HEC, Nacta to jointly work towards campus deradicalization

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the National Counter-Terrorism Authority (Nacta) have joined hands to counter extremism and terrorism through joint research and collaboration with a special focus on campus extremism.

At a ceremony held at the HEC on Thursday, both the organisations signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to jointly carry out research on topics related to terrorism and extremism.

The HEC and Nacta will engage faculty members and students from universities across the country in developing a national strategy to counter on-campus extremism.

Acting Executive Director HEC retired Lt Gen Mohammad Asghar and Nacta National Coordinator Khaliq Dad Lak signed the MoU.

MoU signed to jointly carry out research on topics related to terrorism and extremism

Nacta said the purpose and scope of the MoU was to foster partnership between the two organisations in combating extremism and terrorism through joint research and collaboration.

“This will help in promoting research culture in public sector as well as improving policy making process. Another main objective of the MoU is to enhance awareness/prevention against extremist ideologies and mindset and to provide education on the topics of counter extremism and counter terrorism through participatory approach of the HEC and to increase awareness programmes through the support of HEC.”

It was decided that awareness programmes and activities would be initiated for students in area of counter-extremism, de-radicalisation and counter-terrorism through seminars, workshops, essay competitions, debates, sports events and cultural activities.