In today’s digital age, where wide information is readily accessible, students should be taught how to think critically for themselves. This way, not only will they seek solutions to the pressing issues around them, but they will also be mindful of narrow and parochial explanations of the same issues. That is the path to a … Read more
Teachers can build a tolerant future by equipping students with tools that open their minds to diverse opinions, beyond narrow confines. This way, they will not only let accept each other, but also enable them to find answers to critical intellectual questions of the country. This is the way forward. These thoughts came in a … Read more
Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think tank conducted an open seminar on the ‘Changing Scenario in the Middle East and its Impact on Pakistan’ at Islamabad Hotel. Academics, scholars, journalists, and diplomats attended the seminar, which was chaired by Pakistan’s foreign minister and foreign secretary, Inamul Haq. Speakers included senior research scholars, … Read more
A teacher can sow the seeds of a forward-looking nation in today’s world, by inculcating the spirit of social harmony in the students and equipping them with inquisitive mind open to probe the unexplored. These thoughts came in a discussion in a day-long dialogue, on July 24, 2017, with over 40 teachers of universities of … Read more
A teacher can help build tolerant society by inculcating in the students the habit of listening to each other, respecting diversity, and asking questions in a form and manner that does not show animosity. These thoughts came in a discussion in a day-long workshop with over 40 teachers of post-graduate colleges of Sindh and Balochistan, … Read more
Teachers are duty-bound to open multiple vistas to students. They should disassociate their understanding of the world to a single identity, whether ethnic, religious or sectarian. Instead, they should impart students with multiple views, enabling them to think openly. These thoughts came in a discussion in a day-long workshop with around 37 teachers of post-graduate … Read more
Provincial Dialogue Forum – 3 The money collected in the name of charity is often misused for extremist causes, in part because the state lacks capacity to trace terror financing but also because the donor lacks awareness of the end result of the money. While state should enhance its capacity to monitor the money trail … Read more
To bring about mutual co-existence in a diverse country like Pakistan, it is imperative to listen to all concern stakeholders without resorting to conflict. The mutually-agreed solution to the problem should be founded on logic and rational thinking. Teachers can help attain such level by imparting inquisitive communication skills and promoting curiosity in students, encouraging … Read more
PIPS workshop with teachers and educationists-I For a teacher to be relevant in today’s time, he or she must pay attention to critical intellectual challenges of the country and stay updated with the usage of modern technologies. Only then can they respond to the needs of the students, swaying them away from extremism. These thoughts … Read more
Punjab’s cultural diversity is regarded as shield against the extremist views, but violence has been eroding that pluralism. Even the rich cultural events have been overtaken by narrow events along sectarian lines in otherwise inclusive towns of Punjab. These views were expressed by participants of the first provincial-level consultation on countering violent extremism. The consultation, … Read more