Counter-violent extremism

Sensitizing on Pakistan’s obligations under international law will help in countering extremism

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Pakistani people from all shades of society should be sensitized on Pakistan’s obligations under international law, especially the treaties Pakistan is bound to follow. This will greatly steer their thoughts away from getting radicalized too easily. These views were expressed by international law expert, Ahmer Bilal Soofi, in his exclusive talk hosted by Pak Institute … Read more

‘Critical thinking will help build inclusive society’

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Teachers should encourage critical thinking in classrooms so that students can ask questions about the world around them. The state, too, should invest in social sciences. These will, in the long run, help nurture an inclusive narrative in the country. These were some of the key points discussed at the launch of the study by … Read more

Informed debate should be part of alternative discourse: PIPS Seminar

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To counter the discourse sympathetic to extremism, there is a need for an alternative discourse built on informed debate, research, and realities grounded in present-day. There were some of the common points discussed by leading national experts, at launch of two studies of Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think-tank. One of the … Read more

To curb extremism, PIPS-led scholars suggest the first-of-its-kind inclusive national narrative

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On 23 June 2016, members of a dialogue group discussed the contours of a new national narrative, which, once absorbed by the people of Pakistan, could greatly help dispel the space gained by extremists.  They argued that the prevailing national narrative is often sympathetic to extremisms, to the distress of both state and society. The … Read more

PIPS Director’s book wins top German Peace Prize

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Mr. Muhammad Amir Ran, Director of Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), secured the top 2016 German Peace Prize for his book “The Militant: Development of the Jihadi Character in Pakistan.” The peace prize was awarded to top three books that “promote peace, international understanding, and tolerance.” Mr. Rana’s book bagged the first prize. Thanking … Read more

Executive summary of comprehensive package of NAP

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Ever since NAP has been launched, there has been decline in violence in the country. This decline needs to be sustained by simultaneously addressing the much deeper issues, going beyond the militaristic quick fixes. Without addressing those issues, the fear of return to violence lurks behind. It was in late December 2014 that the Prime … Read more

Sectarian violence in Parachinar: Backgrounder on NAP actions against sectarian terrorists

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Sectarian terrorists hit a make-shift market in Parachinar on December 13 killing 25 people and wounding more than 60 others. Lashkar-e-Jhangvi Al-Aalmi and South Waziristan-based Ansarul Mujahideen separately claimed responsibility for the attack. Historically, Kurram Agency has been a hotspot of sectarian violence between local Sunni and Shia tribes. But in the past few years, … Read more