In an era fraught with digital disinformation and extremism, universities have a pivotal role in fostering tolerance and critical thinking to steer society away from violence, stressed Dr. Moeed Wasim Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of Beaconhouse National University (BNU), during an online intellectual session hosted by the University of Turbat (UoT).
The event, titled ‘Live and Let Live in the Digital Age: Combating Radicalism with Knowledge and Critical Thinking,’ was moderated by UoT Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan today. The session drew a significant audience, including students, faculty, and administrative officers from the host university, with staff and students from the University of Gwadar, Makran University, and Lasbela University also participating remotely.
Addressing the attendees via video link, Dr. Yusuf lauded the academic standards and research potential of students and faculty in the Makran region, observing that the youth of Balochistan possess considerable talent. He underscored that university students have a heightened responsibility to disseminate knowledge, skills, and ideas to society, thereby contributing to wider social development.
Dr. Yusuf articulated that the duty of university faculty and administration extends beyond classroom instruction. He advised that they must act as mentors, guiding students intellectually and ethically to help them navigate complex moral choices. He identified the transformation of information into meaningful knowledge and the promotion of research as core university missions.
He firmly stated that sustainable progress in any society cannot be achieved through violence, but rather through patience, mutual respect, and an acceptance of differing viewpoints. ‘Students are the future leaders,’ he remarked, adding that aspiring leaders in any field must cultivate the capacity to tolerate diverse opinions.
While acknowledging freedom of expression as a fundamental right, Dr. Yusuf asserted that the hallmark of an educated individual is the ability to defend one”s perspective with reasoned arguments. He cautioned that reacting emotionally through destructive behaviour or by violating the rule of law is not indicative of a civilised society.
The BNU Vice Chancellor also highlighted the need for honesty between the state and its citizens. He noted that while modern technology presents unprecedented opportunities, it also brings new complexities. He reiterated that extremism and disinformation can be countered effectively through knowledge, tolerance, and critical thinking, with universities at the forefront of nurturing informed and responsible graduates.
In his opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan thanked Dr. Yusuf for his engagement and proposed strengthening collaboration between the two institutions in research, faculty and student exchange programmes, and other areas of mutual interest, a proposal which Dr. Yusuf warmly endorsed.
Furthermore, Dr. Yusuf extended a generous offer to host students from the University of Turbat for a semester at BNU, assuring them of complete institutional support. Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan expressed his deep appreciation for the gesture.
The session concluded with a dynamic question-and-answer segment, allowing students and faculty from all participating universities to interact directly with the guest speaker.