The National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) and the Higher Education Regularity Authority (HERA) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for having effective collaboration on prevention and awareness to combat extremism in Private Educational Institutes in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.
The MoU was signed by Chairman Dr. Amber Ali Khan, HERA and Member (Policy) Asif Saif ullah Paracha, NACTA.
The scope of the MoU is to establish a sustained and effective collaboration and partnership in the areas combating violent extremism in Province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa including the newly merged Districts (NMDs).
Both the organizations will consolidate existing research work in the areas of counter-extremism, which will help in promoting research culture in the public/Private sector as well as improving the policy-making process.
Another main objective of the MoU was to enhance awareness and prevention against extremist ideologies and mindset and to provide education on the topics of counter-extremism through participatory approach of the HERA and to increase awareness programmes.
NACTA will provide the basic themes and sub-topics while HERA will undertake the research through its affiliated universities. Both the parties will take measures to consolidate research work in the areas of counter-extremism.
It was decided that awareness programmes and activities would be initiated for students in area of counter-extremism, de-radicalisation through seminars, workshops, essay competitions, debates, sports events and cultural activities. Academic, sports and extra-curricular activities will be chalked out for this purpose.
The partnership between HERA and NACTA would help sensitize students, faculty and the entire academia on the menace of violent extremism.
A copy of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) can be viewed / downloaded HERE