PU Organises Seminar on Countering Violent Extremism, Stresses Civility, Integrity and National Unity

By Muhammad Shahzad – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab University (PU) held a high-level policy seminar on “Countering Violent Extremism: Strengthening Civility and Integrity in Society,” bringing together senior government officials, security experts, scholars, and students to discuss strategies for promoting peace, tolerance, and responsible citizenship.

The seminar was organised by PU’s Center for Civility and Integrity Development (CCID) in collaboration with the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CoE-CVE).

PU Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood said universities play an essential role in promoting ideological discourse based on reasoning, dialogue, and respectful communication. He said PU is working to instill values of tolerance, patience, truth, and ethics among students, adding that campuses are the ideal spaces to discuss societal systems and the principles that guide human coexistence.

Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi emphasized that peaceful societies are built on rule of law. He stressed that both Muslims and non-Muslims must abide by legal and moral frameworks to eliminate extremism. He urged youth to study Paigham-e-Pakistan and spread positive thinking, highlighting that Pakistan’s survival and progress must remain the top priority.

Chairman Central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Syed Abdul Khabeer Azad said that lasting peace requires following the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He warned against sectarian divides and said unity—like a “Bunyan-unn-Marsus”—has historically enabled the nation to defeat its enemies.

National Security Analyst Gen (r) Ghulam Mustafa noted that today’s generation listens but often fails to understand, and that excessive social media influence risks shaping mindsets with misinformation. He advised students to distance themselves from negativity and focus on Pakistan’s peace and development.

Former Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi stressed adherence to the principles of the Holy Qur’an and the importance of honoring all agreements. He said students must commit to avoiding violent activities and uphold the values they affirm at admission.

CCID Director Dr. Shabbir Ahmad Khan said universities are not only centers of knowledge and research but also institutions responsible for character-building. He said PU’s civility center aims to produce graduates who embody honesty, integrity, and moral leadership.

Security Advisor Dr. Tahmina Aslam Ranjha highlighted the global role of women in countering terrorism, citing examples from Africa, Denmark, and Morocco. She noted that Pakistan has sacrificed greatly in the war against terrorism, and women must be part of the narrative-building efforts to counter misinformation and promote peace.

Media Consultant Mansoor Azam Qazi underlined the critical role of media in shaping narratives. He urged students not to forward unverified information and encouraged collective efforts to promote Pakistan’s positive image.