ACROSS THE BORDER: Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation declare 2026 as ‘Year of Peace’
Lahore/Ferozepur, January 1, 2026: In a significant push for cross-border harmony, the Bhagat Singh Memorial Foundation Pakistan organised a high-profile event at the Lahore High Court Bar Association’s Democratic Lawn to officially designate 2026 as the “Year of Peace” between Pakistan and India. The gathering brought together prominent legal minds, civil society members, and peace activists to advocate for a departure from historical animosity in favour of regional stability and human rights.
The event was presided over by Imtiaz Rasheed Qureshi, Chairman of the Foundation, with Raja Zulqarnain Advocate, former Secretary of the Supreme Court Bar Association, serving as Chief Guest. Speakers, including Malik Ihtisham-ul-Hassan and Raja Abdul Sattar, emphasised that South Asia’s prosperity is tethered to the relationship between the two neighbours. They argued that meaningful economic development remains unattainable without lasting peace and urged both governments to prioritise cooperation over confrontation for the sake of future generations.
A central theme was the urgent need to restore the bilateral visa system. Activists highlighted a growing humanitarian crisis where Indian and Pakistani women married across the border are frequently denied travel to visit their families. Labelling these restrictions as violations of fundamental human rights, the speakers called for an immediate policy shift to restore family unity.
Finally, the assembly appealed to the United Nations to facilitate dialogue and assist in restoring the visa regime. The event concluded with a symbolic cake-cutting, reaffirming the Foundation’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and cross-border human rights throughout 2026.