The 100th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on December 27, 2019, on the topic of “Interfaith Harmony”.
The first guest on show, Mr. Nakaash Bhatti, a representative of Christian community and a lecturer at Government College Peshawar, opined that the acceptance of diversity requires cross-cultural interactions and inter-faith dialogue. The educational curricula can also be utilized to sensitize the youth on the importance of respecting diversity in the society in terms of different cultures, languages, religions etc. There is a critical need to inculcate tolerance perspectives in the children for their open-mindedness and acceptance of differences living in the society. The direct outcome of interfaith and intercultural dialogue is social peace and harmony.
The second guest on show, Ms. Sapna Rani, a teacher and a representative from Hindu community was of the view that understanding and respecting the social diversity is the fundamental ingredient for social harmony and peaceful co-existence. The role of religious leaders is highly instrumental to promote intra- and inter-faith harmony; promoting the positive values of peace and coexistence.
The third guest on show, Mr. Hassan Madani, an Islamic scholar, noted that there is a need to develop public understanding on how the religious diversity can be used as an opportunity to strengthen social cohesion. Interfaith harmony leads to mutual trust and cooperation in the society critical for the country’s social capital and development. It can be fostered through dialogue or other tools of strategic communication and dissemination.
Respect for fundamental human rights demands equal citizenry and not judging each other on the basis of religion or sect. Sustainable change happens slowly and gradually but we should believe in the process no matter how small the steps or how little the output. We must be cognizant that attitudinal change requires both time and conscious collective efforts.
Democracy is an inclusive system as it does not discriminate on the basis of religious or racial identities where minorities quota system is an excellent example, he concluded.
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.