23 Sep Speakers urge addressing structural imbalances for ‘positive’ peace in society
Islamabad—Experts have stressed the need to address structural imbalances in society by resetting the existing system to achieve “positive” peace, noting that mutual trust and collaboration can help initiate and strengthen the peacebuilding process in Pakistan.
They were speaking at a two-day national workshop on ‘Building Bridges: Fostering Tolerance and Inclusivity among Youth’, held at a local hotel.
A group of 40 young people, referred to as “observers”, attended the event organized by the Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). The youth represented local peacebuilders, members of minorities, teachers, and students from different colleges, universities and seminaries across the country.
Dr Afshan Huma, educationist and trainer, in her session on ‘Peacebuilding through Peace Education’, said the absence of war and conflict did not necessarily mean that peace prevailed in society. “Cultural and structural forms of violence are inherent in our present system,” she said, adding that they needed to reset it. She underlined that no society enjoyed “absolute peace” and said, “Only positive peace could be attained if people are provided with equal opportunities and conflicts are resolved amicably”.
Dr Pervez Hoodbhoy, scholar and author, talked about “decreasing standards” of education in Pakistan. He said the present education system had failed to equip youth with required skills and training to compete in jobs as compared to other nations of South Asia. “We must promote book reading and critical questioning in society,” he said.
Senior journalist Ghazi Salahuddin called on the participants to read literature and fiction to enhance their power of imagination, learn about the conflicts faced by other societies and develop empathy among themselves. “Books shape societies,” he added.
“Peacebuilding is possible only in our society when we develop consensus through effective communication,” said Dr Khalid Masud, ad hoc member of the Shariat Appellate Bench of the Supreme Court. He said all communication should be carried out responsibly. He said communication in Islam had four key features: accepting difference of opinion, maintaining respect and courtesy, enjoining what is right and forbidding what is wrong (Amar Bil Maroof Wa Nahi Anil Munkar), and promoting accountability.
Jorin van den Heuvel, First Secretary (Political), Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Pakistan, interacted with the participants and responded to their questions. He said youth were the future of Pakistan.
Safdar Sial, Joint Director PIPS, urged the youth to model psychological resilience and said, “This will help counter radicalization in your own lives and in every community where you live or work with.”
PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana called for reducing hatred in the society and promoting greater compassion in daily life. “Communication is effective only when it is based on truth,” he said.