By Nazim Malik
The closing ceremony of the project titled, “Say No to Terrorism: Advocacy Through Victims of Terrorism,” implemented by the Milestone Society for the Special Persons, was held at the Milestone House here on Thursday.
The scourge of terrorism in Pakistan is accompanied by a trail of victims, who represent a paramount segment deserving of utmost priority in the nation’s battle against terrorism.
The victims of terrorism and violent extremism, often the public living in vulnerable areas and lower rank officials of police or security officials, are often the most vulnerable and marginalized.
The nexus of factors like economic turmoil, unemployment, food insecurity, governance failures, and lack of knowledge compound their suffering, potentially pushing them towards radicalization and violent extremism.
The Milestone EU-Funded project of ‘Say No To Terrorism’, aimed at supporting them.
This project has been instrumental in advocating for the rights and rehabilitation of terrorism victims while ensuring accessibility for persons with disabilities.
This event marked the successful completion of an initiative that has provided significant support to persons with disabilities, including the distribution of 25 electric wheelchairs, 25 manual wheelchairs, 25 hearing aids, and 25 white canes to enhance mobility and independence. In addition, the project is also creating short video documentaries of each of the beneficiary victims so that their stories can be shared with a wider audience along social media channel.
These included several PWDs, including young girls, elderly, and minors from across KP and Punjab.
The ceremony featured esteemed speakers who highlighted the project’s importance in promoting inclusion, resilience, and advocacy for victims of terrorism and persons with disabilities. This activity marks a significant milestone in the Countering and Preventing Terrorism in Pakistan (CPTP) project. Funded by the European Union, led by NACTA, and implemented by UNODC in partnership with civil society organizations like Milestone, CPTP aims to strengthen community resilience against violent extremism and acts of violence through inclusive, youth-focused programming.
Col. Shahzad Amir (Retd), CEO of Punjab Charity Commission, was the chief guest at the ceremony, while key speakers included: Dr. Izhar Ul Haq Hashmi, Director Programs, Punjab Welfare Trust for the Disabled (PWTD), Dr. Khalid Jamil (Big Brother), Ms. Fatima Raza from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Ms. Mariana Iqbal from the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and Muhammad Shafiq Ur Rehman, President, Milestone Society for the Special Persons.
Muhammad Shafiq Ur Rehman said that the distribution of assistive devices had transformed lives, enabling greater mobility, communication, and participation in society. UNODC officials appreciated the in-time implementation of the project in the best possible manner.
