LAHORE: A week-long campaign has kicked off to pay tribute to the martyrs of Army Public School (APS) Peshawar in all campuses of University of Education Lahore and other educational institutions of Punjab here on Friday. In this regard, university has arranged a seminar entitled as ‘Peace’ to promote peace activities, harmony and brotherhood culture in the provincial metropolis. The initiative was taken by Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC). PHEC Director General Dr Shahid Soroya, University of Education (UoE) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam, UoE Bank Road Campus Principal Shagufta Andleeb, Director of Student Affairs Dr Muhammad Umer Saleem have addressed with the participates. Speakers have stressed upon the need for peace and coexistence in the society. They said that the initiative to create awareness among the youth will be organised throughout the province at selected universities such as Punjab University, BZU Multan and in GCU. A large number of students, faculty members and people from different walks of life participated in the seminar. Students also showcased artworks based on the theme of peace, harmony and co-existence which was applauded by participations. The students paid tribute to martyrs of APS Peshawar through various performances and highlighted message of peace. Speaking on the occasion, Shahid Soroya highlighted the importance of role of universities and youth in promoting peace and tolerance in the society. He said that narrative cannot build in drawing room meetings but it is built in academic institution. He pledged that Punjab HEC would continue its support to various initiatives aimed at promoting values of harmony, co-existence, tolerance among university faculty and students. “The united we stand, the stronger we will be to uproot the menace of terrorism,” he emphasized. University of Education Lahore VC Dr Rauf-e-Azam said that the APS incident would remain unforgettable and sacrifices by the students and staff would always remain fresh in our memories. He was of the view that effective implementation of National Action Plan (NAP) could be greatly helpful in bringing peace and stability in the society. He emphasized over the students to play their active role for peaceful and tolerant society. Published in Daily Times, December 16th 2017.