South Asian University and Educational Integration: Potentials and Outcomes for Peace Promotion between Pakistan and India

Abstract

Through education conflicts, poverty, socio-economic injustice, distrust and constant threats to peace can be eradicated. Education is a powerful tool which can bring positive change, prosperity and justice. Conflict resolution and promotion of peace within the societies and with other nations of world can also bring through education .Role of educational institutions are always been considered most important and powerful to bring different cultures and nations closer. Mutual conflicted issues has created uncertainty and distrust in both countries. The wars of 1965, 1971 and recently Kargil conflict in 1999, cross border terrorism and blame game has pushed the relations into uncertain conditions of distrust. The South Asian University is window of integration where both countries students got the chance to get education under one roof. Objectives of establishing South Asian University for closer integration of SAARC countries is still a big challenge for the member nations as it can be used for the peace promotion and people to people connection. In this research paper the objectives and input of South Asian University is examine for bringing nations closer through education. The study examines the role of university to bring the students of Pakistan and India closer and for developing the atmosphere of friendship and trust in both nations. The study examines the civil society connectivity and different kinds of CBMs in both nations' students by using the platform of university and its impacts on Pak-India relations and developing the peace in the region.