Intellectuals discuss rise of intolerance in Pakistani society

Dialogue titled, 'Promoting Tolerance in Youth', held at Ziauddin University

It is the responsibility of all segments of society, especially religious scholars, to help reduce intolerance, anxiety and frustration in society and teach people to acknowledge and accept each other's right to have an individual point of view.

Ziauddin University Vice-Chancellor Dr Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui said this while speaking at a dialogue, 'Promoting Tolerance in Youth', at the Clifton campus of the varsity.

"It is appalling that in our country approximately more than 20 million children do not attend schools, which is significantly increasing deprivation in the society," Dr Siddiqui said. He advised students to actively participate in creating awareness in their social circles and families regarding education.



Barrister Shahida Jamil said education was the only key through which a tolerant society could be formed. It is the need of the hour to spread true teachings of Islam, including the message of tolerance, respect, freedom of expression and equality, she added. Barrister Jamil was of the view that prejudice resulted in destruction.

"Whether it is the [creation] of Bangladesh in 1971 or any other grave incident, it all happened due to the non-acceptance of each other's rights and prerogatives," Barrister Jamil remarked.

Pakistan Institute of Learning and Living Assistant Director Dr Tayyeba Kiran opined that the role of parents was pivotal in bringing up children in the right direction. From the very initial stages, parents should teach their children how to control anger, and must refrain from comparing the ability and skills of their children to that of any other relative or friend's child, as this will certainly create frustration in the child, Dr Kiran said. Apart from parents, teachers should also try to develop a healthy environment where students should be well aware of stress management and its consequences, she added.



In order to promote tolerance in society, it is important that individuals in any capacity should accept each other's values, perceptions and beliefs, said Youth Parliament Founding Chairperson Rizwan Jaffar. He was of the view that no tolerant society could be imagined without the rule of law. He urged the government to implement the law as lawlessness results in the rise of social injustice due to which people naturally become intolerant and frustrated.

It is the foremost responsibility of the government and political leaders to ensure transparency, Jaffar said, adding that the government should provide all basic amenities to people so that they lived a happy and contented life.