O B J E C T I V E S
The goal of PACE is to create a critical mass of young leaders equipped with critical/analytical skills to critically analyze issues, look at others as equal citizens, correct misperceptions about non-Muslims, and ask questions about their perceived reality. PACE will promote a socio-political discourse – the alternate narrative on democratic rights and responsibilities anchored in the globally accepted and practiced concepts such as rule of law, equal citizenry, secular governance as a primary condition for social cohesion and tolerance for, and acceptance of cultural diversity.
Achieve Informed Message Multiplication
As part of this it, PACE hopes to mount a politically informed intellectual challenge to those exploiting religion through their narrow interpretations of faith. This would primarily be achieved through a structured interactive engagement with the selected cadre of young working professionals drawn from all over Pakistan – persons who are potential opinion multipliers, such as television anchors, radio jockeys and university professors and lecturers.
Reconnect with Constitution-Empowerment Through Rule of Law
The initiative will attempt to reconnect people with the constitution of Pakistan and the fundamental human rights afforded therein (article 8-28). It will sensitize these participants on the virtues of universally acknowledged democratic values and secular governance reflective of the UN Indicators on the Rule of Law as a prerequisite for social peace, equality of citizens and political cohesion. It will encourage engagement via questioning existing narratives and realities and challenging the status quo.
Trigger Alternative Narratives – Provide Prism of Contemporary Narratives
PACE will help develop alternate narratives (instead of counter-narratives) which would sprout from a structured debate on the universally acknowledged democratic values instead of a direct disagreement or negation of religious extremist narratives. This will be done through a conscious inculcation of universal ideas on freedom of expression, freedom of religion, and equal citizenry into the minds of opinion multipliers which PACE aims to sensitize.
T H E M A T I C F O C U S
The cadre of future leaders will be sensitized in critical concepts such as:
- Leadership and motivation
- Equal citizenry and respect for rule of law
- Fundamentals of democracy, governance and accountability
- Respect for diversity, opinions and rights
- Rights of minorities and other marginalized groups
- Constitutionalism, and adherence to Pakistan’s Constitution, particularly articles 8-28
- The importance of asking critical questions in the pursuit of knowledge
M E T H O D O L O G Y
PACE will empower these young professionals with the intellectual tools to counter intolerance and propagate peaceful conflict resolution in their respective social/ professional spheres – by sensitizing them in the crucial need for respecting fundamental human rights and to accept others as they appear instead of judging them by their faith or ideology, cast or color.
PACE will conduct monthly collaborative workshops for about 20 professionals drawn from diverse geographical regions and professional backgrounds and sensitizing them in the aforementioned core areas. For these workshops, PACE will partner with national public and private universities and institutions.