By: SYED SHAHABUDDIN
A significant seminar titled “The Role of Religious Scholars, Community Leaders, and Elders in Social Harmony, Peacebuilding, and National Unity” was held at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office, Swat. The event was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (KPCVE) and presided over by Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shehzad Mehboob.
The objective of the seminar was to highlight the critical role of religious, social, and business leadership in fostering peace, tolerance, and stability, and to bring together stakeholders on a unified platform for collective action toward a peaceful and progressive society.
Addressing the seminar, DC Shehzad Mehboob stated that Social harmony and sustainable development require active collaboration among all segments of society, particularly religious scholars, community leaders, and the business community. Swat is a peaceful region where people reject extremism and embrace education, progress, and prosperity. The district administration is fully committed to maintaining peace, but this mission needs collective ownership.
KPCVE Deputy Director General Kashif Irshad emphasized the need for blending religious teachings with modern education.
“The Quran and Sunnah teach us how to bring about positive change. In today’s age, our youth must be equipped not only with religious knowledge but also with science, technology, and research added that We must prepare our next generation to contribute meaningfully to national development,” he said.
Chief Khatib of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, said that Islam is a religion of peace, brotherhood, and tolerance. No nation can progress without stability and unity. Our elders, scholars, women, and ordinary citizens made tremendous sacrifices for Pakistan’s creation. It is now our shared duty to protect this country’s peace and sovereignty.”
The seminar was attended by President of the All Swat Hotels Association Haji Zahid Khan, Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Director of Khpal Kor Foundation Haji Muhammad Ali, Deputy District Health Officer Swat, representatives of the minority communities, local NGOs, khateebs from various tehsils, traders, students from the University of Swat and religious seminaries, senior officials, media representatives, and notable community elders from across the district.
Participants appreciated the efforts of the district administration and KPCVE, expressing their unwavering support for peacebuilding initiatives. They reaffirmed that the people of Swat are peaceful and reject all forms of extremism. Religious leaders and other participants pledged to spread the message of peace, tolerance, and unity across all segments of society.
This seminar was part of a province-wide initiative by KPCVE to engage diverse stakeholders in the fight against violent extremism and to promote inclusive dialogue.
The Swat seminar served as a vital link in this ongoing series, shedding light on new dimensions of social cohesion and religious harmony.
At the conclusion, participants vowed to set aside differences and work collectively in the interest of national development, peace, and a brighter future for Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—especially Swat.
