13/02/2026
International Day for the Prevention of and Countering Violent Extremism Commemorated in Gilgit
February 12, 2026 — The International Day for the Prevention of and Countering Violent Extremism as and when Conducive to Terrorism was commemorated at Avari Hotel, Gilgit through a consultative workshop supported by the Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and organized by the Gilgit-Baltistan Rural Support Programme (GBRSP) in collaboration with the Provincial Intelligence Fusion & Threat Assessment Center (PIFTAC).
The event was graced by the Honorable Minister for Home & Prisons as Chief Guest and the Minister for Sports, Tourism and Culture as Guest of Honor. Other dignitaries included the Chief Coordinator PIFTAC, Secretary Information Department, Secretary Higher Education Department, Additional Secretary Social Welfare Department, Media Spokesperson to the Chief Minister, President Press Club Gilgit, and representatives of media, civil society, academia, and youth. The workshop brought together government officials, security institutions, media, civil society, academia, and youth representatives to deliberate on coordinated strategies for preventing and countering violent extremism (P/CVE) in Gilgit-Baltistan.
At the outset, the Chief Coordinator PIFTAC briefed participants on the Provincial P/CVE Policy, outlining its importance, implementation framework, and five-year roadmap. He emphasized practical measures being undertaken in collaboration with stakeholders, focusing on prevention, community engagement, rehabilitation, and institutional coordination.
Participants were also briefed on the background of the Day, which was established by the United Nations General Assembly to raise global awareness about violent extremism and promote collective preventive efforts. The role of the National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA) was highlighted, particularly its national P/CVE policy focusing on counter-narratives, de-radicalization, and inter-agency coordination.
A panel discussion on “Prevention/Countering Violent Extremism and the Role of Stakeholders in Gilgit-Baltistan” featured insightful exchanges on collaborative actions, community resilience, and counter-narrative strategies.
In his keynote address, the Minister for Home & Prisons emphasized the region’s legacy of peace and harmony, stressing skills development, education, employment opportunities, community policing, and interfaith harmony as key factors in countering extremism.
The Minister for Sports, Tourism and Culture highlighted the role of sports, tourism, and cultural promotion in constructively engaging youth and fostering social cohesion across the region.
The Special Representative/ Spokesperson to the Chief Minister Gilgit-Baltistan emphasized youth nurturing and the role of education in promoting awareness and resilience against extremist ideologies. He also highlighted responsible social media use and the collective promotion of peace, harmony, and social cohesion.
Academia and stakeholders appreciated the initiative of PIFTAC and GBRSP, with support from PPAF, acknowledging their contributions to regional development through community projects, workshops, and dialogue platforms.
The workshop concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen partnerships and advance coordinated efforts to prevent and counter violent extremism in Gilgit-Baltistan.