KARACHI: Psychologists addressing a seminar ‘Terrorism and Misuse of Technology’ here on Wednesday sought adequate grooming of youth to help them emerge as a sound source of development and not a victim of technology-induced exploitation.
The event organised to mark World Mental Health Day at DHA Suffa University was also attended by people from different walks of life along with a large number of students.
Dr Kiran Mushtaq from Karachi University Institute of Clinical Psychology, emphasising that terrorism has emerged as the most potent threat for the present day youth, said that each and every country is in process of developing or tightening its policy to counter the menace.
In the particular context of youngsters in the country, the speaker said that they constitute almost half of the total population and are generally quite apt in handling tools of information technology. “It is thus our collective responsibility to provide them with the right forums and proper guidance paving way for their intellectual as well emotional stability,” said the psychologist.
Reiterating the need for proper channels to satisfy their craving for exploration and curiosity, Dr Kiran Mushtaq said that Pakistan, fortunate enough to have a strong human resource base, must urgently update its “youth policy”.
“The modern era of technology along with its benefits also holds potential risks to get youth exploited, hence there is steady need to keep them abreast of its benefits and the threats,” elaborated the speaker.
Mentioning that the USA could only realise the intensity of situation after the 9/11 incident, she said that Pakistan had been bearing the brunt much before and is also in the forefront in the war against terrorism since long. Appreciative of the fact that things have changed for good in the country during past few years, she added that the focus must be to streamline the approach to ensure stability for good.
In particular context of terrorism in the third world countries, the researcher said that it could not be possible without sponsors who through a peculiar approach develop leaders and create pressure groups playing havoc with the lives of citizens.
Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and Technology’s (FUUAST) Department of Psychology Assistant Professor Dr Shahid Iqbal, supplementing her co-speaker, said that public psychology plays important role in the maintenance of peace and therefore it is important that concerted efforts are made to meet social as well as psychological needs of the masses in general.
Referring to his personal and professional experience abroad, the senior educationist said that it was high time to rectify the misgivings about the country and its people. “I am fully confident about the capacities of the youth in Pakistan and strongly propose adequate platforms for them to express their capabilities at every level,” he said.
He said that the present day youth are much more conscious and mature hence can easily be taken on board in the process of national development.
