ISLAMABAD, July 10, 2025 — A landmark conference jointly organized by Khyber Network and its welfare organization Khud Mukhtar SAWI brought together top security experts, diplomats, academics, and media professionals to explore how development and strategic communication can be used to counter extremism in Pakistan.
Titled “Countering Extremism Through Development: The Role of Media & Reconstruction,” the event was held at the Khyber Network Auditorium and was divided into two insightful panel sessions. Speakers addressed the underlying socio-economic triggers of extremism and the role of responsible media in deradicalization and peace-building.
Panel Session 1: Development as a Deterrent to Extremism
Moderated by Mubarak Ali, Chief Editor of Khyber News, the first session featured key voices in security, diplomacy, and academia:
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Ihsan Ghani, former DG Intelligence Bureau and ex-Head of NACTA
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Ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain, former Pakistani envoy to Afghanistan
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Prof. Dr. Shabbana Fayyaz, counter-terrorism expert and academic
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Dr. Irfan Mehsud, Assistant Professor, Peace and Conflict Studies, NDU
Key Highlights:
1. Socio-Economic Roots of Extremism
Panelists unanimously agreed that poverty, joblessness, and poor access to education are major contributors to radicalization. Dr. Mehsud presented data on how youth unemployment in conflict zones fuels extremist recruitment.
2. Infrastructure and Governance as Solutions
Speakers emphasized that rebuilding war-affected areas through schools, hospitals, and economic opportunities weakens extremist narratives. Ihsan Ghani pointed out that community-driven development and strong local governance are essential for long-term peace.
3. Barriers to Progress
The panel highlighted systemic issues like corruption and external interference, warning that without transparency, development aid fails to reach those who need it most.
Panel Session 2: Media, Messaging & Deradicalization
This session brought together influential figures from the media and policy sectors:
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Dr. Shafqat Munir, Deputy Executive Director (Policy), SDPI
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Hassan Khan, senior journalist and analyst
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Fahad Malik, digital media and communications expert, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient
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Kaiwan Hamid Raja, media entrepreneur and Executive Director, Khyber Network
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Dr. Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi, expert in international relations
Key Highlights:
1. Promoting Counter-Narratives
The panel explored how media can effectively combat extremist ideologies through powerful storytelling. Speakers shared success stories of deradicalized individuals whose narratives have helped shift public perceptions.
2. Responsible Journalism and Ethics
Hassan Khan stressed that sensationalism in news coverage often glorifies violence. Speakers called for media outlets to focus on peace journalism and collaboration with civil society to craft constructive narratives.
3. Technology and Targeted Messaging
Fahad Malik discussed how artificial intelligence and algorithmic tools can detect vulnerable individuals online and deliver customized counter-extremist content. However, panelists cautioned against over-regulation, emphasizing the need to protect freedom of expression.
Interactive Q&A and Closing Thoughts
A vibrant Q&A session followed both panels, where participants raised critical questions:
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What practical steps can media take to foster peace and tolerance?
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How can youth in remote and conflict-hit regions be included in the development discourse?
Both sessions received praise from attendees for their depth and relevance. Experts from security agencies, academia, civil society, and media hailed the event as a vital step toward building a more tolerant and resilient Pakistan.
Ambassador Syed Abrar Hussain and Dr. Shabbana Fayyaz urged more such platforms to ensure a whole-of-society approach to peacebuilding. Meanwhile, Dr. Soherwordi emphasized the need for strategic media literacy programs nationwide.