For a better tomorrow: Technologists, activists call for harmonious society

Speakers discuss role of tech in promoting interfaith harmony

ISLAMABAD: Discussants at a conference called for the need for peace and security in the country, and also debated the role of information and communication technologies in this regard.

“We all want a bright future for our children, so that they can live in a peaceful society, with security of lives and wealth,” said Pakistan Telecommunication Authority Chairman Ismail Shah.

He was addressing the opening session of the conference ‘ICT for Peace and Harmony’.

The conference aimed at bringing together technologists, designers, developers, government representatives and peace practitioners to realize solutions to stop violent conflicts. The peace practitioners included Muslims, Hindus, Christians and Sikhs.

“Sometimes, a few extremist minds can abuse technology and manipulate the facts”, Shah added.

Amber Awan, programme manager at IPAD, said, “We should come up with solutions which will bring a wide range of stakeholders together in raising awareness for the using technology for the betterment of Pakistan irrespective of religion, language, ethnicity and class differences.”

“We should understand each other’s point of view and respect differences. ICTs can play a valuable role in recreating communication networks, not only in terms of technical infrastructure, but also in terms of human interactions,” she added. The event was organised by the Initiative for Peace and Development in collaboration with Pakistan Institute of ICTs for Development, and held at the National Centre for Rural Development.

Published in The Express Tribune, March 29^th, 2016.