Peace Education And Interfaith Harmony Among Sects In Pakistan: A Literature-Based Analysis Of Challenges And Prospects

Abstract

This study undertakes a critical literature-based analysis to investigate the role of peace education in promoting interfaith and inter-sect harmony within the complex religious landscape of Pakistan. Amidst persistent sectarian tensions and ideological polarization, peace education emerges as a transformative pedagogical approach capable of fostering mutual respect, tolerance, and social cohesion. Drawing upon an extensive body of national and international literature, the study systematically examines the theoretical foundations, practical applications, and contextual challenges associated with the implementation of peace education in Pakistan’s educational and socio-cultural settings. Key impediments identified include entrenched sectarian prejudices, fragmented curricula, inadequate teacher preparedness, and institutional inertia. Conversely, the analysis reveals significant prospects such as the growth of interfaith initiatives, progressive educational reforms, and the proactive engagement of civil society organizations. By synthesizing empirical findings and theoretical perspectives, this paper contributes to the discourse on education for peace and pluralism, offering evidence-based recommendations for policymakers, educators, and stakeholders aiming to institutionalize peace education as a sustainable mechanism for inter-sectarian harmony in Pakistan.

 Keywords:  Peace Education, Interfaith Harmony, Sectarianism in Pakistan, Religious, Tolerance, Educational Reforms