Collaborative efforts stressed for countering violent extremism

Islamabad: Parliamentarians, researchers, analysts and rights activists on Tuesday stressed the need of collaborative efforts to counter violent extremism in the society.

They expressed these views at a consultation titles “Countering Violent Extremism through Promoting Respect for Human Rights” organized by National Commission on Human Rights (NCHR).” Known analysts, activists, media persons and politicians addressed the gathering and shared their perspective on reasons behind and solution of violent extremism in the society.

The participants said that violent extremism is an emerging threat to peace and stability in Pakistan as well as the entire World. They said that it is a critical problem faced by Pakistani society leading to social, economic, cultural, political turmoil and humanitarian crises.

Speaking on this occasion, senior journalist Zahid Hussain talked about the need to address the root cause of extremism instead of focusing on the branches.  He presented an overview of the situation.

Senator Farhatullah Babar said that instead of contributing in developing anti extremism narrative and curbing hate speech, the newly introduced Cyber Crime Law and Freedom of Expression Law have been used to target those who are propagating counter security narrative in the society. He said that such use will create further space for extremist elements.

He was of the opinion that parliamentarians are responsible for making laws and they have done their bit in best way possible. “The gap exists in the implementation of laws,” he said adding that charity wings of militant organisations find space where the executive fails to perform.

MNA Shaheryar Afridi though blamed parliamentarians for humiliating the trust of Pakistani people. Sharing his observations of four-year tenure, he said that Parliament has failed miserably as it has not been able to address the issues at grassroots level. “We are good at talking but nothing has been done on ground.”

Director Pakistan Institute of Parliamentary Studies Zafarullah Khan said that the only solution is to replace economy of extremism with the economy of peace. He also suggested the policy makers and implementers to have special focus on positive utilization of young population.

Representing media, Munir Ahmed and Matiullah Jan said media is more focused on rating and sensationalism whereas human rights perspective is missing from media at all levels. They held media responsible for spreading and fuelling extremist perspective instead of building peace perspective.