“Majoritarian nationalism’ tramples on the rights of minorities”: PIPS workshop

PR/Karachi 20 April 2018 The country’s constitution calls for granting rights to non-Muslims, aligning with the speeches of the founding fathers who warned against religion-based discrimination. Yet, on ground, many feel left out. One way of understanding is the way majoritarian nationalism has been pushing others out. These thoughts came in a discussion-workshop with around … Read more

“Community involvement must for interfaith harmony”

PR/Islamabad 12 April 2018 Many lament how interfaith harmony is fizzling out. Yet, those strive to foster such harmony are rejected and viewed with suspicion. This “do nothing and sit around” attitude should be discarded, should we want ourselves to live in a tolerant society. These thoughts came in a workshop-discussion organized by Pak Institute … Read more

First training conducted on engaging on interfaith harmony in Pakistan

On 11th and 12th April 2018, Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) conducted a workshop on “Engaging on freedom of faith and inter-faith harmony in Pakistan”, in Islamabad. It was attended by around 20 experts, faith leaders, and development professionals who have worked in the domain of interfaith harmony, from Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, FATA, and … Read more

“There is no faith-based discrimination in the Constitution”

PR/Islamabad 11 April 2018 The Constitution of Pakistan grants equal rights to all Pakistanis, irrespective of any faith. In some cases, non-Muslims are even given more rights than Muslims, to avoid any discrimination. Yet, on ground, the feeling is otherwise. It is actually the state that has not embraced a common Pakistani as an equal … Read more

‘Reforming madrassahs greatly linked to state-society reforms’

•    Interest in nuanced analyses be developed: PIPS study on madrassah students •    Students’ interest in “History” subject be explored •    Indigenous scholarship on madrassah sector missing, Chairman Council of Islamic Ideology Experts at a report launch on thinking of madrassah students said that attempts at mainstreaming madrassahs should go in tandem with the broader … Read more

Report launch “After study hours: exploring the madrassa mindset”

On January 24, 2018, PIPS launched the outcome of its recent research study in form of a report titled “After study hours: exploring the madrassa mindset.” The event, which entailed at-length discussion on findings of the report as well as other aspects of madrassa education, was attended by scholars including religious, civil society representatives, and … Read more