PESHAWAR: The youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been caught between a powerful yearning for a tolerant society and a pervasive climate of fear, with a vast majority feeling unsafe to express their religious beliefs, believing the state has been failing to protect minorities.

These findings were highlighted in a recent report titled “Rethinking peace: A youth perspective from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa”, released by the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), an Islamabad-based think-tank focusing peace, harmony and preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE), said a press release.

The report, based on workshops and surveys with students from universities and religious seminaries in the province, reveals a critical paradox. It notes that while over 80pc of young people see interfaith dialogue as essential for national harmony, 77pc feel they cannot openly express their religious beliefs for fear of backlash. Furthermore, a staggering 85pc believe the government is not doing enough to curb faith-based discrimination.

Adding to this complex challenge, the study identified the digital arena as a key battleground for young minds. It underlined that 72pc of youth rely on social media as their primary source of information, yet they often lack the critical literacy skills to navigate an ecosystem rife with misinformation and hate speech—the factors that are directly linked to real-world violence.

The ultimate message from the youth of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) is clear: “They are ready to build a more inclusive, respectful and cohesive Pakistan”, the report states. “But they cannot do it alone. True change demands jobs, education and most importantly a commitment from the state to safeguard their constitutional right to free expression and equal treatment, turning the current paradox into a national opportunity”.

In response to these stark findings, the report puts forward a series of urgent recommendations for policymakers. It strongly recommended a fundamental overhaul of the educational curriculum to move beyond rote learning and actively embed values of critical thinking, tolerance and mutual respect from an early age.

The research further called for the immediate implementation of digital and media literacy programmes nationwide, equipping young people with the skills to discern facts from fiction online.

Finally, it recommended creating sustained platforms for youth-led and interfaith initiatives, arguing that empowering young people as ambassadors of peace within their own communities is the most viable path toward long-term social cohesion.

The study concludes that the youth of KP are not a problem to be solved, but the nation’s most promising asset for building a peaceful future. By listening to their concerns and investing in their potential, Pakistan can channel their energy towards fostering a society where diversity is not just tolerated but celebrated.

Published in Dawn, November 17th, 2025