The people of Pakistan have to play an important role in addressing the serious issue of violent extremism so that the country can prosper, said Minister for Local Government Inayatullah Khan on Tuesday.
He was speaking at a forum organised by the non-profit organisation PAIMAN Alumni Trust at Pearl Continental in Peshawar. The dialogue revolved around the role of civil society and the government in addressing the menace of extremism and in building peaceful communities in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata).
Parliamentarians and representatives of law-enforcement agencies, media and government departments attended the forum.
Addressing the gathering, Khan said, “I am happy to see PAIMAN Alumni Trust conduct capacity building activities for the youth and women.”
“They have not only been made aware of violent extremism but have also been equipped with the right tools to help build religious and social cohesion as well as interfaith harmony in their region,” said Khan.
The minister promised support to the organisation in all initiatives it undertakes to build tolerant and violence-free communities.
In his address, PAIMAN Chairperson Shafqat Mehmood said, “The youth and women of K-P and Fata are at the forefront of a courageous struggle for democracy and progress in their homeland.” He added, “A majority of women and youth do not support extremism and have tremendous potential for effective leadership and social transformation which needs to be honed and supported by the government.”
Published in The Express Tribune, September 4th, 2014.
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