ICCTVE-26 stresses community engagement, reforms to counter extremism

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 23rd May, 2026) An international conference on countering terrorism and violent extremism (ICCTVE-26) was organised by the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism in collaboration with Minhaj University Lahore (MUL), here on Saturday.

The conference brought together leading policymakers, academics, security experts and civil society representatives from Pakistan and abroad to deliberate on emerging challenges related to peacebuilding, tolerance and the prevention of extremism. The event was attended by Punjab Secretary for Home Department Dr. Ahmed Javaid Qazi as chief guest, along with Chairman Higher education Commission Pakistan Dr. Niaz Ahmed, Deputy Chairman board of Governors Dr. Hassan Mohiuddin Qadri, Chairman National Rahmatul-lil-Aalameen Wa Khatam-un-Nabiyyin Authority Dr. Khurshid Nadeem and other prominent figures. Experts from the United Kingdom, the United States and Norway also participated in the international event.

Addressing the conference, Dr. Ahmed Javaid Qazi said the Government of Punjab was implementing effective measures for the elimination of extremism and promotion of a culture of tolerance and harmony. He said the revised National Action Plan was being implemented successfully, while special focus was being given to emerging challenges including cyber warfare and digital threats.

He added that the Punjab Centre of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism has been made active to ensure effective implementation of the national policy on countering violent extremism. A comprehensive and workable strategy has also been developed for prevention of violent extremism in the province through coordinated institutional response.

The Secretary Home said that around 76,000 registered imams have been engaged across Punjab for public awareness and positive messaging, playing a key role in guiding communities and promoting social harmony.

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He added that the Civil Defence Resilience Corps was training more than 350,000 registered volunteers after their registration to ensure preparedness for emergencies and national challenges.

HEC Chairman Professor Dr. Niaz Ahmad Akhtar said in his speech that universities must promote a culture of research and dialogue to counter extremism. He stressed that the younger generation should be educated about tolerance, constructive criticism, and moderation.

Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri said that violent extremism has severely harmed society and persists due to ideological manipulation, poverty, and weak institutions. He stressed that counter-terrorism efforts alone were not enough unless the root social, economic, and ideological causes were addressed. He proposed a three-part framework based on Islamic intellectual traditions, the role of scholars in rejecting extremist narratives, and Pakistan’s constitutional system. Citing Quranic teachings, he highlighted the sanctity of human life and said extremist violence was contrary to Islamic principles of justice, compassion, and dignity.

Chairman of the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority Khurshid Nadeem sais that an important question remains as to why, even after 25 years, the country was still fighting the war against terrorism. He said there was a need to identify the shortcomings in developing an effective strategy. He emphasized that universities do not merely impart knowledge but also generate it. Referring to extremism, he noted that religion and fundamental rights are often used as justifications, and both issues need to be addressed seriously.

The international conference was also addressed by Lieutenant General (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa, Dr. Brian J. Phillips, Professor Taha Qureshi, and Dr. Tranjit Singh Batala.