Lahore: Centre for Human Rights Education- Pakistan, a human rights institution striving for the advancement of human rights, democracy, religious & political tolerance and non-violence has introduced a Policy Paper, consisting of Recommendation & Strategies for turning violent trends into non-violence in Pakistan. The Policy Paper was introduced in a Roundtable conference at Lahore on September 13, 2024 in presence of the representatives of provincial government, state departments, political parties, media, civil society and religious minorities.

The Roundtable Conference was chaired by Former Minister for Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Mr. Ijaz Alam MPA and addressed by Regional Director Minister of Human Rights Ms. Lubna Mansoor, Assistant Director Human Rights and Minorities Affairs Mr. Muhammed Habib, Superintendent Police Mr. Abdul Hannan Bullo, Chairman of Supreme Council Bishop Dominic Javed, Spokesperson of Church of Pakistan Rev. Emmanuel Khokhar, Chairman Interfaith Commission Presbyterian Church of Pakistan Rev. Amjad Niamat, Islamic Scholar Allama Dr. Badar Munir, Director Minhaj ul Quran Interfaith Relations Mr. Sohail Ahmed Raza, Sikh Religious leader Gyani Ranjeet Singh, Chairman Implementation Minorities Rights Forum Mr. Samuel Pyara, President Christian Lawyers Association and Members of Punjab Assembly Ms. Sumbal Maalik Hussain & Mr. Waseem Sindhu. 

Introducing the Policy Paper at the Roundtable Executive Director of Centre for Human Rights Education- Pakistan Mr. Samson Salamat “Turning violent trends into nonviolence requires a concerted effort across multiple sectors, including education, community engagement, legal reforms, media, and governance which has been included in the Policy Paper. Mr. Samson Salamat added that by implementing the recommendations outlined above, Pakistan can gradually transition towards a more peaceful and inclusive society, where conflicts are resolved through dialogue and cooperation rather than violence and coercion". 

Program Manager Ms. Asmarah Daud emphasized that "it is essential to mobilize political will, allocate resources effectively, and engage all segments of society in this transformative endeavour. Only through collective actions and unwavering commitment can Pakistan overcome its legacy of violence and build a future based on peace, justice, and prosperity”. 

In order to minimize violent & extremist trends from the society, the policy paper has recommended that

The responsible state institutions should develop and disseminate counter-narratives that challenge extremist ideologies and highlight their misconceptions. Comprehensive laws that address all aspects of terrorism and violent extremism should be enacted and enforced. However it should be ensured that legislation upholds human rights and civil liberties to avoid alienating communities.

Invest in research to understand the drivers of radicalization specific to different regions and communities within Pakistan and use data-driven approaches to tailor interventions and measure their effectiveness.  

- Remove biased or inflammatory material from textbooks that might propagate hatred or extremist ideologies and revise school curricula to include content promoting tolerance, critical thinking, and peace education. Furthermore provide training to educators on peace building methodologies, nonviolent communication techniques and foster inclusive classroom environment.

- The implementation of National Action Plan should be ensured in letter and spirit which includes the ban on hate speech through print, electronic & social media, ban on the extremist outfits to stop their public gatherings, funds collection, acts of hate speech and instigation of violence. 

- The capacity of the judiciary should be enhanced to handle terrorism-related cases efficiently and fairly along with the protection of judges, witnesses, and law enforcement officers. Furthermore the government should invest in advanced technologies and training to enhance the capabilities of security apparatus to counter mob violence, extremist and terrorist activities. 

- The government should launch organized and well-thought nationwide campaigns to promote the values of pluralism, tolerance, and coexistence using innovative tools & techniques and online spaces. Furthermore engage religious leaders, community elders, and youth leaders in dialogue and initiatives to counter extremism.  Establish Youth Centres that offer counselling, mentoring, and support for at-risk individuals and create programs to engage youth in constructive activities such as sports, arts, and vocational training. 

- Facilitate political dialogue and reconciliation processes to address grievances and resolve conflicts peacefully. Promote inclusive governance structures that accommodate diverse voices and perspectives. Advocate for genuinely inclusive policies that transcend token gestures, actively creating spaces that embrace and integrate diverse communities, thereby reducing the marginalization of others based on their differences.

- There should be a GRAND DEBATE in the National Assembly, Senate and the Provincial Assemblies on the consistent misuse of blasphemy laws, lynching and violence against minorities, followed by a Minorities Protection Bill which should also include the legislation to criminalize the false allegation of blasphemy, forced religious conversions and marriages of the minors belonging to minorities.  Furthermore, effective strategies are urgently required to enhance the capacity and efficiency of the police and other administrative apparatus to minimize the damage in the context of blasphemy incidents and violence against minorities.