Peaceful society top priority, steps underway to eliminate extremism: Home Secy

Punjab Home Department Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said on Wednesday that establishing a peaceful and harmonious society was the top priority of the provincial government, adding that comprehensive measures were being taken to eliminate extremism and promote tolerance

LAHORE, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 29th Apr, 2026) Punjab Home Department Secretary Dr. Ahmad Javed Qazi said on Wednesday that establishing a peaceful and harmonious society was the top priority of the provincial government, adding that comprehensive measures were being taken to eliminate extremism and promote tolerance.

He expressed these views while addressing a training workshop organised by the Punjab Home Department for representatives of civil society and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), attended by stakeholders from 262 NGOs.

The workshop was arranged in collaboration with the Punjab Charity Commission (PCC), Punjab Forensic Science Agency (PFSA), Center for Excellence (CoE) and Civil Defence.

Speaking on the occasion, the secretary emphasised that mutual trust, transparency, and collaboration between the government and civil society were essential for public welfare, youth development and the promotion of awareness programmes. He said that a comprehensive awareness campaign was underway for child protection and to curb child abuse, adding that special focus was being given to training and development of youth.

Dr. Ahmad further said that vocational training and adult education systems were being introduced in Punjab prisons, while strict action was being taken against organized beggar mafias.

He said that Punjab Probation and Parole had been upgraded, and a community service model had been introduced for accidental offenders.

Highlighting further initiatives, he said that under the Punjab Civil Defence Resilience Corps, millions of young volunteers were being trained, while Safe City infrastructure was being expanded across the province and the public safety app had improved emergency response mechanisms.

He said that strict anti-narcotics laws had been enforced in the province, with penalties of up to 25 years imprisonment and heavy fines, particularly for drug use or sale around educational institutions where a zero-tolerance policy was in place.

He added that religious scholars and prayer leaders had also been engaged to support government efforts in promoting peace, tolerance, and countering extremism.

During the workshop, detailed discussions were held on promoting social harmony, strengthening cooperation, understanding the regulatory framework, and adopting integrated strategies to address socio-economic challenges.

Among others, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of PCC Shahzad Amir, Chief Coordination Officer Center for Excellence Ghulam Sagheer Shahid, Director General PAFDA Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, and Director Civil Defence Tasneem Ali Khan also addressed the participants, while a detailed briefing was given on institutional scope, rules, and future roadmap.