LAHORE: The four working groups of 27 public sector universities of Punjab on promotion of peace and tolerance on campuses have recommended active involvement of students in various co-curricular activities and holding of dialogue and respecting divergence of opinion and freedom of expression.

The groups`reportsays thereis a need to bridge the gap betweenpolicymakers and stakeholders such as students, faculty and the administration for peaceful and tolerant campuses.

It also recommended no exclusion and marginalisation on the basis of ideology, race, language and gender. `There is a need to address structural problems like curriculum needs to be enriched by incorporating content related to peace, tolerance, volunteerism and civic education.

It also recommended establishment of student service centres and psychological counselling centres, revision of curriculum of Islamic Studies and Pakistan Studies, continuous faculty training, professionalism, de-politicisation and an early identification of students at risk and undertal(ing special stepsfor creating employment opportunities for the university graduates.

`Steps need to be taken for creating an alternate narrative instead of over-emphasising counter narrative. Involvement of external groups/partiesshouldbe stoppedby ensuring autonomy of the universities. There should be a strict check on the formation and operations of sectarian, racial or any other divisive groups on campuses. The university administration should adopt the policy of merit without any prejudice and bias, maintain accountability to provide justice with compassion for provision of conducive and peaceful teaching and learning environment.

The report says the support of the government should be sought if needed to implement the decisionstaken by the university administration for ensuring peace on campuses.

`Universities should strive to develop a culture that promotes dialogue, pluralism and mutual respect.

The report emphasises promotion of bool(-reading culture through organising literary activities, book festivals, neutral and unbiased role of vice chancellors and the administration.

Commenting on the report, Punjab Higher Education Commission Chairman Prof. Dr.

Muhammad Nizamuddin said intolerance, violence and extremism were very serious issues which required immediate attention and structural solutions. He emphasised strengthening and reviving student societies to engage them in positive campus-based activities.