Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives (MoPDSI) Mr Ahsan Iqbal held a meeting with a delegation led by Mr. Steve Smith, the UK Government’s International Education Champion, along with officials of the British High Commission, including County Director Pakistan, James Hampson, and Jo Moir, Director of Development, British High Commission.

Minister Iqbal discussed key recommendations aimed at fostering closer ties and enhancing collaboration between educational institutions in both countries. The recommendations proposed by the Minister included initiating faculty training programs to bolster academic expertise across borders, encouraging UK universities to establish campuses in Pakistan to promote educational accessibility, and harnessing the expertise of Pakistani scholars in UK universities to develop specialized knowledge clusters on Pakistan, facilitating stronger academia-to-masses connections.

Highlighting the imperative for joint research initiatives, Minister Iqbal emphasized the importance of establishing joint research groups and fostering collaborations between PhD scholars from both countries. “Pakistan envisions a future where universities in Pakistan are categorized into the Champions League (having first-tier universities) and the National League (having second-tier universities), driving excellence and accessibility in higher education,” stated Minister Iqbal.

Echoing the sentiment, Mr. Steve Smith reaffirmed the UK government’s commitment to fostering international partnerships in education, citing the presence of over 20,000 Pakistani students in the UK and 8,000 students pursuing degree programs in Pakistan supported by the British government.

Recalling transformative steps taken by the Pakistani government to enhance higher education standards, the Minister told the delegation, “In the last tenure, I worked hard with HEC to develop a quality assurance model in consultation with the UK. As a result, a new performance audit was conducted for every university to improve the quality of higher education in Pakistan.”

Highlighting the power of collaboration between the UK and Pakistan, the Minister stated that the Revamped Quality Assurance (QA) Framework for Higher Education in Pakistan, which was launched in 2023, was made possible through extensive support by the British Council Pakistan. The Performance Audit Framework of HEC is aligned with the Government of Pakistan’s seven themes on Quality Assurance for higher education.

The Revamped QA Framework represents a paradigm shift in how higher education quality is assessed, maintained, and enhanced. Crafted through collaboration with renowned British experts, the framework aligns with global best practices while addressing the unique needs of the Pakistani education landscape. The Revamped QA Framework enhances the recognition and reputation of Pakistani institutions on the global stage. It promotes collaboration, quality enhancement, and academic integrity.

Drawing comparison with South Asian countries, Minister Ahsan Iqbal said, “School enrollment in India at the tertiary level is 31.57 percent, in Bangladesh it is 22.84 percent, while in Pakistan it is 12.5 percent according to the World Bank collection of development indicators, a study done in 2022.” Pakistan is developing a knowledge ecosystem that will attract people to pursue higher education. The Minister emphasized that the government is dedicated to ensuring that every young person who is capable of pursuing higher education must have access to a university.

Addressing regulatory challenges, both sides underscored the need for streamlined regulations, with a particular emphasis on minimizing hurdles for universities and strengthening the link between research institutions and economic growth. The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to further dialogue and concrete action towards realizing the outlined recommendations, solidifying the foundation for enduring academic cooperation between the two countries.

Related: Ahsan inaugurates three centers of excellence in LUMS, GIKI, UET

A one-day national workshop on “Educational Policy Development and Analysis” was held at Main Campus, Township of University of Education (UoE) Lahore. The event was organized by the Department of Educational Leadership & Policy Studies, UoE.

The workshop was inaugurated by the Chief Guest, Prof. Dr. Nizam ud Din, Pro Rector, Superior University, who emphasized the importance of evidence-based policy making in education. “Policies should be informed by research and data, rather than intuition or personal biases,” he said. “Only then can we ensure that our education system is equitable, inclusive, and effective in preparing our students for the challenges of the 21st century.”

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Education, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Alam Saeed, presided over the ceremony and highlighted the need for continuous professional development of educators and policymakers. “Education is a dynamic field, and we must stay abreast of the latest trends and research to provide high-quality education to our students,” he said. “Workshops like this provide a valuable opportunity for us to come together, share our experiences, and learn from each other.”

Dr. Ijaza Ahmed Tatlah, the host of the event, briefed the participants on the objectives of the workshop. The workshop featured renowned resource persons, including Ms. Navera Abrar, Dr. Kiran Hashmi, and Ms. Faiqa Asim from the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi. Prof. Dr. Ayaz Muhammad Khan, Director, UE Division of Education, extended a warm welcome to the guests and participants.

