Faisalabad: February 3, 2014. (PCP) Peace and Human Development (PHD Foundation) and Association of Women for Awareness and Motivation (AWAM) in collaboration with the National Minorities Alliance of Pakistan (NMAP), REAT HRDs Network, SERVE and Awami Workers Party (AWP) organized a peace walk under white flag campaign, held at Faisalabad on 30 January 2014. This unique initiative stemmed from the inaction of the state and its institutions, which have failed so far to deal with violence and ensure security of citizens. Speaking on the occasion, a political activist, Robin Daniel said, “Pakistanis are tired of terrorism, and want the authorities to use any means either negotiations or military action to achieve a lasting peace; therefore the government should do immediately whatever it wants to do to save the citizens from militancy plaguing Pakistan.” The director of the PHD Foundation, Suneel Malik said, “The government should reject talks-only and action-only strategy, and must adopt a third option, where dialogue should go side by side with operation; dialogue with extremists who are willing to talk and stop violent activities, and crackdown against militants who do not enter into a dialogue process and continue perpetrating acts of terrorism.” “Precise strikes and surgical operations must be carried out against the warring groups without disturbing the already established line between the good and the bad militants. The targeted action against militants should continue until the last criminal is eliminated,” he added. The director of the AWAM, Nazia Sardar said, “The government must adopt an appropriate strategy so that terrorism could be eliminated permanently, and the mind-set of those who sow hatred, spread fear and incite panic across the country could be changed.” A human rights activist, Naseem Anthony said, “The government and the law enforcement agencies should not leave any stone unturned to help bring peace and normalcy across the country. The more strict anti-terrorism laws to deal with the militants effectively must be enacted.” A women’s rights activist, Shazia George said, “Those who inflict colossal loss to the peaceful citizens of Pakistan will never be forgiven for their crimes and they must be taken to task at all costs.” “Attack on humanity is a failure of the government to protect the lives of innocent citizens, as it is the fundamental responsibility of the state to ensure protection of the lives and belongings of the general public. Therefore, the state must ensure supremacy of the constitution and should not let anyone challenge its writ,” she demanded. A political activist, Arif Ayaz said, “Pakistan must wake up to the threat posed by militancy and launch decisive military action against armed groups, because militant groups deserve to be dealt with an iron hand for killing innocent citizens of Pakistan.” A political activist, Khadim Patras Mal said, “Pakistani authorities have been trying for some time to get the militants to negotiate and end the violence that has been tearing the country apart, and left scores of dead in the first weeks of 2014 alone. Yet, their action has so far been confused and inconclusive.” The rally was joined by a large number of people hailing from different communities including general public, students, lawyers and representatives of trade unions, political parties and NGOs. The participants marched for 5Km from Pahari Chowk People’s Colony # 2 to Faisalabad Press Club, to reiterate their shared desire for peace. They were carrying white flags, peace symbols and placards inscribed with statements demanding peace in the country and end of terrorism from the society. They were also tying white ribbons around their wrists and arms to express their opposition to terrorism and extremism. They also shouted slogans against menace and wave of terrorism in the country. They appealed to the fellow Pakistanis to take part in the White Flag Campaign by any civilian and democratic means, and install white flags at their houses, offices and vehicles as a peaceful protest against extremism and militancy. They also paid rich tribute to the personnel of law enforcement agencies including army, police and rangers for standing against fundamentalism and risking their lives to protect the lives of Pakistani citizens.