The 139th radio program as part of the Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) aired on the subject theme.
The programme discussed the essentiality of respecting diversity for the peaceful coexistence of the members of society. Also, the cross-cultural exchanges to promote understanding between individuals with different backgrounds.
The first guest on show, Mr. Amjad Hussain, who teaches at the National University of Modern Languages noted that the acceptance of diversity is about the inclusion of people regardless of their socio-political or economic backgrounds, and considering them as an equal and important part of the society.
Pakistan is a country with extensive ethnic, cultural, religious, traditional and linguistic diversity and we should encourage our people to develop understanding about its different cultures, languages and traditions, cooperate with each other regardless of these differences. There is no room for discriminatory behaviors and practices in a diverse society as it only fans polarization and deters social cohesion. The constitution of Pakistan guarantees equal rights to all the citizens and it is not conditional to their faith which only means that minorities are equal citizens.
The best opportunity to promote fundamental democratic values of acceptance – enshrined in our constitution – is the system of education which incorporates and inculcates these ideals among the students, in addition to their regular course work. Conflicts are bound to happen as a natural phenomenon and result of human interactions, however, citizens equipped with mitigation skills can peacefully resolve them through dialogue and empathy.
There should always be a narrative that delegitimizes and dispels extremist ideologies and messages. Also conscious efforts to promote cross-cultural dialogue as an intervention to foster understanding, cooperation, social capital. Linkages, understanding and cooperation between different segments of the society is critical to formulate share goals of development and strengthen democracy.
The second guest on show, Ms. Iram Rahim, Ulasi Taroon Alumna and a student of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women University, underscored the need for initiatives like Ulasi Taroon that sensitize the young on the core values of respect and equality. “I feel transformed and more empathetic after participation in Ulasi Taroon workshop. Respecting diverse opinions is key to peace and harmony in the society, and is something that needs to be practiced. We should promote the culture of dialogue among our youth to help them master conflict resolution skills”.
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.