EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the fourth PACE Regional Assembly on July 15, 2017, at Crown Plaza Hotel, Lahore for young university lecturers and professors who were past participants of PACE Collaborative Workshops. The assembly covered the region of Punjab.
The objective of the regional gathering was to reinforce the themes that were discussed during the past workshops and to learn from the experiences of speakers and participants in the current climate and volatility of Pakistan. The workshop was conducted under the umbrella of the Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE), a counter-radicalization and pluralistic values focused project, in collaboration with the Dutch Government. Participants included young university lecturers and professors from different regions of Punjab.
Dr. Khalid Zaheer was the main speaker to the session and extended his views on the topic of “Ending Differences” with participants of the regional assembly.
INTRODUCTION TO CRSS
CRSS is Pakistan’s first think-tank of its kind founded by civil society activists, committed to the cause of independent research and nonpartisan analysis to help people in and outside Pakistan better understand this nation of 180 million. The Center aims to contribute in building a Pakistan where every citizen has the opportunity to progress as far as his or her talent can take him or her. We believe in, and promote good governance, rule of law, accountability, and independent judiciary ´ elements that are fundamental to the country’s political and economic progress. Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) strives for a democratic Pakistan where all inhabitants are acknowledged as equal citizens without any racial, ideological, ethnic, religious, or sectarian discrimination.
INTRODUCTION TO PACE
Pakistan Center of Excellence (PACE) is a major CVE initiative by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) designed to trigger critical thinking through a discourse anchored in fundamental global values such as socio-political diversity, acceptance of diversity, rule of law and equal citizenry, as well as the rights afforded within Pakistan’s Constitution (articles 8-28). This landmark project is running with the support of the government of Netherlands.
PROCEEDING
The Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) conducted the fourth one day PACE Regional Assembly on July 15th, 2017, at Crown Plaza Hotel, Lahore for young university lecturers and professors who were past participants of PACE Collaborative Workshops. The fourth regional assembly covered the regions of Punjab.
Participants included young lecturers and professors from Gujrat University, Lahore Campus; University of Sargodha; Sargodha, Bahauddin Zakaria University; Multan, Islamia University,; Bahawalpur, The University of Lahore; Gujrat Campus, Higher Education Department; Sialkot, Punjab University College; Lahore, Women University; Multan, and COMSATS; Lahore.
Dr. Khalid Zaheer shared his experience and knowledge on how to end religious differences and promote tolerance.
OPENING CEREMONY
Mr. Zeeshan Salahuddin, Project Manager, welcomed the participants to the regional assembly stating that the purpose of PACE workshops is to gather educationists from diverse segments of society across Pakistan, every month, to ensure an easy flow of ideas and opinions. CRSS, after conducting 19 successful PACE collaborative workshops has now started conducting regional assemblies. The overall objectives remained the same as the previous regional assemblies. The main focus behind this interaction is to re-engage with the past participants in order to reinforce the ideas, concepts previously discussed. Furthermore, these assemblies are to get feedback on the idea of implementing practicum activities
Dr. Khalid Zaheer: Ending differences
Dr. Khalid Zaheer started off his session on the topic of “Ending Differences”. He started his session by stating that one cannot simply end differences, we must be able to understand and accept those differences. By embracing each other’s strengths and weaknesses, we can learn from one another. He further stated that the purpose of diversity is to live together with differences therefore we should be open-minded to others opinions and beliefs. God himself has created each one of us with physical and psychological differences and has given us the freedom to think and behave as we deem fit.
He further stated that to have a difference of opinion is natural; it is important that we keep our conscience inside of us alive and show compassion towards others. We need to ask questions and confront people but we should be able to do that in a calm manner without hurting anyone. Our struggle for search of truth can only be tested if we have difference of opinion.
Dr. Zaheer through his interaction with the participants stated that we should never allow ourselves to be influenced emotionally. It can cloud our judgment and affect our behavior and attitude with others. Every person should accept the truth when it comes their way. We should not push our beliefs on anyone as God himself does not impose his will on us. We are expected from God to accept the truth but not by forcing anyone into our beliefs.
Religious tolerance is the right one should give to others to believe in and practice faith of their choice. We should be tolerant towards others way of life. We can’t impose our views on others and we can’t blame others for their beliefs and ideas. Religious tolerance is to allow others to have religious freedom and not pressurize anyone to change their beliefs. Our attitude toward others beliefs should be genuine and positive. Dr Zaheer concluded his session by stating that we should put ourselves in the position and consciousness of others and be compassionate regardless of our differences. Furthermore, he advised all the participants that being teachers, they should teach their students daily to critically question everything around them but at the same time, to speak to others in a peaceful manner.
Closing Ceremony
In closing remarks Ms. Farhana Kanwal said that the objective of the regional assemblies is to recall the PACE themes and to teach students to critically analyze issues and respect each other’s point of view. An interactive session with the participants regarding practicum activities was held where they expressed their view in a climate of trust and discussed the insights they gathered from the students after promoting the lessons derived during their training.
