LAHORE: The Punjab government has outlined an ambitious set of future plans to strengthen its fight against violent extremism, placing youth, prisons, religious institutions and the digital space at the centre of its strategy.
Under the roadmap prepared by the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CoE-CVE), special attention will be given to reducing youth delinquency, cyber extremism and online radicalisation. Awareness campaigns and skill development programmes are planned to help young people find positive pathways, while entrepreneurship initiatives, including soft loans, are expected to support aspiring youth in building sustainable livelihoods.
Research-based interventions are also part of the upcoming agenda. In collaboration with public and private universities, studies will be launched on risk assessment, curriculum development, women empowerment, youth development and inter-faith harmony, with the aim of shaping evidence-based policies.
The criminal justice system is another major focus. Rehabilitation programmes are planned for all 45 jails in Punjab, alongside a separate initiative for the de-radicalisation of hardened elements and individuals placed under Schedule IV. In addition, students from madaris affiliated with 15 wafaqs will be brought into the mainstream through various skill development programmes.
Dr Ahmad Khawar Shahzad was posted as Director General on September 22, 2025, and a satellite office has since been established in the Home Department to improve coordination with relevant departments.
Among the early developments was the first policy dialogue held at the Governor House Lahore on October 3, 2025. The dialogue brought together police officials, religious scholars, bureaucrats, technocrats, vice chancellors, prison officials and other experts to discuss coordinated responses to violent extremism. The provincial cabinet has also constituted a Board of Directors for the centre under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, and its maiden meeting has been convened.
Outreach efforts have included seminars at universities in Gujranwala, Multan and Lahore. Meetings have also been held with the School Education and Higher Education departments, along with vice chancellors of public sector universities, to initiate the rollout of the National Preventing Violent Extremism Policy 2024 across schools, colleges and universities through the 5R strategy. In parallel, the centre has completed a comprehensive five-year action plan.
