DefinePK

Research Objective

To investigate the role of Pakistani universities in promoting peace education specifically through arts and literature, utilizing the Greene-Nussbaum Model.

Methodology

Qualitative research approach using snowball sampling. Data was collected via semi-structured interviews with 100 respondents from ten universities across Pakistan (Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and Balochistan). The Greene-Nussbaum Model served as the theoretical framework for analysis.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD; A[Select 10 Universities Across Pakistan] --> B[Conduct Semi-Structured InterviewsN=100]; B --> C[Analyze Data using Greene-Nussbaum Model]; C --> D[Identify Regional Disparities in Peace Education Promotion]; D --> E[Formulate Findings and Recommendations]; E --> F[Conclusion on Role of Arts/Literature];                    

Discussion

The study confirms that arts (promoting 'imaginative empathy' via Greene) and literature (fostering 'narrative imagination' via Nussbaum) are theoretically powerful tools for peace education, aligning with Galtung's concepts of positive and negative peace. However, practical implementation in Pakistani universities is severely hampered by socio-political constraints, censorship, and the confinement of peace themes to extracurricular activities, especially in KP and Balochistan where external pressures restrict freedom of expression.

Key Findings

Regional disparities exist in promoting peace education: Punjab and Sindh show more active engagement through cultural festivals and artistic initiatives. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan face significant socio-political constraints (including military influence and fear of political implications) which limit efforts to symbolic gestures or informal discussions. No universities formally offer specific peace education courses, though themes are indirectly covered. Arts and literature offer promising avenues but require structural and policy-level reforms for sustainability.

Conclusion

Arts and literature possess the potential to cultivate empathy, critical reasoning, and social justice necessary for peace culture in Pakistani universities. However, this potential remains largely untapped due to systemic barriers, including the lack of formal curriculum integration and significant political/military interference in certain regions, necessitating structural and policy reforms.

Fact Check

1. The study utilized 100 respondents from ten universities across Pakistan.
2. The Greene-Nussbaum Model combines the working of Maxine Greene and Martha Nussbaum.
3. The article was published online on February 01, 2025.

Mind Map