The Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS) hosted a book talk event in Muzaffarabad, featuring Dr Sadia Nasir, a distinguished researcher and author of “Extremism and counter-extremism narratives in Pakistan: An analysis of narrative building,” a thought-provoking work.
The event kicked off with an introduction, paving the way for Dr Sadia Nasir’s presentation. Immersed in the intricacies of her book, she provided a meticulous analysis of extremism and counter-extremism narratives in Pakistan. Her presentation illuminated the impact of these narratives, underscoring their role in reinforcing narrow religious, cultural, and social identities within the country.
@ciss_ajk Successfully hosted its third book talk, on “Extremism and Counter-Extremism Narratives in #Pakistan” by Dr. @sadiasnasir. During the event, Dr. Sadia provided an academic overview of her book, delving into the complexities of #extremism and counter-extremism,… pic.twitter.com/vDJvgWEPy7
— CISS AJK (@ciss_ajk) February 19, 2024
The event embraced a discussion format guided by questions, expertly moderated by Research Officer Qurat-ul-Ain Shabbir. During the discussion, Dr Sadia Nasir emphasized the pivotal significance of tackling the underlying causes of extremism, with a specific focus on the misinterpretation of religious teachings. She illuminated deficiencies in existing counter-narrative strategies.
She also pointed out tendency to neglect imperative for a broader and more encompassing approach, one that extends beyond militaristic measures in counter-terrorism initiatives. Advocating for inclusive counter-narrative efforts, she emphasized the necessity of amplifying diverse voices, including religious scholars, local ethnic leaders, civil society representatives, media professionals, students, and marginalized gender groups.
The event concluded with closing remarks from Executive Director Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja, encapsulating significance of the dialogue and emphasizing imperative for ongoing scholarly engagement in the collective effort to combat extremism. She presented a souvenir to Dr Sadia Nasir, acknowledging her contribution to the discourse on extremism and counter-extremism in Pakistan.
Dr Asma Khawaja acknowledges Dr Sadia Nasir’s contribution to discourse on extremism and counter-extremism in Pakistan
It is pertinent to mention here that the Center for International Strategic Studies is an independent and autonomous think tank in Azad Jammu Kashmir, under the auspicious patronage of the National Command Authority, the highest civilian body on strategic issues. The center comprises of highly professional and competent research team, aims at bridging the research gaps through knowledge based critical thinking.
“We focus on issues related to comprehensive security which includes strategic thought, nuclear politics, traditional and non-traditional security threats, new trends in warfare, women, peace and security, South Asia and Jammu and Kashmir,” Dr Asma Shakir Khawaja said. “I have no doubt that resilience, passion and academic excellence of our team will create the desired compatibility between international academic standards and local wisdom,” she said.
