Countering Violent Extremism in Higher Education Institutes: An Analysis ofCounter Violence Extremism in KIU

Naveed Hasan(MS Scholar IR KIU)

Arguably, Pakistani society has been through the decades of radicalization and violent extremism that is mostly linked to the religious extremist activities which ultimately breeds radicalization. To examine the prevailing issues of radicalization this research aims at investigating the various phenomenon, drivers and approaches of violent extremism in Pakistan. This paper suggests three phases of de-radicalization i.e. protect, prepare and prevent to employ an effective Counter Violence Extremism (CVE) approach in Pakistan. Notable CVE initiatives of Pakistan for reforming inmates have also been discussed in detail. Theoretical underpinnings with highly effective models of Indonesia through family engagement and cyber de-radicalizing, the Malaysia model, which employed CVE through clerics and their sermons, and the U.S. model have been discussed to infer lessons for improving Pakistan’s CVE programs. Pakistan’s counter-terrorism narrative (Paigham-e Pakistan) needs to be taught at public schools and colleges to prevent any future recruitment and terrorist activities. This paper underlines prominent challenges to Pakistan’s CVE efforts and concludes by suggesting that a civilian authority to manage CVE programs will help increase efficiency. It recommends that the government should establish more CVE centers under civilian authority, in order to give onus of responsibility to government.

The only alma mater in Gilgit Baltistan namely, Karakoram International University has had been an epicenter of sectarian conflict for more than a decade. This violent sectarian strife within Karakoram International University proved to be Achilles Heel of entire Gilgit Baltistan. The strife badly affected education system of Karakoram International University and it claimed many innocent lives including the life of an innocent student of Karakoram International University. Besides, many students were restricted from University on the charge of violent extremism, still many students are facing terrorism court cases.

In this regard,Pakistan’s counter-terrorism narrative Paigham-e Pakistan initiated interactive sessions and is arranging seminars once or twice in a year at Karakoram International University Gilgit Baltistan. Basically, the purpose of Paigham Pakistan narrative is to format strategies that can curb violent extremism from Karakorum International University. Besides, Paigham Pakistan is working in various HEC institutions including KIU. Its message/Paigham is to develop solidarity and fraternity in higher education institutions with the collaboration of relevant students and faculty. Additionally, KIU administration with the help of International Islamic University is arranging programs and seminars on Iqbal International Institute of Research and Dialogue (IRD). This year IRD arranged a two-day seminar on Interfaith ceremony in Karakoram International University.

In a nutshell, if we want to see Karakoram International University a place where solidarity fraternity and pacifism will be all around, we should not leave any stone un turn in reducing the barriers in the way of solidarity among the students of Karakoram International University.