Inclusivity ensures equal opportunities in social and political changeInclusivity ensures equal opportunities in social and political change
The Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) concluded its series of ten nationwide training workshops with a two-day event held on June 13, 2025, in Islamabad, titled “Building Bridges: Fostering Tolerance and Inclusivity among Youth.” The initiative aimed to counter faith-based persecution and violence by strengthening the capacity of local peace actors and youth across Pakistan. The workshop brought together a diverse group of participants, including teachers and students from both mainstream and religious educational institutions, as well as human rights activists and professionals from various fields. Through a series of interactive sessions, the event facilitated meaningful dialogue on key themes such as inclusivity, citizenship rights, constitutional values, cultural diversity, gender equality, sensitized education, responsible use of social media, and the importance of future planning in fostering a peaceful and inclusive society.
The event commenced with opening remarks by Murtaza Ali, Project Manager at the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS). He engaged the participants in an interactive discussion focused on understanding the core values of inclusivity, diversity, and tolerance. Emphasizing the need for social harmony, he encouraged attendees to identify and reflect on the factors that contribute to societal disruption and negatively affect communal cohesion.
The following session was led by senior journalist Imran Mukhtar, who delivered an insightful presentation on “Constitution, Parliament, and Citizenship.” He traced the historical evolution of Pakistan’s constitutional development, highlighting the significance of fundamental rights and the structure of state power. Mukhtar explained the trichotomy of power among the legislature, executive, and judiciary, and elaborated on the roles of key constitutional mechanisms such as the Parliament, Parliamentary Standing Committees, the National Finance Commission, and the Public Accounts Committee. He concluded the session with a discussion on the 26th Amendment, offering a critical perspective on its implications.
In the subsequent session, political activist and High Court lawyer Dileep Doshi led a discussion on “Cultural and Ethnic Diversity in Pakistan.” He explored the concept of diversity through the frameworks of culture, civilization, and religion, engaging participants in interactive dialogue to underscore the importance of inclusivity within a pluralistic society. Emphasizing Pakistan’s identity as a multicultural, multilingual, and multiethnic nation, he noted that an inclusive approach is essential for its sustainable progress.
Dileep Doshi asserted that no individual or group has the right to resort to violence against any culture, language, or faith. He called on youth to uphold the values of peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, stating that while differences should be embraced, they must never come at the cost of human life and liberty. He further urged participants to recognize and celebrate the country’s rich diversity by creating space and respect for all communities, irrespective of cultural, ethnic, linguistic, or religious backgrounds. He concluded by stressing that hatred, bias, and exclusion must be actively discouraged, and that a fundamental shift in societal mindset is required to build a more just and inclusive Pakistan.
The session titled “Religious Minorities and Education” was led by education researcher and evaluation expert Zeeba Hashmi. She began with an interactive discussion on whether religious education should be made compulsory, encouraging participants to reflect on issues of freedom of belief and inclusion within the education system. She then unpacked the systemic nature of discrimination, exclusion, and extremism, highlighting how both state and societal structures can, intentionally or unintentionally, perpetuate these challenges.
Hashmi outlined key constitutional provisions safeguarding minority rights, including Article 20 (freedom of religion), Article 21 (protection against religious taxation), Article 22(1) (freedom from compulsory religious instruction), Article 25 (equality of citizens), Article 25-A (right to free and compulsory education), and Article 36 (protection of minorities). She also cited international commitments such as the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), reinforcing Pakistan’s obligation to provide non-discriminatory education. Addressing present-day issues, Hashmi pointed to gaps in the Single National Curriculum and the persistence of hate speech in formal education content. She expressed concern over a classroom culture that discourages questioning, which she said stifles critical thinking and reinforces discriminatory attitudes. “Pakistan’s current educational environment is also marked by a culture of suppression and discrimination against minorities,” she remarked. She concluded with two key questions: “Are we respecting the right to choose in religious education? Is there a roadmap to counter discrimination and intolerance in our learning environments?”
The session on “Gender Equality: Myths, Values, and Practices” was conducted by PIPS Research Officer Hina Khaliq Taj. She began by clarifying the concepts of gender equality and gender equity, and addressed prevalent myths and societal norms that reinforce stereotypical roles for men and women. Highlighting the impact of social conditioning, she explained how these entrenched beliefs contribute to systemic disparities, creating social structures that do not serve all genders equitably. To substantiate her argument, she presented gender-disaggregated data across sectors such as health, education, politics, and other social indicators, demonstrating the persistent gaps in opportunities and representation. “Our conditioning has been such that every position of authority and many professional roles have traditionally been associated only with men,” she noted, urging a rethinking of societal values to foster a more inclusive and equitable environment.
The workshop concluded with a thought-provoking session by political analyst and PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana, titled “From Buzzwords to Breakthroughs: Navigating the Future with Old and New Jargon.” Emphasizing the role of the individual in driving societal change, Rana stated that transformation begins at the personal level and gradually influences the wider community. He underscored that genuine progress depends on how inclusive a person is, noting, “Those with non-inclusive behaviours have no space in the global market.” He added that, in today’s world, employers increasingly assess individuals based on their ability to collaborate and accommodate others in diverse professional environments.
Rana highlighted that in the modern global context, a country’s social indicators, often measured through levels of inclusivity, have become more significant than its economic performance. “Inclusivity means that all groups in a society receive equal rights and opportunities in social and political transformations,” he explained, stressing that the foundation of inclusivity lies in the courage to speak the truth. “True change involves transforming our worldview, and that transformation must be rooted in truth.” Concluding his remarks, he urged the youth to rely on common sense and critical thinking, describing these as essential tools for shaping an individual’s worldview “a lens through which we perceive reality and make informed decisions.”
