In a powerful call for unity, dialogue, and digital literacy, the Centre for International Strategic Studies – Azad Jammu & Kashmir (CISS-AJK) hosted a seminar on “Building Resilient Youth Communities at Educational Campuses” under the Paigham-e-Pakistan initiative. The event drew together policymakers, academics, and youth to discuss pressing social, ideological, and technological challenges confronting the younger generation.
Raja Abdul Basit, Research Officer at CISS AJK, moderated the seminar, facilitating a series of thought-provoking discussions throughout the day.
Minister for Information, Government of AJK, Peer Mazhar Saeed Shah, attended as chief guest. In his address, he underscored the need for stronger communication between parents and children, and between teachers and students, as a preventive measure against youth frustration, alienation, and extremist tendencies. He emphasized that extremism—whether religious, political, or social—must be actively challenged to foster a stable and progressive society.
Delivering the keynote speech, Prof Dr Muhammad Zia ul Haq, Director General of the Islamic Research Institute, Islamabad, reflected on societal cohesion using the Quranic metaphor “Bunyanum Marsoos”—a solid, unified structure. He urged collective action and moral responsibility, stressing that the protection of women’s and children’s rights should be considered key indicators of national progress. “Societies don’t collapse overnight,” he warned. “They erode when we abandon timely, ethical decisions.”
Dr Rustam Khan, Deputy Director at IRI, highlighted the influence of digital platforms and emerging technologies. He noted that while these tools can empower youth, they also risk creating ideological echo chambers unless used with critical awareness.
In his welcome remarks, Zohaib Altaf, Associate Director at CISS AJK, explained the urgency of cultivating youth resilience amid regional instability and digital warfare. “Today’s ideological battles are fought more online than in the streets,” he observed, calling for proactive engagement with youth in cyberspace.
Syeda Tahreem Bukhari, also Associate Director at CISS AJK, addressed the role of academic institutions in preventing violent extremism. She explained that digital propaganda often targets socially isolated students and stressed the importance of providing institutional platforms for young people to express their concerns constructively.
Adding to the discussion on technological tools, Nimra Javed, Research Officer at CISS AJK, spoke on the use of Artificial Intelligence to combat online extremism. She called for greater investment in digital literacy and AI training to help youth identify and counter harmful narratives. “AI is not just a tool—it’s a frontline defense in digital resilience,” she noted.
The seminar concluded with closing remarks from Ms Midhat Shahzad, Additional Chief Secretary (Information), AJK, who praised CISS AJK’s timely efforts. “Our youth are not just future leaders—they are current stakeholders. It is our responsibility to engage, empower, and equip them through meaningful dialogue and strategic platforms,” she said.
Related: Academic Voices at CISS-AJK Highlight National Security Vision
The seminar reaffirmed the role of institutions like CISS AJK in fostering informed, resilient, and digitally aware youth communities in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and beyond.