{"id":8783,"date":"2025-07-27T16:23:09","date_gmt":"2025-07-27T11:23:09","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/?p=8783"},"modified":"2025-07-27T16:23:11","modified_gmt":"2025-07-27T11:23:11","slug":"digital-peacebuilders-youth-lead-the-charge-against-extremism-in-balochistan-and-sindh","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/?p=8783","title":{"rendered":"Digital Peacebuilders: Youth Lead the Charge Against Extremism in Balochistan and Sindh"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Report [Danish Rajput<\/strong>]<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sukkur, July 27, 2025<\/strong> \u2014 The Community Development Foundation (CDF), in strategic collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and Al Hamad Islamic University, successfully concluded its flagship initiative with a vibrant closing ceremony held at the Sukkur IBA University Auditorium. The event marked the culmination of the groundbreaking project: \u201cUp-skilling Youth through Social Media and Communication Tools to Counter Violent Extremism in Balochistan and Bordering Districts of Sindh.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

The project, which spanned from November 2024 to July 2025, was designed to empower 600 youth\u2014half of them young women\u2014from six districts: Jacobabad, Kashmore, Nasirabad, Sohbatpur, Sibi, and Jhal Magsi.<\/strong> Its goal was to equip youth with digital storytelling skills to counter extremist ideologies and promote peace through creative and community-rooted social media content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

A Day of Celebration, Reflection, and Commitment to Peace<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The closing event brought together over 200 participants, including government officials, development sector professionals, civil society leaders, digital media experts, educators, and more than 150 passionate youth changemakers. The atmosphere was one of celebration and inspiration, recognizing how grassroots digital activism can be a transformative tool in the fight against violent extremism.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The program began with participant registration and distribution of event materials, including detailed information kits that summarized the project\u2019s progress, success stories, and top-performing youth content.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In his inaugural address<\/strong>, Mr. Muhammad Jan Odhano<\/strong>, CEO of CDF, welcomed guests and expressed sincere gratitude to the program\u2019s implementing and supporting partners. He reiterated CDF\u2019s long-standing commitment to youth empowerment, stating that this project had given young people from underserved and high-risk areas a new purpose and voice.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

\n

\u201cOur youth are not just social media users; they are digital peacebuilders. With access to training, trust, and platforms, they have proven they can drive powerful change,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

\n\n\n\n

Project Journey and Key Milestones<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The agenda was introduced by the event host, who provided an overview of the project\u2019s objectives, methodology, and geographical scope. The core mission was to build digital and communication competencies<\/strong> among youth to produce content that counters extremist narratives and builds a culture of tolerance, inclusion, and civic responsibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Mr. Nasrullah Naich<\/strong>, Project Manager at CDF, delivered a detailed presentation on the project\u2019s 13 deliverables and core accomplishments, which included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n
  • Registration and training of 600 youth<\/strong>, with 50% female participation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Creation of custom toolkits<\/strong>, IEC materials, and training manuals in local languages (Sindhi and Urdu).<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Execution of 24 digital media training sessions<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Formation of Youth Peace Networks<\/strong> across all districts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Launch of six themed digital campaigns<\/strong> and over 60 social media announcements<\/strong>.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Development and promotion of 30 viral peace-oriented videos<\/strong> on TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook.<\/li>\n\n\n\n
  • Establishment of a gender-sensitive Digital Media Studio<\/strong> at the CDF headquarters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

    Mr. Naich emphasized how this innovative blend of digital media, youth creativity, and localized messaging had succeeded in spreading peace, challenging stereotypes, and building trust within divided communities<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    UNODC Commendation and Youth Voices<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    A special message from the UNODC representative<\/strong> was read out, praising the collaborative and community-driven model of the initiative. The message highlighted how the project aligned with UNODC\u2019s global Community Policing and Terrorism Prevention (CPTP)<\/em> framework and emphasized the importance of youth-led digital storytelling in shaping resilient societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    A particularly moving segment of the program featured youth representatives from all six districts<\/strong>, who shared their personal experiences, learning journeys, and the impact of their participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n

