Moderation is key : ‘New generations must be protected from radicalisation’

Workshop suggests ways to curb growing trend of extremism.

PESHAWAR:

A dialogue to find effective ways of curbing radicalisation concluded on Thursday, stated a press release.

The discussion was arranged by PAIMAN, a non-government organisation working extensively in the country on de-radicalisation and peace building. The main focus was to eliminate the growing trend of extremism and protect the new generation from it.

MPAs Mian Jafar Shah, Naseem Hayat and Rashida Rifat were present on the occasion. Also in attendance were Additional Home Secretary Abdul Kamal, Peshawar Central Prison Superintendent Masoor Rahman, civil servants, police officials and people from different walks of life.



The MPAs demanded foreign and local policies should be revised to serve national interest and curb terrorism.

PAIMAN Executive Director Musarrat Qadeem said the dialogue was organised to outline ways of addressing the menace of extremism through policy and mutual cooperation. “The viewpoints and suggestions presented in the dialogue would be incorporated in the recommendations presented to the government to prepare a framework,” she said.

Musarrat briefed participants on the efforts made by PAIMAN for
peace building.

Others presented various suggestions such as research to root out extremism and to better understand the reason the youth was drawn towards radicalisation.

“Religion is not the only reason. Poverty, unemployment and injustice in society also contribute,” observed one of the participants.

Some suggested involving newly elected local government representatives who could remain vigilant in their areas and educate people about the effects of radicalism. Another recommendation was involving the ulema and religious scholars to educate the masses and counter the narrative presented by militants.

“At the government level, a thorough review should be made of interior and exterior policies,” proposed another participant. Others said concentrating on education and employment would protect future generations  from radicalisation.

A proposal was also made to involve mosque imams by paying them proper government salaries and creating job quotas for students of religious seminaries. The speakers said this would bring religious scholars and students into the mainstream.

Published in The Express Tribune, October 9^th, 2015.