As part of the Youth Empowerment for Engaged Citizenship project, Shehri-Citizens for a Better Environment (Shehri-CBE) organized a capacity building workshop titled “Cultivating Critical Thinking for Active Citizenship” on 23 September 2026 at the Students’ Society Centre, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. The workshop was conducted under Component-3: Youth for Democracy: Civic Education and National Governance Engagement, which focused on strengthening students’ understanding of civic education, democracy, and national governance.
The workshop aimed to develop students’ ability to think critically, assess information responsibly, consider different perspectives, and make informed decisions in their everyday civic lives. It also focused on strengthening their understanding of civic rights and responsibilities and encouraging meaningful participation in democratic and community affairs.
The programme began with the registration of participants, followed by a welcome address by Sarwar Khalid, Shehri-CBE, and Dr. Ali Raza Lashari, Assistant Professor and Coordinator, Students Societies Centre, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. The opening session introduced participants to the objectives of the workshop and established the connection between critical thinking and active citizenship.
The main sessions were facilitated by Ross Mahtani, who introduced participants to the concept of critical thinking and its relevance to young citizens. The discussion explored how critical thinking could support informed decision-making, help citizens evaluate information, and strengthen their ability to hold public institutions accountable. Practical examples and interactive discussion were used to connect the concepts with civic life.
A subsequent session focused on critical thinking in everyday civic life, examining its application to social issues, public policies, governance, and everyday civic decisions. Participants were encouraged to consider information from different perspectives and to assess the basis of claims before forming conclusions.
The workshop then moved into a group-based practical activity in which students worked on distinguishing bias from fact. The activity introduced participants to key approaches for assessing information, including examining source credibility, identifying missing context, and recognizing logical fallacies. Groups presented their findings, followed by a facilitator-led debrief that allowed participants to reflect on the issues discussed and the approaches they had applied.
The workshop concluded with an evaluation session and vote of thanks, followed by lunch. Through its combination of conceptual discussion, practical exercises, and group engagement, the workshop provided students with an opportunity to strengthen their critical-thinking skills and relate them to civic participation and responsible citizenship.
The session contributed to the broader objectives of the Youth for Democracy intervention at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, which sought to equip undergraduate students with practical knowledge and civic skills and encourage them to participate actively and responsibly as informed citizens.