The workshop aimed to bring together educators, policymakers, and researchers to discuss and analyze the latest trends and challenges in educational policy development. The event provided a platform for participants to share their experiences, best practices, and research findings, and to explore ways to improve the quality of education in Pakistan. Dr. Muhamamd Anwer, Dr. Naima Qureshi, Dr.Qudsia Fatima, Prof. Dr. Ashaq Hussain Dogar, Dr. Muhammad Amin and large number of students were also present on this occasion.

Related: UoE and Birmingham University Collaborate

In a landmark move aimed at fostering educational empowerment, Alkhidmat Foundation, Riphah International University, and the Palestine Embassy in Pakistan have joined hands to provide comprehensive support to Palestinian students. The partnership, solidified through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signing ceremony held in Islamabad, marks a significant step towards enhancing educational opportunities for Palestinian youth.

The MoU, signed by Prof. Dr. Hafeez, President of Alkhidmat Foundation, Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, Vice Chancellor of Riphah University, and Ambassador Rabaie Ahmed, Palestinian Ambassador to Pakistan, outlines plans to offer full scholarships to 100 Palestinian students. These scholarships will cover tuition fees and living expenses, easing the financial burden on aspiring scholars.

The collaborative initiative aims not only to provide educational support but also to facilitate the immigration process for Palestinian students wishing to study in Pakistan. By extending a welcoming hand to Palestinian youth, the partnership seeks to create an environment conducive to academic growth and cross-cultural exchange.

The signing ceremony, held amidst a backdrop of enthusiasm and camaraderie, witnessed the presence of esteemed dignitaries from all three organizations. Syed Waqas Jafri, Secretary General of Alkhidmat Foundation, and Ahmad Jibran Bloch, National Director of Education at Alkhidmat, graced the occasion alongside representatives from Riphah University and the Palestine Embassy in Pakistan.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Hafeez emphasized the importance of education as a tool for empowerment and solidarity. He expressed Alkhidmat’s commitment to supporting marginalized communities worldwide, reaffirming the organization’s dedication to humanitarian causes.

Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad echoed these sentiments, highlighting the transformative potential of education in shaping a brighter future for Palestinian students. He stressed the significance of international partnerships in fostering global cooperation and understanding.

Ambassador Rabaie Ahmed expressed gratitude for the collaborative efforts aimed at uplifting Palestinian youth. He lauded the initiative as a testament to the enduring friendship between Pakistan and Palestine, rooted in shared values of solidarity and compassion.

The partnership between Alkhidmat Foundation, Riphah University, and the Palestine Embassy stands as a beacon of hope for Palestinian students aspiring to pursue higher education. Through this historic collaboration, the three organizations pledge to nurture talent, promote academic excellence, and pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable world.

Related: Bahria University Students Donate to Alkhidmat for Palestinian Relief

During his visit to Government College University (GCU) Lahore, Iranian President Dr. Seyyed Ebrahim Raisi emphasized the deep-rooted historical, religious, cultural, and civilizational ties between Pakistan and Iran. He underscored the mutual interest in nurturing centers of arts, learning, and scientific advancement.

In his address to students and faculty, President Raisi highlighted the importance of prioritizing arts, sciences, and technology to bolster national standing on the global stage. He emphasized the pivotal role of universities as hubs for research and learning, advocating for a comprehensive educational strategy to yield fruitful results.

Acknowledging the resonance of Allama Iqbal’s poetry in Iran, President Raisi underscored the shared cultural heritage between the two nations. He reaffirmed Iran’s alignment with Pakistan on issues like the Palestinian cause.

Furthermore, President Raisi expressed Iran’s commitment to strengthening collaboration with Pakistan, particularly in energy and other key sectors. He extended gratitude to Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif and Chief Minister Punjab Maryam Nawaz Sharif for their warm hospitality during his visit.

In her remarks, GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir extended a warm welcome to President Raisi, emphasizing the potential for bilateral cooperation between Pakistan and Iran in the education sector to pave the way for progress and development.

Related: GCU welcomes first female head in its 160 years history

A delegation of leading UK universities, education champions and experts led by the UK Government’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, has embarked on a five-day visit to Pakistan. This significant visit aims to strengthen educational ties between the two nations and explore opportunities for long-term, collaborative partnerships in higher education.

