The 148th 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 first guest on show, Mr. Ashraf Ali Marwat, a religious scholar from Peshawar, noted that the idea of tolerance refers to the person’s willingness to accept diversity in the society, including different ideas and opinions that one may not necessarily agree with but still choose to respect them. You do not have to agree with an opinion to give respect to it. Cultivating such ideals is the fundamental requirement for peaceful coexistence.
While speaking about fasting in the context of Ramzan, he elaborated that the purpose of fasting is much more than just abstaining completely from food, it is in fact to master the virtues of patience, respect, empathy, sympathy and punctuality which ultimately leads to cohesion in the society.
The second guest on show, Mr. Alexander, Coordinator, Diocese of Peshawar, noted that the practice of fasting can be seen in different religions including Christianity and its purpose is to promote and practice the ideals of tolerance, patience and compassion, for peace and harmony in the society.
The third guest on show, Mr. Idrees Khan from Abasyn University, Peshawar and CRSS’ Ulasi Taroon Alumnus noted that people getting intolerant and angrier especially during the month of Ramadan is paradoxical and contrary to idea of fasting. An essentiality for social cohesion is to exhibit acceptance and understanding of diversity in the society. Social interactions without giving regard to the people’s economic and religious background only breeds social cohesion.
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.