“Teacher must support environment of co-existence in classroom by promoting curiosity and communication skills”

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

“Teachers must respect diversity in classrooms” – PIPS workshop

Teachers can help in building a healthy and inclusive society by supporting and building environment in classroom that promotes atmosphere of tolerance and co-existence among diverse background students. Pre-requisite for such an environment is that teachers should be properly trained and well-off in respective knowledge areas. These views came in a workshop for over 30 … Read more

“Teachers should absorb diverse opinions” Workshop in Lahore

PIPS workshop with teachers and educationists-I Teachers shape societies; a good teacher should be receptive to inclusive opinions. But teachers, influenced by one or other political consideration, end up distorting society, towards parochialism. This was shared in the one-day training program on “The role of teachers in social and religious harmony”, arranged by Pak Institute … Read more

‘Teachers should play intellectual input in today’s time to stay as role models’

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

‘Revive Punjab’s pluralistic culture to fight extremism’: Punjab dialogue forum

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

Holistic internal security policy need of the hour

CVE Consultation-10 A consolidated internal security policy be devised, which articulates the roadmap towards addressing those challenges. Only then can violent extremism of all shades be extirpated from the society. These thoughts came in the working group session on “Internal security and challenges”, the tenth in a series of sessions aimed at countering violent extremism, … Read more

Producing inquisitive, knowledgeable society can help counter extremism

CVE Consultation-9 Any attempt to counter extremism from the society cannot ignore reform in the education sector. This much is repeatedly stressed. A working group has suggested that any measure aimed at reforming measure should aim at achieving knowledge-based society.  Only then can individuals be engaged be more immune to the monolithic messaging of militants. … Read more

Reclaiming cultural spaces can curb extremism

CVE Consultation-8 Given that one of the direct casualties of extremism in the country is its rich diversity, providing enabling environment for pluralism can fade out extremist voices. To do so, the government shall, on priority, approve culture policy upholding diversity and release “Cultural National Action Plan”, securing pluralistic spaces across the country. These suggestions … Read more

Regulate conventional and new media to check extremism

CVE Consultation-7  To check the flow of extremist content, there is a need to regulate all forms of media platform, especially current-affairs shows, entertainment programs, cyber spaces, and religious publications. These suggestions came in a national-level consultation discussing “Media engagement programs”, the seventh in a series of consultation suggesting mechanism to counter violent extremism, hosted … Read more

Reviving inclusive spaces will enable young people to resist extremism

CVE Consultation-6 To shrink the extremist appeal, young people shall be provided with inclusive public and private spaces, both in physical and digital realms, where they can frequently interact with each other. These will enable them shed their misperceptions about each other, thereby steering them away from linear thoughts and making them less vulnerable to … Read more