Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) organized a two-day national workshop at the Quetta Press Club. This workshop was part of a series of nationwide initiatives undertaken by PIPS with the objective of promoting peace, tolerance, and social harmony across the country. The primary aim of this workshop was to foster a conducive environment that encourages inclusivity and mutual respect among various religious, ethnic, and cultural communities.
During the opening remarks, Muhammad Murtaza, Project Manager at PIPS, emphasized the pressing need to instill the values of tolerance and inclusivity in contemporary society. He noted that intolerance has reached alarming levels, due to the prevailing environment in our society. He stressed that the youth, who comprise most of the Pakistan’s population, can play a transformative role in reversing this trend. According to him, rather than reacting impulsively to challenging situations, individuals must learn to respond thoughtfully and rationally, as this leads to sustainable and peaceful solutions.
In a panel discussion focused on religious and social harmony, Maulana Abdul Haq Hashmi, Deputy General Secretary of Jamaat-e-Islami Pakistan, spoke about the importance of respecting religious differences. Referring to the “Pegham-e-Pakistan” initiative, he stated that religious decrees clearly discourage the imposition of one’s beliefs on others. He underscored the need for comprehensive national policies that actively counter extremism and foster peaceful coexistence among all segments of society.
Religious scholar Allama Akbar Hussain Zahidi reflected on the foundational principles of Pakistan, asserting that the country’s creation was made possible through religious harmony and unity. He posed a thought-provoking question: if we never needed initiatives like “Pegham-e-Pakistan” in the early decades, why do we need them now? He suggested that the current situation demands renewed commitment to a unifying national identity, which, he stated, is enshrined in the Constitution of Pakistan. He called for a collective return to constitutional values as a binding force for national integration.
Prominent human rights activist and lawyer Jalila Haider emphasized the vital role of youth in shaping the future of Pakistan. She pointed out that Pakistan is a diverse country in terms of ethnicity, religion, and culture. However, this diversity has been marred by a series of incidents that have eroded social harmony. She criticized the implementation of one-sided policies and the lack of employment opportunities, which have left the youth feeling alienated and frustrated. This growing disconnection can lead to extremism. She advocated for education rooted in tolerance and morality, stressing the importance of developing a mindset that respects all identities.
Shahzada Zulfiqar, senior journalist and former president of the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), said Pakistanis, as citizens, were reluctant to accept people of opposite faiths, ethnicities, and languages, which posed a hurdle to achieving social cohesion. He also highlighted the growing threat of fake news, which fuels misinformation, deepens divides, and reinforces existing biases within society. Zulfiqar stressed the need for responsible journalism and media literacy to counter false narratives and promote unity.
Saleem Shahid, Bureau Chief of Dawn, stated that while the Constitution is a living document and open to amendments to address group concerns, it must be respected and accepted as the supreme law by all citizens. He highlighted that any reforms should be carried out through legal frameworks and democratic means to ensure stability and national unity.
Author and editor of Balochistan Today, Yar Jan Badini appreciated the cultural diversity of Pakistan, likening it to a bouquet of different languages and traditions. He advocated for the protection and preservation of all indigenous languages and cultures. He also expressed concern over the underrepresentation of Balochi speakers in the national population census, describing it as a form of systemic discrimination that needs to be rectified through fair policies and inclusive governance.
Dr. Aurang Zaib Nasar, Assistant Professor at the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS), emphasized the role of academic institutions in shaping the youth’s outlook. He urged universities to focus on capacity building and to instill critical thinking skills among students. He noted that students in Balochistan, due to relatively less competition, have unique opportunities to grow and excel if given the right platforms and encouragement. He called for collaborative efforts between educational institutions, civil society, and government to equip youth with tools for peaceful civic engagement.
Educationist and poet Ali Baba Taj noted that students must prepare themselves for how to align with society and step into practical life. He emphasized the importance of developing critical thinking, empathy, and open-mindedness to better understand diverse perspectives.
In the concluding session, PIPS President Muhammad Amir Rana emphasized that inclusivity entails providing equal access to education and employment while safeguarding civil liberties for all citizens. He noted that diversity exists in thinking patterns, as individuals perceive matters based on their own understanding. These perceptions influence our socio-cultural environment and contribute to the development of common sense, which, in turn, shapes the course of society.
He also stated that modern gender sensitivity evolved after World War II; prior to this, gender discrimination was prevalent in society. The transition from traditional roles to modern roles has occurred simultaneously. He highlighted how generational differences impact social norms due to varying worldviews. Thus, he emphasized that worldview plays a significant role in shaping ideas.