Minority rights: Workshop organised to build leadership skills

Aim is to highlight importance of intercultural, interreligious harmony

PESHAWAR: A two-day capacity building workshop was held in the city on Thursday to boost the leadership qualities of minority rights defenders and community peace groups.

According to a press release issued on Thursday, the initiative was part of Peace Education and Development (PEAD) Foundation Joint Social Action for Equal Rights and Opportunities programme. The event was held in collaboration with Norwegian Church Aid (NCA). Various Christian representatives were present at the workshop.

The participants came from different parts of the city such as Landi Arbab, Yakatoot and Lahori Gate.

Project Coordinator Faisal Jalil said the purpose of the programme was to enhance knowledge and skills of the leaders irrespective of their religious persuasions.



“The programme focuses on leadership development, motivation, conflict resolution, human rights and community mobilisation,” he said. “It has been designed to enable the local minority groups to raise their voices in an effective manner in society.”

He added, “This is needed for people from both the minority and majority groups.”

While speaking at the workshop, PEAD Programme Coordinator Shagufta Khaliq said minority groups face a diverse menu of challenges on a daily basis.

“Diversity is a divine trait and we must appreciate it,” she said. “It is the responsibility of the government to protect the rights of minorities so that they can play their due role in ensuring development and prosperity in the country.”

Chairman Christian Welfare Organization John Allah Bakhsh said the workshop was particularly productive and is likely to yield positive results.

“It will help build the confidence of the minority representatives and solve the problems of their communities in an effective manner,” he added.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 27^th, 2016.