The Higher Education Regulatory Authority (HERA) and National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) here at Governor House to counter extremism among youth at higher education institutions.
Addressing the function, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Governor Shah Farman termed the MoU very encouraging and said “We have to protect our youth from menaces of extremism and drugs through a comprehensive strategy.”
He noted that war psychology was implemented in our region in a very systematic manner and later it was converted into terrorism.” adding “we have overcome extremism and terrorism in accordance with our traditions and culture, now we have to protect the youth from indulging these activities against especially drug addiction.”
He emphasized on special legislation for complete eradication of drug use in universities, for which he said the role of Vice Chancellors and faculty members was very imperative.
He said Khyber Medical University should have to take steps to curb use of narcotics in the form of medicine and discourage sale of such drugs in the form of medicines.
Special Assistant to Chief Minister on Higher Education Kamran Bangash, Director General NACTA Mohammad Ali Baba Khel were also present on the occasion. Welcoming the MoU Special Assistant to Chief Minister Kamran Bangash said that the move would go a long way in protecting the youth at higher education from inclining towards extremism.
“We have to protect our young generation from social evils and the role higher education institutions is very important,” he remarked.
In his address, Director General NACTA Muhammad Ali Babakhel termed the MoU as an excellent initiative. The function was also attended by Principal Secretary to Governor Muhammad Idrees Khan, Secretary Higher Education Daud Khan, secretary ST&IT Dr. Amber Ali Khan and Vice Chancellors of Universities.