The University of Peshawar hosted a two-day symposium titled “Youth Resilience and Violent Extremism Prevention: Exploring Diverse Perspectives and Local Solutions” at its Business Incubation Centre. Organized by the Department of Criminology in partnership with the Directorate of Youth Affairs, the KP Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (KPCVE), and Islamic Relief Pakistan (IRP), the event brought together academics, policymakers, and students to discuss strategies for youth empowerment and combating extremism in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP).
Key speakers, including Prof. Dr. Basharat Hussain, Dr. Muhammad Ayaz, and Mr. Muhammad Ishtiaq, emphasized the need for collaborative efforts, awareness initiatives, and youth engagement to address the socio-economic and ideological roots of extremism. They highlighted programs such as the Ehsaas Nojawan Program and IT skill-building initiatives as pivotal for empowering Pakistan’s youth.
Interactive youth-led sessions and panel discussions provided valuable insights into preventing extremism through education, economic empowerment, and community-led approaches.
In the closing session, Dr. Nauman Mujahid from the Directorate of Youth Affairs introduced significant youth-focused initiatives, including the Ehsaas Nojawan Program, the Chief Minister Internship Program, and upcoming IT Skill and Entrepreneurship Programs. He underscored the importance of leveraging Pakistan’s large youth population—62% of the total—for national progress.
Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Qazi, Vice Chancellor of the University of Peshawar, welcomed participants and stressed the importance of youth empowerment in addressing challenges arising from regional conflicts and the Afghan war. He urged students to actively contribute to building a peaceful and prosperous future.
Mr. Syed Fakhr Jehan Khan, Minister for Youth and Sports, highlighted the role of social media in radicalizing youth and the importance of fostering resilience. He called for youth involvement in policymaking to develop sustainable solutions and emphasized programs aimed at empowering young individuals.
The symposium was widely praised as a vital step toward fostering peace, resilience, and sustainable solutions to ensure a better future for Pakistan’s youth.
