The ninth radio program as part of Center for Research and Security Studies’ (CRSS) counter-radicalization initiative Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) was aired on March 02, 2018, on the topic of “Social Cohesion and Role of Religious Leaders”. The program discussed how the religious leaders could effectively promote social cohesion and positively contribute in the ongoing efforts for countering extremism by the state and civil society.
The first guest on show, Prof. Dr. Dost Muhammad, University of Peshawar, said that the growing intolerance in the society – that weakens social cohesion – is due to lack of knowledge about others’ and even ones own faith. We need to build understanding of our religious leaders on other faiths. They need capacity including English language skills to understand and learn details about different religions. The prerequisite for Ulasi Taroon (Social Cohesion) is an inclusive approach where people from all walks of life collaborate to ensure social peace and harmony. The religious leaders need to be sensitized to help them fathom the criticality of their role for the promotion of ideals and values critical to social cohesion and peace. The real parameter of social cohesion is the balance between rights and responsibilities.
“Ulasi Taroon is a sincere and conscious effort and such initiatives can definitely make a positive impact on the society”, Prof. Dr. Dost Muhammad concluded.
“The religious leaders can play an important role in peacebuilding process. They must realize the potential of their concerted efforts for social cohesion”, said the DIG Police, KP, Muhammad Ali Babakhel during radio report.
“The religious scholars from all faiths must make concerted efforts for social cohesion”, said Radaish Singh Tony, a representative of Sikh community during radio report.
The guest on phone, Molana Ashraf Ali Marwat, Religious Leader, said that a series of interfaith and intrafaith dialogues – in collaboration with madaris and universities – could create better understanding, culture and environment for peaceful coexistence.
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 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.