    One female participant from Nasirabad said, \u201cBefore this project, I used social media to follow trends. Today, I use it to spread peace and challenge hate. I feel like I\u2019ve found my purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

    These testimonials reflected the transformational nature of the project\u2014not only in terms of technical skill-building but also in building confidence, civic engagement, and collective identity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

    \n\n\n\n

    Celebrating Creativity: Youth-Produced Content Goes Viral<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

    The audience was shown a curated screening of 10 compelling videos<\/strong> created by participants. These videos, which gained traction on social platforms, revolved around powerful themes such as:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n
    • Interfaith harmony and religious tolerance<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • The importance of girls\u2019 education<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Rejection of hate speech and online bullying<\/li>\n\n\n\n
    • Promoting community solidarity and peaceful coexistence<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

      The content was not only locally relevant but also deeply resonant with digital-native audiences, gaining thousands of views and shares\u2014an achievement rarely seen in grassroots peacebuilding efforts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Awards, Recognition, and a Call to Action<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      A special awards ceremony<\/strong> honored youth participants, trainers, facilitators, and institutional stakeholders for their contributions. Certificates and shields<\/strong> were distributed by the Chief Guest and civil society leaders to recognize this youth-led digital movement for peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      Mr. Zarar Khaskheli<\/strong>, Additional Deputy Commissioner I of Jacobabad, delivered a powerful message:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n

      \u201cYouth are not just the leaders of tomorrow\u2014they are the change-makers of today. The videos, stories, and energy showcased here today reflect the leadership that Pakistan needs. Our daughters have especially shown courage, using digital tools to amplify voices that were once silenced.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Conclusion and Future Commitments<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

      The event concluded with final remarks from senior CDF officials, emphasizing that this is only the beginning<\/strong>. With the establishment of digital peace infrastructures\u2014such as the Digital Media Studio<\/strong>, the Youth Peace Networks<\/strong>, and social media channels<\/strong>\u2014a sustainable platform now exists for continued youth engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      A networking lunch<\/strong> followed the formal proceedings, allowing participants and stakeholders to exchange ideas, forge collaborations, and reflect on the shared journey.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

      \n\n\n\n

      Distinguished Guests Included:<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
        \n
      • Mr. Ghulam Murtaza Ghango<\/strong>, Chairman, Town Committee Maki Shah, Sukkur<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ms. Ghazal Anjum<\/strong>, Member, Sukkur Municipal Corporation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mr. Irshad Ahmed Mahar<\/strong>, CEO, MAGNET Organization<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mr. Anwar Mahar<\/strong>, Executive Director, NARI Foundation Sukkur<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mr. Ahmed Bux Channa<\/strong>, CEO, Kainaat Foundation<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mr. Nisar Ahmed<\/strong>, CEO, Peace by Youth<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mr. Jamaluddin<\/strong>, UNICEF COMNet<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mr. Shabir Ahmed<\/strong>, Program Manager, CDF<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Ms. Zulaikhan Abro<\/strong>, Program Manager, CDF<\/li>\n\n\n\n
      • Mr. Noman Ahmed<\/strong>, Field Officer, CDF<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n

        This project serves as a powerful testament to what young people can achieve when they are given the tools, the trust, and the stage to lead. With digital peacebuilders now mobilized across Sindh and Balochistan, a brighter, more resilient future lies ahead.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

        Report [Danish Rajput] Sukkur, July 27, 2025 \u2014 The Community Development Foundation (CDF), in strategic collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), and Al Hamad Islamic University, successfully concluded its flagship initiative with a vibrant closing ceremony held at the Sukkur IBA University Auditorium. The […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":8784,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"pagelayer_contact_templates":[],"_pagelayer_content":"","inline_featured_image":false,"rop_custom_images_group":[],"rop_custom_messages_group":[],"rop_publish_now":"initial","rop_publish_now_accounts":{"facebook_3859443944190656_798604363342440":""},"rop_publish_now_history":[],"rop_publish_now_status":"pending","footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-8783","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-leading"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8783","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=8783"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8783\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":8785,"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/8783\/revisions\/8785"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/8784"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=8783"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=8783"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/pakjazbo.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=8783"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}