By: Eman Mudassar Tarar
“Quaid-i-Azam University also known as mini Pakistan, with cultural diversity where you will learn empathy and grow in person with various backgrounds merging together” This is a catchy disclaimer when you enter in QAU. But what’s inside is a whole another story.
A few days back, I witnessed the gruesome brutality of “Cultural diversity”, where one ethnicity would not let another breathe. “You are different from us, here I will beat you (or worse) kill you for being born in a different cultural background”. How ironic it is that the mini Pakistan is the exact representation of the deteriorating values of the country itself.
Before claiming our cultures, I think that we forgot to attain the values bound to it. The major problem is that we limit our cultural values to material and linguistics only. However, no one really cares about the abstract values which teach you ethics and values. I was asking myself are they all students? Or are they all even humans?
The fight between student councils at Quaid-i-Azam University is a concerning reminder of the importance of peaceful discourse and understanding
We badly need to learn the strong moral values embedded in our culture before violently ambushing others. PERIOD!
Role of Administration:
The role of the administration in managing QAU fights and clashes is two-fold: first, to promote a culture of respectful dialog and conflict resolution, and second, to intervene quickly and effectively when there is a potential for physical violence or harm.
Administrators should work with campus staff and students to create a safe environment by proactively identifying issues that may lead to conflict, and providing resources and support to address those issues.
Additionally, administrators should monitor the situation for signs of aggression and intervene promptly and appropriately when necessary.
Finally, administrators should ensure that appropriate disciplinary action is taken when necessary and provide resources and support for affected students.
Lessons to be learnt from the recent fight in QAU:
The recent clash between the two student groups in Quaid-i-Azam University turned the campus into a battlefield. Several students were critically injured as well according to reports.
The lesson to be learnt from this surging conflict is that differences in race, culture, and beliefs should be respected, and violence should not be used to express disagreement or settle conflicts. Instead, people should use dialogue and understanding to resolve issues and work towards peace and mutual understanding.
Likewise, cultural diversity should be respected. Every culture and belief system has something unique and valuable to offer and should be embraced and celebrated rather than treated with hostility or condemnation. Respect for diversity helps bring up stronger communities and nurtures understanding and collaboration among different people.
One way is to encourage dialogue and exchange between different cultures, as well as actively engaging with people from other backgrounds. This can stimulate compassion and proselytize admiration for different beliefs, as well as help to break down barriers between different cultures and societies.
Into the same vein, the fight between student councils at Quaid-i-Azam University is a concerning reminder of the importance of peaceful discourse and understanding. In order to prevent conflict and further escalation, it is important for the university administration to mediate any disputes that arise in order to foster an environment of respect and open communication between student councils. Additionally, students should be encouraged to engage in respectful dialogue and compromise rather than violence or aggression.
It is important to recognize that cultural diversity is an asset and should be celebrated, not feared or opposed.
In addition to open dialogue and understanding, it is also important to promote inclusivity and equal access to resources for all members of a community, regardless of their cultural background. This can help create an environment of mutual respect and understanding, where people of different cultures can come together and learn from each other.
Finally, it is important to recognize that conflicts and disagreements can arise in any community. Learning how to handle these conflicts peacefully and respectfully is essential for creating a harmonious and inclusive environment. People should be encouraged to come together and work towards resolution through dialogue, understanding, and respect.
The writer is a student of International Relations at Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad and can be reached at [email protected]. She is currently working as a Research intern in the Institute of Peace and Diplomatic Studies. She writes for various media outlets.