SWAT: Speakers at a workshop said youth should be open to change by interacting with people belonging to different faiths, ethnicities and nationalities to adapt to new trends of globalisation, which will ultimately bring peace in society.

They said interfaith harmony was the need of the hour that provided an opportunity to the youth to interact with people of different backgrounds – a factor that will help them in their ‘personal growth’.

Experts from different areas of interest were speaking at a two-day national workshop on “Building Bridges: Fostering Tolerance & Inclusivity among Youth”, held in Mingora, says a press release issued here on Monday.

Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think tank, organised the event. It brought together young members of civil society, lawyers, and students belonging to local colleges, universities and seminaries.

Political activist and lawyer Dileep Doshi conducted an interactive session to explore the history and development of human rights, highlighting their evolution and significance in today’s world.

He also discussed the responsibility of the state to safeguard human rights, as enshrined in the Constitution.

He advised the participants to study those Articles of the Constitution ensuring fundamental rights to citizens. “By promoting awareness and understanding of human rights, we can work towards creating a more just and equitable society,” he said.

Author and social activist Zubair Torwali in his session on “Blessing in diversity” delved into the rich religious, ethnic, and linguistic diversity of Pakistan, with a special focus on the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. He discussed ways how diversity can be recognized, respected and celebrated as a source of unity and strength.

Journalist and trainer Imran Mukhtar highlighted the relationship between the constitution, parliament, and citizenship. He described how negation of the concept of trichotomy of powers in Pakistan was creating problems of governance and ultimately affecting rights of the people.

PIPS president Mohammad Amir Rana in his remarks said dialogue was the key to resolve social and religious conflicts. The other important thing in conflict resolution is access to accurate information, he added.

“Youth should be focused and open to change,” Rana said, urging the participants to develop a ‘behaviour of acceptance’ for others. He said that seeing people in a positive way was fundamental to fostering peace and inclusivity among youth.

He asked the youth to change their lives first, adding that this factor will ultimately help in transforming the society.

Published in Dawn, December 3rd, 2024