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KARACHI, Nov 06 (APP):Sindh Home Minister Zia-ul-Hassan Lanjar, on Thursday, emphasized that poverty reduction, education, and social inclusion are the key to sustainable peace and national stability.
While addressing a Consultative Dialogue on Poverty Reduction through Interface between Sindh CVE Center and Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), he urged that it is time for a collective action to promote tolerance, social inclusion, and community resilience as the foundation for a stable and prosperous Sindh.
The event, aimed at strengthening partnerships between the government and civil society for inclusive, evidence-based strategies to counter poverty and violent extremism, was organized by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) in collaboration with the Government of Sindh’s Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE) in Karachi, said a statement issued here.
The Home Minister stated that the Sindh government was working closely with civil society and the private sector to create livelihood opportunities and strengthen communities against social and economic vulnerabilities.
Sindh is a land of peace, love, and tolerance. We must adopt the lifestyle of the Sufi saints, whose message of unity and compassion is the identity of Sindh. The philosophy of Sufism is the spiritual and cultural strength of Sindh; it teaches peace, love, and harmony, said Lanjar, calling for a revival of Sindh’s centuries-old spirit of peace and compassion.
Highlighting recent progress in peace and security, the minister shared that 71 dacoits have surrendered before the police, demonstrating growing public confidence in government initiatives. He also announced a rehabilitation package for these families to help them reintegrate into society as responsible citizens.
Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Muhammad Iqbal Memon, speaking at the occasion, stressed that tackling poverty is essential for reducing extremism and highlighted the importance of community participation and data-driven policymaking.
CEO PPAF, Nadir Gul Barech, thanked the Sindh Government and the CVE Centre for their collaboration, reaffirming PPAF’s dedication to community-led development.
“When communities are empowered to lead their own development, they become the strongest defenders of peace and progress. Peace and poverty alleviation are deeply interconnected; one cannot thrive without the other,” he said.
The dialogue, recognizing the invaluable contributions of PPAF’s civil society partners, concluded with a shared commitment from all stakeholders to strengthen partnerships between the public sector and civil society to promote peace, reduce poverty, and foster inclusive development in Sind.
The event was attended by Additional IG CTD Azad Khan, Prosecutor General Sindh Muntazir Mehdi, other officers and representatives of civil society and development partners.