in peace as a thriving
and progressive nation.