The visit co-organised by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, the British High Commission, British Council in Pakistan, the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Department for Education (DfE), comprises of senior representatives from the UK Government, British Council and 16 leaders of UK higher education providers and sector organisations who look forward to deepening, expanding and setting up new links with their Pakistani counterparts. The visit supports the objectives of the flagship initiative Pakistan UK Education Gateway launched in 2018.

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui was chief guest in the inaugural conference held at HEC Secretariat on Monday. Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, UK International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, British High Commissioner, Jane Marriot, Executive Director HEC, Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Director Education, British Council, Maddalaine Ansell, vice chancellors from various public and private universities, education experts and other stakeholders were present on the occasion. The conference was marked by the launch of Transnational Education Policy (TNE).

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui said that such collaborations will serve as a bridge between the two countries. The Government, he said, would leave no stone unturned to support such initiatives in Pakistan for the development of higher education sector. He asserted that collaborations in higher education sector will also improve people to people contact which will further strengthen the bilateral relations.

Chairman HEC Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that the landscape of higher education has transformed in Pakistan over last two decades. “Internationalization and collaborative work with the world leading universities is an important strategic priority of HEC which aims to pitch Pakistan on the higher education and research arena and also provide as means of knowledge transfer, improve quality of learning and productivity of research, build governance and leadership potential, and enhance access to world’s best education at affordable cost.”

He said that the visit of higher education leaders from UK is a significant endeavour to co-work with UK universities for improvement of higher education, research and development in Pakistan. “The TNE policy aims at prompting access to high quality international education to a wider society and advance social and economic development. I am confident that the visit will unfold huge opportunities for enhancing person to person and institution to institution cooperation on sustainable basis for mutual dividends.”

The UK Government’s International Education Champion Sir Steve Smith said, “Building on the positive momentum of our work in Pakistan, I am thrilled to lead this delegation. Pakistan’s dynamic higher education sector boasts impressive growth, and we see immense potential for collaboration. We are committed to fostering partnerships that create a lasting impact through knowledge exchange and joint initiatives.”

British High Commissioner to Pakistan Jane Marriott said, “The UK and Pakistan share a long history of educational exchange, and this visit signifies our unwavering commitment to strengthening these ties further. By working together, our universities can address global challenges, cultivate future-ready graduates, and contribute to the continued growth of Pakistan’s higher education sector. “

In his closing remarks, Executive Director HEC Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum underlined that the collaboration between the Pakistani and the UK higher education institutions is aimed at benefiting from one another’s strengths. He said HEC is committed to enabling and facilitating faculty-to-faculty, programme-to-programme, and institution-to-institution partnerships. Reiterating HEC’s commitment to safeguarding the learners’ interest, the Executive Director referred to the National Qualification Framework (NQF) and assured that HEC is working on the NQF having a perspective in the TNE. He maintained that HEC is mindful of the significance of dual or joint degree programmes.

The opening ceremony was followed by a panel discussion on Advancing Sustainable Collaboration by Pakistani and UK academicians. Vice Chancellor NED UET Karachi Dr. Sarosh Hashmat Lodhi, Rector NUST Lt. Gen. (R) Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Vice Chancellor UAF Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan, and Vice Chancellor PIFD Prof. Ms. Hina Tayyaba Khalil were the Pakistani academicians who took part in the discussion. On the UK side, the discussion was joined by Vice Chancellor Oxford Brookes University Prof. Alistair Fitt, Pro Vice Chancellor Staffordshire University Prof. Raheel Nawaz, and Dean Global Engagement, University of Glasgow, Prof. Moyra Boland. Panel discussion was followed by question-and-answer session.

Related: HEC Chairman Assures Continuation of University Grants in Sindh

According to available records, approximately 200 educators within the higher education sector across various government degree colleges in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa are still receiving salaries despite not fulfilling their teaching obligations. This inconsistency arises from their assignment to unsuitable roles.

Official documents indicate that an additional 679 teachers in government colleges are unable to meet the required credit hour standards. The department’s policy mandates two credit hours per day, yet these educators only manage to deliver one credit hour. The Directorate of Higher Education stipulates a workload of 12 credit hours per week for each teacher. However, exceptions are granted to faculty members who take on additional responsibilities such as coordinators, examiners, and chief proctors, allowing them three extra credit hours. The Secretary of the Higher Education Department (HED) has announced ongoing initiatives to rectify these discrepancies in teacher assignments.

