Punjab Government Determined to Prevent Extremism

Lahore Nazrana Times Ali Imran Chattha 
Punjab Government Firm on Eliminating Extremism
Historic Vice Chancellors’ Conference Held; 84 Universities Participate
 

In a landmark initiative, the Punjab Government organized the first Vice Chancellors’ Conference of its kind in the province’s history to strengthen efforts against violent extremism. The conference was arranged by the Punjab Home Department’s Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism and brought together Vice Chancellors from 84 public and private universities.

The session was chaired by Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafiq. Senior officials including Secretary Home Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi, HEC Chairman Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed, Secretary Auqaf Dr. Ehsan Bhatta, Additional IG Operations Muhammad Ali Nekokara, Special Secretary Home Fazlur Rehman, and other key officers also attended.
The conference was held under the framework of the National Action Plan and the National Policy for Preventing Violent Extremism 2024. Speakers emphasized a unified national commitment to counter extremism and highlighted the vital role universities play in promoting social harmony, tolerance, and cohesion.

Addressing the gathering, Khawaja Salman Rafiq praised the Home Department and the Centre for organizing the event on such a critical issue. He stated that Pakistan continues to face serious challenges and is passing through a testing period. He stressed that the sacrifices of the nation’s forefathers must not be forgotten and that youth must be trained according to the vision of Quaid-e-Azam.He noted that terrorism and extremism remain collective threats requiring joint action. Referring to recent security incidents, he said the country cannot accept a future marked by constant violence and loss of lives. He highlighted government efforts over the past two years to build peace through engagement with scholars of all schools of thought and revealed that madrassas are being computerized and integrated into the national mainstream.

Secretary Home Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi briefed participants on the Centre’s legal and policy framework under the 2025 Act. He described education as a frontline defense against violent extremism and urged stakeholders to prioritize national stability and welfare. He encouraged students to study the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” narrative to promote moderation and positive thinking.
Vice Chancellors, in their joint declaration, recognized Punjab as a hub of higher education with a decisive influence on the country’s social and intellectual direction. They agreed that universities must actively address intolerance, misinformation, identity conflicts, and rising social tensions. With Punjab’s large youth population, higher education institutions were described as strategic partners in building long-term peace.
The conference was attended in person and via video link by Vice Chancellors from leading universities including King Edward Medical University, University of Child Health Sciences, Fatima Jinnah Medical University, Punjab University, UET, UMT, University of Agriculture, University of Central Punjab, and several others.
The gathering concluded with a shared pledge to strengthen collaboration between academia and government institutions to counter extremism and promote unity across society.