Home Dept engages 262 NGOs in capacity-building workshop on peace, tolerance

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st May, 2026) The Punjab Home Department on Friday organized a capacity-building workshop for representatives of civil society and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), with participation from stakeholders of 262 NGOs, to strengthen collaboration for promoting peace, tolerance, and social harmony in the province.

The workshop was conducted in collaboration with the Punjab Charities Commission (PCC), Punjab Agriculture and food Authority (PAFDA), Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism, and Punjab Civil Defence Resilience Corps.

Addressing the participants, Punjab Home Secretary Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi said that establishing a peaceful and harmonious society is the top priority of the Punjab government. He said that efforts are underway to promote the message of tolerance and eliminate violent extremism from society.

He stressed the need for trust-based cooperation between government institutions and civil society, adding that special focus was being given to public welfare, youth development, and awareness campaigns.

The Home secretary said that comprehensive awareness drives are being carried out for child protection and prevention of child sexual abuse. He added that a structured system of vocational training and adult education is being introduced in prisons across Punjab.

The secretary further said strict action is being taken against organized begging mafias, while the Punjab Probation and Parole system has been upgraded to introduce a community service model for accidental offenders.

Dr Ahmad said that under the Punjab Civil Defence Resilience Corps, hundreds of thousands of young volunteers are being trained. He added that Safe City infrastructure is being expanded across the province, while the public safety mobile application has improved the system of emergency response.

He said strict anti-narcotics laws are being enforced in the province, carrying penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment and heavy fines. A zero-tolerance policy was being implemented against drug use and trafficking, especially around educational institutions, he added.

Dr Ahmad Javed further said that religious scholars and prayer leaders have also been engaged in government efforts to promote peace, tolerance, and counter extremism.

During the workshop, participants discussed national efforts against extremism, promotion of social harmony, inter-agency coordination, regulatory frameworks and joint strategies to address socio-economic challenges.

The event was also addressed by Col. Shehzad Amir, Chief Executive Officer of the Punjab Charities Commission; Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, Chief Coordination Officer of the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism; Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, Director General PAFDA; and Tasneem Ali Khan, Director Punjab Civil Defence Resilience Corps.

Col Shehzad Amir briefed participants on the mandate, regulatory framework and future roadmap of the Punjab Charities Commission.