National - Khudi: A Social Movement to Eradicate Extremism

Khudi is a groundbreaking social movement that aspires to actively counter the spread of extremist ideology within Pakistan, predominantly amongst younger generations of Pakistanis, who now constitute a staggering 63% of the total population. Khudi has been established as a response to the current situation in Pakistan, where a vast majority of peace-loving citizens have found their country being used by a small minority of extremist groups to further their own radical agendas. Khudi was founded on the belief that a credible solution can be found through a civil society response that will challenge extremist arguments in the ideas domain. Founded by seasoned social activist Maajid Nawaz, Khudi seeks to promote openness, unity and respect for difference within society. Indeed, at its very core, Khudi works to reinforce pride in the history and identity of Pakistan, while striving to uphold the legacy of pluralism, progress and democratic values as bequeathed by Quaid-e-Azam, Mohammed Ali Jinnah. Maajid Nawaz himself is well placed to spearhead Khudi due to his in-depth knowledge of the ideology, tactics and recruitment techniques of extremist organizations. His vast experience stems from his own past involvement with the global extremist organisation Hizb ut-Tahrir (HT), a group with which he was associated during his earlier years. His initiation into this organisation was a result of increased feelings of alienation during his teenage years and the lack of intelligent guidance and information from figures of authority.