Latest news with #PunjabHigherEducationCommission
Business Recorder
05-07-2025
- Business
- Business Recorder
‘R&D clusters to be set up in Punjab's varsities'
FAISALABAD: Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan on Friday said that research and development clusters will be set up in order to integrate R&D strength among all universities of the Punjab. He chaired Vice Chancellors meeting at Syndicate Room, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF). UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali, GCUF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Rauf-i-Azam, GCWUF Vice Chancellor Prof DrKanwal Ameen, Vice Chancellors of different universities including Dr Faheem Aftab, Dr Zafar Ali Ch, Dr Yasir Nawab, Dr Zubair, Dr Bushra Mirza, Dr Saeed, Dr Ashfaq, Dr Sajjad Mubin and others also attended. Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan said it is prerequisite to break the silos among the scientists of universities to ensure national development based on knowledge economy. He directed the Vice Chancellor to propose research centers in collaboration with other higher education institutions. He also clarified that the clusters will be established without the bricks and mortars by finding best brains of different fields and funding will be provided to run sustainable R&D activities. He said that the centers would range from science, agriculture, engineering to arts and humanities etc. He also told the meeting that governance and institutional reforms were being made in Higher Education institutions to enhance the performance keeping the challenges in view. He also sought the recommendations from the Vice Chancellors for the said cause. He said that framework will be carried out for public private partnership for the universities that will help commercialize the latest technologies and research. He added that mushroom growth of affiliated colleges was hampering quality of education and this matter should be addressed on the part of Vice Chancellors. He also directed the universities to establish HR Office, strengthened financial aid and business Incubation centers as well. He said that they are collaborating with civil service academy for the training of Vice Chancellors and in August a week long training session will be carried out for 23 newly appointed Vice Chancellors. He also discussed establishment of dedicated honhaar units on campus to oversee scholarship activities. He said that many talented students cannot avail the opportunity of higher education due to financial constraint. The government is providing ample scholarships to enrolled students but the students from the deprived segment of the society cannot even take admission because they do not have money to pay the first fee essential to take admission. He said that the students which names appeared in merit list now be able to take admission on scholarship without paying any money and the mechanism is being evolved in this regard. He also directed higher education institutes to nominate educators for TEOSL and global open course being run by US Department of State. He also asked the Vice Chancellors to mobilize the faculty and students to avail google career certification program. UAF Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Zulfiqar Ali said that the UAF has sought the proposal from the scientists for research centers especially to address food security, livestock, climate change and water etc issues. He said that institutional reforms are need of the hour in higher education to ensure the quality manpower and research. He added that the university was housing research projects with the help of international centers including Center for Advanced Studies, Pak korea Nutrition Center, Confucius Institute, Seed Center and others. Dr Rauf-i-Azam said that his institution was taking all possible measures to produce trained manpower. Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen praised the step of PHEC being taken for the reforms of education in the Punjab. Copyright Business Recorder, 2025
Express Tribune
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Lahore hosts Pakistan's first Farm Animal Welfare Conference
Listen to article Marking a significant milestone for animal welfare in Pakistan, the country's first-ever Farm Animal Welfare Conference concluded in Lahore with a compelling declaration. The conference urged policymakers to reform national laws and policies in accordance with Islamic values, scientific research, and international standards of animal well-being. Organized by the Pakistan Animal Rights Advocacy Group (PARAG), the one-day summit brought together leading voices from academia, veterinary sciences, law, agriculture, environmental science, and faith-based communities. Keynote addresses were delivered by Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission and former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, and Dr. Muhammad Arshad. Read: Animal sacrifice hits hard amid skyrocketing prices this Eid Other prominent speakers included Islamic scholar Mufti Syed Adeel, environmentalist Dr. Mahnoor Fatima, renowned veterinary expert Dr. Zahid Mehmood, animal rights lawyer Uzma Qureshi, and farmer representative Chaudhry Naeem. Speakers highlighted the multifaceted dimensions of animal welfare, advocating for humane treatment, ethical farming practices, and the need to integrate animal compassion into national values. The conference declaration voiced deep concern over outdated animal welfare laws in Pakistan and emphasized the urgent need for reforms in animal housing, farming, and slaughtering practices. It also noted a significant lack of training among farmers and slaughterhouse staff. Participants unanimously asserted that kindness to animals is not merely a moral obligation but a religious duty, reinforcing that under Article 14 of the Constitution of Pakistan, the state is responsible for upholding dignity including that of animals. Read more: Animals tug at kids' hearts Panel discussions addressed a range of critical issues including legislative reform, improved nutrition and housing for animals, Shariah-compliant slaughter methods, protection of native flora and pollinators such as bees, and hands-on farmer education. Speaking on the occasion, PARAG Chairperson Ayeza Haider emphasized that the summit marks a transformative step toward reshaping public consciousness. 'It is time we move beyond viewing animals solely as commodities. Treating them with empathy and compassion should be seen as a hallmark of a truly humane and noble society,' she said.
Express Tribune
14-03-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Punjab Higher Education Commission bans indian songs an dances in colleges
Listen to article The Punjab Higher Education Commission has imposed a ban on dancing to Indian songs and other immoral and indecent activities in both public and private colleges. A circular has been issued to the Directors of Colleges and Principals across the province. According to the circular, dances to Indian songs and such performances are prohibited during sports galas and fun fairs in colleges, and obscene clothing or language will also be banned. The Higher Education Commission clarified in the circular that it is the responsibility of college administrations to ensure the education and moral upbringing of both male and female students. The circular further warned that strict action would be taken against those responsible for any violations in this regard.
