Project on Soft Power to Fight Extremism Launched

The Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS), Islamabad, has recently launched a mega-project titled ‘SALAM: Innovating Means to Resolve Radical Extremism in Pakistan’.

The aim of the project is to introduce measures for large scale de-radicalisation initiatives in Pakistan by suggesting viable policy options to all stakeholders. The project is particularly focused on devising non-military tools (soft power) to fight this menace. It will be carried out in 3 phases.

In the first phase of the project, a research study has been launched to trace the underlying causes of radicalism and extremism in Pakistani society. Certain social domains have been identified as possessing the greatest potential for giving rise to extremist or radical tendencies.

An international seminar will also be held on the August 21 and 22 to bring together the entire social fabric of Pakistani society, including the policy makers, academics, and civil society members and begin the process of sensitising the community on the subject.

The centre will also work as a mediator, and conduct interactive scenario workshops and roundtables between national and international experts to formulate a cohesive national response, refined and enriched by international experience and expertise, to root out the menace of extremism and radicalism from Pakistan.

Source: http://www.thenews.com.pk/Todays-News-6-192606-Project-on-soft-power-to-fight-extremism-launched