Alternative narratives needed to counter extremism among youth
Sukkur – Speakers at a workshop emphasized the need to bring forward alternative narratives and discourse to counter the trends of radicalism among youth, while also protecting liberal elements in the society.
They said it was the responsibility of the state to introduce necessary changes in the curriculum to educate youth about themes of tolerance, inclusivity and acceptance.
Experts spoke at a two-day national workshop on ‘Building Bridges: Fostering Tolerance and Inclusivity among Youth’, held at a local hotel in Sukkur.
Students from local colleges and universities in Sukkur and Khairpur cities participated in the event organized by the Islamabad-based think tank Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS).
Scholar and author Jami Chandio speaking at a panel discussion said human societies were dynamic and faced both good and bad trends. He said culture kept on changing over time and it comprised both liberal and rigid elements. “We must protect the elements of society that are creative, friendly and progressive,” he said, noting that culture involves thoughts and attitudes of people living in a society.
Chandio said there was diversity in terms of language, ethnicity and faith in Sindhi nationalism, which had been enduring it since centuries. “There is a need to bring alternate narratives and discourse to end extremism in the society,” he said and added, “We will have to give civic and political education to youth.”
Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, an assistant professor at the Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU) in Khairpur, said youth were becoming victims of extremism due to social media. He added that the new media could also be used effectively to bring parallel narratives to foster inclusivity and acceptance among youth.
Lashari, who is also the coordinator at the Students Societies Center at the SALU, said the curriculum being taught at Islamic seminaries was not inclusive, which was causing intolerance among students and posing a threat to peace in the society. He talked about an initiative from his university in which madrassah (seminary) students would be connected with campuses.
PIPS President Muhammad Amir Ran said ‘madrassah’ as an institution had its own role in the society in the past but it evolved over and now created a specific sectarian mindset.
Political activist and lawyer Dileep Doshi said they should respect everyone’s culture, language, ethnicity and faith for a peaceful coexistence in society. “Everybody has the right to protect and promote their own culture, ethnicity, language and faith, without harming others’ similar values,” he said. He urged the participants to step out of their comfort zones and interact with people from diverse backgrounds to get rid of prejudice and narrow-mindedness to promote peace in society.
Doshi said Sindh was deeply impacted by changes in the region. He pointed out that the developments following the extrajudicial killing of Dr Shahnawaz Kunbhar by the police over blasphemy charges reflect the existence of resistance in the province against extremism. “All political parties, lawyers and members of civil society, among others, are making an effort to protect the peace and harmony of Sindh,” he said.
Columnist and blogger Farnood Alam in his session said rights of any community living within a country couldn’t be usurped only due to majority. “In democracy, any legislation can be passed by a majority, but this couldn’t deprive any community of its due rights,” he said while explaining the difference between ‘majoritarianism’ and ‘democratic principles.’ He said the Constitution of Pakistan served as a bridge among its citizens, but unfortunately, its key elements of inclusivity, diversity and tolerance were missing in the society.
PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana in the concluding session of the workshop advised the participants to better plan for their careers. “The system sometimes distracts but you yourself have to struggle to come out of such disruption,” he said while stressing to the youth the importance of learning to manage their anger.
Rana highlighted the significance of critical thinking, noting that it enabled making better decisions and breaking societal thought patterns. The other thing, he said, was the use of common sense, which was necessary for personal growth and enhancing worldview.