IUB hosts academic session on teachers’ role in promoting peace,tolerance

BAHAWALPUR, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 24th Apr, 2026) The Department of World Religions and Interfaith Harmony at The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB),under the Punjab Higher Education Commission’s event series (March–May 2026) on Friday organized an academic program focusing on the role of teachers in promoting peace and tolerance.

The session,titled “Shaping Minds and Building Character:The Role of Teachers in Promoting Peace and Tolerance,” witnessed participation from a large number of teachers,researchers and students representing national and international universities.

Speaking at the event,Dr.Sajeela Kausar,Chairperson of the department and focal person for the series, stressed the critical role of teachers in addressing challenges such as extremism and intolerance.

She said educators must ensure not only academic instruction but also moral development and character building of students.

She added that universities can significantly contribute to promoting peace, tolerance and positive social values in society.

Guest speaker,Dr.Ayesha Qurrat-ul-Ain,Assistant Professor at the International Islamic University Islamabad and Senior Humboldt Research Fellow at the Freiburg Institute for Advanced Studies,Germany,termed teachers the “architects of society.

” She said educators are responsible for instilling tolerance,dialogue and respect for diversity among students, adding that value-based education was essential for building a peaceful and harmonious society.

She further stressed the importance of critical thinking, ethical responsibility and social awareness through curricular and extracurricular engagement,noting that teachers must serve as role models in their conduct and teaching practices.

In his presidential address,Dean Faculty of Islamic and Arabic Studies,Professor Dr.Sheikh Shafeeq-ur-Rehman said teachers play a fundamental role in promoting peace and tolerance.He maintained that a strong focus on character building and positive values within educational institutions can help curb extremism in society.

He also reaffirmed the university’s commitment to continuing such academic activities for promoting a moderate and peaceful society.

A large number of faculty members and students attended the program.