Pak Institute of Peace Studies (PIPS) organized a two-day workshop namely, “Building Bridges: Fostering Tolerance and Inclusivity among Youth” on November 28-29, 2024, in Peshawar. The event brought together university students, rights activists and young members of civil society to engage on issues ranging from tolerance and peace to social harmony and pluralistic coexistence. The event started formally with the welcoming remarks by the President of PIPS, Muhammad Amir Rana. He explained the key objectives, aims and goals of the workshop to the participants.
The speakers encouraged the youth to cultivate and demonstrate a ‘behavior of acceptance’ towards others to foster peace in society. They emphasized that the evolving global standards of citizenship require promoting this particular identity among citizens. Experts from diverse fields shared their insights on various topics, engaging in debates that spanned over a wide range of shared interests of the students and distinct perspectives.
They also urged the youth to embrace the path of ‘personal growth’ and ‘inner peace’ emphasizing that both can serve as powerful agents of change to promote tolerance and inclusiveness in society.
Senior journalist Imran Mukhtar conducted the first session in collaboration with PIPS researcher Murtaza Ali. Mr. Mukhtar discussed the debate on “the relationship of citizenship and constitution”, emphasizing the importance of the Eighteenth Constitutional Amendment in promoting democratic values and preserving diversity of Pakistan. Meanwhile, Mr. Murtaza highlighted the importance of social media and responsibilities citizens bear when posting some information online.
The third session was facilitated by political activist and lawyer Mr. Dileep Doshi, who conducted an interactive discussion to explore the history and development of human rights, highlighting their evolution and significance in today’s world. He delved into the concept of human rights and their progression over time, emphasizing the importance of protecting fundamental rights.
Mr. Doshi also discussed the responsibility of the state to safeguard human rights, as enshrined in the constitution. He asserted, “Human rights are universal and inalienable, and it is essential for individuals to understand and demand their rights”. He also addressed the subjectivity of the societies in the interpretation and application of human rights and noted that work towards creating a more just and equitable society is needed to promote awareness and understanding of human rights.
The fourth session was conducted by the journalist and academic Dr. Syed Irfan Ashraf, who, in his talk on “Blessing in Diversity,” emphasized that language is the foundation of diversity, with culture and society as its essential elements. “Diversity is also the name of tolerance,” he said, explaining that diverse cultures, languages, and faiths can be preserved by raising voice against violence. He stressed the importance of critical thinking among the youth, urging them to recognize and celebrate a diverse environment and its colors.
The subsequent session was a panel discussion moderated by senior journalist Rifat Ullah Orakzai, who elaborated the interconnectedness of the constitution, parliament, and citizenship.
Renowned scholar and member of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court, Dr. Qibla Ayaz, addressed the concept of ‘constitution, parliament, and citizenship’. He observed that while this concept may not be ideal in Pakistan, it is sufficiently robust to meet the requirements of citizenship. He underscored the importance of the written constitution for safeguarding democracy in the country. “The Constitution of Pakistan provides for equal citizenship to all including minorities. The [societal] problems prevailing in the society stem from its social structure, not the constitution,” he said.
Professor Dr Rashid Ahmad of the University of Peshawar pointed out various flaws in the present education system of the country. “Our education policy is neither market-oriented nor aligned with the demands of the market,” he added. He underlined the need to engage youth, guiding them to harness their potential according to their abilities.
The debate took a different turn when a participant raised a question regarding the ongoing security situation in Kurram, where a tribal conflict has claimed numerous lives.
Author and motivational speaker Husnain Jamal, in his session titled “Crafting an Easy Life,” discussed ways for individuals to create a simple and meaningful life for themselves and others. Drawing on global examples, he advised the youth to adopt non-violence as a means to bring peace to their lives and ultimately in society. He advocated a pacifist approach, urging students to indulge only in healthy debates. He suggested focusing on personal growth and self-improvement.
In his concluding remarks, PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana emphasized the role of critical thinking in decreasing the incidence of faith-based violence and conflict. He explained how successful individuals think and act beyond conventional boundaries. “Critical thinking doesn’t mean rejecting everything; it is about viewing things from a different perspective,” he noted. Mr Rana urged the youth to engage with people from different faiths, ethnicities and nationalities to foster personal growth and cultivate a ‘behavior of acceptance’.