- The project aims to bolster Pakistan’s national response to violent extremism, with a focus on awareness-raising
Islamabad, Pakistan – In a strong show of bilateral cooperation, Denmark and Pakistan have reaffirmed their shared commitment to countering violent extremism through inclusive, youth-focused strategies.
The Danish-funded SPREE Project (Strengthening Pakistan’s Response to the Everyday Extremism), implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) Pakistan, is at the forefront of this partnership. The project aims to bolster Pakistan’s national response to violent extremism, with a focus on awareness-raising, community engagement, and innovative, youth-led solutions.
As part of its latest initiative, the SPREE Project has supported the establishment of a social enterprise at the University of Narowal. This enterprise is designed to create meaningful opportunities for young people, enabling them to channel their energy into innovation, skills development, and building resilience against extremist influences.
To explore further avenues for collaboration, the Danish Chargé d’Affaires, Mr. Peter Emil Nielsen, met with Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary. The meeting focused on strengthening Danish-Pakistani cooperation in empowering youth—particularly those in vulnerable communities—as a key strategy for preventing extremism and fostering long-term social cohesion.
This collaboration marks an important step in building sustainable peace and resilience in Pakistan through international support and inclusive development.
BY: The Times Union
