SHEC seminar emphasizes HEIs can navigate challenges, contribute to nation’s stability, progress

The Sindh Higher Education Commission organized a seminar titled “State of Pakistan–Paigham-e-Pakistan: Challenges, Threats, Solutions, and Responsibilities of Institutions” at the International Centre of Chemical and Biological Sciences of the University of Karachi on Wednesday.

The seminar was attended by the vice-chancellors, pro VCs, and deans from 67 universities across Sindh, representing both the public and private sectors. The event focused on the critical role that higher education institutes and mentioned that the HEIs can play in navigating and overcoming the challenges faced by the country while contributing to the nation’s stability and progress.

During his keynote address, Mufti Abdul Rahim of Jamita Al-Rashid elaborated on the importance of Pakistan’s religious foundations and its importance in combating extremist ideologies, saying that this initiative serves as a ray of hope for the nation and guides the youth towards moderation and constructive dialogue.

He said that since the prophethood, the highest status of the state is the concept of jihad for the protection of the state and the forces of Pakistan are Mujahideen. Pakistan is currently facing a dangerous situation.

He mentioned that educational institutions should focus on students’ character-building as well. Fake news is a big problem and when the state is in trouble, one wrong news will affect the whole state. We should speak the truth, our actions and deeds will be right when we speak the truth.

Mufti Abdur-Raheem elaborated on the theological foundations of “Paigham-e-Pakistan” and its significance in countering extremist ideologies. He emphasized that this initiative serves as a beacon of hope for the nation and is instrumental in guiding the youth towards a path of moderation and constructive dialogue.

The Chairman Sindh HEC Professor Dr Tariq Rafi said that Pakistan is currently going through a very difficult phase, we all need to play our role for the development of this country and fight on our own front. Referring the recent developments in Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, he mentioned that these recent happenings make it sad that somewhere our attitude and mindset are not on the right lines and what are the reasons why our youth are influenced by all the things that have negative aspects.

He mentioned that there is a lack of training in our universities, we do not train and brainstorm our students, we are just teaching them for a degree. Universities must ensure training and inspiring students besides teaching them.

He said that he is hopeful that the participation of the vice chancellors of the universities across Sindh in today’s seminar will also ensure the promotion of the message of Pakistan and the training and awareness of the students studying in the universities.

Another speaker, the Director of Kulliya-Tush-Sharia at Ghazali University Mufti Ahmad Afnan said that Pakistan is an Islamic state and the government and forces of Pakistan are bound by the constitution of Pakistan and take oath according to it, therefore, armed actions against the government or forces of Pakistan are certainly in the category of rebellion. They come which are completely forbidden by Sharia.

He mentioned that the suicide attacks that are being carried out in Pakistan are a combination of three types of grave sins, one is suicide, the other is killing an innocent person and the third is rebellion against the Muslim government.

The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi said that without spreading peace, and raising the words of truth, equality, and justice in society, the character of children cannot be formed. He hoped that teachers can play a key role in the character building of youngsters by foster a constructive environment around them.

Mufti Muhammad Yosuf Khan, President of Ittehad ul-Madaris Al-Islamia and member of the central Ruet-e-Hilal Committee, Allama Sheikh Asghar Hussain Shaheedi Secretary General of Hayaat-e-Aaima-e-Masaajid, Mufti Muhammad Abid Mubarak Madani, President of Tanzeem-ul-Masajid Ahl-e-Sunnat Pakistan, Mufti Yahya Majeed, Sheikh ul Hadees at Jamiya-tul-Darasaat-al-Islamia, and Dr Zeeshan Ahmed, Pro-Chancellor of Ghazali University spoke and emphasized the importance of religious harmony and the role of Islamic teachings in promoting peace. They highlighted how the “Pakistan message” is in harmony with the true spirit of Islam, which advocates peace, tolerance and respect for diversity.

They underscored the importance of religious harmony and the role of Islamic teachings in promoting peace. They also highlighted how “Paigham-e-Pakistan” aligns with the true spirit of Islam, which advocates for peace, tolerance, and respect for diversity.

The seminar concluded with a collective commitment to strengthen the “Paigham-e-Pakistan” initiative and work together for a peaceful and prosperous Pakistan. The participants agreed that this initiative is not just a policy but a movement that has successfully united various sections of society with the common goal of peace and stability.