Latest news with #NationalHeritageandCulture
Business Recorder
5 days ago
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA body slams awarding accreditation to various institutions by NAVTTC
ISLAMABAD: The 15th Meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture was held under the chairmanship of Dr Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi on Friday. The committee criticized on awarding accreditation to various institutions by NAVTTC, stating that the renewal, monitoring, and implementation mechanisms are unsatisfactory and require immediate reform. Members emphasized the need for stricter scrutiny of accredited institutions to ensure compliance with established standards. On the matter of employee's regularization, the committee adopted a clear position that no employee should be excluded from the regularization process. This includes contract employees of the Pakistan Madrassah Education Board (PMEB) who have served for 15 years, daily-wage teachers and lecturers in Islamabad Model Colleges, and staff of the National Institute of Science and Technical Education/National Skills University awaiting reinstatement or regularization. Due to the committee's persistent efforts, a cabinet committee has been formed to address these issues, which has now forwarded the matter to Parliament for necessary legislation. The Department of Archaeology and Museums (DOAM) briefed the committee on its mandate to protect and preserve Pakistan's cultural heritage. Currently, DOAM maintains oversight of 407 nationally protected archaeological sites and monuments, with six located within the Islamabad Capital Territory. The department operates 14 museums across the country and maintains active partnerships with international bodies including UNESCO and the International Council of Museums (ICOM). DOAM highlighted significant accomplishments, particularly the successful recovery of 1,125 illegally trafficked antiquities through coordinated efforts with authorities in the United States, United Kingdom, France, and Italy. The department also reported substantial progress on key conservation initiatives, including the restoration of Rewat Fort and Shah Allah Ditta Caves. Committee members, unanimously, affirmed their support for DOAM's ongoing efforts, and ensured its support in addressing the institutional challenges of limited budgetary allocations for museum modernisation and critical staffing shortages. The committee, particularly, emphasised that the preservation of these heritage assets remains fundamental to safeguarding Pakistan's civilisational identity and projecting the nation's rich cultural legacy. The committee received a briefing about the Pakistan Institute of Education (PIE), which was created following Pakistan's 18th constitutional amendment. The PIE serves as the central hub for education data management, performing three key roles: harmonising provincial education data through its MIS Wing, administering nationwide assessments, and generating research to guide policymaking. The institute works to improve education data reliability, facilitate SDG-4 monitoring, and identify out-of-school children. Through collaborations with UNESCO, LUMS and other partners, PIE enhances data-driven policy formulation for Pakistan's education sector. The meeting was attended by MNA's including Dr AzimudDin Zahid Lakhvi, Anjum Aqeel Khan, Syeda Nosheen Iftikhar, Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Farah Naz Akbar (Parliamentary Secretary), Mussarat Asif Khwaja, Dr Shazia Sobia Aslam Soomro, Mehtab Akbar Rashdi, Mussarat Rafique Mahesar, Abdul Aleem Khan, Sabheen Ghoury, Dawar Khan Kundi, Fiaz Hussain, Muhammad Aslam Ghumman, Wajiha Qamar and Muhammad Moin Aamer Pirzada. The meeting was also attended by officials of Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Higher Education Commission (HEC) and other officers concerned. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
20-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Renowned Urdu humorist remembered
A distinguished literary session was held under the auspices of the Pakistan Academy of Letters (PAL) in memory of the legendary Urdu writer, humourist, broadcaster and diplomat, Syed Ahmad Shah Patras Bokhari. The ceremony also marked the formal inauguration of PAL's newly renovated conference hall by Senator Irfan Siddiqui. The guests spoke about Patras Bokhari's legacy as well as the importance of literary institutions like PAL. The event took place at PAL's head office on Patras Bokhari Road, Islamabad, and was presided over by prominent scholar, writer and Senator Irfan Siddiqui, while the Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, graced the occasion as the chief guest. National Heritage and Culture Parliamentary Secretary Farah Naz Akbar and Secretary Asad Rehman Gilani, attended as guests of honour. This unique event comprised two especially notable segments. The first was a theatrical adaptation of Patras Bokhari's famous essay "Sowere Jo Kal Aankh Meri Khuli", performed artistically by Swaang Theatre, which received high praise from the audience. The performance so moved Federal Minister Aurangzeb Khichi that he announced a special reward for the troupe on the spot. The second highlight was an engaging dialogue session between Dr Farrukh Nadeem and Ayaz Bokhari, grandson of Patras Bokhari. The conversation offered valuable insights into Patras Bokhari's personality, his literary genius and diplomatic endeavours. Documentaries on Bokhari's distinguished life journey were also presented. Senator Irfan Siddiqui offered a comparative analysis of the literary contributions of Patras Bokhari and Farhatullah Baig in the field of Urdu satire and humour. He also shared memorable anecdotes from Bokhari's life and praised the Academy for organising such a meaningful event in his honour. He reassured the audience of the government's commitment to the preservation and support of literary institutions, especially PAL. In her welcome note, Chairperson of PAL Dr Najeeba Arif highlighted Bokhari's literary, intellectual and diplomatic achievements. She presented a comprehensive overview of his mastery of language, wit and depth of thought. She thanked the Secretary of National Heritage and Culture Division for releasing the necessary funds for the renovation of the conference hall and expressed special gratitude to Senator Irfan Siddiqui for his continued patronage of literary institutions like PAL. This session not only served as a tribute to Patras Bokhari but also played an important role in introducing the new generation to the refined tradition of Urdu humour writing. A large number of literary figures and members of Bokhari's family attended the event.
