A panel discussion titled “Farq Parta Hai: Strengthening Leadership and Resilience” was recently held at the International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) in collaboration with NACTA, Accountability Lab, and the Department of Psychology.
The discussion aimed to engage youth in peace-building initiatives, enhance their dialogue skills, and encourage tolerance to address societal challenges.
Panelists raised awareness about issues such as extremism and radicalization, emphasizing how minor conflicts can escalate into larger security threats. The role of media in shaping youth perspectives, including the spread of false narratives, was also highlighted. Speakers noted that a lack of dialogue among students contributes to confusion and misinformation, which in turn fuels extremism.
The discussion also addressed the psychological impact of these societal issues, urging youth to critically analyze their role in preventing radicalization. Key solutions proposed included integrating dialogue-based discussions into academic curricula, encouraging analytical thinking, and promoting responsible media consumption.
The panel featured distinguished speakers, including Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Professor Dr. Manzoor Khan Afridi, Dean of Social Sciences, Dr. Nazia Iqbal, Assistant Professor at IIUI, Mr. Ghulam Murtaza, CVE Activist, and Mr. Sabookh Syed, Senior Journalist.
Faculty members from the Psychology and International Relations departments attended the event, while students actively participated in the discussion.
The session concluded with a call for collaborative efforts among educational institutions, media, and policymakers to equip the younger generation with the skills needed to navigate and address complex societal challenges.