News
The University of Sargodha and the Punjab Probation & Parole Service, Home Department Punjab, formally signed a Memorandum of Understanding to promote academic collaboration, student internships, andjoint research, while also enhancing efforts related to the rehabilitation, reformation, and reintegration of offenders placed on probation and parole.
The MoU ceremony was held at the University of Sargodha and was chaired by the Worthy Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, along with Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Masood SarwarAwan. Deans of various faculties, senior administrative officers, and faculty members, Muhammad Amir Aslam Assistant Director Sargodha Division from PP & PS, also attended the event.
As part of the formal signing, the MoU was signed on behalf of the Punjab Probation & Parole Service by Mr. Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Director General, and on behalf of the University of Sargodha by Prof. Dr. Ahmad Raza Bilal, Director ORIC.
In his remarks, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas highlighted the University’s dedication to fostering partnerships that support community welfare. He said that this collaboration reflects our mission to integrate research, experiential learning, and community engagement in addressing pressing societal challenges.
Director General Muhammad Shahid Iqbal emphasized the significance of academic–institutional partnerships in improving community-based correctional systems. He said that our goal is to empower probationers and parolees through structured support, and this MoU opens new doors for research-driven and skill-enhancing initiatives.
The agreement outlines key areas of cooperation, including joint research, student internships at PP&PS offices, capacity-building workshops, and specialized training sessions to enhance rehabilitation efforts and community awareness.
Following the MoU ceremony, the Career Development Centre hosted an interactive session titled “Building Bridges: Strategies to Reduce Violent Extremism” at the Lincoln Corner, UoS. The session featured Muhammad Shahid Iqbal, Director General PP&PS, as the keynote speaker.
Addressing students and faculty, the DG shared insights into modern approaches to preventing violent extremism, including early intervention, counseling frameworks, risk assessment models, and the role of educational institutions in promoting resilience and social harmony.He emphasized
That Violent extremism cannot be countered by force alone; it requires education, awareness, and meaningful community partnerships.
Students from the Departments of Social Work, Sociology, and Criminology attended the session along with the faculty members. The event included an engaging discussion where students asked questions related to deradicalization efforts, rehabilitation methods, and community policing strategies.