Business Recorder
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Business Recorder
NA panel takes note of leakage of Advanced Level exam papers
ISLAMABAD: The parliamentary panel has taken note of recent reports of the leakage of Advanced Level examination papers conducted by Cambridge University in Pakistan, which have raised serious concerns among students and public in general. 'This incident has raised questions on the integrity of the examination process of Cambridge University in Pakistan,' the parliamentary panel remarked. The meeting of National Assembly Standing Committee on Federal Education, Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture was held on Friday under the chairmanship of Dr Azim Uddin Zahid Lakhvi at Project Coordination Unit (PCU), Islamabad. The committee urged the Cambridge University and relevant authorities to address these critical concerns promptly. In addition, a sub-committee has been formed to discuss the matter and draw recommendations and submit report in 30 days. The sub-committee will discuss to clarify under whose authority and legal framework Cambridge University operates in Pakistan. The committee demanded for transparency regarding the regulatory oversight governing these examinations to ensure accountability. Additionally, Cambridge University must disclose what remedial measures it has taken in the past to address similar leaks and whether those measures were effective in preventing future breaches. Most urgently, steps must be taken to protect affected students from bearing the consequences of this negligence. Possible solutions include re-conducting compromised papers under enhanced security, adjusting grading methodologies to account for the irregularity, and offering supplementary examination opportunities. Cambridge University must also provide a clear and binding commitment to strengthen examination security, investigate the leak thoroughly, and implement stringent measures to prevent recurrence. This incident highlights the need to strengthen Pakistan's own examination boards. The government and educational authorities should invest in modernizing assessment systems, pursue international accreditation for local boards, and establish robust mechanisms to restore public trust and reduce dependency on foreign examination systems. The committee, unanimously, passed, 'The Right to free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Bill, 2025. The bill aims to enhance the educational experience by providing students not only access to free education but also the free necessary tools and skills for digital literacy, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to thrive in an increasingly digital world. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
22-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Rang-e-Pakistan Festival celebrates cultural heritage
The three-day Rang-e-Pakistan Festival officially kicked off under the aegis of the Lok Virsa, National Heritage and Culture Division on Saturday, aiming to promote Pakistan's rich cultural, historical and literary heritage. Federal Secretary for National Heritage and Culture Hassan Nasir Jamy officially inaugurated the festival in which the promotion of Pakistan's rich cultural, historical and literary heritage and the prominent activities of the institutions of the Ministry of National Heritage and Culture were highlighted. This festival will continue from 10am to 10pm daily at the Lok Virsa Complex, Shakarparian. A large number of people from the twin cities attended the festival on the first day. This festival provides an opportunity for skilled craftsmen and artisans to showcase their art and celebrate their art at the national level. The objectives of this festival include honouring skilled craftsmen, folk artists and artisans and encouraging them to continue their respective arts so that this national cultural heritage of ours can be passed on to the new generation. Lok Virsa, being an important institution promoting Pakistani culture, is well aware of the need for gender equality, which is evident in every programme it organises from time to time, as this way, both male and female artists get equal opportunities to express their talents and gain recognition. Many female artists can also be seen showcasing their art at this festival. All the subsidiaries of the ministry, including the Pakistan National Council of the Arts, Pakistan Academy of Letters, Department of Archaeology and Museums, Department of National Language Promotion, National Library of Pakistan, and Quaid-e-Azam Academy, have set up their special stalls in this festival.
Express Tribune
19-02-2025
- Business
- Express Tribune
HEC receives Rs65b grant, NA told
Parliamentary Secretary for Federal Education and Professional Training, National Heritage and Culture Farah Naz Akbar informed the National Assembly on Tuesday that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) receives a grant of Rs65 billion for higher education projects. A significant portion of this funding is allocated to the provinces as part of a new agreement aimed at strengthening Pakistan's higher education sector, she said while responding to a calling attention notice regarding the severe financial difficulties faced by public sector universities.
