Terrorism Threat Has Taken on a New Form: Punjab Home Secretary

Security Institutions and Civil Society Must Work Together to Eliminate Terrorism, Speakers Emphasize at International Conference
Address by Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri and Other Distinguished Speakers at Minhaj University Lahore

Distinguished speakers from various fields of life emphasized that the fight against terrorism requires a collective effort from the public and all state institutions. Speaking at the First International Conference on Counter-Terrorism and Countering Violent Extremism, organized by Minhaj University Lahore, Punjab Home Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi stated that the threats of terrorism and violent extremism have evolved into new forms. He stressed that addressing these challenges requires active cooperation among state institutions, universities, and civil society.

The international conference was organized in collaboration with the Forum for International Relations Development (United Kingdom – Pakistan Chapter) and the Punjab Centre of Excellence in Countering Violent Extremism.

Addressing the conference, Prof. Dr. Hussain Mohi-ud-Din Qadri, Deputy Chairman of Minhaj University Lahore, stated that the use of force is only one component of a comprehensive strategy. He noted that the complete eradication of terrorism requires effective governance, educational reforms, and the elimination of all forms of injustice. He further observed that ideological deviation, economic deprivation, and institutional weaknesses contribute significantly to the spread of extremism.

He added that Shaykh-ul-Islam Dr. Muhammad Tahir-ul-Qadri, through his scholarly work based on the Qur'an and Sunnah, has categorically declared terrorism and suicide bombings to be forbidden (haram), providing clear guidance for confronting this menace.

Chairman of the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Akhtar, emphasized that universities must promote research, dialogue, and a culture of tolerance to educate the younger generation in moderation, critical thinking, and constructive engagement.

Chairman of the Rehmatul-lil-Alameen Authority, Khurshid Nadeem, remarked that the continued global struggle against terrorism, even after 25 years, demonstrates that significant gaps still exist in current counter-terrorism strategies.

Other speakers at the conference included Lieutenant General (Retd.) Ghulam Mustafa, Dr. Brian J. Phillips, Prof. Taha Qureshi, Dr. Taranjit Singh Batala, Registrar of Minhaj University Lahore Dr. Khurram Shehzad, and Head of the Department of Peace and Counter-Terrorism Studies Dr. Hassan Farooq Mashwani.

Among those in attendance were Dr. Khurram Nawaz Gandapur, Secretary General of Minhaj-ul-Quran International; Brigadier (Retd.) Dr. Muhammad Fayyaz; Brigadier (Retd.) Umar Hayat; Colonel (Retd.) Khalid Javed; Sohail Ahmad Raza; Shahzad Rasool; former Inspector General of Police Shaukat Javed; as well as deans, faculty members, and students of Minhaj University Lahore.