In the backdrop of rising neoconservatism and violent religious fanaticism, citizens in Pakistan are faced with threats not only to their lives and security, but also to their politics. The attack on the politics of tolerance is a fundamental threat to the conceptual foundations of peace and democracy, but there is little considered, academically sound response.

Conservative and puritanical forces have two types of impact on society.  On the one hand, they directly impinge on particular, well-recognised rights of citizens, such as the right to life, freedom of speech, the right to be informed, the right to opportunities, etc.  On the other hand, they threaten the foundations that are the predicates of a democratic society in the first place: they close political and conceptual spaces for citizens.  This indirect but debilitating threat to democracy is visible when society accepts militant, puritanical rhetoric without fully recognising its implications and inconsistencies.

One way of viewing this issue is from the metaphor of “seeds” of discontent: of terrorists, militant puritans, and malcontents being seeds that are bred by masterminds of violence.  While this may be true to some extent, seeds also require soil to be nurtured and to grow into their purpose. It is this culture of peace and democracy that is under long-term threat.

The project, ‘Conserving Democracy through Culture and Education’ seeks to bring a more considered academic input to strengthen the discourse of peace and democracy in Pakistan from the perspective of culture. Based out of NCA- National College of Arts, and supported by HBF- Heinrich Boll Foundation, the project is engaged in initial research, dialogue and policy advice in the interest of democracy. Running through 2008, the project involves production of a research monograph, policy briefs, and a Cultural Studies Reader, along with an advanced symposium, undergraduate student seminars and a unique exhibition.

© National College of Arts, 2008