Latest news with #MinistryofFederalEducationandProfessionalTraining
Express Tribune
27-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
'Adabi Rabtay' shines at NBF event
National Book Foundation (NBF), under the auspices of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFE&PT), successfully hosted the third instalment of literary event 'Adabi Rabtay' at its esteemed Ahmed Faraz Auditorium on Tuesday. The event was graced by the presence of Muhammad Hameed Shahid, a distinguished intellectual, acclaimed fiction writer, and respected literary critic, as the chief guest. Guests of honour included celebrated poet, writer, humourist, and sketch writer Salman Basit, renowned poet Abdul Qadir Taban, prominent poetess, writer, and humourist from the younger generation Dr Fakhira Noreen, and emerging writer Bushra Ayub Khan, said a press release on Tuesday. The event was hosted by Nazia Rehman. The opening remarks were delivered by the Secretary NBF, Murad Ali Mohmand. Managing Director of the NBF, Dr Kamran Jahangir, expressed gratitude to the chief guest, guests of honour, and the participants of the event. He also shared details about the NBF's current and upcoming projects. Abdul Qadir Taban recited two splendid ghazals and also presented his poetry in melody, receiving great appreciation and setting a captivating atmosphere in the gathering. Dr Fakhira Noreen presented three poems that were highly praised for their significant themes. The second part of the programme featured a wonderful musical session, where Salman Adil and Qamar Babar mesmerized the audience with their musical talent.
Express Tribune
20-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Third-party validation of Chromebooks purchase sought
Listen to article The government has instructed an independent third-party validation of the procurement process for refurbished Chromebooks by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training. The government has amended the Public Procurement Regulatory Authority (PPRA) rules to allow the Ministry of Education to procure refurbished Chromebooks. "An independent third-party validation must be incorporated into the procurement process, in consultation with the Ministry of Information Technology and Telecommunication, to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of procurement," a source said quoting a decision taken by the federal cabinet in a recent meeting. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training had requested the PPRA to allow it the purchase of 200,000 refurbished Chromebooks for students of schools and colleges under the Federal Directorate of Education in Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) from the open market as these were available at lower prices. The ministry explained that various steps were being taken to renovate schools and colleges in ICT, including both infrastructure and technical upgrades, in order to provide quality education. These steps included the upgrading of existing IT labs in ICT schools and colleges by providing latest gadgets, laptops, smart screens and Chromebooks. The ministry noted that providing new laptops and Chromebooks was a costly solution as some laptops cost over Rs200,000 and new Chromebooks were priced above Rs100,000. This would place a heavy burden on the national exchequer. On the other hand, the refurbished Chromebooks, which had been specifically designed for educational purposes, were available locally at much cheaper and more affordable rates, around Rs50,000 to Rs55,000. The ministry assured the PPRA board that due procurement process would be followed in true spirit. It was noted that the PPRA board, in its 83rd meeting held on October 31, 2024, considered the ministry's request. After reviewing the justification provided by the ministry and following detailed deliberations, the board unanimously resolved to grant exemption from the General Conditions of the Contract, Clause 18 of the Standard Bidding Document for the Procurement of General Goods under Section 21 of the PPRA Ordinance 2002 to the Ministry of Federal Education for the procurement of 200,000 refurbished Chromebooks in different tranches – through open competitive bidding. The ministry was directed to develop generic specifications to ensure wider competition, in addition to other features such as performance, battery life, quality and design, and to insert a warranty clause in the contract document. Section 21 of the PPRA Ordinance stipulates that the authority may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, recommend to the federal government that the procurement of an object or a class of objects in the national interest be exempted from the operation of this ordinance or any rule or regulation made thereunder, or any other law regulating public procurement. Upon such recommendations, the federal government shall exempt the aforesaid objects or class of objects from the operation of laws, rules and regulations made thereunder. In light of the above, the recommendation of the PPRA to grant exemption from the General Conditions of the Contract, Clause 18 of the Standard Bidding Document for Procurement of General Goods for the procurement of refurbished Chromebooks (in different tranches) was presented to the federal cabinet for approval. During ensuing discussion, the minister observed that the Ministry of Federal Education must ensure that the Public Procurement Rules 2004 were transparently followed in the procurement of Chromebooks. These Chromebooks must meet the highest standards and quality. Additionally, an independent third-party validation must be incorporated into the procurement process, in consultation with the Ministry of IT and Telecom, to ensure the authenticity and accuracy of procurement. The cabinet decided that the Ministry of Federal Education shall ensure that the Public Procurement Rules were transparently followed in the procurement of refurbished Chromebooks, which must be of highest standard and quality in their category.
Express Tribune
13-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Timeless hymn's Urdu translation launched
ISLAMABAD: National Book Foundation (NBF) under the auspices of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training hosted the book launch of renowned writer and poet Dr Najeeba Arif's latest literary endeavour, "Nawah e Kazima". The launch took place at the Ahmed Faraz Auditorium on Thursday. "Nawah e Kazima" is a meticulously crafted Urdu translation of the revered "Qaseeda Burda Shareef", a timeless and sacred poem that holds a distinguished place in the Islamic world. Dr Najeeba Arif who is also serving as Chairperson of Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) expressed her heartfelt gratitude to the Managing Director (MD) of the National Book Foundation (NBF) for publishing her book and organising its launching ceremony. She stated that she was deeply indebted to her mother's prayers, which have guided her throughout her journey. "I feel her presence with me in every moment, and I am grateful for the love and support she instilled in me." She said that "May Allah include us all among the lovers and followers of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), and may we continue to draw inspiration from his teachings and legacy." NBF MD Murad Ali Mohmand said that it was an honour to publish Najeeba Arif's book. "Reading culture shall be promoted and it is moral responsibility of everyone to play his or her part in it," he said.
Express Tribune
09-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
Capital colleges offer 'high-impact' IT courses
ISLAMABAD: The federal government has transformed 16 degree colleges in Islamabad into high-impact IT training institutes. In collaboration with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC), registration has begun for three to six-month courses in Artificial Intelligence (AI), Data Science, and Blockchain. The Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (FEPT), NAVTTC, and Pakistan's top universities, including NUST, NUML, GIK, FAST, and COMSATS, have come together to launch IT training programmes. The courses in AI, Data Science, and Blockchain have now been officially launched. In a video statement, the Secretary of the Ministry of FEPT, Mohiuddin Ahmad Wani, stated that the world is moving towards AI. The best universities in the country will offer these modern courses at the colleges, and graduating students will also be enrolled in IT training programs. Wani emphasised that students who complete IT training courses will find it easier to secure jobs. Students who have completed a BS in Mathematics, Computer Science, or Statistics will be eligible for these courses, and students in the seventh semester of their BS programme at universities can also apply. The secretary further mentioned that courses have been launched at colleges across all sectors from G-6 to F-11, encouraging students to apply online soon.
