Punjab holds first-ever universities VCs’ huddle to curb extremism

2026-02-17 - 01:06

Fida Hussnain The Punjab government on Monday reiterated its commitment to preventing violent extremism, as the Punjab Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (PCECVE) under the Home Department organized the first-ever Vice Chancellors’ Conference in the province’s history. Vice chancellors from 84 public and private universities participated in the conference. The conference was chaired by Provincial Minister and Chairman of the Cabinet Committee on Law and Order, Khawaja Salman Rafique. It was held in line with the National Action Plan and the National Policy for the Prevention of Violent Extremism 2024. Among those in attendance were Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed JavedQazi, HEC Chairman Prof DrNiaz Ahmed, Secretary AuqafDrEhsanBhutta, Additional IG Operations Muhammad Ali Nekokara, Special Secretary Home Fazal-ur-Rehman, Chief Coordination Officer GhulamSagheerShahid, Deputy Coordination Officer Dr Ahmed KhawarShehzad, DrTahirRazaBukhari, and vice chancellors from 84 universities across the province. Addressing the participants, Khawaja Salman Rafique appreciated the efforts of the Home Department and PCECVE for convening the conference on what he termed a critical national issue. He said Pakistan was passing through a challenging phase and emphasized the need for collective responsibility in confronting extremism and terrorism. He noted that the country’s foundation was built on immense sacrifices .