(Publish from Houston Texas USA)
(By Zafar Chishti, Bureau Chief Punjab Pakistan)
Dr Imtiaz Dogar addresses seminar at University of Agriculture Faisalabad(UAF), highlights 40% rise in campus hate speech over five years
FAISLABAD: One out of four university students are exposed to extremist content online while 40 percent increase in hate speech incidences is witnessed at campuses during the five years across the country.It was said by Dr Imtiaz Dogar, the Head Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences Faisalabad Medical University while addressing a seminar titled “From Learning Spaces to Social Peace: Empowering Minds to Prevent Violence and Extremism”. The event was organized by the Institute of Agricultural Extension, Education and Rural development at University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).
He added that critical behavioral red flags often precede violence and extremism, such as sudden social withdrawal, persistent anger, rigid thinking patterns and intolerance toward differing viewpoints. He discussed unique risk factors prevalent in Pakistani universities, including social isolation, unchecked emotional stress, exposure to extremist narratives and lack of constructive engagement. He emphasized that strengthening students’ emotional resilience is essential to counter negative tendencies. He added that campuses must serve as breeding grounds for peace, critical thinking and mutual respect.
Regional Director Faisalabad Social Welfare Khalida Rafiq emphasized that preventing violence and extremism requires collective social responsibility. She said families, educational institutions and community organizations must work together to nurture tolerance and respect among youth. She said that intolerance and extremism can be effectively prevented by nurturing critical inquiry, ethical values and inclusive learning environments. She urged universities to introduce awareness programs, counseling services and community engagement initiatives to build a peaceful campus culture.Director Institute of Agri Extension, Dr Babar Shahbaz said that teachers must act not only as educators but also as mentors who can recognize early warning signs in students’ behavior. He added that strengthening student-teacher interaction can significantly reduce misunderstandings and frustration. He noted that constructive engagement is the most effective way to prevent violence and promote unity on campus.Dr Samina Tahira and Jahanzaib Tariq also spoke on the occasion.
For more information please visit our National news.
