28 October 2024, Islamabad - Under the EU (European Union) funded "Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan" (CPTP) project, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) has launched a series of orientation workshops, bringing together a diverse group of stakeholders, including community-based organisations, academia, and government bodies. With over 30 grants awarded to organisations, including civil society and academic institutions, the initiative aims to work closely with Pakistan's National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) to roll out a range of community-driven activities designed to promote peace, tolerance, and social cohesion across the country.
As Pakistan faces the challenges of violent extremism it’s important to proactively prevent these by fostering broad-based community resilience and inclusive engagement as foundational strategies in preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE). The government has undertaken a transformative journey, rooted in a comprehensive strategy that weaves together national resilience and global partnerships. Central to this approach is the collaboration with international bodies like the UNODC and the European Union, ensuring that the collective expertise and resources are mobilised to safeguard the future. At the heart of this strategy lies a deep belief in community engagement. The strength of any society comes from its unity, and these efforts are geared towards empowering communities to stand together against extremism.
Through integrated networks and strategic alliances, this project is sparking hope, creating platforms for dialogue, and fostering understanding and harmony across the country. Civil society organizations (CSOs) play a pivotal role in this effort, bringing their grassroots knowledge and agility to the forefront. Recognising their importance, CPTP is bolstering these partnerships, encouraging CSOs to take the lead in designing innovative, localised solutions that address the complex drivers of violent extremism.
During a three-day capacity-building workshop, partners were introduced to the operational aspects of the grants, including financial management, monitoring and evaluation processes, and communication strategies. These grants support micro-projects, each spanning 6-10 months, awarded after a rigorous selection process. The primary objectives of these grants are threefold: a) To foster innovative community-based approaches to preventing violent extremism and promoting peace; b) To enhance the capacity of civil society organisations to address the root causes of radicalisation; c) To promote social cohesion, inclusivity, and resilience within communities at risk of extremism.
In the opening remarks, the UNODC Pakistan representative reinforced the significance of working together with all key stakeholders including the government of Pakistan, NACTA and civil society to counter violent extremism. I would like to highlight the four networks, we are developing under this project, reflecting our holistic approach to this mission: policy support, Victim Support, Communication and Narratives and lastly, the Youth Empowerment Network. These networks are not mere structures; they are the embodiment of our shared vision for a society resilient against the forces of division and hatred.
The workshop concluded with rich discussions, emphasizing how academia, civil society, and the public sector can come together to craft a new narrative of peace, unity, and resilience—ultimately preventing and countering violent extremism through collective action.
In the closing remarks, Dr. Khalid Chohan. Member PVE, NACTA appreciated UNODC, NGOs and EU for their support emphasizing that through these non-kinetic efforts, we all will be learning and evolving together to spread the message of peace.
