The International Day of Non-Violence is observed every year on 2nd October in order to promote the principles of non-violence, and the values of peace, tolerance and understanding. The occasion is observed in remembrance of the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, a symbol of moral and spiritual power of non-violence. His fundamental and unshakeable belief on Ahimsa, the value of peace, as a changing force in this violent world passes through generations, cultures and religions across the world.

The tenets of the United Nations Charter are closely connected to the ideas and teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. The aftermath of the great World War raised the fundamental question of what it meant to be human. But, the desire to work towards a better future tomorrow resulted in the key ideas enshrined in the UN Charter that promotes to save the upcoming generations from the scourge of war, reaffirm faith in human rights, dignity and worth of the human person, and equal rights of men and women of every nation.

With countless reports of war, civil and sectarian blood-shed, poverty and malnutrition, violence against women, youth and other vulnerable members of society, the United Nations celebrates the International Day of Non-Violence. It is celebrated to honor the virtues of non-violence in a world beset by violence, and to commemorate those who have succeeded in getting their message across the world in a peaceful manner, such as, Mahatma Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., Nelson Mandela and Aung San Sui Kyi.

In Pakistan in the year 2015 alone, a total of 2,364 Civilians, Security Force Personnel and Terrorists have been killed so far. The figure keeps multiplying with every passing day. It is for this reason that we, as a nation, should strive to adopt the values of peace and prosperity in order to put an end to the ongoing violence. In order to do this, the government must look at a multitude of factors that stem violence which include: no access to clean water, inadequate supply of food and sanitation, poverty, hunger, child mortality, lack of education, gender inequality, and inadequate health services. Once the government is able to regulate the system, there will be a drastic drop in the rates of violence.

In times of terrorism and brutality, it is the right of every citizen to live a life free of violence in all forms. We are all responsible for employing the tools of peace and prosperity to bring the situation under control. The government cannot be blamed in its entirety, but it is the responsibility of every individual to help create a peaceful world.