ISLAMABAD: Social issues, normally hard to speak about, can only be addressed through a dispassionate dialogue.

This was the notion that figured prominently in the dialogue titled ‘Polarisation in Pakistan and Our Responsibility’, organised by the Forum for International Relations Development (FIRD), a UK-based think tank, in collaboration with the Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS), an Islamabad-based think tank.

According to a statement, Toaha Qureshi, Founder Chairman of FIRD, noted that polarisation in Pakistan was a deeply rooted issue that has persisted for decades, with divisions along ethnic, religious, and political lines stymieing national unity and progress.

Prominent religious scholar Maulana Muhammad Hanif Jalandhari underscored the importance of interfaith dialogue as a crucial means of fostering understanding, tolerance, and cooperation among people of different religious beliefs and backgrounds.

He noted that interfaith dialogue provides a platform for individuals of different religious faiths to come together, discuss their beliefs, and find common ground. “This can help reduce misunderstandings and conflicts based on religious differences, contributing to a more peaceful and harmonious society”, he added.

Prof. Dr. Suleman Tahir, Vice Chancellor Khwaja Fareed University of Engineering and Information Technology (KFUEIT) Rahim Yar Khan, noted that the educational curriculum played a significant role in determining the state of polarisation within the nation, as it not only imparted knowledge but also influenced students, the future leaders, in terms of their values, beliefs, and perspectives that were key to social cohesion and peace.

Dr. Farooq Adil, former advisor to the President of Pakistan and columnist, said that as for polarisation in Pakistan, the media was just as important a stakeholder as the government and citizens.

“When it inadvertently strays from its intended role into domains where it should not; outside its mandate, it then only leads to the propagation of negativity and amplification conflicts beyond their true scale. The ripple effect of such media behaviour is significant as people grow disillusioned with the country’s political processes, leading them to disengage from cooperating with the state,” he said.

Dr. Rafiq, former additional secretary at the Ministry of Education, who worked with Wifaq-ul-Madaris Pakistan during his time in office, said that madrassas in Pakistan were nurturing children with a strong emphasis on humanitarian and philanthropic values.

“These educational institutions boast the highest enrollment of students and play a praiseworthy role in society,” he said.

Executive Director CRSS Imtiaz Gul, said that mere lip service to social values was insufficient.

Published in Dawn, October 19th, 2023