"Our object should be peace within, and peace without. We want to live peacefully and maintain cordial friendly relations with our immediate neighbours and with the world at large"

Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s statement expresses a profound aspiration for both internal and external harmony. He emphasizes that the foundation of a successful nation or community lies in cultivating peace not only within its own boundaries but also extending that tranquility outward toward its neighbors and the international community. Internal peace refers to the pursuit of stability, unity, and mutual respect among a country's own citizens. When a society fosters environments where misunderstandings, conflicts, and prejudices are addressed and overcome, it creates conditions that nurture progress, cooperation, and well-being for all. Internal cohesion reduces the fears and insecurities that can otherwise fragment and weaken a nation from within.

But Jinnah goes further, stressing that peace should not be contained within national borders. A vision of peaceful coexistence should be projected beyond, influencing how a country interacts with other states. Friendly and cordial relations with neighboring countries are crucial, particularly for states that share borders and histories often marked by tension and competition. Jinnah’s words imply that the prosperity and stability of one nation cannot be entirely separated from that of its neighbors; enduring peace requires building trust, understanding, and partnerships that transcend past grievances or rivalries.

His inclusion of “the world at large” broadens the horizon even further, urging leaders and individuals to recognize their responsibilities as members of a global community. In a world increasingly interconnected, insularity is no longer an option. Prosperous and peaceful relations internationally demand respect for diversity, open dialogue, and a willingness to resolve conflicts through negotiation rather than confrontation. Jinnah’s perspective encourages a foreign policy built on goodwill, mutual benefit, and non-aggression, rather than suspicion or hostility.

By advocating for both internal tranquility and external amity, Jinnah presents a vision of society that is secure, responsive, and globally engaged, one where peace is an ethic informing all relationships, from the familial to the diplomatic.