Seminar

Speakers stressed the need for tolerance, dialogue and civic responsibility to promote national unity and manage cultural diversity in society during a seminar held at University of Sargodha.
Organised by the Department of Political Science, the seminar, titled “Unity in Diversity and Responsible Citizenship”, brought together academics, legal experts and students to discuss social harmony, equal rights and youth participation in nation-building.
Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat (H.I., S.I., T.I.)  attended as the chief guest. The seminar was also attended by Barrister Naseem Ahmed Bajwa, president of the British Pakistani Lawyers Forum and director of the Pakistan Academy of International Law and Politics, and Dr. Asyia Saif Alvi, chairperson of the Department of Political Science, Dr. Muhammad Ashraf, the event’s focal person, Dr. Muhammad Azam, Dr. Adeel Irfan Rao and Director Student Affairs Dr Mahmood-ul-Hassan.
Prof. Dr. Tasawar Hayat said young people’s participation is essential to achieve academic and societal goals. He emphasised respect for cultural diversity and said digitalisation is important for progress in an increasingly diverse world. Referring to Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah’s guiding principles of unity, faith and discipline, he highlighted their relevance to national solidarity and responsible citizenship.
Dr. Asiya Saif Alvi said linguistic and cultural diversity is a defining feature of Pakistani society. She noted that differences could lead to conflict, but tolerance, respect for differing opinions and effective institutional mechanisms helped societies manage them. She also emphasised equal rights regardless of ethnicity, race, class or social position.
Barrister Bajwa highlighted dialogue and the rule of law as means of resolving disputes, saying responsible citizenship central to democracy. He also underscored the role of local government in empowering people at the grassroots level.
Dr. Adeel Irfan Rao stressed youth participation, access to opportunities and protection of rights as important elements in building a responsible society.
The seminar concluded with a call for greater tolerance, social cohesion and youth engagement in nation-building.