Faizan has dedicated his career to the promotion of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and human rights in Pakistan, working with a number of national and international civil society organizations. His work with Voluntary Services Overseas (VSO) and Awaz CDS has contributed massively in mobilizing and sensitizing communities and government to progress on SDGs. Furthermore, he has also been involved with poverty alleviation initiatives in Baluchistan.   

In addition to Salamti Fellowship Program, Faizan has been awarded as Most Promising Young Professional from Pakistan by BRAC International at BRAC Young Leadership Development Program in Bangladesh. Moreover, Faizan has also chaired Youth Standing Committee on Foreign Relations at Youth Parliament Pakistan (PILDAT). Social issues in focus he enjoys writing on social accountability, governance and human rights. Besides his development sector experience, Faizan also has a background in journalism.

Activity Report: Group discussion on Countering Violent Extremism (CVE), religious tolerance and peace building

Date of Activity: 10^th and 11^th of August, 2019

Topic of Activity: CVE, religious tolerance and peace building

Objectives of Activity:

1. Providing conceptual clarity about CVE, religious tolerance and peace building
2. Supporting and strengthening local peace volunteers
3. Networking among civil society org, youth groups and individual volunteers
4. Promotion of culture of dialogue and harmony

Place of Activity (venue): Abbotabad

Number of participants:

The participants were of diverse backgrounds and age group. On day one, twenty five young professionals and students participated in the group discussion and on day two, eighteen seminary students, including three religious scholars and seminary teachers, participated in the group discussion.

Summary of Activity:

Salamti Fellows of cohort 1 of Salamti fellowship, Faizan Afzal and Haider Baig, organized a group discussion regarding CVE, religious tolerance and peace building. The discussion was aimed specifically to broaden the participants knowledge of CVE, religious tolerance, and peace building and to facilitate discussion and networking among different individuals and groups living in Abottabad.

The discussion was thoroughly interactive, with discussion, counter arguments and solution finding exercises to understand and illustrate a variety of peace-building tools. Initially, all the participants presented their views regarding the topic and put their ideas for peace building. Haider Baig facilitated the discussion as a moderator and added his expert views on significance of countering CVE and religious tolerance. The participants of the discussion were particularly keen about religious extremism prevalent in Abbotabad. The participants unanimously agreed on peace building efforts in their localities and made teams to further the cause of peace and countering CVE.

The day one ended with cake cutting ceremony and a high tea session. Day two was aimed to reach out students from religious seminaries/madrassas. The participants of the group discussions were seminary students, their teachers and a religious scholar. The discussion revolved around religious tolerance, hate speech and countering CVE. The students were also counselled about their academics and future career prospects. The discussion concluded with a pledge to promote the message of peace and harmony in our daily life. The day two ended on a cake cutting ceremony.

Resource Person: Haider Baig

Report prepared by: Faizan Afzal

Photograph: