The 93rd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 08, 2019, on the topic of “Critical Thinking and Allama Iqbal’s Vision”.
The guests were of the opinion that critical thinking is about objective understanding of reality and it is being taught as an important academic discipline in the developed countries across the world. Allama Muhammad Iqbal’s vision for youth had their role as critical thinkers as the basis of self-realization and enlightenment.
The first guest on the show, Mr. Bakht Zaman Yousufzai from the Department of Journalism, University of Peshawar said that everyone has some unique qualities where it is the responsibility of parents and academia to hone the talents and potential of youth. This includes cultivating them in the critical thinking perspectives. He explained that critical thinking is a prism to view the world, not based on some stereotypical ideas and subjective understanding but in a dispassionate, logical and evidence based manner. Its increases the openness to new ideas through both learning and unlearning. Promoting critical thinking among youth requires deconstruction of and challenging pre-conceived notions with logical analysis without any personal biases.
Allama Iqbal’s poetry motivated youth to pursue a prosperous future, remain hopeful and recognize the importance of small determined steps. We must encourage the culture of dialogue anchored in critical discourse.
The second guest on show, Ms. Antal Zia from Urdu Department, Benazir Bhutto Women University, Peshawar, opined that human beings are superior to all the other creators on the basis of their thinking and analytical skills. These problem solving skills enable them to better deal with socio-cultural and whole range of other issues. Sympathy and empathy are the most essential qualities of a critical thinker. Lacking these virtues may lead to negative and counterproductive criticism. Iqbal’s writings are the best examples of propagation of critical thinking as he advocated for self-esteem and thinking deep.
About Ulasi Taroon
Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of Center for Research and Security Studies that aims to address the radicalization challenges, extremist ideologies and foster social cohesion through a discourse anchored in the core constitutional values which are fundamentally essential prerequisites for social peace and harmony. The endeavor aims to cultivate and sensitize the people of KP in the core values in the Pakistani constitution and our social contract. It’s an attempt to highlight the criticality of abiding by these ideals – such as adherence to rule of law, primacy and sanctity of constitution, equal citizenry, responsible citizenship, respect for fundamental human rights, tolerance for diversity and different opinions, inclusive democracy and good governance – as a measure of strengthening social cohesion and promoting peaceful co-existence.