Speakers at conference give proposals for effective de-radicalization

ISLAMABAD, Mar 27 (APP):Speakers at a conference here on Tuesday presented various valuable proposals for effective de-radicalization, counter-extremism and promotion of a resilient counter-narrative.
The National Conference on “Internal Security: Peace & Sustainable Development,” was held here at Pakistan Planning and
Management Institute (PPMI).
The event was attended by government representatives, diplomats, retired armed forces’ officers and students from country’s top universities.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Asma Khawaja, Assistant Professor, National Defence University said that de-radicalization was a multi-pronged process. She said that it was need of the hour to address social, financial, political and physical causes of radicalization.
She underlined the need to involve women in internal security, policy-making adding that there should be audibility and visibility of women as key stakeholders.
Dr Ishtiaq Ahmed, Vice Chancellor University of Sargodha said that Pakistan’s internal security was deeply linked with regional
peace. He said Afghanistan and India’s approaches vis-à-vis Pakistan mattered a lot. He said Pakistan’s relations with India were of very complex nature, stating that unfortunately extremist elements in Hindus were not interested in peace with Pakistan. He said India was also not serious to resolve the longstanding Kashmir issue.
Tariq Pervez, former National Coordinator (NC), National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) said that NACTA was trying its best to evolve a counter-narrative to build strong and resilient social values. He said the ‘madrassah’ students in the country were suffering from a sense of inferiority and there was a need to initiate training programmes for these students.
Senior journalist, Fasi Zaka urged the people to be loyal with the country. He said that there was also need to address issues of women and children in the society.
Women rights’ activist, Khawar Mumtaz while seconding Fasi Zaka said that women belonging to minorities had also equal rights. She underlined the need to educate youth about tolerance. We need to focus on social and economic development to resolve the issues, she said.