Religion and Politics - Full Debate

Raaye Saazi conducted the fifth public debate at The Blackhole Islamabad on 8th June, 2024. The motion read, “Pakistan’s future is doomed as long as its politics remains wedded with religion”. The proposition team was comprised of Dr. Pervez Hoodbhoy, renowned physicist, author, and social commentator; Ms. Amber Rahim Shamsi, journalist and political commentator; and Barrister Waqqas Mir, advocate Supreme Court and a seasoned debater. The team opposing the motion comprised of Mr. Aneeq Ahmed, ex-caretaker federal minister of religious affairs and TV show host; Mr. Fahad Ali Kazmi, religious researcher, academic, and TV personality; and Mr. Sarmad Wali Khan, lecturer of political science and a seasoned debater. The event saw a full-house attendance and drew diverse demographics including students, young journalists, and people from multiple walks of life.

Raaye Saazi: Debating for the Future is a peacebuilding initiative, aiming to discourage the prevalent intolerance in Pakistan by making the culture of debate common in the public sphere. The project hopes to serve as a public avenue for building an alternative and people-centric narrative over issues of national importance.