Our Correspondent
SWAT: A seminar titled “The Role of Religious Scholars, Community Leaders, and Elders in Promoting Social Harmony, Peace, and National Unity” was held today at the Conference Hall of the Deputy Commissioner’s Office in Swat. The event was organized by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (KPCVE) and was presided over by Deputy Commissioner Swat, Shehzad Mehboob.
The primary objective of the seminar was to highlight the vital role of religious, social, and business leadership in fostering peace, tolerance, and societal cohesion, while also providing a platform for collaboration toward a peaceful and progressive society.
In his address, DC Shehzad Mehboob stressed that sustainable development and lasting peace require the joint efforts of all segments of society, especially scholars, community elders, business leaders, and opinion-makers. He noted, “Swat is a peaceful region whose people abhor extremism and deeply value education, progress, and prosperity. The district administration is fully committed, utilizing all its resources to maintain peace—and we must all take equal responsibility in this mission.”
Kashif Irshad, Deputy Director General of KPCVE, highlighted the transformative power of the teachings of the Qur’an and Sunnah. “It is imperative to equip our youth not only with religious knowledge but also with modern education, technology, and scientific awareness,” he said. “Islam is a religion of peace, love, tolerance, and coexistence—and this message must be spread to every corner of society.”
Chief Khateeb of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Maulana Muhammad Tayyab Qureshi, also addressed the gathering, emphasizing that no nation can develop without peace, stability, and unity. “The creation of Pakistan was the result of immense sacrifices by scholars, elders, women, and ordinary citizens. Now, it is our collective duty to safeguard peace and prevent anyone from disrupting it,” he stated.
The seminar was attended by a diverse group of participants including President of Swat Hotels Association Haji Zahid Khan, Dr. Khalid Mehmood, Director of Khpal Kor Foundation, the Deputy District Health Officer, representatives from the minority community, civil society activists, Tehsil Khateebs, leaders of the Traders Federation, members of hotels associations, students from the University of Swat and local madaris, senior officials from various departments, assistant qazis, Muhtamim of Darul Uloom Swat, media personnel, and influential elders from across Swat.
Participants appreciated the efforts of the district administration and KPCVE and pledged their continued support for building a peaceful, stable, and developed society. They reiterated that the people of Swat are inherently peace-loving and reject extremism in all its forms. Religious scholars and other attendees vowed to spread the message of peace, tolerance, and national unity, and to collaborate closely with the administration in these efforts.
KPCVE continues to organize such seminars and conferences across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to bring together voices from all walks of life and strengthen collective efforts against extremism. This seminar in Swat was part of that broader initiative, offering new perspectives on religious harmony and social stability.
The event concluded with a unified commitment from all participants to set aside differences and work together in the national interest, ensuring that Khyber Pakhtunkhwa—especially Swat—emerges once again as a symbol of peace, prosperity, and a bright future.
