Denmark is supporting Pakistan’s efforts to counter violent extremism through a Danish-funded SPREE project, implemented by UNODC Pakistan, that combines awareness-raising, community engagement and youth-led solutions. A new initiative under the project will set up a social enterprise at the University of Narowal to give young people practical opportunities to develop skills, innovation and resilience. Danish Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Peter Emil Nielsen met with Federal Minister Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary to discuss expanded Danish-Pakistani cooperation to empower youth in vulnerable communities.
The SPREE project aims to strengthen Pakistan’s national response to violent extremism by promoting prevention and community-based solutions. Implemented by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime in Pakistan, the project supports a range of activities from public awareness campaigns to initiatives that mobilize local communities and encourage youth-led approaches to reduce vulnerability to radicalization.
One of the project’s new initiatives is the establishment of a social enterprise at the University of Narowal. The enterprise is designed to provide young people with opportunities to translate their energy into constructive channels—offering training, hands-on experience, and platforms for innovation that build employability and community resilience.
To advance these efforts, Danish Chargé d’Affaires a.i. Peter Emil Nielsen held talks with Federal Minister for Planning, Development & Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal Chaudhary. The meeting focused on exploring avenues for Danish-Pakistani collaboration to scale up youth empowerment measures in areas most at risk of violent extremism and to strengthen partnerships between government, international partners and educational institutions.
Officials said the combined approach—linking international support, UN implementation, academic institutions and government coordination—seeks to create sustainable, locally owned pathways for young people to contribute positively to their communities and reduce the drivers of radicalization.
