In Pakistan, where more than 62% of the population is under 30, violent extremism often feeds on exclusion, unemployment and identity crises. Yet on the playgrounds of Karachi, Gilgit-Baltistan and beyond, sports are emerging as a powerful antidote. Football matches, cricket leagues, and even the revival of kabaddi are transforming conflict-prone spaces into hubs of resilience and inclusion. Sports not only create safe spaces for youth but also teach discipline, teamwork, and conflict resolution, values that counter extremist narratives. When combined with education, leadership, and community engagement, these initiatives go beyond the field to foster peace, empowerment, and unity.

Written by: Asif Farooqui Why do we lack the empathy and respect that hold societies together? Why do we take pride in bending the rules, ignoring queues, and exploiting situations for personal gain? These questions weigh heavily on me as I think about the society we often compare to others. We admire nations like Japan and Scandinavian countries for their discipline and social values. Yet, we fail to emulate those principles in our own lives. The irony is that our collective disregard for laws and social values mirrors the same failings we criticize in our leaders. Politicians may misuse power, and public servants may lack accountability, but as a society, we, too, play a role in perpetuating this dysfunction.