PU Vice Chancellor Inaugurates Center for Civility and Integrity Development

By Farzana Chaudhry
Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali has formally inaugurated the Center for Civility and Integrity Development (CCID), aimed at promoting ethical values, tolerance, and social responsibility among students.

The inaugural ceremony was attended by CCID Patron and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Brigadier Asjad Baloch, Colonel Rehan Khan, Director CCID Dr. Shabbir Ahmad Khan, faculty members, and a large number of students.

Addressing the ceremony, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali highlighted the pivotal role of universities in social reform and national development. He said that higher education institutions, in collaboration with national and provincial organizations, can significantly contribute to fostering tolerance, patience, and mutual respect in society. He also paid tribute to the armed forces and national leadership for their services toward ensuring the country’s security and stability.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood stated that universities are not merely centers of teaching and learning but platforms where individuals from diverse social, regional, and linguistic backgrounds interact. He emphasized that respect for differing viewpoints is a defining characteristic of a civilized and progressive society.

Brigadier Asjad Baloch stressed the importance of enhanced cooperation and coordination between national institutions and universities. He noted that for effective national security and protection, close collaboration between academic institutions and state organizations is essential. Highlighting the role of youth, he said young people are the nation’s greatest asset, while teachers play a frontline role in shaping their intellectual and moral foundations.

Director CCID Dr. Shabbir Ahmad Khan welcomed the guests and briefed them on the objectives of the newly established center. He emphasized the need to strengthen the moral character of the younger generation alongside academic instruction, adding that CCID aims to promote high ethical values so students may emerge as responsible and productive citizens.

Colonel Rehan Khan, in his remarks, underscored the importance of research on key national issues in addition to teaching and learning. He noted that modern, well-structured research is vital to address societal challenges such as imbalance, intolerance, and extremism, and that universities can effectively contribute through collaborative efforts between faculty and students.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, participants agreed on the need to further strengthen coordination between national and provincial institutions and universities. Faculty members and students reaffirmed their commitment to working alongside national security institutions for the country’s progress.

Earlier, the Vice Chancellor formally inaugurated the center by cutting the ribbon and unveiling the commemorative plaque.