As part of its nationwide youth training workshop series on tolerance, harmony, and inclusivity, the Pak Institute for Peace Studies organized a two-day national workshop at Islamia University Bahawalpur on February 3–4, 2025. Titled “Building Bridges: Fostering Tolerance and Inclusivity among Youth,” the event brought together university students, representatives from various faith communities, and civil society members.
Dr Qibla Ayaz, a member of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court, stated during a panel discussion said that promoting diversity would foster inclusivity and acceptance within Pakistani society, ultimately helping the country progress. He emphasized that society has yet to acknowledge the existing diversity in Pakistan. Dr. Ayaz highlighted that religion serves as the foundation of Pakistan and stressed that religious teachings emphasize treating every individual with humanity. This means that everyone should be treated equally, regardless of their background or affiliations. He underscored the need for an institutional approach to inclusivity by advocating for the introduction of ‘Studies of Religions’ in the curriculum instead of ‘Comparative Studies of Religions’—a step that could further promote acceptance and unity in society. He noted that Paigham-i-Pakistan, a consensus-based Islamic decree issued in 2018 to counter extremism and terrorism, has played a crucial role in preventing students of religious seminaries from falling for extremist narratives. Previously, terrorism was fueled by a religious narrative that overshadowed society. However, he expressed optimism that these dark clouds are now beginning to clear.
Earlier, Muhammad Murtaza, the Project Manager at PIPS, explained the workshop’s purpose, stressing the importance of tolerance and inclusivity among young people. He had an interactive session with the participants, engaging them in a question-and-answer discussion to assess their existing knowledge about tolerance and inclusivity. He emphasized that youth are the key building blocks of any society. In this backdrop, youth in Pakistan need to develop an understanding of these very concepts for peaceful coexistence in society. He was of the view that the 2023 census figures depict a high number of youths who need to be steered; otherwise, they could become victims of perpetrators of extremist mindsets. Also, he advised them to be more receptive rather than reactionary to the situations they encounter in daily life.
Professor Zia ur Rehman, Chairman of the Department of Qur’ānic Studies at IUB, described diversity as an inherent aspect of society. He explained that diversity exists naturally in the universe, reflected in cultures, religions, regions, beliefs, and ideas. The key question, he noted, is how we choose to engage with this diversity. If we disregard these differences and adopt an ethnocentric mindset, it fosters societal tensions and, ultimately, extremism. He emphasized the importance of mutual respect, citing Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) example of coexistence in a diverse society. The universe itself reflects this diversity, and any claims of superiority based on race, ethnicity, or language only fuel extremism, which can escalate into terrorism. He highlighted Pakistan’s rich cultural and religious diversity, stressing the collective responsibility to preserve and promote it. He urged society to move beyond rigid, culture-bound perspectives to foster greater harmony. While acknowledging some progress in combating extremism, he recognized that significant challenges remain
Columnist and blogger Farnood Alam stated that an inclusive approach is necessary to drive social change. He highlighted that existing social pressure creates problems for people living in our society. These pressures become a major obstacle to the adaptability of our society. People are often concerned about the perceptions of their peers, which is an indication of existing social pressure. These perceptions influence societal norms and behaviors, making them deeply ingrained in the social fabric. Society establishes its norms and conditions, forcing people to live according to these values. This can have both positive and negative effects; for instance, competition in education is also a result of this pressure.
Human rights activist and lawyer Dileep Doshi emphasized the crucial need to recognize, respect, and preserve Pakistan’s rich cultural, ethnic, linguistic, and religious diversity. He explained that diversity is not just a reality but a strength that, if embraced, can foster unity and harmony in society. He was of the view that Pakistan, as a nation, has a diverse culture, language, cuisine, attire, and social norms that complement one another. He further elaborated that intolerance and rigidity stem from a lack of understanding and exposure to diverse perspectives. The best approach is to maintain one’s identity while respecting others. He encouraged participants to adopt a critical and rational approach for a better understanding.
Journalist and trainer Imran Mukhtar, during his session, explored the intricate relationship between the Constitution, Parliament, and citizenship. He particularly focused on the principle of the trichotomy of powers—the division of authority among the three main organs of the state: the legislature, the executive, and the judiciary. He pointed out that while the Constitution clearly outlines this separation, Pakistan has struggled to implement it in its true essence. He concluded by stressing the importance of strengthening democratic institutions and ensuring that all branches of the state function within their constitutional limits. Only by doing so, he asserted, can Pakistan move toward a truly democratic and accountable system of governance.
In the concluding session, PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana emphasized that inclusivity entails providing equal access to education and employment while safeguarding civil liberties for all citizens. He noted that diversity exists in thinking patterns, as individuals perceive matters based on their own understanding. These perceptions influence our socio-cultural environment and contribute to the development of common sense, which, in turn, shapes the course of society. He also stated that modern gender sensitivity evolved after World War II; prior to this, gender discrimination was prevalent in society. The transition from traditional roles to modern roles has occurred simultaneously. He highlighted how generational differences impact social norms due to varying worldviews. Thus, he emphasized that worldview plays a significant role in shaping ideas.