THE fear and insecurity encountered by children, girls, women and trans people in Pakistan continue to grow. Every passing day seems to bring a new story of abduction, harassment, or violence. This persistent fear affects the entire foundation of our society.

Moreover, the question that needs to be answered is: are we, as a nation, doing enough to safeguard our people, our future generations? Why are our schools, the pillars of learning and empowerment, predominantly failing to equip our children with the tools they need to handle this increasingly dangerous world? We need a curriculum that is not limited to educating the mind; it should empower the bodies as well.

In such a scenario, self-defence courses, say, integrated effortlessly into the school week, can equip girls, boys and, indeed, all vulnerable students with the knowledge and confidence to protect themselves. This is not about promoting violence, but developing self-awareness, resilience as well as the ability to set boundaries.

Furthermore, when girls and boys feel safe, families feel stronger, communities become more vibrant, and the nation as a whole takes a major step towards progress. Can we, in good conscience, deny our children this fundamental right — the right to feel safe in their own land?

We need a national dialogue about how to incorporate self-defence training into the school curriculum. We need to challenge the status quo, and prioritise the safety and wellbeing of our most vulnerable segments. Let us move forward with a vision of a Pakistan where all its people are free from fear, feel safe and empowered to reach their full potential.

Tania Shahjahan
Kamber Ali Khan

Published in Dawn, June 20th, 2024