Rashad Bukhari

An In-Depth Look at the Life and Work of a Peacebuilder

Rashad Bukhari’s professional career began at the ‘Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)’, where he spent a decade as a writer and editor. This experience provided him with a foundational understanding of Islam and its relationship with the West, which became vital for his future work in peacebuilding.

In 2007, he joined the international peacebuilding organization ‘Search for Common Ground (SFCG)’ as an editor. He edited media articles focused on bridging divides between different communities, which broadened his exposure to international peacebuilding efforts. His expertise was further enhanced by a scholarship to the Caux Scholars Program in Switzerland, which connected him with peacebuilders from 16 countries.

Starting in 2010, he trained journalists from Pakistan and Bangladesh in peace journalism, a skill that helped improve conflict reporting. In 2012, as the first Executive Director of the ‘Peace and Education Foundation (PEF)’, he managed projects and trained religious scholars on sectarian reconciliation. A key achievement was the development of the Taleem-e-Aman aur Islam peace education curriculum, which was later adopted for 9th- and 10th-grade students.

Since 2017, he has worked as a freelance trainer and consultant, focusing on his passion for writing and authoring two books.

Understanding Peace and Its Application

Question: What is your understanding of peace?

To me, peace is more than just the absence of conflict. It is a state where fundamental threats like unemployment, hunger, or hostility no longer cause fear. It is a condition that provides every individual with equal opportunities to live life on their own terms, free from systemic oppression and injustice.

Question: Which of your projects created the biggest change?

I consider the development of the Taleem-e-Aman aur Islam curriculum to be one of my most effective and important initiatives. I believe it was impactful because it targeted youth, who I see as catalysts for a meaningful social change. I argue that the traditional educational system’s emphasis on rote learning fosters a dogmatic mindset that prevents critical evaluation. By integrating peace education as both a distinct subject and a cross-cutting theme across all disciplines, this curriculum aimed to counter this issue. I suggest that by integrating peace education, dialogue, and critical thinking, one can effectively address the shortcomings in the current curriculum and foster a society that appreciates pluralism and inclusivity.

Navigating the Challenges of Peacebuilding

Question: What is the biggest challenge in peacebuilding?

A significant challenge, in my view, is the need to fundamentally challenge existing popular and religious narratives without creating further problems. I note that in the field of peace and conflict resolution, two perspectives often clash: one that sees religion as a primary driver of conflict and another that views it as a potential solution.

I point out that conflicts also arise from ethnicity, nationality, language, and competing interests. I believe that religion itself contains many concepts that promote peace and can play a constructive role in peacebuilding. Rather than viewing religion as part of the problem, I assert that it should be embraced as part of the solution.

Question: How does religion provide a solution?

While religion can be seen as exclusive, it inherently promotes peace through principles such as empathy, respect for diversity, and shared humanity. Taleem-e-Aman curriculum effectively used verses from the Quran, hadiths, and historical examples to promote peace, highlighting the flexibility and inclusive nature of religion.

It is basically impractical to eliminate religion to foster peace. Instead, the focus should be on promoting its inclusionary values, good conduct, and respect for differences, citing the example of Prophet Muhammad [PBUH], who supported victims and opposed oppressors. I also highlight how propaganda and dehumanizing narratives can make violence seem justifiable; a process I say is evident in conflicts like the Shia-Sunni divide.

A Transformative Accomplishment and Vision for Pakistan

Question: What is your best accomplishment in peacebuilding?

I recall a powerful story from a peacebuilding workshop with religious leaders in Balochistan. A participant, a religious leader, initially appeared uncomfortable and left the workshop early. He later revealed that upon his return, he had successfully overturned a decision by a Jirga (a community justice system) to brutally disfigure a girl for talking to a boy—an act considered a “wrongdoing” in his tribal region. The leader, who was part of the Jirga, had a change of heart during the workshop, realizing how unjustifiable the act was. This incident, I say, underscored the importance of peacebuilding work, as it empowered a key community figure to challenge entrenched ideologies and promote change.

Question: What is your vision for a peaceful Pakistan?

My vision for a peaceful Pakistan center on political stability and a societal revolution. I believe that sectarian conflict and intolerance can be eliminated through comprehensive educational reforms. I point out that the challenges facing Pakistan are structural, spanning political, societal, and institutional aspects. I emphasize that change is needed in all three areas to bring about prosperity, including economic growth, better educational opportunities, and a justice system that is truly representative of the people.

Question: What is your future goal in peacebuilding?

My future goal is a deeply personal one: to protect my family from the forces of dogmatism and intolerance and gradually expand this circle of peace to others.