Scope of the Dialogue

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Most people of Pakistani origin, including the younger generation born and bred in the West, identify themselves with Pakistan. Social media has empowered them to follow and be involved in the country's day-to-day affairs.

How are their activities perceived in Pakistan? Are they contributing to freedom of speech and establishing an open and tolerant society? How much influence do they have in driving a change?

This Online Dialogue with a carefully selected panel was designed to discuss the impact of Pakistani youth in the West on Pakistani society and its short and long-term consequences.

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Our Panellists:

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Dr Amer Morgahi
Dr Morgahi is a cultural anthropologist based in Amsterdam. Some themes of his research deal with new cultural formations and religious mobilization in Pakistan and among overseas Pakistanis. Dr Morgahi is one of the founding members of OPP Netherlands.

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Dr Shaharyar Mir
Raised with contrasting values and practices between the West and the East, Dr Mir is part of the second-generation Pakistanis in the Netherlands. 
He studied medicine and biology, holds a PhD in paediatric oncology, and is a paediatrician. He strongly believes in staying connected with his roots by combining clinical work in the Netherlands with outreach in Pakistan. 

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Naeem Arif
Mr. Arif is a self-employed management consultant. His focus areas are Enterprise Risk Management and Internal Auditing. He has been training risk and audit professionals for 20 years as a part-time lecturer at Nyenrode Business University and The Hague University of Applied Sciences. He is also the editor of the professional journal Audit Magazine. Urdu language and poetry are also one of his passions. In the past, he assisted in preparing school exams for Urdu interpreters.

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Mudassar Shah
Mr Mudassar is an IT engineer with expertise in developing innovative technological solutions to enhance digital engagement. He is a social media activist along with his work. As a social media activist, his primary objective is to reform Pakistan's draconian blasphemy law. His work aims to raise awareness, engage communities, and promote human rights for a secular, democratic Pakistan.