Conflict resolution: Educate, empower youth to combat extremism, say experts

The statement came from the participants on conclusion of a four-day networking session here on Tuesday.

“Negotiations might be the means to achieve peace but not the key,” Fayaz Toru, a former inspector general of police, said, adding that it is going to be a painstakingly long process.

He suggested empowerment of individuals to address conflicts at grass-roots level, former ambassador Fouzia Nasreen said, “Conflicts need to be thoroughly understood before jumping towards peace building.”




Defence analyst Brig (retd) Mehmood Shah, however, said only seasoned and learned policymakers could deal with menace of terrorism.

Traditional education needs to be revamped in the presence of a huge disconnect between the youth and policymakers according SFCG’s Executive Director, Ammara Durrani.

“Pakistan needs drastic measures to build capacity of its youth for development and peace building in their communities,” she said.

Paiman’s Executive Director Musarrat Qadeem said, “The extremists are clear in their thoughts while we, as a nation, have failed to develop a counter narrative,” suggesting the need for a clear strategy, particularly anchoring on youth as peace promoters.

Earlier, young leaders, government officials and representatives of political parties debated issues concerning rule of law, education, livelihood and social injustice, and formulated joint recommendations for bridging gaps between youth and policy makers, supporting the youth in peace-building initiatives, and providing recreational and sports facilities in K-P and Fata.

The event was organised as a part of a European Union funded project.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 30^th, 2013.