In a significant development to counter extremism, the District Administration Thatta, in collaboration with youth leaders and social media influencers, has established a joint forum dedicated to implementing the new national policy for countering extremism at the grassroots level.
The consultative meeting, held today under the chairmanship of Deputy Commissioner Munawar Abbas Soomro, was attended by youth representatives and digital content creators from across the district. The primary objective of the meeting was to brief the participants on the National Policy for Countering Violent Extremism and to solicit their suggestions for its effective implementation.
Elaborating on the details, officials stated that the policy’s central aim is to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and constructive dialogue in society. A key objective is to engage youth in positive and socially constructive activities, steering them away from extremist ideologies and violence.
The youth delegates participating in the meeting expressed their full support, terming the initiative a timely and necessary step. It was agreed that information about the policy would be disseminated to the lowest administrative levels, including tehsils, towns, and union councils, to ensure maximum awareness and participation among the district’s youth.
To spearhead these efforts, the meeting unanimously concluded with the establishment of a joint forum. This body will comprise youth, members of civil society, and social media representatives, who will be responsible for conducting awareness campaigns, organizing training programs, and promoting counter-narratives against extremist propaganda.
Addressing the participants, Deputy Commissioner Soomro described the country’s youth as a “valuable asset” whose constructive engagement is indispensable for social peace and stability. He reiterated the commitment that the district administration will take all necessary steps in partnership with the youth to fulfill the policy’s objectives.
The meeting concluded with the participants pledging their unwavering support for the practical implementation of the policy, and this collaborative approach was termed a welcome and commendable step.