Youth for peaceful coexistence and equal citizenship

0
191

LAHORE: Bargad has organised a series of seminars on the theme of promoting “Peaceful Coexistence and Equal Citizenship”.

The latest in the series was held in collaboration with Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) on January 28 to foster greater interest in transforming communities for peaceful cooperation.

The session proposed remedies on linking youth with peacebuilding efforts in the country and emphasised on the need for social cohesion within the country. It included an informal session through interaction with the participants and a panel discussion.

The panel included MPA Sadia Sohail, development specialist Nishat Kazmi, LCWU Department of Psychology Assistant Professor Amina Obiad Khwaja, Hindu Sudhar Saba president and human rights activist Amarnath Randhawa and an independent filmmaker, Umair Khwaja.

Discussions revolved around reducing hate speech; building a positive narrative of peacebuilding and social cohesion; better implementation of laws and policies to promote equal citizenship and opportunities for all citizens regardless of faith and ethnicity.

In her opening remarks, MPA Sadia Sohail discussed the historical aspect of the status of minorities along with the need to give them equal opportunities in education so that they can fulfil their potential.

Other panellists urged the youth in participation to play their role in creating a positive narrative as they form the largest chunk of the population of the country. The programme was moderated by Noor Imran.

The event also facilitated the exchange of opinions and expertise regarding policies for non-Muslims.

The participants welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on strategies to reduce hate speech and peacebuilding.