Punjab’s Home Department organized a special event today to mark the Global Day for Combating violent extremism highlighting the province’s commitment to promoting peace, tolerance, and national unity. The ceremony, held at a local hotel, brought together policymakers, senior security officials, educators, religious scholars, and representatives from civil society across Pakistan.
Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat, the guest of honor, emphasized that the fight against terrorism and extremism is a shared responsibility. He noted that promoting messages of tolerance in school assemblies is a key part of Punjab’s educational initiatives and stressed the importance of involving religious leaders, youth, and all segments of society to create a cohesive and peaceful community.
Speaking at the event, Secretary Home Punjab Dr. Ahmed Javed Qazi introduced “Paigham-e-Pakistan,” a national initiative designed to instill positive thinking among students and encourage active participation in promoting peace. He announced that this program will be included in the intermediate-level curriculum as part of efforts to strengthen national resilience against extremism. Dr. Qazi also highlighted the ongoing implementation of the revised National Action Plan in Punjab and the role of the Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism in supporting these policies.
The ceremony underscored the importance of inter-agency collaboration, community engagement, and sustainable development in building a peaceful society. Participants called on individuals to begin efforts against violence and extremism within their own homes, while experts encouraged young people to become ambassadors of peace and catalysts for positive change.
The event was conducted in partnership with the Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, with Dr. Ahmed Khawar Shehzad serving as the master of ceremonies. Other prominent attendees included Chief Coordination Officer Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, DIG Kamran Adil, defense analyst Lt. Gen. (R) Ghulam Mustafa, Dr. Tahir Raza Bukhari, Dr. Tehmina Aslam Ranjha, Dr. Ziaullah Shah Bukhari, Allama Tawqeer Abbas, Mansoor Azam Qazi, Dr. Sugra Sadaf, and Dr. Mir Asif Akbar Qadri, among others.
The event marked the first official observance of the Global Day to Combat Violent Extremism in Punjab, reflecting the province’s determination to raise awareness, foster social harmony, and strengthen Pakistan’s culture of peace and tolerance.
