As I entered the classroom, I was shocked to hear a discussion between two students about Black Day (December 16, 2014)—the tragic APS Peshawar attack. Their voices were filled with anger, hatred, and a desire for revenge against the attackers.
As an instructor, I tried to guide their emotions toward critical thinking, resilience, and constructive action rather than hatred—but in vain. It was then I realized that young minds don’t just absorb what we teach; they reflect what they observe in society.
It was a tough moment for me. I knew that the thoughts they formed now would shape their actions in the future. No matter how hard I tried, I failed to convince them that promoting peace, tolerance, and dialogue was a more powerful response than anger or fear. I left the class with a heavy heart, and a thought kept echoing in my mind:
“If humanity chose to gather flowers instead of weapons, the world would bloom into a garden of peace.”
If we plant seeds of kindness instead of conflict in young hearts today, they will choose flowers over weapons tomorrow. But the reality remains harsh—our actions often contradict our words. After all, it is said:
“Actions speak louder than words.”
The deep anger in young students is not surprising—they have grown up in Pakistan scarred by terrorism. Many of them were either very young or not even born when some of the deadliest attacks occurred. But they have grown up hearing stories of loss, especially about schoolchildren being targeted in APS Peshawar.
As I reflected on their emotions, I recalled some of the most devastating terrorist attacks in Pakistan’s history—events that have shaped the fears and frustrations of an entire generation.
Pakistan has suffered numerous extremist attacks since the early 2000s, with terrorists targeting civilians, security forces, and religious communities. Some of the most horrific incidents include:
• Daniel Pearl Kidnapping (2002) – The Wall Street Journal journalist was abducted and killed in Karachi, exposing the rising influence of terrorist networks.
• Marriott Hotel Bombing (2008) – Islamabad – A suicide truck bombing killed 50+ people and injured over 250, targeting diplomats and foreign nationals.
• All Saints Church Bombing (2013) – Peshawar – Two suicide bombers killed 127 people, one of the worst attacks on Christians in Pakistan.
• APS Peshawar Massacre (2014) – The deadliest school attack in Pakistan’s history, where 149 people, including 132 children, were brutally murdered.
Given this painful history, it is understandable why anger and hatred toward terrorists have taken root in young minds. But the question remains: How do we break this cycle of fear and revenge?
The most urgent need of our time is to prioritize peace and extremism prevention rather than deepening divisions and hostility.
Recognizing this, the Punjab Dialogue on Peacebuilding & Social Cohesion was held in Lahore on February 12, organized by the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) in collaboration with the National Dialogue Forum (NDF) and The Asia Foundation. This two-day dialogue was a major step in Pakistan’s efforts to counter violent extremism and promote harmony, especially in Punjab, under the newly launched NPVE Policy 2024.
The event gathered government officials, policymakers, civil society representatives, academics, and media professionals, all committed to fostering peace and social cohesion. Discussions focused on the 5Rs framework of the NPVE Policy:
• Revisit – Understanding past mistakes in counter-extremism efforts.
• Reach Out – Engaging with communities and youth.
• Reduce Risk – Strengthening security and social resilience.
• Reinforce – Promoting national unity through media and education.
• Reintegration – Providing alternatives for individuals at risk of radicalization.
On the first day, DG NACTA Saleha Zakir Shah and Dr. Amber Javed Malik stressed the importance of stakeholder collaboration in preventing extremism. Key figures such as Muzaffar-ud-Din (The Asia Foundation), Sheharyar Khan (NDF), and Dr. Simbal Khan highlighted the critical role of media and youth in countering extremist ideologies.
The event concluded with remarks from Punjab Minister for Minorities, Ramesh Singh Arora, who emphasized that a unified, multi-sectoral approach is the only way to combat extremism effectively. DG NACTA Saleha Zakir Shah reinforced the importance of sustained collaboration and community-driven initiatives to ensure the successful implementation of NPVE Policy 2024.
As I reflect on my students’ conversations, I realize that anger alone will not bring change. If we do not actively work on peacebuilding and education, the next generation will continue to inherit the pain of the past.
The Punjab Dialogue on Peacebuilding is a step in the right direction, but real change begins in our classrooms, homes, and communities. We must teach our youth that true strength lies in unity, understanding, and progress—not in revenge.
“Pakistan’s fight against extremism requires more than policies—it demands a shift in mindset. As educators, policymakers, and citizens, we must nurture peace in young minds. Only then can we replace weapons with flowers and turn our world into a garden of unity.”Extremist groups often target young minds by exploiting their emotions and frustrations. Peace-building is not a one-time event—it is an ongoing effort that requires collaboration at all levels. While security measures are essential, real change begins when societies prioritize understanding, dialogue, and inclusion over division. The Punjab Dialogue and similar initiatives provide hope for a future where peace prevails over hatred, making them a crucial step in the right direction.
“The choice is ours: Do we teach the next generation to carry weapons or to plant flowers? The future of peace depends on what we decide today.”