Official Launch of Counter-extremism Social Movement in Pakistan
October 13th, 2010 - 1:03pm
Filed under International Security
Saturday October 9th will see the launch of Khudi, a grassroots social movement in Pakistan, established to promote the culture of democracy and counter-extremism through civil society activism.
Founded by Quilliam Co-Director Maajid Nawaz, Khudi is Pakistan's first nationwide counter-extremism social movement, which aims to create a platform for young Pakistanis to debate and articulate their visions of Pakistan, and to make these visions a reality through political and civil engagement.
Khudi's leadership consists of seasoned youth activists, who bring to the movement their tremendous zeal for social change, their experience and an extensive network of activists. Even before launching, Khudi's Facebook page has over 10,000 fans. Through organising events that range from critical thinking workshops, to conferences on the role of religion in the Pakistani public sphere, Khudi's work will focus in particular on questions of counter-radicalisation, counter-extremism, national identity, religious tolerance and democratic governance.
Maajid Nawaz, founder of Khudi, says:
"Khudi is working towards combating extremist ideologies and is committed to bringing Pakistan back to the model of a progressive, pluralistic and democratic country as envisioned by leaders such as its founder, Muhammad Ali Jinnah. This would not be possible without the energy and enthusiasm of the youth of Pakistan, who's dedication will ensure that extremists will not be allowed to dominate in Pakistan."
Speakers at Khudi's launch include:
Noman Benotman, a former leader of the Libyan Islamic Fighting Group and one-time associate of Osama bin Laden, he has since renounced the violent ideology of radical Islamism and has publically challenged al-Qaeda's ideology through an open letter to Osama bin Laden and Ayman al-Zawahiri. Benotman is now a senior analyst at Quilliam.
Oscar Morales, a Columbian anti-terrorism activist who has fought against FARC's activities in his native country by organising mass public movements against violence.
Maajid Nawaz, Khudi's founder and himself a former leader in the radical Islamist Hizb-ut-Tahrir (HT) group, Nawaz renounced HT's ideology while imprisoned in Egypt. He now fights for his vision of a progressive and pluralistic Islam, Co-Directing Quilliam, the world's first counter-extremism think tank based in London.
The event will be attended by Pakistani political leaders, officials, youth activists, civil society leaders, academics and media representatives. It will also feature the launch of Khudi's Pakistan-wide student-led Laaltain magazine, aimed at challenging extremism on campus and promoting democratic culture and the integrity of Pakistan's borders. Representatives of partner youth groups will sign a 'Statement of Vision', uniting them under the Khudi banner to work towards promoting democracy, fighting extremist ideologies and building a better Pakistan.
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