Peace Education: A Remedy for Preventing Violent Extremism in Pakistan

Abstract

The paper discusses Peace Education as a critical instrument for addressing violent extremism and building socially cohesive Pakistan. The research question addresses the absence of peace education in our education institutions, the importance of it and best practices from the implementation of peace curriculum in some education institutions; two research questions were addressed. Hate, intolerance and biases have divided the societies resultantly a culture of violence has become pervasive. Education institutions are not immune and the disorder of the society surfaces in school in many ways. Existing curriculum and education programs in Societies have been inadequate to address the types of division, hate and violent extremism tendencies within educational institutions and society. Peace education is one of the most important areas where long-term measures to reduce violence can be implemented1 and harmful impact can be reduced, However, realization of the importance of inclusive peace education material for developing a positive mindset in youth is limited in our education system. The paper will elaborate that peace education must become part of overall curriculum in Pakistan to provide youth with competencies needed to resolve conflicts without violence, teach them the importance of tolerance, human rights and interfaith harmony so that the values of community, helpfulness, creativity, pluralism be infused in their minds. The same values are those that can contribute to a state where justice, peace and care for all are made a priority.