Sports for Development and Peace and Violent Extremism: The role of Sports for Development and Peace programs to prevent violent extremism among youth in Pakistan

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation is to examine the role of sports for development and peace programs in Pakistan to prevent Violent Extremism among youth. VE is a growing issue in Pakistan particularly among young people, which needs to take on a serious note. This research looks at SDP and VE globally and in the context of Pakistan. Prevention of VE through SDP is a rare approach, which is discussed in this study.

The investigation found different positive SDP factors from the literature, which help to prevent VE. Based on these factors, the author developed a SDP peace model that used to analyze two SDP for VE prevention youth-based programs in Pakistan. The study also observed the impact and challenges of these SDP programs for VE prevention.

It was found that SDP is a useful tool to promote peace values and inclusion among Pakistani youth and society, particularly for the isolated and disadvantaged communities. It gave purpose and direction of life to many youth beneficiaries. SDP factors found in the qualitative study are very close to SDP peace model factors, which also indicates that these factors are useful to prevent VE among Pakistani youth and Overall SDP programs in Pakistan found helpful for prevention of VE. For future programs, this study recommends long-term SDP for VE prevention programs.

Keywords: Sport for Development and Peace, Violent Extremism