Youth’s Embrace of Cultural Diversity is Key to Promoting Religious Tolerance and Harmony

A two-day nationwide workshop was held at Pakistan Club Inn in Sukkur on February 6th and 7th. The event, organized by Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), brought together a diverse group of participants and aimed to enhance the thinking patterns of young minds while empowering their thought processes with ideas of tolerance and inclusivity. Sindh is one of the most diverse regions in Pakistan in terms of religious diversity, and people there have long coexisted peacefully.

In his opening remarks, Muhammad Murtaza, Project Manager at PIPS, stated that Pakistan’s vibrant tapestry of cultures, ethnic groups, and religious communities struggles to sustain social harmony amid pervasive intolerance. He highlighted the nation’s pressing challenges stemming from its population, most of which comprises youth. Economic instability, he noted, has exacerbated unemployment, deepening despair and frustration among the younger generation—a void increasingly exploited by radical factions to propagate divisive ideologies. This issue has been further exacerbated by social media’s overwhelming influence on personal lives. The youth must adopt more rational approaches in their current pursuits and avoid falling victim to extremism.

In a panel discussion, well-renowned social and peace activist Jami Chandio elaborated on the cultural richness of Sindh and its environs, highlighting how, over the years, local traditional values have been given less importance. Chandio stated that Sindhi nationalism has endured for centuries and embodies diversity in terms of language, ethnicity, and faith. There is a need to introduce alternative narratives and discourse to end extremism in society. We must provide civic and political education to the youth so they can flourish freely. We need to understand three things about culture. First, we often assume that we create our culture according to our wishes, but in reality, it is a reflection of societal structures. Second, culture is a living phenomenon, making it evolutionary. We can see how culture in Chinese and European societies has evolved. Third, the primary basis of culture is a collective approach. Tangible culture is reflected through architecture, music, attire, etc., while intangible culture is embedded in our thought processes.

Building on the discussion, Ali Raza Lashari, Assistant Professor at Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai University, emphasized the need to mainstream subjects related to interfaith harmony. He stressed that students should be exposed to case studies that can help them develop a better understanding of these concepts. He also emphasized that counseling for students is essential for young people to mitigate extremism. Additionally, he highlighted the need to broaden the scope by including children who are out of school and college.

Dileep Kumar expressed that a region can be rich in culture, religion, and societies. Sindh has long been a land of cultural richness, with notable figures such as Sachal Sarmast and Shah Abdul Latif Bhitai. The people of Sindh are proactive in preserving an environment of peaceful coexistence. However, certain elements are attempting to harm Sindh’s diversity, and neglecting this issue is unjust. He emphasized the need to move beyond the colonial legacy, as it poses a threat to native values. Tharparkar serves as a case study of diversity and peaceful coexistence. The intelligentsia must play a proactive role in deconstructing extremist narratives. He also stressed that to protect citizens, the state must take a more active role, as delays in the implementation of laws are sometimes observed.

In the following session, Mr. Imran Mukhtar discussed various aspects of social media, including how to verify digital content and address issues that may incite problems. He highlighted the impact of misinformation and the importance of responsible digital engagement. Additionally, he explained the concept of the social contract that exists between citizens and the government. While discussing civic education, he encouraged participants to play a pivotal role in strengthening democratic values. He also elaborated on the functioning of parliament and its committees, which work for the benefit of the people. He emphasized that parliament plays a critical role in budget-making, policymaking, and addressing issues of great national importance.

Farnood Alam stated that the constitution is the fundamental framework that unites the nation and its citizens. It is the supreme law, binding the entire nation beyond linguistic and cultural differences. The constitution serves as the common link between all citizens, ensuring that everyone is treated as an equal member of society, regardless of their population size. Despite the diversity among communities, a consensus among the populace is reflected in the constitution. Democracy empowers every citizen, regardless of their background, and should not promote majoritarianism, as it undermines the rights of minorities. If a certain group seeks its rights through democratic means, those demands should be considered and addressed.

In the concluding session, Muhammad Amir Rana discussed how society has transitioned over time, with the newer generation being heavily influenced first by television and later by smartphones and artificial intelligence. These advancements have shaped and will continue to shape their perspectives and the course of the future. In Pakistan, the “Dubai syndrome” has significantly impacted the social structure, particularly through remittances and the influx of electronic equipment. He emphasized that youth must develop sharp decision-making skills to compete in the modern world. “The system sometimes distracts you, but you must struggle to overcome such disruptions,” he said, stressing the importance of managing anger. Additionally, he highlighted the significance of critical thinking, noting that it enables better decision-making and helps break rigid societal thought patterns. He also underscored the value of common sense, which is crucial for personal growth and broadening one’s worldview. Both critical thinking and common sense contribute to a deeper understanding of social life and the world at large. He further stated that every society is built on two fundamental pillars: truth and falsehood. A society based on truth fosters fairness and justice, while one built on lies leads to instability and corruption.