Participants included students from University of Sargodha, Bhakkar Campus. Mr. Rameez Mohsin, Lecturer Social Work Department welcomed the participants to the event. He shared that it is an immense pleasure for the university and students to have CRSS team over for the seminar. He said that Bhakkar is a backward area with almost no facilities; therefore, this seminar will provide an exposure to the students to interact with learned scholars and speakers. He added that PACE Collaborative Workshops changed his perspective about stereotypical behaviours towards religious and ethnic minorities in its first phase of teachers training. He hoped that the seminar will impact the students the same way and will give them a broader perspective of differences.

Farhana Kanwal, Project Manager PACE, said that it is a very different experience coming to Bhakkar and getting to know the students and interacting with them. She shared that PACE is a counter radicalization initiative by CRSS which was started in September, 2015 and completed its first phase in September, 2018. The core objective of PACE is to indoctrinate the tradition of questioning and critical thinking among the youth of Pakistan. She added that the purpose of such activities is to bring together the youth at one platform and discuss about critical issues of multiculturalism, diversity, democracy and accountability.

Dr. Khalid Zaheer was the first speaker to the session and spoke on ‘Religious Freedom, Fundamental Rights and Social Inclusion.’ Dr. Zaheer, while referring to the Quranic references, shared his views on religious freedom and social inclusion. He said that Islam believes in religious freedom for all as it clearly negates imposition of beliefs on others. He said that the Holy Quran doesn’t contradict with its teachings and is internally consistent. However, some religious leaders for the sake of their personal gains misinterpret the verses differently without their contextual meaning which leads to turmoil in a society. Islam gives equal rights to all without any discrimination and whoever discriminates is going against its teachings.

He said that religious tolerance is a right everyone should give to others, to believe in and practice faith of their choice. Fundamental human rights, a guarantee in Islam and the last sermon of our Holy Prophet (PBUH) gives an elaborative explanation of it. The sermon is the best example of inclusion by ensuring the rights of all marginalized groups.

Dr. Khalid Zaheer had his second 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.

Mr. Safiullah Gul, Bureau Chief Aap News had his session on ‘Media and Ethics.’ He, through various exercises and activities, shared with students it is very important to share only fact-based news with audience. The credibility and authenticity of a news provides foundational ground for ethical journalism. He criticised today’s journalism for sensationalising and exaggerating things for ratings. Sensationalism should be avoided and self-censorship should be considered. Biased and abusive attitude should not be accepted.

Dr. Jamil Ahmed was the last speaker to the seminar and shared his thoughts on ‘Fundamentals of Democracy, Governance and Accountability.’ He said that today’s world believes in democracy and accountability.  To get to a position is not inherent anymore, we have to compete to get there. True democracies encourage and appreciate citizen’s engagement and systems are transparent to address the grievances of the deprived. He noted that for a true democratic system, all the institutions need to maintain their constitutional limits and separation of powers should be ensured by not interfering into one another’s domains. In this regard, the legislature, executive and judiciary should only commit to legislation, execution and adjudication respectively. Responsible citizenship requires citizens to be aware of their rights and duties, as well as the role and responsibilities of public representatives. Peace and stability requires strict compliance with and adherence to the core constitutional values and rule of law respectively.

Ms. Farhana Kanwal closed the session with highlighting the importance of debates and critical thinking. She said that debate is a way of identifying and discussing the issues with logic and reason. She further said that an ideal society would always look beyond differences and there will be respect of rights and opinions for all, with no discrimination. Ms. Kanwal also thanked the participating universities and students for their support and encouragement throughout the seminar.