Safety at varsities: Official report defines 34 points for peaceful campuses

Says students should be involved in various co-curricular activities

LAHORE: A 34-point report has been prepared to promote peace and tolerance on university campuses in Punjab and it suggests an alternate narrative should be developed.

It was prepared by the Working Group on Promotion of Peace and Tolerance at University Campuses after a two-day consultative session was held between different stakeholders. The group was formed by the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC)

The report suggested the active involvement of students in various co-curricular activities, no exclusion and marginalisation on the basis of ideology, race, language and gender. It recommended respecting difference of opinions and expression of thoughts through dialogue and by promotion of social sciences (e.g. art and culture, citizenship studies, sociology, languages and humanities).



The working group proposed addressing structural problems such as the need to enrich the curriculum by incorporating content related to peace, tolerance, volunteerism and civic education. It also called for the establishment of student service centres and psychological counselling centres, revision of the curriculum of Islamic Studies and Pak-Studies, continuous faculty training, professionalism, de-politicisation and early identification of students at risk. The group also stated it was essential to create employment opportunities for university graduates.

The report stated it was important to bridge the gap between policymakers and stakeholders. It added steps were needed to create an alternate narrative instead of overemphasising on counter narrative. “Involvement of external groups/parties should be stopped by ensuring autonomy of the universities,” it stated. Furthermore, the report urged a strict check on the formation and operations of sectarian, racial or divisive groups on campuses.

The report emphasised over promotion of book reading culture through organising literary activities and book festivals, organising intra-university festivals or competitions, undertaking community outreach programmes through university magazines, newsletters and campus radio, conducting a survey on students to assess their perceptions related to peace and tolerance. It recommended an effective implementation of National Action Plan at all levels and neutral and unbiased role of vice-chancellors and administration.

Published in The Express Tribune, May 7^th, 2017.