Faisalabad: February 20, 2014. (PCP) Pakistan must wake up to the threat posed by militancy, and formulate strategy to ensure durable peace and change the mindset of extremists, and take pertinent steps to get rid of militancy completely. This was demanded by the participants of a Peace March under ‘White Flag Campaign’ to reiterate their shared desire for peace. They marched from Chenab Chowk, Jhang Road to District Council Chowk in Faisalabad on 12 February 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. The event was organized by Peace & Human Development (PHD Foundation), National Minorities Alliance of Pakistan (NMAP) and Association of Women for Awareness & Motivation (AWAM) in collaboration with the SAP, Kuknas, NICE, SERVE and REAT Network. Speaking on the occasion, the director of the PHD Foundation, Suneel Malik said, “Both the government and Taliban seem to be non-serious in peace talks, because the real stakeholders are not directly included in the committees from both sides in the dialogue process which remain so far been confused and inconclusive. Even all the militant outfits are not taken on board by the Taliban, that is why anti-talks terrorist elements are perpetrating their violent activities. A comprehensive and satisfactory solution to tackle militancy could be found only when all the insurgents are brought on one platform and talks are held with all of them.” “The militant groups disrupting peace in Pakistan need to be beaten on the battlefield,” he added. A political activist, Robin Daniel said “The state after failing to establish its writ is holding talks with Taliban. By holding direct talks with the Taliban, the government seemed to have recognized the Taliban as a legitimate entity. The militants want to drag the Pakistan back to the “stone-age” era in the name of the religion, and want to impose the law of terror in Pakistan.” “The fellow Pakistanis must 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,” he appealed. The coordinator of the SAP, Iftikhar Ahmed said, “Neutralizing extremists whether through negotiations or military action is only one part of the battle, but the real battle is to change the militant mindset through the creation and provision of opportunities to people.” The director of the AWAM, Nazia Sardar said, “The general public is tired of hearing about the peace talks with the Taliban. There is no hope of any positive outcome of the talks for lasting peace, because successive governments have so far signed seven different accords with militants, but they never adhere to any of these.” A human rights activist, Naseem Anthony 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.” A women’s rights activist, Shazia George said, “There should be no negotiations with the Taliban unless they lay down their arms, show adherence to the Constitution of Pakistan, and accept the rights of women, religious minorities and sectarian minorities particularly shia.” An educationist, Khadim Patras Mal said, “Anti-peace activities should be stopped forthwith for Peace in Pakistan, because the fire of violence will soon be at the doorstep of everyone, if we fail to stop extremists.” A political activist, Ashar Iqbal said, “Dialogue with militant groups should be held within the ambit of the laws and parameters of the constitution. Peace talks cannot got alongside acts of terrorism. The continuation of violent acts should not be allowed to go unpunished, therefore, government should take strict action, if anyone challenges writ of the state.” An educationist, Tohid Ahmed Chatha said, “The government is prepared and determined to take the bull by the horns. It needs to be supported by all stakeholders and the masses in its endeavors in this regard. It is a question of the integrity, solidarity and security of the country and there is an imperative need to put up a united front against the enemies of the state.” 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. They were wearing white caps, 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 also paid rich tribute to the sacrifices rendered by the personnel of law enforcement agencies including army, police and rangers while fighting against terrorists.