LAHORE:Provincial Minister and Chairman Cabinet Committee on Law and Order Khawaja Salman Rafique said the war against terrorism and extremism is our common war. Everyone will have to be united and take practical steps for the establishment of peace. The Punjab government is committed to preventing extremism.
He expressed these views while addressing the first-of-its-kind Vice Chancellors Conference on Monday.The conference was organised by Punjab Centre for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, Home Department under the National Action Plan and National Policy for Preventing Violent Extremism 2024.
The importance of universities in promoting a common national resolve against extremism, social solidarity and harmony was highlighted during the conference.Home Secretary Punjab Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Chairman HEC Prof Dr Niaz Ahmed, Secretary Auqaf Dr Ehsan Bhatta and vice chancellors of 84 universities attended the conference.
Addressing the conference, Khawaja Salman Rafique said that Pakistan is facing a great trial. The foundation of Pakistan also includes the blood of our elders. ‘Our police checkpoints, churches, mosque and madrassas are being attacked quite frequently. This country was not made for attacks and we have to stop them through collective’.
He said govt has worked a lot with scholars belonging to all schools of thought for the establishment of peace during the last two years. The entire system of our madrassas is computerised and they are all being included in the national mainstream. He said the Punjab government is taking on board scholars and mosque imams and a harmonious society will be established with the involvement of all sections of society, especially the youth.
Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said that the framework of the Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Act 2025 guides the involvement of all schools of thought. Education is recognised as the first line of defence to prevent violent extremism. All classes should realise that the survival and well-being of Pakistan is more important than anything else.
