Understanding Perception of Peace Among University Students of Gilgit-Baltistan

Abstract

This study focuses on contributing to the field of peace and conflict studies, with a special focus on peace studies. It analysis perceptions surrounding the concepts of ‘peace’ and ‘peace education’ among students studying in higher education institutions of Gilgit-Baltistan, namely Karakorum International University and University of Baltistan. The study underscores three hypotheses: (1) Students from both the universities perceive peace as the absence of conflict, generally, (2) activities inside the universities related to peace that overtly encourages students to hold and contribute to peace practices in the society are not contributing to how students perceive peace, and (3) political, socio-economic, and religious differences drastically affect students’ perception of peace in students hailing from Gilgit Baltistan. The thesis utilizes a qualitative methodology, and the survey questions are inferred

from

the literature review. Likert and Guttman Scales are used to draw parameters for the respondents to choose from, and contingency/filter questions are also developed. The first two assumptions are supported, whereas the third assumption is not fully supported by the data collected. However, it is important to summarize that the survey did not explore political, socio-economic, or religious differences among the students. Most students agreed that reducing these differences can lead to peace, demonstrating the ability of students to understand peace beyond the absence of war (negative peace). The research concludes that most students are inclined towards wanting to be involved in activities of peace, although they view it as a collective effort and not individual.