Conversely, chaotic transfers and assignments have burdened 808 teachers across multiple colleges, necessitating them to take on extra classes due to staff shortages. Data reveals that among the affected individuals, there are six professors in BPS-20, 33 associate professors in BPS-19, 61 assistant professors in BPS-18, and 85 lecturers in BPS-17 who are absent from their classes.

Furthermore, there are 31 professors in BPS-20, 195 associate professors in BPS-19, 163 assistant professors in BPS-18, and 285 lecturers in BPS-17 who only attend half of their classes. Additionally, 16 professors in BPS-20, 84 associate professors in BPS-19, 238 assistant professors in BPS-18, and 270 lecturers in BPS-17 are overwhelmed, exceeding their class capacities.

Secretary Arshed Khan aims to optimize the distribution of teachers in government colleges for the benefit of students. He has compiled data on student enrollment and teacher allocation in colleges. Recently, he turned down a proposal to transfer two teachers to a government college due to the presence of 88 teachers already stationed there. However, in a college located in Karak, 400 students lacked an assigned teacher. Khan promptly directed the deployment of three teachers to fill this gap.

In his endeavor to maintain balanced teacher-student ratios, Khan conducts daily interviews with college principals to assess their staffing and infrastructure needs. Sources suggest that both the minister and higher education secretaries bear responsibility for the irrational transfer of teachers. They highlight instances where teachers are assigned to roles unrelated to their expertise, resulting in disruptions to academic progress.

Allegations suggest that teachers exploit their connections with lawmakers, ministers, and other higher authorities to secure inappropriate placements. Principals of government degree colleges also express concern over these misplacements, citing academic setbacks for students as a consequence.

Related: KP Cancels Matriculation Exams in Chitral

Controversy surrounds Comsats University Islamabad (CUI) as its interim leadership, helmed by an interim rector, has recently made alterations to a clause in its statute, sparking allegations of favoritism in faculty appointments.

Since the departure of Dr. Mohammad T. Afzal, the university has been under the stewardship of interim rector Prof. Dr. Sajid Qamar, who oversees operations until a permanent rector is appointed. However, this interim arrangement has been fraught with challenges, including allegations of favoritism in hiring practices.

Faculty members have voiced concerns over perceived breaches of protocol and favoritism in recent appointments, particularly in the selection of department heads. They claim that amendments made to the statute expanded the pool of candidates for these positions, allegedly to benefit certain individuals favored by the interim rector.

These claims are supported by references to established protocols and legal documentation, including a letter from the Establishment Division regarding the authority of the University Senate in such matters. Additionally, allegations of improper handling of harassment cases and student transfers have further fueled discontent among faculty members.

In response to these allegations, the university’s management has refuted the claims, asserting that decisions were made in accordance with established rules and regulations. They maintain that the interim rector has the authority to manage the university’s affairs and that changes to the statute were approved by the syndicate, not unilaterally by the rector.

Despite these assurances, concerns persist among faculty members regarding transparency and fairness in university governance. As the search for a permanent rector continues, it remains to be seen how these issues will be addressed and resolved within the university’s administrative framework.

Related: Pakistani Universities Shine in QS Subject Rankings 2024

The Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education (SOE) at the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) conducted its third Practicum Showcase Conference. The event displayed the capstone projects by LUMS MPhil Education Leadership and Management students, covering collaborative work done over a semester with partner organisations.

The conference was attended by more than 500 participants including faculty, MPhil students, the LUMS senior administration, representatives from partner organisations and experts from the education sector. Dr. Ali Cheema, Vice Chancellor LUMS, commended the enterprising projects by the students, stating, “The work that the students at the School of Education have done is quite amazing. They have been in partnership with school leaders and education providers in the country. This is the heart of the philosophy at SOE which is to combine knowledge and practice with the view of changing the landscape of education in Pakistan.”

The one-day conference featured a gallery of presentations and startups completed by students in a variety of fields, including themes of pedagogy, inclusive education, leadership, educational technology, art education, community development, early childhood education and vocational education. The conference also included multiple panel discussions focusing on critical issues within the education sector and possible practical solutions.

