The three days conference was organized by Heinrich Boll Stiftung partner Bargad and Government College University, Faisalabad, in which 300 students and faculty members from 22 Universities participated. Main objectives of this conference were to raise awareness, analyze the situation and reasons of terrorism, and to link them with Islam, democracy and role of youth. Finally, the students should develop a better understanding of democracy, and create critical thinking to work productively as a youth in future.

Two main panels – one on Islam and Democracy, the other on Youth and Terrorism in Pakistan – have been followed by separate group work and discussions on both the topics. The outcome of the group work “Challenges and Solutions on Democracy, Islam and Terrorism” was then presented in the concluding session. The introduction of research papers and cultural side events, like a poster exhibition and a music and poetry evening, surrounded the program.

This conference paved all aspects, tried to open new ways of discussion and to find out the solutions to the challenges. Most of the participants appreciated Bargad’s effort and suggested to organize this kind of program in their provinces and universities, too, to raise awareness of these issues at national level.

Launching of Documentary: Pakistan’s Islamic Schools – A state within the state

On 31st January, Bargad organized the launching of that documentary at Chanab Club, Faisalabad, where around 100 students and faculty members participated. A representative of Heinrich Böll Stiftung briefed about the work of HBS in general and the main objectives of the documentary “Pakistan’s Islamic Schools - A state within the state”. That has been created for an outsider as well as insider audience to give comprehensive information regarding the different madrassas, their role in the society, their funding resources, school of thoughts, which make them powerful in this regard, the role of Taliban during the Soviet Union war, and their reaction against the NATO forces, nowadays.

Also attending, Mr. Azmat Abbas (Journalist & Media Consultant), who produced this documentary with support of Heinrich Böll Stiftung, responded in detail to the question raised by students about the history of madrassas, reasons behind establishing such kind of school of thoughts, who captured most of the youth to use them against the Soviet Union, US and now also against the state of Pakistan. Appreciating the effort of this documentary, the audience showed keen interest to present this documentary in other universities, too. They also emphasized that it should have been shown before the conference, since that could have clarified their concepts and misperceptions about terrorism in advance.

Copies of the Documentary are available:
Heinrich Böll Stiftung Pakistan office
76-B, Nisar Road,
Lahore Cantt-54800,
Pakistan.
Phone Number: +92-42-36668 640