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AMN QAYAAM – National Youth Coalition for Peace in Collaboration with Beydaar Society

Event

Beydaar, the word speaks for it. Awakened and aware, the kind of society I crave and also playing a part in creating one. My aim to bring social, moral, and educational change in the world led to an invitation from Beydaar Society, a youth-led organization working tirelessly to create awareness and civic sense in the Pakistani people through their projects for the marginalized and oppressed members of the society.

When I received an invitation to attend AMN QAYAAM, a three-day residential training organized by National Youth Coalition for Peace (NYCP) and Beydaar Society, I was excited to be a part of it. Training took place in Bhurban, a hill station located approximately 11 kilometres from Murree city, Punjab. It was an opportunity to escape the scorching heat of summers. Therefore I took no seconds to accept the invitation. 

Day one of the Amn Qayaam, NYCP training program had five sessions. It was the most valuable and insightful day ever. The first session was by the esteemed trainer, Mr. Munir Ahmed that focused on ‘Conflict and the Need for Peace. The second one by Dr. Tanvir Anjum on ‘Understanding Mysticism’. 

Session 3 was beyond interesting. Digital storytelling for a message for peace by Ms. Haya Fatima Iqbal and talk on ‘Peace Through Mysticism’ by Mr. Peer Syed Mudassir Nazar Shah exposed me to the role mysticism can play in achieving peace, a cause very close to my heart. Finally, a session on ‘Culture & Literature for Peace-building’ by renowned Dr. Kumail Qazlbash’ provided me a new perspective on the role literature can play in achieving peace. 

Day two revolved around Digital Storytelling, a tool for peace-building by Emmy Awards winner Ms. Haya Fatima Iqbal. Winning Battles through Performing Arts by Khanzada Asfandyar Khattak, and Amn Kahani: Rumi to Bulleh Shah by Dr. Ali Kumail Qazlbash. 

The day again provided a fresh perspective on the role art plays in paving the way to achieving peace. It turned more exciting when I had the opportunity to learn more about my mother language Pashto through the eyes of Asfandyar. 

After this, a panel discussion on the Role of Youth, Civil Society & Policy-makers in Peace-building with fellow panellists, Jahangir Khan Bazai, Kainat Riaz, Syed Shahid Kazmi, Nazia Raja. I took this opportunity to share my life story to inspire others around me to take charge of their lives and dedicate it towards working for the social and moral integration of the world we live in.

Truly thankful to the Beydaar Society and NYCP for inviting me to AMN QAYAAM. They made it a part of my memory and gave me the much-needed motivation to work for the cause of peace, which is an acute need of the world we are living in. 

I believe that we come to this world with nothing, but it is up to us what we leave behind. And I want to leave behind peace, happiness, education, and health for every person on this planet earth.

Paint The World- Georgia

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It was the first time I have been to Georgia back in April 2019. I had a great time there, and I enjoyed my trip a lot. Then I realized Georgian people and their food both are amazing. I love traveling and I want to explore everything and have many experiences as possible in this world. Let’s talk about the reason why I have been to Georgia. From getting wounded in an attack by the Taliban, to advocating for the girls’ education, I have experienced a lot throughout this journey. This seems overwhelming whenever I throw a look back. Now I use this journey of mine to inspire those who need motivation, those who might have been losing hope, or those who lack determination. I was invited to ‘Youth 2250’ by one of my friends from Atlantic College, Ms. Lika Torikashvili. She is the founder of Paint the World Georgia. She gathered 10 people to become a part of the project belonging to Pakistan, Georgia, Lebanon, Malaysia, and Israel.  

The project provided me with an opportunity to inspire people across Georgia by visiting different schools, universities, and care homes. It focused on urging the youth to be the change they want, stand up for the rights of others, and help make the world a better place to live for all. The voyage was an experience in itself, but the boost that I felt after meeting Georgian prime minister and apprising him of my work, as well as my struggle to become a Girls’ Education Activist was nonpareil.

