The 92nd radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on November 01, 2019, on the topic of “Interfaith Harmony and Social Cohesion”.
Given that all the countries in the world are host to some level of religious diversity, interfaith harmony becomes an extremely pertinent global phenomenon.
The first guest on show, Mr. Asif Javaid, a social activist and a representative from Hindu community, noted that Pakistan is among those countries of the world where members of all leading religions live. Not only the majority faith Islam, but also the constitution and our culture extend equal rights and freedoms to the members of the communities of different faiths. We must understand that only by respecting the rights of individuals with different faiths, can we coexist peacefully. This mutual respect and understanding is an essentiality for social cohesion. Responsible citizenship demands that every member of the society should spread the message of peace and tolerance.
The second guest on show, Mrs. Rubina Moeen, representative of Minhaj-ul-Quran, Peshawar wing, said that Islam means and promotes peace, not only for the Muslims but peace for the entire humanity. Cultivating acceptance perspectives and addressing social intolerance are critical to strengthen social harmony and capital; both key to development. Equal citizenry means equal rights, freedoms, opportunities and justice. A country’s reputation as a responsible member in the global state system also rests upon on the level of state’s impartiality towards its citizens and the freedoms offered to them.
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.