Freedom Gate: Cultivating Critical Thinking (Held in Lahore, Karachi, and Hyderabad)

In the summer and fall of 2023, Freedom Gate Pakistan hosted a series of four transformative workshops on Cultivating Critical Thinking. These workshops, held in Lahore, Karachi, Hyderabad, and Sukkur, aimed to engage youth in critical thinking and promote empathy for marginalized communities across Pakistan. The workshops sought to enhance participants' ability to think creatively, independently, and responsibly, fostering societal harmony, social cohesion, and democracy. The events brought together diverse groups of youth, helping to nurture a generation ready to address contemporary challenges through informed decision-making and compassionate understanding.

1. Lahore: 23-24 September 2023

The Cultivate Critical Thinking workshop held in Lahore had a significant focus on empowering youth with the tools necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age, especially where artificial intelligence (AI) plays an ever-growing role. The primary objective was to cultivate self-awareness and critical thinking among young people, particularly emphasizing the importance of informed decision-making and empathy towards marginalized communities.

The event was enriched by interactive sessions and discussions led by Beena Khan and Ross Mahtani. These sessions helped participants develop strategies for transforming conflicts into peaceful dialogues, thereby fostering national harmony. In particular, the workshop explored the role of critical thinking in mitigating misinformation and enhancing democratic participation, which was especially relevant in an election year.

The workshop concluded with a thought-provoking address by journalist Katrina Hussain, who underscored the need for critical thinking in evaluating social media content and finding reliable sources of information. Her address sparked reflections on how critical thinking can be applied in political decision-making, urging participants to vote with a deep understanding of their values.

The main takeaway from this event was the effectiveness of incorporating guest speakers to provide expert perspectives. The guest speaker's insights into AI and critical thinking resonated deeply with participants, emphasizing the need for informed, independent thought in the digital era.

2. Karachi: 19-20 August 2023

The Karachi workshop, mirroring its Lahore counterpart, aimed to promote critical thinking and self-awareness among youth, with a strong focus on understanding the impact of artificial intelligence. Participants were encouraged to explore how critical thinking can serve as a tool for conflict resolution and peacebuilding.

With a group of passionate and diverse participants, the workshop fostered meaningful discussions on the relationship between civic engagement and critical thinking. Through a combination of facilitated activities and reflective dialogues, participants examined how youth can use their votes responsibly and contribute to a peaceful, democratic society. This focus was particularly pertinent given the national elections that were approaching, with many participants discussing the importance of scrutinizing political manifestos and making informed electoral choices.

Muhammad Anwar closed the workshop by reaffirming the importance of critical thinking in Pakistan's political landscape and its potential for fostering societal transformation. The positive reception to the guest speaker's insights on AI proved invaluable. Participants expressed a desire for more such practical, forward-thinking discussions in future workshops, underscoring the importance of staying abreast with technological advancements.

3. Hyderabad: 24-25 June 2023

In Hyderabad, the workshop focused on cultivating critical thinking with an emphasis on understanding the distinction between facts and misinformation. This session aimed to address the growing challenges posed by fake news and its potential to undermine democratic values. With the participation of diverse youth, including students and members of marginalized communities, the event encouraged open dialogues on how critical thinking can be applied to differentiate between factual and non-factual information.

One of the key highlights was the speech by Muhammad Rashid Khilji, a Member of the Sindh Provincial Assembly, who emphasized the critical role of youth in shaping Pakistan’s future, particularly in the upcoming elections. He urged the participants to scrutinize political manifestos and base their electoral choices on facts rather than partisan biases. This address inspired participants to consider their individual agency in shaping the political and social future of the country.

The workshop successfully facilitated cross-cultural conversations, bringing together individuals from various societal segments to discuss the power of critical thinking and the role it can play in dismantling stereotypes and building inclusive communities.

The event highlighted the importance of involving political figures in workshops, as their perspectives on the current political climate provided valuable context for the discussions. The involvement of elected representatives made the workshop more grounded in reality, providing participants with a tangible link between critical thinking and political engagement.

4. Karachi: 10-11 June 2023

The final workshop of the series, held in Karachi, delved deeply into the issue of stereotypes in Pakistan and how critical thinking can help dismantle these barriers. The session addressed the negative impact of stereotypes, particularly concerning marginalized groups such as religious minorities, women, and transgender individuals. It aimed to foster empathy and understanding, encouraging participants to engage in more inclusive and compassionate dialogues.

The workshop explored how critical thinking can empower youth to challenge societal norms and promote democratic values. It also focused on how stereotypes contribute to social violence and exclusion, urging participants to consider how they can combat these issues within their communities.

Beena Khan and Ross Mahtani again served as the primary facilitators, guiding participants through thought-provoking exercises and discussions. The event concluded with an inspiring talk by a guest speaker who encouraged participants to remain open-minded and active in their pursuit of social justice.

The main takeaway from the Karachi event was the necessity of incorporating a diverse range of voices, particularly those from marginalized communities. This practice not only enriched the discussions but also fostered a sense of solidarity among participants, laying the foundation for cross-community understanding and collaboration.

Each of these workshops successfully met its objectives, facilitating discussions that empowered participants with the skills to think critically, empathetically, and independently. These workshops not only fostered personal growth but also provided a platform for youth to engage in meaningful dialogues about the future of Pakistan.

The inclusive and diverse participation across gender, ethnicity, and social background was a testament to the importance of these workshops in bridging societal divides and promoting national cohesion. Participants expressed a keen interest in future workshops, particularly in other regions of Pakistan, to continue developing the necessary skills for democratic participation, conflict resolution, and social empowerment.

In conclusion, Freedom Gate’s Cultivate Critical Thinking workshop series has proven to be an effective model for fostering civic responsibility, critical awareness, civic, and empathy among youth, contributing to the development of a more informed and cohesive society.