Engagement is essential for promoting social harmony

The Pakistan Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) held an expert dialogue titled “Building Bridges: A Stakeholder Consultation on Tolerance and Inclusivity” on December 6, at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, Sindh. The consultation brought together academics, journalists, lawyers, human rights activists, government representatives, members of minority communities, civil society actors, and local peace committee members to deliberate on challenges to social cohesion, interfaith harmony, and inclusivity.
In his introductory remarks, PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana stated that the purpose of the consultation was to identify structural problems and legal lacunae faced by minority communities that hinder social cohesion. He noted that the dialogue provided a platform for stakeholders to share lived experiences and insights that could assist policymakers in developing informed and inclusive strategies to address these challenges.
Professor Dr. Sajjad Ali Raeesi, Director of the Institute of Islamic Studies at Shah Abdul Latif University, observed that extremism in society could not be eradicated without a critical review of state policies. He emphasized that the state must clearly define its approach and responsibilities in addressing religious intolerance and extremism.
Dr. Ishrat Mirani, Assistant Professor at the Institute of International Relations at SALU, highlighted the historical role of Sufism in Sindh in promoting peace and pluralism. He warned that Sindh’s pluralistic identity was increasingly under threat from vested interests, noting that the province’s social fabric was undergoing rapid change. He stressed that the state must play a proactive role in reducing religious intolerance and preserving Sindh’s inclusive cultural heritage.
Echoing similar concerns, Chairman of the Media and Communication Department, Professor Dr. Mujeeb ur Rehman Abro, underlined the need for a comprehensive review of state policies to promote interfaith harmony and inclusivity. He emphasized that policy reforms must be aligned with ground realities to counter growing polarization.
Dr. Sahib Khan Oad, Assistant Professor at the Media and Communication Department, stressed the need for a separate electoral system to ensure political empowerment and uplift of minority communities. He also identified lawlessness as one of Khairpur’s major challenges, noting that criminal elements often operate in collusion with local political actors.
Muhammad Ibrahim, Assistant Director of the Local Government Department in Khairpur, stated that his office rarely received formal complaints regarding issues faced by local communities. He expressed concern over the deteriorating law and order situation and pointed out that members of the local Aman (Peace) Committee themselves face security threats.
Sindh High Court lawyer Ali Murtaza Shah argued that incidents of forced conversions could not be effectively addressed without establishing a clear and lawful mechanism for contracting marriages among different communities. He described forced conversion as a by-product of unregulated claims of free-will marriages and added that blasphemy allegations in many cases are not genuine but driven by ulterior motives.
Lawyer Ghazanfar Abbas Jatoi identified lawlessness, tribal conflicts, and restrictions on free speech as key challenges in Khairpur. He noted that while religious extremism poses a challenge in Sindh, the majority of the population either rejects or actively discourages it.
Maulana Zubair Ahmed Phulpoto, Chairman of the District Peace Committee (Aman Committee), Khairpur, emphasized the need for awareness and strong legislation to curb forced conversions and promote social harmony. He stated that the committee, comprising members from different religious backgrounds, had successfully resolved around 95 cases related to alleged abductions and interfaith marriages, finding no evidence of exploitation of faith in these cases.
Syeda Shumaila Rubab Rizvi from the Institute of Islamic Studies at SALU linked extremism to socioeconomic factors such as poverty, inequality, and growing frustration in society. She stressed that addressing these structural issues is essential for promoting pluralism and peace, adding that personal biases and animosities often lead to false blasphemy allegations.
Rights activist Deepa Kumari (name and designation subject to confirmation) referred to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR), emphasizing the need to sensitize communities about their fundamental rights. She noted that minority communities in Sindh often lack awareness of both their basic human rights and the laws governing marriage.
Moderating the session, Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, Coordinator of the Students’ Societies Center at SALU, emphasized that empowering youth and local peace activists, promoting multidimensional social engagement, and sensitizing policymakers are critical steps toward achieving meaningful social change.
In his concluding remarks, Vice Chancellor Yousuf Khushk stated that unjust distribution of resources lies at the root of conflict among communities. He stressed the need for meaningful public engagement and equitable access to resources as pathways to peace. Highlighting the role of Sufism in fostering peaceful coexistence, he emphasized that awareness, education, and responsible parenting are essential to nurturing social stability. Concluding the dialogue, he called for strengthening state institutions and the role of educational institutions in promoting peace, inclusivity, and social harmony.