Punjab University VC inaugurates Center for Civility and Integrity Development

The University of the Punjab formally inaugurated the Center for Civility and Integrity Development (CCID), marking a significant step toward promoting ethical awareness, social cohesion, and responsible citizenship among students.

The inauguration ceremony was led by Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali, who cut the ribbon and unveiled a commemorative plaque, attended by a distinguished gathering of students, faculty members, and guests, including CCID Patron and Pro-Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Director CCID Dr Shabbir Ahmad Khan, Brigadier Asjad Baloch, and Colonel Rehan Khan.

The event began with the national anthem, followed by a recitation of the Holy Quran and a Naat in praise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), setting a solemn and respectful tone for the occasion.

Dr Shabbir Ahmad Khan welcomed the attendees and outlined the objectives of the newly inaugurated Center, emphasizing the need to strengthen the moral and ethical character of students alongside academic instruction.

He stated that the CCID aims to instill high ethical standards, and foster responsibility, integrity, and civic consciousness in the younger generation.

In his address, Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali highlighted the pivotal role universities play in social reform and national development, asserting that academic institutions, in collaboration with national and provincial organizations, can be catalysts for promoting tolerance, patience, and mutual respect in society.

He also paid tribute to the armed forces and national leadership for their continued service toward maintaining Pakistan’s security and stability.

Brigadier Asjad Baloch stressed the importance of cooperation and coordination between universities and national institutions. He emphasized that for the country’s security and protection, collaboration between academic institutions, government bodies, and law enforcement is crucial.

Highlighting the potential of youth as the nation’s greatest asset, he noted that teachers play a frontline role in shaping the intellectual and moral foundations of students.

Colonel Rehan Khan elaborated on the necessity of integrating research on key national issues with teaching and learning.

He pointed out that modern, well-structured research is essential to address societal imbalance, intolerance, and extremism, and universities are ideally positioned to undertake such work through faculty-student collaboration.

Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Patron of the CCID, emphasized that universities are not merely centers of instruction but spaces where individuals from diverse social, regional, and linguistic backgrounds interact.

He highlighted that fostering respect for differing viewpoints is a hallmark of a truly civilized society.

The ceremony concluded with a consensus on the need to strengthen coordination between national and provincial institutions and universities, with students and faculty reaffirming their readiness to work closely alongside national security bodies.

The event ended on a cordial note with tea, coffee, and refreshments for all attendees.

Dr Shabbir Ahmad Khan is a highly qualified academic with substantial experience in the United States, making him well-suited to lead the Center for Civility and Integrity Development as its Director.

He completed his PhD in Political Science at West Virginia University, United States of America in 2021, building on a solid foundation of graduate studies in the same field at Ohio University (US) and a Pre-Academic program at the University of Arizona (US).

Dr Khan has been an Instructor in the Department of Political Science at West Virginia University since 2008, where he taught courses such as Introduction to International Relations (POLS 260) and American History and Politics at The American Centre and US Consulate.

His academic journey in the US has been marked by prestigious honors, including a Fulbright Scholarship and Award, as well as making the Honor Roll at the University of Arizona. With over a decade of teaching and research experience in the American academic environment, Dr Khan brings a global perspective and deep understanding of political science, which he leverages to promote ethical values, critical thinking, and social responsibility among students at the Center. 

Not only did he contribute to developing the objectives and curricula for the courses offered at the Center, but he was also involved in overseeing the furniture selection, plant arrangements, seating, and overall foundation of the Center.

With the establishment of the Center for Civility and Integrity Development, Punjab University takes a proactive step in nurturing ethical values, civic responsibility, and social harmony, ensuring that Pakistan’s youth are equipped not only with academic knowledge but also the moral compass to contribute positively to the nation’s development.

Official Statement: https://pu.edu.pk/home/section/exam/16721