Speaking to the audience on inclusive education in Pakistan, the Keynote Speaker, Mr. Richard Geary, Founder and Director Programmes, Family Educational Services Foundation (FESF) shared, “Pakistan is a land of opportunities, because there’s so much that needs to get done, and there’s nothing to stop you from doing it. If you’ve got the will and you’re creative, you’ll find those that will support you and make it possible.”

Dr. Tayyaba Tamim, Dean, Syed Ahsan Ali and Syed Maratib Ali School of Education, remarked on importance of strategic industry partnerships, “Our work with partner organisations and institutes is how we explore innovative solutions. Challenges related to Pakistan’s educational landscape cannot be tackled in silos. Industry partnerships address the disconnect between research at the universities and practice within the schools. SOE collaborates with different institutions and students work with them on live issues. That’s how we combine practice and research together.”

Related: LUMS holds Global Entrepreneurship Conference

The Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and the Higher Education Department (HED) have joined forces to unveil the BISE Examination Complaints Portal, a pioneering initiative aimed at amplifying transparency and resolving concerns related to intermediate examinations across Punjab.

The portal, accessible via https://complaints.bise.punjab.gov.pk/, offers students and parents a seamless avenue to register complaints regarding Intermediate exams. This digital platform streamlines the process, allowing users to submit complaints effortlessly. Once submitted, complaints are swiftly channeled to the respective boards for necessary action, ensuring prompt redressal.

Complementing the BISE Examination Complaints Portal, a dedicated helpline (042-111-11-2020) has also been established, operational from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM. This helpline provides direct assistance to students and parents, further facilitating the resolution process.

Chairman of PITB, Faisal Yousuf, emphasized the commitment to empowering students by providing them with an effective platform to voice their concerns. Yousuf underscored the importance of minimizing complaints in examination centers across Punjab to cultivate a supportive environment for students during the crucial examination period.

The introduction of the BISE Examination Complaints Portal marks a significant step towards enhancing accountability and transparency in the education system of Punjab. This collaborative effort between PITB and HED reflects their dedication to addressing the needs of students and parents, ensuring a fair and conducive environment for academic pursuits.

Related: PITB Fosters Innovation with New Incubation Centers

A colorful opening ceremony of 20th University Sports Gala and the 15th All Pakistan Football Championship (Final Round) mesmerized the audience at the University of Sargodha (UoS) on Tuesday. Prof. Dr. Anwar ul Haq Gillani, Member Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, was the chief guest of the ceremony accompanied by Vice Chancellor University of Sargodha, Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Professor Dr. Anwar ul Haq Gillani highlighted that participation in sports instills qualities such as time management, discipline, teamwork, cooperation, perseverance, and agility, which are essential not only in sports but also in academic pursuits. He stated that the Higher Education Commission is actively promoting sports activities in universities and providing ample opportunities for students to showcase their abilities in sports arenas.

Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas underscored the importance of promoting sports to build a mentally and physically healthy society. He mentioned that University of Sargodha is committed to engaging its students in healthy activities. He further stated that the annual Sports Gala symbolizes courage, morale, positive mindset, and enthusiasm among students.

He urged everyone to recognize the values that sports instill in individuals, such as discipline, teamwork, endurance, and fair play, which are crucial not only for becoming good athletes but also responsible citizens.
The Directorate of Sports, under the supervision of Higher Education, is organizing the All Pakistan Football Championship involving teams from more than 18 universities competing for the title.

Meanwhile, University Sports Gala includes competitions in cricket, football, shooting ball, basketball, handball, chess, table tennis, badminton, athletics, and tug of war for male students, while competitions in cricket, football, basketball, handball, chess, table tennis, badminton, athletics, and tug of war will be organized for female students.

The ceremony witnessed the presence of various dignitaries including Member Syndicate and Member Punjab Assembly Asim Sher Meekan, Former Member National Assembly Mohsin Shah Nawaz Ranjha, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Mian Ghulam Yaseen, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan, Dean Faculty of Sciences Prof. Dr. Aamir Ali, Director Sports Ahmed Khan Haral, renowned trader Shahid Mahmood, heads of educational and administrative departments, teams from various universities participating in the Football Championship, and a large number of students.

Related: Sargodha University Launches Rural Economic Transformation Lab