ISLAMABAD: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the Islamic Research Institute of the International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI) on Monday organised a conference on the ‘Role of Universities in Advancing National Narrative to Counter Violence, Extremism and Terrorism’ at the Allama Iqbal Auditorium of IIUI’s Faisal Masjid Campus. The conference, attended by over 80 universities’ heads from across the country, took into consideration challenges being faced by Pakistani universities owing to intolerant behaviour and radicalisation, and aimed at contributing to the debate on the reconstruction of Pakistani society in accordance with teachings of Islam and the constitution of Pakistan. Specific objectives of the conference included searching a legal and theological framework for saving campuses from onslaught of militant ideologies, proposing measures for effectiveness of universities’ administration in inculcation of national narrative, encouraging awareness and appreciation for peaceful coexistence, preparing faculty and students to strive for a nonviolent culture and receptive to new ideas and cognisant of Islamic principles, and disputing the morally bankrupt ideologies of extremists and militants trying to target Pakistani youth. Human Rights Minister Mumtaz Ahmed Tarar was the chief guest at the closing ceremony. He stressed the need to engage students in healthy curricular and co-curricular activities. He said, “It was imperative to study our respective holy books in our own language so as to completely understand the divine message” He expressed his confidence that deep study would help eradicate the menace of terrorism. In his address, Communications Minister Abdul Kareem, who was the guest of honour, appreciated the effort to initiate the dialogue to help create better communication at all levels. HEC chairman highlighted the commission’s efforts regarding sensitising university leadership to prevalent issue of violence, extremism and terrorism in higher education institutions, wherein a broad spectrum of realities and hurdles were put forth, and Vice Chancellors and rectors were encouraged to institute sustainable programmes and processes to address possible threats of radicalisation. “Pakistan’s armed forces are safeguarding our geographical borders but being educationists it is our foremost duty to secure country’s ideological borders. Our youth is being neglected at all levels ranging from their homes to educational institutions and it is responsibility of teachers and parents to address their issues and challenges with utmost care and engage them in productive activities,” he said. Talking to audience during a plenary session, Senator Mushahid Hussain Syed quoted Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, “Education is a matter of life and death for Pakistan” to stress the importance of education in the country.” He congratulated organisers of the conference for gathering academicians on a topic of greater national interest. MNA Farhana Qamar underlined the need for betterment of education and health sectors and emphasized that unemployment was one of the major reasons of extremism. Another parliamentarian, Romina Khurshid Alam, said that interfaith harmony could only be achieved through respect and tolerance. “For every problem we blame the government instead of working at our own level to resolve the issue. We need to develop a thorough strategy regarding narrative of counter terrorism.” IIUI Rector Dr Masoom Yasinzai said that extremists had started targeting the youth and in some cases faculty and staff were also involved. The rector informed the audience that over 1500 clerics had unanimously drafted a declaration ‘Paigham-e-Pakistan’ which was approved by President of Pakistan Mamnoon Hussain and was under publication. She said soon the declaration would be disseminated as a policy document. Published in Daily Times, November 21st 2017.