Paint The World – Malaysia

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I have attended Paint the world international concert in Malaysia on the 10th of February 2020 with other two education advocate Shazia Ramzan and Ijlal Haider. Lika Torikashvili and Aziza Aznizan who are the founders of Paint the World global have both invited me and my friend Shazia to take part in their concert. Paint the World International concert was different than any other concert. I met a lot of Malaysian students especially from TCS College (Technology College Sarawak), who were amazing and very bright students. I was very impressed by their work and energy they have put on this concert and made it the best for everyone. The concert took place in Kuching which is located on an island called Borneo and it is the capital of Sarawak, an East Malaysian state. Everyone was welcomed to join this concert- the main purpose of this international concert was to unite youths regardless of ethnicity, nationality, social-economic standings and religions. Not only that, but 100+ children from the autistic centres, orphanages, deaf society and cancer society were also the VIPs of the concert whereby they were given the front row in the concert and the concert was given to them by the youth. This is to make them feel special and part of the society, since they have been neglected for so long. Paint the World Concert simply aims to put a smile on their faces and inspire them to be who they want to be, regardless of their ability and how they were born. The youth organized this concert for them to remind themselves as well as the world that we are all the same. 

During this concert, international youth flew in from every part of the world to participate and help organize. Some of them included Marti and Nico, twins from Spain, Luka Scepanovic from Serbia and many others. There were also many locals such as Clarissa, Jane, Nazreen – who took care of us whilst we were there and showing us Malaysian hospitality while organizing the concert. We also visited children in orphanages centre and had done some activities with them. For me, It was the first time felt different. I felt peace and happiness inside myself by bringing a smile on their faces. I have met a lot of different people around the world and spent time with them but those who are lonely, seek for love, care and happiness. Giving them a tiny amount of time can still make a difference for them and make their day. It is not important to help these people only financially, but giving them some of your precious time, playing games with them- can also be one of the ways to help these people. 

We have met with the minister for tourism, Art, Culture and Sports Sarawak, Datuk Abd Karim Rahman and his family. I am very thankful to him and all the people who helped us and allowed us to meet different people. I have learned a lot from the Malaysian students and the community people. For me, this is the best way to learn about each other culture and tradition and give opportunities to those who can share their experience with others in their community.

The Story of Kainat Riaz

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I am Kainat Riaz, 22 years old, born in Mingora Swat, Pakistan. This is my story – it is one of realisation and reflection, hurt and healing and ultimately challenge and change. On the 9th of October 2012 my life changed in a bang. I was travelling home from school with my other friends Malala YousafZai and Shazia Ramzan, we were chatting casually. Suddenly, the van stopped by two gunmen, a man appeared and shot his gun. I was shot on my right shoulder, Malala and Shazia had been hit too. Weeks followed of stitches and bandages, traumatic nightmares, pain, fear, journalists, police bodyguards, not sleeping, more fear, staying indoors. I remember a journalist asked me, “Kainat, can you describe what happened to you when you were on the way home?” My skin went pale, full of fear and nerve I wondered how to answer the question. What should I say? How can I answer this? The story of my life had changed, it was a story that was hard to tell but now more than ever I had to tell it. I strung some words together, longing for the thoughts and images in my head to end. I wanted to leave the hospital because I was constantly convinced that the man would come again and shoot me. Eventually I went home with my family and stayed indoors having regular visits from the Doctor for more medical treatment. After a month I wanted to go back to school desperately but nobody was happy to take me on this journey anymore. It wasn’t just me that was terrified that I would be shot at again; my family, friends and neighbours also felt at risk. My father supported me, and so every day he came with me the long distance to take me to school. I was still covering my face as girls are not allowed to show their face when they grow up in my culture and I was determined to continue my education this way. However, it was not easy for my Father during this time. I had been shot, but we had all been hurt. I am so thankful for the way he and other people in my life supported me. I kept going to school. I thought things were getting better from then… I was learning and could visit my relatives house if two policemen came with me for safety. Carrying on with life was healthy, my trauma flashbacks were becoming less regular and I stopped constantly worrying that the man would come back. I was wrong. Early one morning there was a bomb blast behind my house. My friend and her Grandmother were killed. I cannot describe the terror I felt, shaking and screaming, I thought it was a nightmare like the others I had been having but I couldn’t wake-up. The terror continued. People in my community were upset and angrier this time. They wanted us to leave because nobody was safe. Where to go? What do we do? How do we leave our hometown? My father reasoned with them somehow, he told them it wasn’t our fault. My family stayed, but I felt so different. I was determined to use my voice, for myself and others who cannot. Eight years ago, I was very shy and quiet in my classroom, with barely enough confidence to talk in front of 32 girls. But that day, after the second bombing, I promised myself that we cannot let the difficult circumstances, all the pain, fear and confusion define us. We have to be strong and speak out. It takes time to heal and process, but I now realise the utmost importance of education and will do all I can to help others access it in Pakistan and all over the world.