The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) held a two-day national workshop at a local hotel in Karachi on April 16-17, 2025, titled “Building Bridges: Fostering Tolerance and Inclusivity among Youth.” Renowned speakers and experts from the media and academia delivered sessions on diverse themes, including diversity, social cohesion, critical thinking, the constitutional rights of citizens, the prevalence of fake news, the utilization of social media, and social issues such as gender disparities and minority rights. Students from various universities, seminaries, and social activists attended the workshop.
PIPS project manager Mr. Muhammad Murtaza commenced the first session, titled “Why this workshop,” elucidating the purpose of the event and the concepts of tolerance and inclusivity.
Dr. Khalid Masood, a member of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court, conducted the subsequent session, entitled “Social Cohesion: A Challenge for Muslim Society.” He advocated for the embrace of globalization by youth to empower diversity and emphasized the necessity of expanding the scope of shared values. Dr. Masood underscored the imperative to implement the 4D’s phenomenon in any society to overcome disparities and issues, thereby fostering harmony and enhanced understanding. The 4D’s encompass Discourse, Debate, Dialogue, and Deliberation.
Drawing attention to the significance of deliberations, Dr. Masood asserted, “We must promote and hold deliberations to examine any problem and identify common ground.” He also highlighted the importance of individual independence and liberties, emphasizing that unrestrained freedom could lead to societal chaos. Consequently, the state and institutions are required to provide appropriate support. In the context of the 21st century, the state’s authority and the power it exercises are accompanied by increased responsibilities.
In the subsequent session, Ms Veengas, a journalist and the founding editor of “The Rise News,” presented a discourse titled “The Quest for Equal Protection: Government Policies and Religious Minorities.” During her session, she addressed the concerning issue of forced conversions in Sindh and advocated for a review of the state’s attitude and policies to address this problem effectively.
Veengas further emphasized that the curriculum of Pakistan’s educational institutions contains material that promotes hatred towards religious minorities. She urged the federal and provincial governments to take proactive measures to provide protection and safeguard vulnerable communities within Pakistan.
In a separate session, Mr. Imran Mukhtar delved into the topic of “Constitution, Parliament, and Citizenship,” exploring the devolution of power between the provincial and federal governments. He also drew attention to the pivotal roles played by the eighteenth and twenty-sixth amendments in shaping Pakistan’s political landscape. Notably, Mr. Mukhtar underscored the significance of the trichotomy of power in a democratic nation like Pakistan.
Ms. Hina Khaliq Taj, Research Officer at the Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies, delivered a presentation titled “Gender Equality: Myths, Values, and Practices.” During the presentation, Ms. Taj addressed the prevalent stereotypes associated with genders in society and the roles they play. She also analyzed the disparities in the treatment accorded to different genders. Notably, Ms. Taj underscored the urgent need for inclusive policies in Pakistan regarding gender.
Journalist and writer Ghazi Salahuddin urged the youth to acknowledge the pervasive nature of intellectual clashes. However, he emphasized the imperative for the nation to process and reconcile differing viewpoints. Salahuddin underscored the significance of youth as a nation’s asset and a catalyst for societal transformation. He highlighted the role of youth movements and student unions in fostering positive change. Additionally, he advised youth to cultivate a reading habit, as it expands their perspectives and enhances the collective performance of society.
Columnist and anchorperson Wusat Ullah Khan conducted a session on the topic of “Fake News vs. Real News.” During the session, Mr. Ullah Khan discussed the phenomenon of fake news and its various manifestations that individuals encounter daily. He underscored that falsehood has become a commodity and currency, posing a contemporary challenge. Mr. Ullah Khan also upheld that censorship is not an effective solution to combat this issue. He advocated for the independence of the media to ensure factual reporting and combat fake news. Furthermore, he noted that algorithms have significantly influenced the perception and authenticity of news.
A panel discussion was convened between Dr. Khalid Masud and Dr. Syed Jaffar Ahmed, a scholar and professor at the Faculty of Social Sciences at Sohail University. Executive director at the Islamic Research Institute for Social Sciences, Mr. Mujtaba Rathore, moderated the discussion. Dr. Jaffar asserted that the acceptance of diversity could potentially resolve societal disputes. He highlighted the significance of accepting and celebrating diverse opinions, emphasizing its role in personal growth. Dr. Khalid suggested that globalization has diminished nationalism and underscored the need to comprehend the evolving demands and changes within society.
In the concluding session titled “Diversity, Common Sense, and Future Planning,” PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana underscored the importance of critical thinking, which involves practical application, analysis, and refinement. He explained that critical thinking equips individuals with the ability to navigate life’s challenges with insight and agility, enabling them to challenge societal thought patterns. He further emphasized the benefits of both common sense and critical thinking in shaping one’s worldview, which influences decision-making, defines identity, and creates meaning. He urged the youth to broaden their perspectives and embrace a more inclusive worldview.