Countering Extremism Through Development: The Role of Media & Reconstruction

Venue: Khyber Network Auditorium
Date: July 10, 2025
Time: 10:30 AM – 3:00 PM

In an era where extremism continues to threaten peace and stability, a powerful session titled “Countering Extremism Through Development: The Role of Media & Reconstruction” brought together policymakers, security experts, media professionals, and academics to explore practical solutions. Held at the Khyber Network Auditorium, the event featured two impactful panel discussions highlighting how socio-economic development and media narratives can collectively counter radical ideologies.

Panel Session 1: Development as a Deterrent to Extremism

Moderated by: Mubarak Ali, Chief Editor, Khyber News
Panelists Included:

• Ihsan Ghani, Former Director General, Intelligence Bureau & ex-NACTA Head

• Syed Abrar Hussain, Seasoned Diplomat, former Ambassador to Afghanistan

• Prof. Dr. Shabbana Fayyaz, Expert on Counterterrorism and Women in Peace & Security

• Dr. Irfan Mehsud, Assistant Professor, Peace and Conflict Studies, NDU

Key Takeaways:

Socio-Economic Roots of Extremism

Panelists unanimously agreed that extremism often flourishes in environments plagued by poverty, unemployment, and lack of education. These socio-economic voids create ripe conditions for extremist recruitment. Real-world examples showcased how youth employment schemes and inclusive development programs successfully disrupted radicalization in vulnerable regions.

Rebuilding for Peace

Reconstruction of conflict-hit areas was framed as a critical step toward peace. Speakers emphasized the need for schools, hospitals, job creation, and above all, trustworthy governance to dismantle extremist narratives and offer communities a stake in stability.

Challenges to Development

Despite noble intentions, panelists acknowledged barriers like corruption, mismanagement, and external interference. The discussion stressed the importance of transparent aid mechanisms and community-driven development models to ensure lasting impact.

Panel Session 2: Media, Messaging & Deradicalization

Panelists Included:

• Dr. Shafqat Munir, Deputy Executive Director (Policy), SDPI

• Hassan Khan, Senior Journalist and Analyst

• Fahad Malik, Digital Media & Communications Specialist, Tamgha-e-Imtiaz recipient

• Kaiwan Hamid Raja, Media Entrepreneur, Executive Director Khyber Network

• Dr. Syed Hussain Soherwordi, Academic & Expert in Strategic Studies

Key Takeaways:

Building Counter-Narratives

Media experts highlighted the urgent need to produce and promote alternative narratives that challenge extremist ideologies. One compelling approach involved former extremists sharing their journey of deradicalization through social media—humanizing the process and making it relatable to at-risk youth.

Media Ethics Matter

Discussions addressed the responsibility of journalists to avoid sensationalism that might inadvertently amplify extremist acts. Instead, media should play a constructive role in peace-building by working in tandem with state institutions and civil society to create ethical, balanced reporting.

Digital Frontiers of Deradicalization

The potential of AI-driven interventions and targeted counter-messaging was also explored. While tools like algorithms can help detect at-risk individuals online, panelists warned of the delicate balance between preventive censorship and freedom of expression.

A United Front Against Extremism

The session offered a powerful reminder: combating extremism requires more than just security measures—it demands a holistic approach rooted in development, education, and informed communication. As the discussions concluded, a call to action was echoed across the auditorium: stakeholders from government, civil society, media, and academia must join forces to rebuild not just infrastructure, but also trust, opportunity, and hope in communities affected by radical ideologies.

“Extremism feeds on despair. Development and dialogue are our strongest tools to fight back.”