Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rizwan, Chairperson, Department of Psychology, University of Wah, conducted a pre-conference workshop titled “The Science of Radicalization and De-Radicalization: A Way Forward in Pakistani Society” on 14 February 2026 as part of the 16th International Conference of the Pakistan Psychological Association (PPA). The workshop was hosted online via Zoom by University of Sindh in alignment with the conference theme of integrating psychological science, policy, practice, and community well-being.
During the session, Prof. Rizwan critically examined contemporary psychological models of radicalization, including the Significance Quest Theory, the 3N Framework (Need, Narrative, Network), and Moghaddam’s Staircase Model, contextualizing them within the socio-cultural landscape of Pakistan. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on identifying local “push and pull” factors, differentiating between disengagement and de-radicalization, and designing community-based interventions for the prevention of violent extremism (PVE).
Prof. Rizwan expressed his sincere gratitude to Prof. Dr. Muniza Shaikh, Chairperson, Department of Psychology, University of Sindh, along with Dr. Lubna, Dr. Shahana, Dr. Farhat Jokhio, Dr. Fouzia, and Dr. Marvi, for their gracious hosting, coordination, and academic collaboration. He also extended special thanks to Ms. Rukhana from the Pakistan Psychological Association for her valuable support and facilitation.
