Quetta: Government and opposition lawmakers, senior officials, and civil society representatives emphasized the need for long-term strategies, good governance, and youth engagement in positive activities to counter extremism and terrorism in Balochistan and across the country.
Speaking at a policy dialogue organized by the Balochistan Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, participants highlighted that addressing the root causes of terrorism requires inclusive dialogue, education, and sustained efforts. They noted that the media can play a vital role in raising awareness and promoting peace.
Provincial Minister for Education Raheela Hameed Durrani described the initiative as commendable, stressing that terrorism must be clearly defined and understood. She called for expanding policy dialogues to include all segments of society and underscored the importance of combining effective strategies with long-term measures.
Member Provincial Assembly Engineer Zamrak Khan Achakzai pointed out that violence manifests in different forms, including terrorism, and urged efforts to identify and address its underlying causes. MPA Shahida Rauf emphasized the need for both kinetic and non-kinetic approaches, along with legislation, governance reforms, and sustainable development projects.
Other speakers, including Sher Shah Ghilzai (Secretary Women Development), Dr Dost Muhammad Bareech (Chief Coordination Officer, Centre of Excellence), Abdul Salam Achakzai (Special Secretary Home), and senior officials from colleges, social welfare, and sports departments, stressed the importance of women’s role, education, and youth participation in constructive activities. They highlighted initiatives such as the Women Endowment Fund and Youth Resource Centres as platforms to empower citizens and reduce extremist tendencies.
President of the Balochistan Union of Journalists Manzoor Ahmed Baloch noted the growing influence of media, particularly social media, and suggested considering restrictions on children’s access to digital platforms, as practiced in other countries.
The speakers collectively agreed that combating extremism requires the joint efforts of government institutions, political leadership, educational bodies, media, civil society, parents, and youth to build a peaceful and resilient society.