The seventh round of Ulasi Taroon Youth Capacity Building Workshops was held in Sheringal, Upper Dir at Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU), to exchange knowledge and information on social cohesion and cultivate the future leaders in the constitutional values critical to social peace and harmony. The event was organized by the Center for Research and Security Studies (CRSS) from June 22-23, 2018.

Prof. Hammad Azeem Khan from the Department of Law, SBBU, spoke on rule of law and social cohesion. He noted that many believed that today’s age was the scientific age but he believed it was the legal age. In our societies, most of our actions and behaviors are bound and informed by some principles called legal rules and regulations. Law, morals and ethics are all means of controlling human conduct. Just like laws important for sciences, there are values and principles that inform human behaviors and they are very important for peaceful coexistence. Deviation from these ideals and constitutional values leads to conflict, violence and extremism in the society. The principle of rule of law is at the core of the smooth operations of all the institutions in the society. It is unimaginable to have a society without rule of law that informs across the board accountability. Rule of law is an evolutionary process and concept and it discourages arbitrary use of power. The primary purpose of the constitution is to uphold rule of law and its indiscriminate application. The rule of law does not just mean equality in literal terms but it promotes the principles of equity and fairness i.e. respect for the rights one deserves, understanding different individuals’ circumstances and fulfilling everyone’s different needs. Human rights education is critical to uphold rule of law and sanctity of constitution.

Mr. Badshah Hussain, Registrar, SBBU said that we are all bound to abide by our social contract and comply with the core constitutional values as a measure of ensuring social cohesion. Adherence to rule of law distinguishes humans from the animals. It’s a fundamentally essential prerequisite for socio-political and economic progress and democratic development, and a primary precondition for social peace and harmony. Deviation from constitution and giving up on fundamental human rights make us ever more vulnerable to the push and pull factors of extremism, destroy social fabric and lead to social destruction. The youth should play an active role in promoting the core values of equality, diversity and tolerance as enshrined in the constitution and prepare themselves for the future challenges as future leaders. The workshops like Ulasi Taroon are enormously beneficial to create a critical mass of youth capable of preventing and countering extremism and help them channel their talents and energies into the national socio-political life.

Mr. Shams Momand, CRSS project manager and senior journalist spoke on the role of democratic institutions and noted that the primary function of parliament is to legislate and ensure oversight on the relevant institutions. Public awareness is critical for not only for their active participation in the political processes but also for strengthening democracy. Only by democratic education, can our citizens hold the public representatives accountable.

Mrs. Shagufta Khalique, educationist, said that rights and responsibilities are inter-connected. Educating public on the rights and responsibilities anchored in their constitution as well as the international commitments like UDHR is absolutely necessary for social cohesion and peace. The Constitution of Pakistan provides guidelines and basic principles for equal citizenry, however, the role of youth in promoting these ideals of equality and tolerance is direly needed to minimize human rights violations in the society. Respecting and practicing these ideals will result in a fair and transparent society. Once the diversity and differences are accepted in a society, the ultimate result is peace. The first step is to have a holistic and inclusive approach at the individual level and a positive response to the diversity around. She added that at the core of democratic government is accountability. Good governance means across the board the accountability and balance of powers. Democracy is also an attitude that needs to be inculcated among youth with practical examples.

“Conflicts do exist and are permanent; however the negative impacts can be reduced by using different conflict resolution techniques. We must understand that dialogue is the key to resolve the disputes and differences rather than force or coercive means”, Shagufta concluded.

The workshop was participated by the students of Abdul Wali Khan University, Timergara Campus; University of Malakand; Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Sheringal; and Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University, Wari Campus.

Ulasi Taroon is a counter radicalization initiative of CRSS 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 youth – in the universities across KP and FATA – 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 fostering social cohesion and peaceful co-existence.