Speakers at a training workshop have called upon the need to counter violent extremism through the promotion of peace and tolerance in society at all levels.
They were addressing the concluding session of a two-day faculty training workshop on counter-violent extremism, peace, and tolerance jointly organized by Punjab University Department of Digital Media in collaboration with the Department of Development Communication and Media Foundation 360 at Hameed Nizami Hall, School of Communication Studies.
PU Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad, senior journalists Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami, Sohail Warraich, Department of Digital Media Chairperson Dr. Savera Shami, Chairperson Department of Development Communication Dr. Ayesha Ashfaq, Media Foundation 360 President Mubbashar Bokhari, Chairperson Department of Film and Broadcasting Dr. Lubna Zaheer and faculty members from various departments participated in the workshop.
Prof Niaz Ahmad said that this was the prime responsibility of the universities to arrange such dialogues where ideas could be exchanged for the promotion of peace and harmony in society. He said that there was a need to promote positive sentiments among the public through the promotion of a culture of tolerance.
Niaz said that we must not react aggressively to the point of view of others.
Senior journalist Mujeeb ur Rehman Shami said that differences of opinion must be dealt with with an open heart. He said that one should understand one’s and others’ limits and respect the ideas of others. He said that there is no space for extremism in the country.
He said that the constitution is supreme and the extremist ideologies were not owned by our society and banned by the state.
Senior journalist Sohail Warraich said that we needed to be clear on our narratives. He said that peace could be promoted by adopting the concepts of Muhammad Ali Jinnah and peace could be promoted. He said that the Islamic Constitution of 1973 was the best constitution and it was very close to the vision of Jinnah. He said that Jinnah and Fatima believed in women’s empowerment.
Dr. Savera Shami said that countering violent extremism from society is a dire need of the hour. She said that all stakeholders in society should play their role in the elimination of extremism from society at all levels. Mubbashar Bokhari said that extremist attitudes had stopped our cultural activities. He said that our culture was very rich which needed to be revived for the welfare of society. Later, souvenirs were distributed among the guests and participants.
Institute of English Studies organizes an inaugural ceremony
Punjab University Institute of English Studies has celebrated its inauguration ceremony. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saleem Mazhar, the Pro-Vice-Chancellor, graced the event as the Chief Guest while Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities Prof Dr. Amra Raza, Director Dr. Shamaila Dodhy, faculty members, and students participated in the event.
After the auspicious ribbon-cutting ceremony, the chief guest was ushered to the Main Hall where Dr. Shamaila Dodhy, welcomed the guests. In addition to that, she traced a brief history of the former Department of English Language & Literature since its inception in 1963.
In 2021, the Department of English Language & Literature is restructured. The status is raised to Institute of English Studies under the visionary leadership of Vice-Chancellor Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar. The first Director of the Institute of English Studies is Dr. Shamaila Dodhy.
The Director discussed the vision and future prospects of the Institute within an imperative focus on the high standard of teaching & research. The Pro-Vice-Chancellor affirmed interminable support to expand the Institute’s domain even further. Lastly, the Dean of Arts & Humanities, Prof. Dr. Amra Raza, gave a concluding speech of gratitude.
