Chair:

Mr.Ch.Muhammad Bashir Virk, Chairmperson,
Standing Committee on Law, ustice and Human Rights

Speakers:

• Mr. Ali Muhammad, MNA, Pakistan  Tehreek-e-Insaf
• Senator Talha Mahmood, JUI-F
• Mrs. Alizeh Iqbal Haider, MNA, PMLN
• Mrs. Mussarat Ahmed Zeb, MNA,
  Pakistan  Tehreek-e-Insaf
• Mr. Liaqat Baloch, General Sect., Jamat e
  Islami
• Mr. Gen® Talat Masood, Defence Analyst
• Ejaz Haider, Anchor, Capital TV
• Mr. Shoiab Adil, Chief Editor, Nai Zamana,
  Lahore

Moderator:

Ms.Mome Salim, Policy Advocacy and
Outreach Unit, SDPI

(Concept Note)

Radicalism has emerged as a challenge in Pakistan
especially in the last decade. It is having toll on the social fabric and is
adversely impacting all spheres of life. The notion of co-existence is
challenged each day by religious extremists and radical groups who adopt
violent ways. Target killing, kidnapping, bomb blasts are a frequent occurring.
Recent incidents including attack on Hamid Mir, Media campaigns and media
houses war, killing of Rashid Rahman etc. again highlighted the wide spread
issues in this regard.

In order for us to understand the radicalism and
extremism in Pakistani context a forum has been set up. The forum is also
expected to discuss possible solutions to prevent this plague from further
spreading. In connection to the same it is also important to look into the role
of different actors such as civil society. More specific objectives of seminar
would be to answer the following questions;

1. How do we define
radicalism and intolerance in Pakistani context?
2. What is the role
different actors including religious and liberal segments are playing in
mitigating it?
3. What possible steps and options are available for countering it?