Educating Peace in Pakistan

Abstract

Historical record reveals that out of three and a half thousand years only two hundred and fifty years were peaceful. In other words, the history of civilization is history of constant warfare, destruction and violence and not of prosperity, peace and development. In the last century the culture of war and intolerance, in all its manifestation, became one of the greatest evil of humankind. The post 9/11 Pakistan has witnessed alarming levels of violence. The conflict between the state and the non-state actors has resulted in a massive socioeconomic and political turmoil in the country. During last eleven years over three hundred and twenty suicide attacks killed nearly forty thousand innocent people. This violence and terrorism has emerged as the most devastating threat to already marginalized and poorly managed public sector education system. The paper highlights the significance of peace education for internally peace starved Pakistan in the light of efforts made by the government in this regard and stimulates further discussion for a clearer articulation of good practice and networking in Peace Education. Short term as well as long term remedies of the problem including development of Integrated, organized and uniform national education system to achieve better dividends of peace education efforts made by all stake holders has also been suggested.

Key Words: Peace and Development, Culture of War, Intolerance, Peace education, Remedies