Peshawar - Adviser to the Governor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa for Education and Social Welfare, Dr Aamer Abdullah, has said that establishment of peace promotes economic activity, business, livelihoods and the aspirations of young people.

He emphasized that the intellectual outlook and role of young people are vital to promoting peace, economic prosperity and positive social change. He said that youth are not merely the future of the nation but also its leaders in the present, whose ideas, capabilities and suggestions can pave the way for social reform and development.

He expressed these views while addressing the first day of a two-day Youth Engagement Workshop for young people from the merged districts in Peshawar as the chief guest.

The workshop was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre for Countering Violent Extremism in collaboration with the Sustainable Social Development Organization (SSDO) and the British High Commission.

Highlighting the role of young people in bringing about social reform, Dr Aamer quoted a scholar who said that when the people of a settlement are forced to drink water from a stagnant pond, their hopes are pinned on the youth, who are expected to find a pure and fresh spring. He said this example reflected the intellectual potential, responsibility and significant role of young people in addressing societal challenges.

The Adviser for Education and Social Welfare said that the fundamental objective of the two-day workshop was to listen to the problems faced by young people in the tribal districts, their proposed solutions and their suggestions for establishing peace. He said young people were more familiar with their local needs and ground realities; therefore, their input could help formulate effective policies and address issues related to peace and development.

Referring to his visits to the tribal areas during his tenure in the previous caretaker government, Dr Aamer said he used to hold separate meetings with young people, elders and government officials. He observed that what he learned through face-to-face interactions with the youth of the tribal areas was far more valuable than all his academic and practical efforts concerning the tribal regions. He described the experience as immensely valuable.

Addressing the participants, Dr Aamer said the workshop had provided policymakers with an opportunity to learn from young people and benefit from their experiences. He expressed hope that the collaborative working groups formed during the two-day workshop would develop effective and practical recommendations. He said he would personally review the proposals to help formulate better policies in light of the recommendations.

Other speakers on the first day of the workshop included Secretary Higher Education, Archives and Libraries Abidullah Kakakhel; renowned intellectual and former Chairman of the Council of Islamic Ideology and the Federal Shariat Court, Prof. Dr Qibla Ayaz; Director of the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Counter Violent Extremism Authority Dr Qasim Khan; Additional Director General Kashif Irshad; and Chief Executive Officer of the Sustainable Social Development Organization Kausar Abbas.

News Published in The Nation

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