The Role of Higher Education Institutions in Promoting Peacebuilding and Coexistence: A Pakistani Perspective

Abstract

The Quran and Sunnah of the Holy Prophet (peace be upon him) have presented a formula of acquaintanceship and coexistence for human society that is based upon tolerance, security, and peace. Universities in Pakistan are playing a key role in promoting tolerance, harmony, and peace in society. More than 200 universities used to highlight the vital role of universities in peacebuilding and promoting values of peace, tolerance, co-existence, and harmony among the different segments of society. However, some universities have distinct departments, centres, and clubs dedicated to special research and attention towards peacebuilding and coexistence. HEC, Pakistan, and PHEC are providing full support to universities to promote respect for religions and humanity in society. According to research, almost 136 theses & dissertations have been produced by scholars in a wide range of Pakistani Universities on interfaith Dialogue, religious debates, harmony, and peace. The research also shows that although male teachers are supervising the research related to peace, female teachers have a more positive attitude towards facing the challenging factors for peace development in the universities. Although universities' emphasis laid on an equal social structure for all but still unable to address the nascent challenges that surfaced in the form of violent extremism, sectarianism, intolerance, and lingual discrepancies. The paper aims to attempt to find out the efforts of the HEIs related to peacebuilding, harmony, and coexistence for Pakistani society and recommend more steps for creating a more peaceful environment for a better Pakistan.