On Thursday, February 12, 2026, the Punjab University Centre for Civility and Integrity Development (CCID) organized a significant seminar to observe the International Day for the Prevention of Violent Extremism. The event brought together leading academics, security researchers, and students to discuss a sustainable path toward peace and social cohesion in Pakistan.
The Vision for National Unity
In his keynote address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali highlighted the internal social fractures that often hinder counter-extremism efforts. He observed that:
Peripheral Issues: National energy is frequently wasted on “trivial” disputes rather than core developmental goals.
Identity First: He urged the youth to prioritize their identity as Pakistanis above all linguistic, sectarian, or regional affiliations.
National Interest: True progress, he noted, is only possible when personal and group desires are secondary to the collective good of the state.
Curriculum Reform: The “Eight Key Themes”
A major highlight of the seminar was the presentation of a research report by Dr. Dayyab Gillani, former Director of Research at NACTA. His study identified eight key themes used to classify extremist tendencies within textbooks.
Dr. Gillani emphasized that previous attempts at reform were largely “superficial.” His report provides a rigorous framework for:
Identifying deficiencies in existing curriculum materials.
Implementing substantive reforms that move beyond cosmetic changes.
Building a foundation for a tolerance-based educational system.
“No identity surpasses that of being Pakistani. Placing national interest above personal desires is the key to the success of nations.” Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali, PU VC
Key Participants at the Seminar
| Name | Role |
| Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ali | Vice Chancellor, Punjab University |
| Dr. Dayyab Gillani | Former Director Research, NACTA |
| Dr. Shabbir Ahmad Khan | Director, CCID |
| Prof. Dr. Rana Eijaz | Chairman, Dept. of Political Science |
| Dr. Muhammad Sharreh Qazi | Faculty Member |
The Path to a Tolerant Pakistan
The seminar concluded with a consensus that the fight against extremism is not just a security challenge but an ideological and educational one. By empowering the youth through a reformed curriculum and a unified national identity, Pakistan can build long-term resilience against radicalization.
The event was lauded as a “meaningful and impactful” step toward translating global PVE (Prevention of Violent Extremism) principles into local action.
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