Sectarian violence is increasing day by day in Pakistan. In the past it was limited to only a few selected areas but now the violence has spread to relatively peaceful cities. A suicide attack in a Shia religious gathering in District Chakwal stunned the residents because Chakwal had never experienced violence on such a scale.

This project engages the youth in a training program and creates a forum in which youth from both Shia and Sunni sects can interact and discuss the implications of violence in their communities. The project forum will provide a platform for the youth to share their views on sectarian violence. Furthermore, the forum will help in diffusing tension and curtailing the possibilities of youth recruitment by extremist groups. 

• Mobilize and empower 300 male and female youth to practice and promote tolerance among the two warring sects of Shia and Wahabi Sunnis


• Establish a youth network for the promotion of inter-sect peace and harmony at the district level


• Develop a Peace Charter signed by all concerned stakeholders


• • Develop a guidebook for those who want to replicate the project in other districts

The project aims to form 16 youth groups in four select neighborhoods where people from Sunni and Shia sects live in close proximity. The select localities have strong potential for the escalation of sectarian violence.

The participating youth will receive training in peace-building, inter-sect harmony, networking and institution building. Following the training, the youth groups will undertake various initiatives to promote peace and understanding among the conflicting sects. Some of the proposed activities and events include signature campaign for peace, membership drives, and public awareness-raising campaigns through banner displays and peace rallies.