Three-Day Multi-Stakeholder Program Concludes to Prevent Violent Extremism
Mardan: A three-day multi-stakeholder program aimed at countering violent extremism concluded in Mardan. Organized by the non-governmental organization Individual Land, in collaboration with the European Union, UNODC, NACTA, and the Mardan municipal government, the initiative focused on developing an early warning system to identify and mitigate extremist threats.
The early warning system will proactively monitor factors contributing to extremism, enhance public awareness, and prevent potential incidents before they escalate. Its implementation strategy will rely on a WhatsApp channel and radio broadcasts to ensure swift and effective dissemination of information. A 20-member committee has been formed to assess extremist threats, while a separate 30-member team will analyze misleading content circulating on social media and provide verified information through the WhatsApp channel.
During the program, Safeullah Khoso, Integrated Operations and Program Manager, highlighted the factors contributing to political, social, and religious extremism and discussed possible countermeasures. Mashhood Ali, Capacity Building Lead, presented the initial framework for the early warning system, which was further refined with input from participants, including Mardan Mayor Himayatullah Mayar. The final version of the system was officially approved and handed over to the mayor for execution.
Speaking at the event, Mayor Himayatullah Mayar emphasized,
“In an era where hate, misinformation, and extremism are evolving through new channels, we must modernize our approach. Strengthening our community and utilizing effective communication tools will enable us to identify extremist threats in advance and protect our nation from potential crises.”
Experts and participants praised the initiative, expressing confidence that the early warning system will play a crucial role in detecting and curbing extremism. Additionally, radio broadcasts will be leveraged to promote media literacy and counter extremist narratives. This initiative marks a significant step toward fostering collaboration between local government, civil society, and the media in creating a sustainable framework for safeguarding citizens from extremist threats.
