Daily Times

PESHAWAR: A four-day capacity building training programme for the youth of Bara was organised at the De-radicalisation Centre, Bara by the 10th Brigade of the Frontier Corps on Thursday.

The capacity building programme was organised under the Active Bara Citizen (ABC) Programme by the De-radicalisation Centre, Bara, in collaboration with the Centre of Excellence for Rural Development (CERD). Mazhar Ali the programme’s coordinator, facilitated the programme as a master trainer.

The De-radicalisation Centre in Khyber Agency works under the auspices of the Frontier Corps KP to de-radicalise and rehabilitate tribesmen. The programme particularly focuses on training and rehabilitation of the surrendered militants towards a peaceful and normal prosperous life in the militancy-hit Bara.

“The four-day training extended ample opportunity to the participants not only to equip themselves with the required skills but also share own ideas about the upcoming challenges of rehabilitation and peace building,” said an official Wajid Yousafzai.

The Chief Executive Officer of CERD, Khan Muhammad, addressed the gathering. He appreciated the morale and enthusiasm of the youth. He also applauded the role of the security forces whose efforts are now bearing fruit.

The official said the innovative ideas like ABC Programme will help the youth to rejoin the mainstream for the development of the country.

He said, “Youth are the hope for our future and they must work hard for the development and rehabilitation of war-torn areas of Bara. Sustainable peace in this area will be achieved by the integrated efforts of the youth. The CERD will remain a supporter in peace building efforts.”

The Deputy Commander of the DRC Bara, Col Usman, praised the spirit of the youth. He said that Pakistan was a country with endless opportunities. It was the task ahead for the youth to take advantage of the facilities provided to them by the security forces, CERD and other organs of the federal and provincial governments, he added.

The official said: “After witnessing the efforts and hard work of our youth, we can say that Allama Iqbal has rightly said that a small chunk of opportunity can restore everything back.”

He appreciated the entire team involved in the process and thanked the CERD.

At the end, the official awarded certificates to 150 volunteers of the Active Bara Citizen (ABC) Programme.