tolerance. The participants also said that the aspect of freedom of speech be observed and juristic and ideological discussions must be taken in educational institutions instead of inappropriate places and ethics of disagreement shall be made part of the curriculum. They agreed to remain united and committed to curb hatred, extremism and violence.
Hafiz Abdul Kareem, Minister for communication said that education was the backbone for prosperity and progress. In the concluding ceremony, he added that Pakistan has played a pivotal role in war against terror. He furthered that universities are the best sources to eradicate the menace of extremism.
Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar, Minister for Human Rights called for discouraging violence saying that no religion in the world supports extremism and violence. He maintained that Islam was staunch supporter of peace and prosperity. He stressed that youth be put in the constructive activities to have positive results in the society.
Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed, in a session, called upon a cohesive and well devised strategy and counter narrative against extremism which he said was impossible to be implemented and established without bridging a gap between academia and parliament. He said that VCs and legislators together can serve way better to produce a counter narrative and have the educational institutions empowered.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, said on the occasion that society is being poisoned by the negative elements with the seed of hatred and it is facing the challenges of intolerance and extremism. He added that lethal attempts of instability can be foiled through unity and by an active role of universities in the society. He stressed upon the universities to teach societal values and message of peace to the students. He also hailed armed forces while saying that they have played a historical role in eradication of extremism.
Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said that extremism was the menace which has crippled the society and a counter narrative to deal with it was a pre-requisite for progress and prosperity. He called upon the universities to take the responsibility to nurture youth and address the issues of hour. He also briefed the participants regarding the activities and efforts initiated by the IIU to curb the problem of terrorism, violence and intolerance.
IIU President Dr. Ahmed Yousif Al-Draiweesh said that university had organized around 400 conferences, seminars and dialogues regarding eradication of extremism, violence and promotion of peaceful co-existence which were attended by scholars, academicians, intellectuals of Pakistan and aboard. He urged universities to make dissemination of peace their top priority. He also apprised about the constituent units and faculties of the university.
Earlier, IRI Director General, Dr. Zia ul Haq apprised the participants regarding the efforts of institute for counter narrative. The conference was also attended by the IIUI Vice Presidents and other relevant officials.