Prosperity linked to curbing extremism

PESHAWAR: Speakers at a conference here on Friday said that a society cannot be reformed and developed without controlling extremism and violence. They were addressing the one-day conference on countering violent extremism was organized at the University of Peshawar (UoP) under the aegis of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Center for Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism.

Besides, Chief Coordination Officer of the Centre Dr. Muhammad Ayaz, Director General Dr. Muhammad Qasim, Peshawar University’s Dean of Social Sciences Dr. Johar Ali, Head of Institute of Education and Research Dr. Hafiz Inamullah, Chairman of International Relations Department Prof. Dr. Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, Chairperson of Gender Studies Department Dr. Anush, Principal of Khyber Law College, heads and teachers of various departments of the university participated in the conference.

Chief Coordination Officer Dr. Muhammad Ayaz gave a detailed briefing to the participants on the establishment of the centre, objectives, and future plan of action.Highlighting the background of the centre, he said extremism and violence were among the serious problems facing the country at the time.

Dr. Muhammad Ayaz said reform, development, and prosperity in society are not possible without controlling extremism and violence.He said this center is a unique institution of its kind across the country, where there will be not only research along scientific lines on the causes of extremism and its prevention, but it will also provide guidance to the institutions responsible for the elimination of extremism.

Dean of Social Sciences Professor Dr. Johar Ali said that the centre will not only provide research support to the students of the UoP but also present recommendations in other forums as an institution in the light of this research.

The head of the Institute of Education and Research, Prof. Dr Hafiz Inamullah said education on countering violent extremism and promoting peace is very important for school students and teachers.

Research in various fields of social sciences has been done, and the centre of excellence on countering violent extremism can start training programs in educational institutions by utilizing this research.Professor Dr. Hussain Shaheed Suhrawardy, chairman of the UoP International Relations, said that the thinking of university students has matured and comparatively it is more difficult to change their thinking, but at the level of primary, middle and high schools, it is easy to change the thinking and bring the students of these levels in a positive direction. So the centre must give more emphasis on these levels.

Prof Dr Anush, Chairperson, Department of Gender Studies, suggested that experts from relevant fields should be included in the board of governors of the centre of excellence on countering violent extremism so that expert opinions are also included in the decision making process.