PESHAWAR, Dec 17 (APP):Blue Veins, in collaboration with the Directorate of Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, here on Wednesday organized the Youth and Peace Conference 2025 in the Directorate of Youth Affairs Hall under the theme “Strengthening Social Cohesion, Interfaith Harmony and Youth Leadership in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.” The conference brought together youth from diverse faith communities, policymakers, religious leaders, civil society representatives and media to promote dialogue, tolerance and inclusive peacebuilding.
The conference featured a distinguished panel including Maulana Tayyab Qureshi, Chief Khateeb Khyber Pakhtunkhwa; Ms. Rukhshanda Naz, Managing Trustee, Mera Ghar – NET; Mr. Ravi Kumar, former Member Provincial Assembly; Mr. Titus Neroz Gill, Head of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Caritas Pakistan; Mr. Shahab Ud Din, Curator, Global Shapers Peshawar Hub; along with Mr. Nouman Mujahid, Director, Directorate of Youth Affairs, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The event emphasized the critical role of youth—representing a significant portion of Pakistan’s population—in countering intolerance, rejecting hate speech, and embracing peaceful coexistence across religious and cultural divides in the province.
Speaking on the occasion, Maulana Tayyab Qureshi stated, “Islam and all faiths teach peace, respect, and coexistence. It is our collective responsibility to guide youth towards compassion, tolerance, and unity, so they may become ambassadors of harmony in society.”
Ms. Rukhshanda Naz highlighted the importance of inclusion and rights-based approaches, saying, “Peace cannot be achieved without justice and equal opportunities. Young people, especially from marginalized communities, must be empowered to lead conversations on dignity, equality, and social cohesion.”
Former MPA Ravi Kumar remarked, “Interfaith harmony is the backbone of a stable and prosperous Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Youth engagement in policymaking and peace initiatives is essential to ensure minority voices are heard and respected.”
Mr. Titus Neroz Gill emphasized grassroots peacebuilding, noting, “Faith-based organizations and youth together can bridge divides at the community level. Dialogue, empathy, and service are powerful tools for lasting peace.”
Sharing a youth-led perspective, Shahab Ud Din said, “Young leaders have the energy and innovation to challenge hate narratives. Platforms like this conference enable youth to collaborate across differences and shape a more inclusive future.”
Addressing the participants, Nouman Mujahid, Director Youth Affairs Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, stated, “The Government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa remains committed to investing in youth as partners in peace and development. Such initiatives strengthen social cohesion and nurture responsible, informed leadership among young people.”
The dialogue reinforced that young people are not only beneficiaries of peace efforts but key drivers of change. By facilitating engagement between diverse youth, faith leaders, and policymakers, the conference emphasized the value of trust, inclusion, and shared ownership in shaping a future grounded in tolerance and mutual respect.
