The Punjab government in collaboration with non-government sector is holding national level conference to discuss the implementation and impact of the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism and extremism, said Punjab Education and Youth Minister Rana Mashood on Sunday while addressing a joint press conference with BARGAD executive director Sabiha Shaheen and Punjab Assembly member (MPA) Sardar Waqas Mokal at the Lahore Press Club.
The government and BARGAD, a youth development organisation, would host national level “Peaceful Pakistan Conference” between May 27 and 29.
The minister said objective of the conference, is to pay tribute to those who laid their lives fighting against terrorists and discuss the implementation of NAP to tackle terrorism.
“The conference will also discuss and debate the NAP and will give its suggestions to make the plan more effective,” said the minister, adding that families of terrorism victims including parents of Peshawar Army Public School children would also participate in the conference.
He said the government has also organised essay and speech competitions among school students on the topic of counter-terrorism. He said youth has an important role in promoting peace and tolerance.
Sabiha Shaheen of BARGAD said that the conference would also discuss role of media in curbing extremism and increasing intolerance and hate mongering on social media and misuse of cyber space.
“The youth wants peace and their response to the restoration of international cricket in Pakistan after six years shows their desire for peace,” she said, adding that youth were going to match cricket matches and that was a very positive step the government took.
