As a dedicated minorities rights activist and researcher, Ali Raza Khan has been at the forefront of advocating for religious equality and peace in South Punjab, Pakistan. With a deep commitment to fostering understanding and inclusivity, Ali recently conducted a research project titled “The impact of the curriculum and interaction with diverse groups of people on youth behavior towards people from religious minority backgrounds in South Punjab, Pakistan.” This research was supported by JLIFLC.com and sought to address critical issues related to youth behavior and religious equality in the region.
About the Research Project
Ali Raza Khan’s research aimed to analyze youth behavior towards people of other religions, focusing on their interactions and learnings. The project involved a comprehensive review of previous research and a new survey, conducted both in person and online, to gather data from 366 young individuals from diverse backgrounds in South Punjab, primarily the Multan region. This approach allowed for a nuanced understanding of the current attitudes and behaviors of youth towards religious minorities.
Key Findings
The research revealed several significant insights:
- Backlash Against Conversations on Religious Minority Rights: The survey results indicated that discussions about the rights of people from religious minorities continue to face resistance from the young community. This highlights the deep-seated prejudices that persist within society.
- Polarization in Society: The findings also showed that society remains polarized, with many young people believing that the educational curriculum still requires substantial improvements to advocate for religious equality effectively.
- Lack of Educational Data on PVE: The research underscored the need for more comprehensive educational data on peace and violent extremism (PVE) in South Punjab, which could be used to enhance the curriculum and promote religious equality.
Ali Raza Khan’s Perspective
Ali Raza Khan, who resides in the South Punjab region, has witnessed numerous sectarian violent incidents throughout his life. This lived experience has fueled his passion for working towards peace and PVE. Since 2015, Ali has collaborated with multiple national, international, and global organizations, where he identified a significant gap in educational data on PVE in his region. This realization motivated him to undertake this research and collect relevant data to address these issues.
“I live in the South Punjab region of Pakistan which has seen a number of sectarian violent incidents throughout history. This lived experience inspired me to start working for peace and PVE. Since 2015, I have been working for multiple national, international and global organisations and I found that there is a lack of educational data on PVE in my region that could be used in curriculum that advocates for religious equality. This overall situation encouraged me to start my research and collect data relevant to these issues.”
– Ali Raza Khan, Researcher
Ali Raza Khan’s research project is a testament to his unwavering dedication to promoting religious equality and understanding in South Punjab. By shedding light on the attitudes and behaviors of youth towards religious minorities, Ali’s work contributes to a broader effort to create an inclusive and equitable society. His findings underscore the urgent need for educational reforms and more comprehensive data on PVE to address the challenges faced by religious minorities. Through this research, Ali aims to inspire change and encourage policymakers, educators, and communities to work together in fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their religious background, can coexist peacefully and with mutual respect. Ali Raza Khan’s efforts serve as a beacon of hope for a more inclusive and harmonious future in Pakistan. By highlighting the importance of religious equality and the need for educational reforms, Ali Raza Khan’s research paves the way for meaningful progress in South Punjab. His dedication to peace and advocacy for marginalized communities continues to inspire and drive positive change.
Read more about research on Joint Learning Initiative on Faith & Local Communities JLIFLC website Here