Online extremist content influences 40pc university students: Dr Imtiaz Dogar

FAISALABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 27th Feb, 2026) Head Department of Psychiatry and Behavioural Sciences Faisalabad Medical University (FMU) Dr Imtiaz Dogar said that one out of four university students are influenced by the extremist content online while 40 per cent increase in hate speech incidences is witnessed at university campuses during five years across the country.

He was addressing a seminar on 'From Learning Spaces to Social Peace: Empowering Minds to Prevent Violence and Extremism', organised by the Institute of Agricultural Extension, education and Rural Development at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

He said that critical behavioural red flags often precede violence and extremism such as sudden social withdrawal, persistent anger, rigid thinking patterns and intolerance toward differing viewpoints.

He discussed unique risk factors prevalent in Pakistani universities, including social isolation, unchecked emotional stress, exposure to extremist narratives and lack of constructive engagement.

He emphasized that strengthening students’ emotional resilience is essential to counter negative tendencies. The campuses must serve as breeding grounds for peace, critical thinking and mutual respect, he added.

Regional Director Faisalabad Social Welfare Madam Khalida Rafiq emphasized that preventing violence and extremism requires collective social responsibility.

She said families, educational institutions and community organizations must work together to nurture tolerance and respect among youth.

She said that intolerance and extremism can be effectively prevented by nurturing critical inquiry, ethical values and inclusive learning environments.

She urged universities to introduce awareness programs, counseling services and community engagement initiatives to build a peaceful campus culture.

Director Institute of Agri Extension Dr Babar Shahbaz said that teachers must act not only as educators but also as mentors who can recognize early warning signs in students’ behavior.

He said that strengthening student-teacher interaction can significantly reduce misunderstandings and frustration.

The constructive engagement is the most effective way to prevent violence and promote unity on campus, he added.

Dr Samina Tahira and Jahanzeb Tariq also spoke on the occasion.