LAHORE: (Friday, December 05, 2025): Punjab University Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood has said that universities play a key role in promoting ideological discourse. He said that while there should be no coercion, conversation should be based on reasoning and words should be polite. He was addressing a policy network seminar on “Countering Violent Extremism: Strengthening Civility and Integrity in Society”, organized by PU’s Center for Civility and Integrity Development (CCID) in collaboration with the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism (CoE-CVE). On this occasion, Home Secretary Punjab Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi, Chairman Central Royat-e-Hilal Committee Maulana Syed Abdul Khabeer Azad, National Security Analyst Gen (e) Ghulam Mustafa, former Law Minister Ahmer Bilal Soofi, Director CCID Dr Shabbir Ahmad Khan, Security Advisor Dr Tahmina Aslam Ranjha, Media Consultant Mansoor Azam Qazi, faculty members, and a large number of students were present. In his address, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood said that the university is the best place to discuss how humans should live in society and how systems should run. He said PU is working to promote tolerance, patience, truth, love, and ethics. Dr Ahmed Javed Qazi said that to promote a culture of peace, tolerance, and patience in Pakistan and to eliminate extremism, both Muslims and non-Muslims must abide by the law. He said the youth must understand that the survival of Pakistan is more important than anything else. He advised the students to read ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ and play their role in spreading positive thinking. He added that books are the best companions that help keep the learning process alive. He emphasized beginning efforts to counter violence, injustice, and extremism from one’s own home. He said that despite challenges, Allah has granted Pakistan success this year in war and sports arenas. He said all of us must work together to build a civilized society and create ease for others. Maulana Syed Abdul Khabeer Azad said that to establish peace and prevent terrorism, one must follow the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He said we should not divide into sects and hurt one another. He added that when the nation stood united like “Bunyan-unn-Marsus”, it defeated the enemy decisively. Gen (r) Ghulam Mustafa said that today we listen to one another, but we fail to understand. He said there is a difference between knowledge and information, yet the current generation’s mindset is being shaped by social media. He added that in the modern era, youth have become prisoners of mobile phones. Advising the youth, he said they must avoid people with negative mindsets for the sake of Pakistan’s progress and peace. Ahmer Bilal Soofi said Pakistan is an Islamic state where it is necessary to follow the principles of the Holy Qur’an. He said any agreement made should be strictly honored. He further said that students sign forms at the time of admission declaring they will not participate in violent activities, and failing to abide by this commitment is wrong. Dr Shabbir Ahmad Khan said that the responsibilities of universities include not only the promotion of knowledge and research but also the training and character-building of individuals. He said universities produce professionals for every field, including doctors, engineers, IT experts, researchers, journalists, and teachers. He added that the purpose of establishing the Center for Civility and Integrity at PU is to develop graduates with high moral character, honesty, and integrity. Dr Tahmina Aslam Ranjha said that in Africa, Denmark, and Morocco, the inclusion of women played a vital role in helping eliminate terrorism. She said Pakistan has made many sacrifices in the war against terrorism, but without women’s participation, the message of peace remains incomplete. She stated that women can effectively counter misinformation and disinformation. Mansoor Azam Qazi said the media has a very important role in narrative-building. He said all of us must work together to highlight Pakistan’s positive image. Advising students, he urged the students not to forward any information without verification.