Ahsan stresses to bring behavioural changes to counter intolerance in society.

ISLAMABAD -- Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives Ahsan Iqbal has stressed the crucial need for bringing a behavioral change in the Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to counter lack of tolerance in the society.

The Minister mentioned that over 3 million students are currently enrolled in HEIs in Pakistan whose potential should be used to eradicate extreme polarization and radicalization in the society.

He was addressing a ceremony held to mark International Day of Peace at Higher Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat on Wednesday. The event was attended by the Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Executive Director HEC Dr. Shaista Sohail, vice chancellors, university students and faculty.

Sharing a personal incident, Mr. Iqbal said, 'On May 6, 2018, I faced an attempt to murder and the bullet from that attack is still inside my body. It reminds me every day of the importance of bringing a positive change in our youth so as to use their potential productively.'

The Minister mentioned the establishment of Young Peace and Development Corps in universities during his previous tenure and said that those societies served as a platform to promote peace and development at grassroot level. He requested the Chairman HEC to revive these societies so Pakistan can advance towards prosperity. He emphasized that it is also our religious responsibility to work towards peace.

He also used the opportunity to raise awareness regarding the floods in Pakistan and sought HEC's support to activate at least 2 million out of the total 3 million of our student body and urge them to raise donations and send off one food bag each to ensure that none of the flood victims sleeps hungry.

Chairman HEC enlightened the students about the history...