Karachi, An awareness session focusing on the issues of blasphemy material circulating on social media was conducted by Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) as part of the Youm e tahafuz e Namoos e Risaalat (PBUH) observance on March 15. The event, held via online address on Friday morning, drew attention to the collective responsibility of educators, intellectuals, and religious scholars in guiding the youth about the appropriate use of technology and social media, stressing that denial of technology’s benefits is not a solution.
According to Dow University of Health Sciences, the session featured addresses from notable figures including Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, who spoke via video link from HEC Hall Islamabad. Dr. Ahmed emphasized the alarming trend of children overstepping boundaries on social media and the imperative need for corrective measures. The event was simultaneously broadcasted at Abdul Qadeer Khan Auditorium in Ojha Campus and Muin Auditorium in DMC Campus, with significant participation from Vice-Chancellor Professor Mohammad Saeed Quraishy, Pro-Vice-Chancellor Dr. Nazli Hossain, Registrar Ashar Afaque, Principal of Dow Medical College Professor Saba Sohail, and many professors and students.
Professor Dr. Zia-ul-Haq, Director-General of the Islamic Research Institute at International Islamic University Islamabad, expressed regret over the failure to instill in the youth the significance of Pakistan’s creation as a reflection of the state of Medinah and the sanctity of Islamic principles. He highlighted a disturbing case in Gujranwala, underscoring the unexpected involvement of well-off children in activities against their families’ values.
The session also addressed the concerning statistics shared by Advocate Rao Abdul Rahman during an online awareness session of the Legal Commission on Blasphemy in Pakistan. He noted that out of 300 individuals arrested for spreading blasphemous material, 107 were bachelor’s and master’s degree students, pointing to a troubling direction among educated youth. Advocate Rahman further explained that with over four lakh accounts spreading blasphemous content, it’s crucial to dispel any misconceptions about anonymity online, as both the crime and the identity of the perpetrator can be traced with evidence.
The awareness session underscored the importance of regular educational efforts, with a call for such sessions to be held at least four times a year, to prevent participation in harmful activities and contribute to societal stability and respect for core values.