Lahore, 13 September 2024 – The Centre for Human Rights Education-Pakistan introduced a groundbreaking Policy Paper offering recommendations and strategies to combat violent extremism and promote non-violence in Pakistan. The paper was unveiled during a roundtable conference in Lahore, attended by representatives from provincial government, political parties, civil society, media, and religious minorities.

Chaired by Former Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs, Mr. Ijaz Alam MPA, the event saw key addresses from various leaders, including Regional Director of the Ministry of Human Rights, Ms. Lubna Mansoor, Superintendent of Police, Abdul Hannan Bullo, and religious leaders from Christian, Islamic, and Sikh communities.

Executive Director of the Centre, Mr. Samson Salamat, highlighted the need for multi-sectoral collaboration, including education, legal reforms, and media engagement. “Turning violent trends into nonviolence requires concerted efforts. By implementing these recommendations, Pakistan can move toward a more peaceful and inclusive society,” Salamat emphasized.

Key recommendations from the Policy Paper include:

• Counter-Narratives: Develop and disseminate counter-narratives to challenge extremist ideologies, and ensure legislation upholds human rights.
• Educational Reforms: Remove biased content from textbooks and include peace education, with training for educators on nonviolent communication.
• National Action Plan Implementation: Ban hate speech and extremist activities while enhancing the judiciary's capacity to handle terrorism cases.
• Nationwide Campaigns: Promote tolerance and coexistence through campaigns and engage religious leaders and youth to counter extremism.
• Political Dialogue and Minority Protections: Advocate for the passage of a Minorities Protection Bill, criminalizing false blasphemy allegations and forced conversions, and strengthening the response to blasphemy-related violence.

Program Manager, Ms. Asmarah Daud, stressed the need for political will and resource allocation to implement these strategies. “Only through collective action can Pakistan overcome its legacy of violence and build a future based on peace, justice, and prosperity,” Daud said.

The Policy Paper aims to create a peaceful and tolerant society, reduce violence, and promote inclusive governance and justice for all communities in Pakistan.