The district administration has issued a stern warning that extremism is “hollowing out” society and intolerance is confronting Pakistan with major challenges, stressing that national stability and development can only be achieved by controlling terrorism. The announcement was made during an awareness seminar held on Thursday on the occasion of the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism.
Presiding over the event, Deputy Commissioner Altaf Ahmed Chachar said that there is no room for any discrimination in the country based on color, race, or creed. He stressed the importance of promoting the message of humanity, compassion, and peace of the Sufi saints and religious elders, calling the dissemination of positive and constructive ideas “the main need of the hour.”
The Deputy Commissioner highlighted the important role of youth, calling students of schools, colleges, and universities the future of the nation. He termed it a collective responsibility for the coming generation to inherit a peaceful, loving, and tolerant Pakistan, and stressed the need to present the country to the world as a peaceful nation while protecting rights without any prejudice.
Other speakers, including ASP Abdullah Afzal and ADO Education Atiq-ur-Rehman, addressing the forum, said that violent extremism is not just a security issue. They described its roots in social, economic, educational, and ideological factors, and concluded that a comprehensive and joint strategy is necessary to effectively address this issue.
The speakers advocated for a multi-faceted approach to counter fundamentalism, including education, dialogue, a positive role for the media, youth engagement, and the promotion of human rights and social justice. They appealed to all sections of society to unite against hatred and intolerance and to spread the message of moderation.
Students from various educational institutions actively participated in the seminar, presenting tableaus and speeches that highlighted the societal impacts of extremism, ways to eliminate it, and the promotion of harmony and mutual respect.
The event concluded with the participants renewing their commitment to continue efforts to establish a peaceful, secure, and harmonious society.
The meeting was attended by a large number of government officials and citizens, including representatives from the civil administration, police, Rangers, and the departments of education, health, livestock, and social welfare, as well as teachers, students, and social leaders.