PAKISTAN-Punjab Government Approves Rs 500 Million Seed Fund to Combat Violent Extremism

Punjab Centre of Excellence to Expand Peacebuilding Initiatives; Top Three Winners of Youth Innovation Competition 2026 to Receive Cash Awards

LAHORE | NAZRANA TIMES | BUREAU REPORT

The Punjab government has approved a Rs 500 million seed fund for the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (PCVE), reaffirming its commitment to promoting peace, tolerance and social harmony across the province.

The decision was taken during the fifth meeting of the Centre's Board of Governors, held at the Punjab Home Department under the chairmanship of Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique.

The meeting also reviewed the Centre's ongoing initiatives and approved cash awards for the top three projects selected in the Punjab Youth Innovation and Incubation Competition 2026.

Rs 500 Million Approved for Centre of Excellence

During the meeting, the Board of Governors ratified the decisions taken at its fourth meeting and reviewed a progress report on their implementation.

Following detailed discussions, the Board approved the establishment of a dedicated fund for the Centre of Excellence, with an initial allocation of Rs 500 million.

The funding is intended to support the Centre's efforts to counter violent extremism, encourage constructive youth engagement and promote a culture of peace and tolerance.

154 Innovative Projects Submitted by 51 Universities

The Board was briefed on the Punjab Youth Innovation and Incubation Competition 2026, which attracted considerable participation from universities across the province.

According to the report presented at the meeting, students from 51 universities submitted 154 innovative and creative projects covering various technological, healthcare and social challenges.

A technical evaluation committee comprising subject specialists assessed the submissions and shortlisted 50 projects. The selected students were subsequently invited to present their ideas before the committee.

Following the evaluation process, three projects secured the top positions.

Competition Winners and Cash Awards

First University of Management and Technology — Improving DNA testing quality while reducing costs Rs 1 million

Second Fatima Jinnah Medical University — Reducing the cost of cancer diagnosis and treatment Rs 750,000

Third Superior University — AI-based technology to control objectionable content on children's mobile phones

The students who secured the top three positions also presented their projects before the Board of Governors. Board members appreciated their creativity, technical abilities and efforts to develop practical solutions to challenges facing society.

The three winning projects will receive combined cash awards of Rs 2.25 million.

Government Plans Youth Awareness and Peacebuilding Activities

Recognising the importance of young people in preventing extremism, the Board directed the Department of Information and Culture to organise awareness programmes promoting peace and social harmony.

The Higher Education Department was also instructed to arrange public speaking competitions, theatre performances, essay-writing contests and poster-making activities to encourage students to engage with issues of tolerance, peaceful coexistence and responsible citizenship.

Officials emphasised that educational institutions could play an important role in creating awareness and encouraging young people to contribute positively to society.

Punjab Government Committed to Eliminating Extremism: Khawaja Salman Rafique

Addressing the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique said the Punjab government was making sustained efforts to eliminate extremism and establish a peaceful society.

He stated that, under the leadership of the Punjab Chief Minister, the relevant departments were working to ensure effective implementation of the National Action Plan.

The provincial minister said the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism was undertaking practical initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of extremism and contributing to public welfare.

He also highlighted the significance of the Punjab Youth Innovation and Incubation Competition 2026, saying such initiatives would strengthen young people's confidence, encourage entrepreneurship and provide opportunities for talented students to transform their ideas into useful projects.

Winning Students to Be Linked with Relevant Government Institutions

Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said young people and civil society had a vital role in promoting peace, tolerance and mutual respect.

He informed the Board that students whose projects secured leading positions would be connected with relevant government institutions, including the Punjab Forensic Science Authority, the Health Department and the Punjab Information Technology Board.

The objective, he explained, was to explore opportunities for putting their innovative ideas into practical use for the benefit of society.

Dr Qazi described talented young people as a driving force behind Pakistan's progress, expressing confidence that their creativity and commitment could help build a peaceful, prosperous and progressive country.

Senior Officials Attend Board Meeting

The meeting was attended by Secretary Law Asif Bilal Lodhi, Secretary Auqaf Dr Ehsan Bhutta, Special Secretary Home Zainab Khan, Chief Coordination Officer Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, Executive Director of the Punjab Institute of Mental Health Professor Ayesha Rashid, representatives of the Counter Terrorism Department, Additional Secretary Judicial Abdul Rauf, and senior officials from the Higher Education, Information and Finance departments.

Consultants Syed Tahir Raza Bukhari and Sohail Raza also attended the meeting.

Professor Dr Ali Madeeh Hashmi of the Department of Psychiatry at King Edward Medical University participated through video link.

The meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening institutional cooperation, supporting youth-led innovation and expanding initiatives designed to promote peace and counter violent extremism throughout Punjab.