Pakistan is facing many internal and external issues. Violence and discontent and clashes between different ethnic groups have increased due to the narrow concept of Pakistan's national identity, undermining the country's social quality and security. The country has implemented democratic reforms following elections in 2013 and 2018. However, the country still faces economic instability and is making a difference at home as it prepares for elections in 2023. Meanwhile, devastating floods across Pakistan in 2022 caused billions of dollars in damage, creating a crisis for the country's agriculture and health, and exposing Pakistan's vulnerability to climate change and its impact on people's governance and economic fragility.
Regionally, Pakistan is facing a resurgence of terrorist groups on its border with Afghanistan, leading to increased tensions with Taliban-led Afghanistan. Although the conflict in Kashmir was declared in 2021 under the Constitution, relations with India remain stable and vulnerable to violence that threatens regional and international security. The presence and influence of China, Pakistan's major power and close ally, has the potential to undermine peace and create conflict within and outside the region.
USIP’S Work:
The United States Institute of Peace has been in Pakistan since 2013 and has been conducting research, analysis, and promoting dialogue in Pakistan since 1990. Collaboration. USIP supports local organizations that use media, arts, technology, dialogue, and education to create new ways to build peace and strengthen narratives. USIP works with government agencies to better meet the needs of citizens and reduce the use of violence to resolve complaints. The organization supports efforts to improve police-community relations, promote greater access to justice, and strengthen independent and regulatory institutions. USIP also conducts and supports research in Pakistan to better understand the drivers of peace and conflict and to inform international policies and programs that promote peace and retribution in Pakistan, between Pakistan and its neighbors, and between Pakistan and the United state.
Improving police-community relations for effective law enforcement:
Pakistani police struggle with poor public relations that lead to distrust and repression, which in turn affects police effectiveness. USIP works with national and provincial police in Pakistan to help build police-community relations and strengthen police forces through training, capacity building, and community engagement. Transparency is key to building good police-community relations. When a major incident occurs, agencies should release important information as soon as possible so that the public does not suspect that information is being deliberately withheld.
Building sustainable mechanisms for dialogue, critical thinking and peace education.
Nearly two-thirds of Pakistan's population is under the age of 30. However, Pakistan's informal education system does not allow for interaction between different groups or schools, leading to discontent and, in some cases, radicalization. USIP partners with civil society and government agencies to support programs that create mechanisms for dialogue, reflection, and peace to address diversity in higher education.
This article is an extract from the Global Economic Survey 2016 (GEM Report). It contains two chapters from the full GEM report: one on peace, political participation and access to justice and the other on the world of public education and sustainable development, and is included in GEM Report no. 28 Policy paper, Paving the Way for Sustainable Development. The full 2016.GEM report also includes further chapters on Global: Environmental Sustainability; Sustainable Development Goals; and More on monitoring education in the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. It is the result of collaboration by members of the editorial team and many experts working in international organizations, research institutions, education and government. UNESCO does not express any opinion on the legal status of a country, region, city or area or their authorities, or on the boundaries of its territory or borders. The World Education Committee is responsible for selecting and presenting the facts and opinions contained in this book, which are not necessarily those of UNESCO and do not represent the promise of the Organisation. The views and opinions expressed in the report are the responsibility of its managers.
Helping Pakistanis. Reinstate the Tolerance Act to Combat Terrorists' Demands
USIP supports community leaders, civil society organizations, actors, and others to enhance community culture and language, promote acceptance of diversity, foster dialogue, and address social change. USIP also supports media (including plays, films, and short stories) that oppose extremism and religious beliefs. The situation has been exacerbated by some cases of communal violence or other forms of exclusion. USIP supports the efforts of local peacemakers, including religious scholars and leaders, to promote social harmony, peace, and reconciliation for minorities (gender, race, and religion) in all areas of public life. Participation and independent organizations
USIP supports the efforts of independent organizations to help organize the state and support local governments to meet the needs of the people, while also helping civil society organizations affect the integration of vulnerable groups. Gender has been a major theme in this project and in USIP's work in Pakistan. These programs enable women to participate in building peace and freedom through research, advocacy and resource creation.
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