Moot reflects on curbing extremism

Participants advocate women’s role in countering terrorism

PESHAWAR:

In a resolute stride towards fostering international collaboration to counter the menace of violent extremism, a one-day international conference convened under the aegis of the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism.

This symposium stood as a beacon of hope, illuminating pathways to strategize against extremism and nurture global camaraderie in this endeavor.

Esteemed dignitaries from diverse sectors converged for this vital discourse. Dr Faisal Kareem Kundi, former Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly, Dawood Khan, former Secretary of the Higher Education Department, Professor Dr Usman Ghani, Director of IM Sciences, Musarrat Qadeem, Senior Advisor to the Centre for Combating Extremism, and Deputy Commandant Frontier Corps, Javed Iqbal, were among the notable participants.

At the conference’s inception, Secretary Higher Education, Anila Mahfooz Durrani, Chief Coordination Officer, Dr Ayaz, and Director General, Dr Qasim, extended a warm welcome to all attendees on behalf of the Centre.

Durrani underscored the profound significance of the Centre of Excellence, hailing it as the first of its kind in South Asia, dedicated exclusively to countering violent extremism. The centre, she emphasized, would stand as a potent think tank, crafting innovative strategies to effectively grapple with the multifaceted challenges posed by extremism.

A seminal focus of the conference was the imperative of international collaboration.

Khalid Kauser, Executive Director of the Global Community Engagement and Resilience Fund (GCERF), based in Geneva, lauded the conference’s endeavors and pledged unwavering support.

A memorandum of understanding was inked between GCERF and the Center, solidifying their commitment to amplified collaboration in countering extremism.

Dr Musarrat Qadeem, Senior Advisor for the Centre, heralded the establishment of this platform as a long-overdue milestone.

She expounded on the pivotal role of research and dialogue at the global level, serving as potent instruments to combat extremism. With an impassioned plea, she championed the inclusion of women as active agents in the fight against extremism, advocating for their substantive involvement.

Former Deputy Inspector General of K-P Countre Terrorism Department, Javed Iqbal, articulated the need for a comprehensive framework that harmonizes dialogue and policies, functioning in tandem with proactive anti-terrorism measures.

Professor Dr Usman Ghani illuminated the perilous ascent of political extremism, particularly its adverse impact on the youth. He urged the incorporation of a dedicated educational chapter to counter extremism and propagate tolerance.

Dawood Khan stressed the pivotal role of such institutions in shaping policies and enhancing awareness. He envisioned the Centre as a pivotal force, steering governments and addressing internal and external challenges.

In a region rife with the afflictions of extremism, the conference held profound relevance. Khalid Kauser acknowledged the province’s significant struggle and pledged steadfast cooperation, aligning efforts to address challenges emanating from both extremism and climate change.

The establishment of the Centre serves as a tangible embodiment of the commitment to confront extremism head-on through rigorous research, dialogue, and resolute international cooperation.

 

Published in The Express Tribune, August 19^th, 2023.