LAHORE (Dunya News) - The Punjab government has taken a major step toward strengthening efforts against extremism by granting autonomous status to the Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism Punjab Center of Excellence on Countering Violent Extremism.
The standing committee on legislation and privatisation approved the amendment bill, formally paving the way for the institution to function independently. Under the new legal framework, the centre will have perpetual succession, a common seal, and full legal authority to operate as an autonomous body.
The institution will now be empowered to acquire and transfer property, as well as initiate legal proceedings in its own name. The amendment was incorporated into the 2025 act following observations raised by the law department.
The home department had initially proposed granting the institution independent status through a formal summary, which received conditional approval from the finance department, stipulating that all expenditures would be managed within the existing budget.
Officials say the move is aimed at improving institutional efficiency in countering violent extremism, enhancing inter-agency coordination, and strengthening policy implementation mechanisms.