Lahore’s universities are on high alert over the terrorists’ possible targeting of campuses for recruitment. The alert follows the Punjab home ministry’s warning that the terrorists may use students and campuses for their evil designs. Hostel areas security has been beefed up and non-residents’ record is being sought to pre-empt any untoward development. Institutional heads have been warned to keep an eye on empty buildings during the summer vacations. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Mujahid Kamran has instructed the heads of departments of the largest university in the city to keep CCTV cameras functional round-the-clock and inform the university’s helpline immediately in case of any suspected activity. Similar meetings are being arranged in the University of Engineering and Technology, Government College University, University of Education, Information Technology University, medical colleges and other educational institutions of the city. Private and public universities alike have fallen prey to the twisted mindset of terrorism. The home ministry has prudently advised thorough security measures and clearance before inviting guests for seminars and lectures. Following arrests of suspected terrorists from Kasur last week, mosques in university premises are advised to be kept under close surveillance to make sure no students are housed there at night.It is believed that the pen and knowledge can transform a person’s life. Imparting knowledge and the learning process at school and university level is aimed at the objective of enhancing the mind to think in a productive and enlightened manner. A well-educated mind is able to make intelligent decisions regarding all spheres, be they social, economic or political. Leaders, politicians, administrators, ambassadors of peace are created at these honourable institutes of learning. Today these terrorists have terribly blemished the credibility of such a worthy statement. The message promoted by these terrorists is one of hatred and the most disturbing part is that almost all terrorism worldwide is traced sooner or later to Pakistan, where they have either been trained in terrorist acts or instilled with the warped idea of jihad. The question is, what is the faculty doing to combat this mindset while imparting their lectures? A good teacher can turn an individual into a responsible citizen and guide the person onto the right path. Where are those teachers today? Is all lost to terrorism? We sincerely hope not. Properly educated students free of the blemish of terrorist ideology can be an asset for our and in fact any society. *