SALU Khairpur in Collaboration with PIPS Islamabad Organizes Stakeholder Consultation on Peace & Harmony

SALU Khairpur in Collaboration with PIPS Islamabad Organizes Stakeholder Consultation on Peace & Harmony
Press Release
6-12-2025
Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur, in collaboration with the Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS), Islamabad, convened a major stakeholder consultation titled “Building Bridges: A Stakeholder Consultation on Tolerance and Inclusivity.”
The event aimed to address Pakistan’s deteriorating state of religious freedom and foster actionable strategies for social harmony. Moderated by Director Amir Rana of PIPS, the gathering brought together academics, legal experts, civil society representatives, and peace activists.
In his concluding remarks, the university’s Vice Chancellor Meritorious Professor, Dr. Yousuf Khushk, underscored the constructive role of religion in human development. He argued that contemporary conflicts are often rooted in competition for resources, stating that equitable distribution is key to resolution. Dr. Khushk championed the message of Sindh’s Sufis as a powerful tool for promoting interfaith harmony and called for strengthened civil society networks to ensure law implementation and maintain accountability for leaders.
Director Amir Rana said that the consultation was framed by a stark concept note detailing the decline of Freedom of Religion or Belief (FoRB) in Pakistan, citing the persecution of minorities, misuse of blasphemy laws, and vulnerability to mob violence. The dialogue focused on identifying core challenges, sharing best practices, and developing collaborative strategies for a more inclusive society.
The discussion highlighted urgent policy reviews. Professor Dr. Mujeeb-Ur-Rehman Abro stressed that the state must revisit its policies to genuinely promote interfaith harmony and inclusivity. From a legal perspective, Senior Advocate Ghazanfar Jatoi outlined broader systemic challenges, including tribal conflicts, law and order deficits, and a severe lack of freedom of speech. "We are not giving freedom to anyone," he added pointedly.
A tangible example of grassroots peacebuilding was presented by Zubair Phulpoto, Chairman of the Aman Committee, a group comprising members from different religious communities. He reported the successful resolution of 95 local cases in Khairpur this year, often involving kidnappings and inter-religious marriages. "There is no religious issue in marriages from different communities," he asserted, advocating for strict laws, effective enforcement, and public awareness to prevent conflicts.
The event, organized by the Islamabad-based Pak Institute for Peace Studies (PIPS) with collaboration of Students Society Center here on Saturday at the Shah Abdul Latif University in Khairpur, saw attendance from a wide array of stakeholders including coordinators, journalists, advocates, and civil society members.
Dr. Ali Raza Lashari conducted proceedings the event, saying that the consensus underscored the urgent need for multi-faceted engagement, empowering youth, supporting local peacebuilders, and sensitizing policymakers, to translate dialogue into tangible societal change.
The event saw attendance from a wide array of stakeholders, including Saqib Riaz (PIPS coordinator), Islamabad-based journalist Imran Mukhtar, advocates Syed Ali Murtaza Shah and Agha Hussain Bux, and civil society members including Deepa Kumari and Syed Shamaila Rubab.
Dr Sahib Oad
Media Studies
SALU Khairpur