Bedari has been running a project “Youth for Inter-Sectarian Harmony” with financial assistance from United States Institute for Peace. The project was going on for quite some time. Bedari Staff was holding meetings with youth in four volatile towns of district Chakwal and forming their groups. On 18th May 2001, Bedari formally launched this project with a ceremony which was addressed by religious scholars from two major Islamic sects – Sunni and Shia. The ceremony was held in Iqbal Library, Chakwal City.

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Two major speakers were Professor Muhammad Akhtar and Professor Zafar Hussain Joya. They both emphasized the teachings of Islam regarding peace and harmony, and appreciated the efforts of Bedari for promoting inter-sectarian harmony, which is a very sensitive subject in the current socio-political scenario. Prof. Joya referred to the Islamic way of greeting others (Muslims as well as non-Muslims), which means ‘peace be upon you’. He said that is how we Muslims greet everybody. So we start our interaction with a message of peace. This should be built upon, and taken to its logical conclusion. He advised the youth to stay away from hate-mongering persons, and make attempts to diffuse tensions.

Prof. Akhtar was also outspoken about hate mongering, and the negative impact of sectarian strife. He emphasized the need for harmony and peace, and reminded the youth that sectarian strife can be stifled if youth remains neutral and does not participate in the disruptive activities.

Syed Mohsin Ali, District Police Officer, Chakwal was the chief guest at the occasion. He emphasized the need for better coordination and communication between police officials and the community to curtail disruptive activities of sectarian outfits. He reminded the youth of their responsibility to get police involved in any untoward situation instead of taking law into their own hands. He asked them to support Police as well as Bedari in maintaining and promoting peace in district Chakwal.