CALLS for global truce are emanating from different regions in the world to effectively cope with the challenge posed by Coronavirus. President Arif Alvi also added his voice to it while addressing the virtual session of the Non- Aligned Movement proposing cessation of all skirmishes and war-like situations in order to focus solely on the fight against the contagion.
Indeed currently the humanity is faced with the worst and unprecedented crisis it has ever confronted. This situation also warrants extraordinary steps and decisions on the part of comity of nations. A global response whilst rising above petty political interests is need of the hour, and peace is the prerequisite to it. About one and a half months ago, the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres had also called for an immediate end to fighting involving governments and armed groups in all conflict areas. Despite strong support for a universal truce from dozens of countries some countries unfortunately held it up for their own narrow agenda. The UN Chief had very rightly stated that the fury of the virus illustrates the folly of the war. In fact the people in the conflict zones are faced with two challenges. One is violence while the other is Coronavirus. Take for instance the situation in occupied Jammu and Kashmir where India has intensified its persecution campaign with troops barging into houses now to kill the innocent people. For nine months, the Kashmiri people are in lockdown and nobody exactly knows how far the pandemic has taken its toll on the oppressed people. Medical supplies and equipment are also in short supply there. The situation in Palestinian territory is no different. And violence in Afghanistan could undermine the country’s efforts to combat the pandemic. Therefore, the proposal made by President Alvi and the UN Secretary General is very significant one which needs to be taken to logical conclusion. Though it appears to be a difficult task but very much achievable if the important capitals such as Washington and Moscow show the responsibility and maturity. Saudi leadership really deserves applauds for showing the farsightedness when it announced unilateral ceasefire in Yemen and expressed commitment to achieve peace in Yemen. The same kind of approach is required in other conflict zones. Instead of fighting each other and killing the innocent people, our focus must be to fight the pandemic. This crisis should be transformed into an opportunity to build a peaceful and equitable world.
