-
The need to establish a research and policy-oriented program in a Pakistani academic institution dealing with the issues of peace and conflict resolution at the inter and intra-state level was felt since long. With the emergence of new dimensions of conflicts in the post-cold war era and the need to scientifically study the dynamics of peace from new perspective, a thought process was unleashed at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi to play a meaningful role in understanding and examining the paradigms of peace and conflicts, with special reference to South Asia.
-
The idea to launch a Program of Peace Studies and Conflict Resolution (PSCR) was discussed in a meeting held at the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi on December 18, 1999, under the auspices of Ford Foundation and the International Relations Department Research Project. It was observed in that meeting that there was a need to institutionalize the research and training work done under the Project by establishing a program on PSCR. Apart from this, the need to embark on such a program was examined in the light of a wide potential, which the areas of Conflict Resolution (CR), Confidence-Building Measures (CBMs) and Peace Studies (PS) offer to us in Pakistan and South Asia. The participants in that meeting thought that the proposed program of PCSR should be launched after doing proper discussion with concerned individuals/institutions of Pakistan. It was also realized that given the interest at the academic and non-academic levels on studying the nature and scope of various conflicts and strategies for their resolution, there exists a fertile ground for a proper training and research under the proposed program.
-
Domestic conflicts at various levels and conflicts involving the countries of South Asia tend to justify the launching of initiatives, which could help form opinion and influence policies for the management and resolution of conflicts. It was also observed in that meeting that, in view of nuclear arms race between India and Pakistan and grave threat which has emerged because of serious stand-off between the two countries in the post-Kargil scenario, there exists a need to play a role in order to help build confidence between New Delhi and Islamabad, which could eventually contribute, to the process of conflict resolution and peace building in South Asia.
-
Finally, it was observed in that meeting that the presence of very few think tanks and programs on Peace Building and Conflict Resolution in Pakistan provide a rational justification for taking such an initiative in this regard.
-
On April 13, 2000, a meeting was held in the Department of International Relations, University of Karachi, which was attended by students and faculty members in which after an in-depth discussion it was decided to launch a program on PSCR.
OBJECTIVES OF THE PROGRAM
-
To provide training pertaining to the issues of CBMs, CR and PS.
-
To embark on networking to the concerned individuals and institutions of South Asia and abroad on the theme(s) of the Program.
-
To seek meaningful interaction with similar programs outside South Asia and to exchange ideas with concerned individuals and institutions on the themes related to CBMs, CR and PS.
-
To take initiative for discussing the curricula related to CBMs, CR and PS and other related subjects taught in various Pakistani and South Asian Universities and Colleges.
-
To organize workshops and seminars so as to create awareness on the issues engulfing the people of South Asia on the sources and implications of conflicts.
-
To publish various reports and studies related to the theme(s) of the Program.
-
To publish a newsletter under the Program.
-
To launch a discussion group on the internet concerning the theme(s) of the Program.
-
To promote research and studies on CBMs, CR and Peace Studies in local languages.
-
To influence the policy-making process in South Asia.
APPROACH AND METHODOLOGY
-
It was decided to follow an incremental approach by establishing the Program and conducting its activities. Emphasis will be laid on establishing a liaison with governmental and non-governmental organizations and individuals on promoting the objectives of the Program. Given the fact that it will be the first initiative taken by any Pakistani academic institution of that sort, we feel that the Program, as envisioned by us, will help in building an innovative approach to deal with various conflicts at the domestic, national and regional levels. The Program will have a core group composed of experts on CBMs, CR and PS and then we will expand it to include serious minded graduate students enrolled in the courses of CBMs, Peace Research, Conflict Resolution and Crisis Management and other related courses. Finally, we tend to involve concerned individuals and institutions of Pakistan and South Asia for the pursuance of our objectives.
-
The entire process to establish the Program will take atleast two years because of serious work, which is required in this regard. We hope that at some stage it will emerge as a policy oriented think tank in an academic institution like Karachi University. We feel that the Program will make enough contribution to build an alternative approach for Peace and Conflict Studies.
-
Under the Program we will approach all such groups who are either not clear about the rational and need for CBMs, CR and PS or are against to such an initiative. We will also contact those who lack adequate knowledge about the approaches of peace and security and are consciously or unconsciously opposed to PS. The groups, which we intend to focus, are students, teachers, religious activists, mediamen, civil and military establishment and businessmen. While realizing the sensitivity of the Program and its objectives, we will make sure that we approach such groups in a very professional manner. We realize the role of those who either do not understand the concepts of CBMs, CR and PS or are hostile to such concepts. Through the Program, we will give the message that the alternate road to security is not through military buildup but by establishing confidence and efforts for the just and fair resolution of conflicts.
ppscr