The session proposed remedies on linking youth with peace building efforts in the country and emphasized on the need for social cohesion within the country.
The seminar included an informal session through interaction with the participants, and a panel discussion.
The panel included Member of the Provincial Assembly, Sadia Sohail, Development Specialist, Nishat Kazmi, Assistant Professor at the Department of Psychology at LCWU, Amina Obiad Khwaja, President of Hindu Sudhar Saba and human rights activist Amarnath Randhawa and an independent film maker Umair Khwaja.
Discussions revolved around reducing hate speech; building a positive narrative of peace building and social cohesion; better implementation of laws and policies to promote equal citizenship; and opportunities for all citizens regardless of faith and ethnicity.
In her opening remarks, Sadia Sohail, Member of the Provincial Assembly of Punjab discussed the historical aspect of the status of minorities along with the need to give them equal opportunities in education so that they can fulfil their potential.
Other panelists urged the youth in participation to play their role in creating positive narrative as they form the largest chunk of the population of Pakistan today.
The programme was moderated by Noor Imran. The panelists also resonated with the message of the seminar and shared their experiences respective to their communities and line of work.
The event facilitated the exchange of opinions and expertise regarding policies for non-Muslims. Participants welcomed the opportunity to exchange views on strategies to reduce hate speech and peace building.