28 February 2025, Karachi UNODC, in partnership with NACTA and the EU, successfully organized a three-day national workshop in Karachi, focusing on enhancing psychosocial support mechanisms for victims of terrorism. This event convened over 20 participants from Sindh, Balochistan, and Islamabad, including national experts, health representatives from all provinces, and other key stakeholders, fostering a shared commitment to providing tailored care and assistance to victims. Out of these 06 were women. These workshops aim to learn the best practices around psychosocial support and trauma counselling from various provinces as well as from international experiences. A series of these workshops is planned around and this event in Karachi marks the second workshop.
The day one of the workshop, commenced with opening remarks from representatives of UNODC who emphasized the importance of psychosocial support in fostering resilience among victims. Provincial health officials presented existing psychosocial support services, including trauma recovery programs and family assistance initiatives. Discussions highlighted the need for an integrated approach to victim care.
On day two, the participants identified critical gaps in current support mechanisms, focusing on challenges faced by diverse groups, including women, children, and those in rural areas. Interactive sessions encouraged dialogue on addressing stigmatization and improving accessibility to services. Stakeholders worked collaboratively to propose actionable solutions, drawing from both local contexts and international standards.
The final day emphasized strategic planning for training programs to enhance service delivery. Presentations by provincial representatives and stakeholders identified cross-province learning opportunities and specialized training topics. The workshop concluded with a certificate distribution ceremony, recognizing the dedication of participants and their commitment to building a more robust support framework.
This workshop marked a significant step towards creating a comprehensive psychosocial support system for victims of terrorism in Pakistan. By promoting collaboration among stakeholders and enhancing capacity-building efforts, UNODC and its partners aim to transform trauma into resilience, empowering communities to heal and thrive. The workshop held was a milestone activity of the project Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan (CPTP). Founded by the EU, and executed by UNODC in collaboration with NACTA, the project aimed at empowering community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence.
