Islamabad, February 28, 2024: Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has entered into a significant partnership with the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) through an MoU signed on Wednesday at the HEC Secretariat. This collaboration falls under HEC’s scholarship programme “Empower Future Female Afghan Leaders – EFFAL Pakistan track initiative.”

The MoU, signed by Ms. Aayesha Ikram, Director General (Scholarships) HEC and Mr. Muhammad Khaskeia, Head of DAAD Government Scholarship Programmes, MENA Region, has two components. It includes 150 scholarships for Afghan refugees for two-year Master’s studies in HEC-recognised universities in Pakistan, and 50 need-based scholarships for socio-economic marginalized areas of Pakistan.

The signing ceremony was graced Ambassador of Germany in Pakistan, Alfred Grannas, Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, a delegation from DAAD, representatives from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and senior HEC officials.

In his welcome note, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed lauded the transformative initiative aimed at providing crucial assistance to Afghan refugees in Pakistan. He underscored the longstanding history of collaboration between Germany and Pakistan, emphasising the need for further partnerships in various domains as well. He emphasised the necessity for increased collaborations, especially in the fields of climate change, technology, research, and scholarships, recognising these partnerships as essential for peaceful coexistence. 

He deemed the two-year programme under the scholarship a great opportunity to foster positive developments in the marginalised regions. He also noted that HEC is already actively involved in providing academic and professional opportunities for Afghan students, along with offering technical training to students and bureaucrats from Afghanistan.

German Ambassador Mr. Alfred Grannas, while highlighting the substantial impact on academic pursuits in the region, emphasised that, “beyond the celebratory aspect, the true importance lies in the effective implementation of the programme”. He underscored the mutual trust that forms the foundation of this collaboration, emphasising the shared commitment to academic excellence and opportunities for marginalised individuals in Pakistan. “The substantial number of scholarship programmes and initiatives as part of this collaboration stands as a testament to this commitment dedicated towards uplifting the marginalized people.”

Mr. Muhammad Khaskeia said that collaboration between DAAD and HEC has been a continuous journey since 2004, resulting in the awarding of 900 scholarships over the years. This longstanding partnership is now evolving into a friendship, symbolising the depth of the relationship between the two nations.

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In a landmark move aimed at fostering evidence-based policymaking and driving socio-economic progress, the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK) and the Planning and Development (P&D) Department of the Government of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (GoAJK) have formalized a pioneering collaboration. This partnership, sealed through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), marks a significant step towards leveraging research insights for informed decision-making.

The signing ceremony, held at the City Campus, convened esteemed dignitaries including Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi and Additional Chief Secretary (Development) of GoAJK, Mrs. Midhat Shehzad, alongside other prominent officials from both UAJK and the government.

Representatives from both institutions, Mr. Amir Latif Awan, Secretary of Planning and Development, and Dr. Rauf Ahmed Janjua, Director of the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) at UAJK, formally inked the MoU, cementing their commitment to collaborative endeavors.

The MoU outlines a framework for joint initiatives between P&D and UAJK, notably including the hosting of Policy Papers and Seminar Series focusing on mutually agreed-upon themes concerning the socio-economic landscape of the region. The primary objective is to devise research-based solutions to pertinent policy challenges and disseminate findings through various platforms, including dialogue sessions, media channels, and other relevant mediums.

UAJK will extend tailored research support to P&D on specific topics pertinent to Azad Jammu and Kashmir. Additionally, P&D will facilitate GoAJK employees in pursuing higher education programs such as Executive M.Phil., Ph.D., and other relevant courses at UAJK, accommodating their schedules with evening and weekend classes and minimal enrollment prerequisites.

The MoU underscores mutual support for capacity-building initiatives targeting government and UAJK personnel, with provisions for additional collaborative activities to be determined through mutual agreement.

Speaking at the ceremony, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi emphasized the collaborative partnership’s significance, highlighting its potential to drive knowledge advancement and tackle pressing regional issues through research and academic pursuits. He underscored the pivotal role of universities in education, research, innovation, and societal contribution, emphasizing the agreement’s importance in fostering community engagement and sustainable progress.

Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Ms. Midhat Shahzad echoed these sentiments, lauding the partnership as a commendable step towards fostering growth and development in the region. She emphasized the importance of integrating university research into governmental strategies for effective development planning, envisioning the MoU as a cornerstone for future sustainable initiatives in the state.

Secretary of Agriculture Amir Mehmood Mirza and Secretary of Planning and Development Amir Latif Awan, along with other dignitaries, also delivered remarks, expressing their support for the collaboration and its potential impact.

Dr. Rauf Ahmed Janjua provided insights into the aims and objectives of the agreement, highlighting its role in providing evidence-based solutions for policymakers and fostering collaboration between academia and government entities.

In recognition of their contributions, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi presented commemorative shields to Additional Chief Secretary (Development) Ms. Midhat Shahzad and other dignitaries, marking the culmination of the signing ceremony.

Established in 1980, UAJK stands as a premier institution committed to disseminating higher education and fostering research across diverse fields. With a vision to produce skilled human resources and research outcomes that drive societal growth and development, UAJK aims to serve as a hub for evidence-based research and policy solutions for the benefit of Azad Jammu and Kashmir.

Related: UAJK hosts Professional Development Workshop

The Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Elementary and Secondary Education (KPESE) Department has taken a significant step to enhance students’ focus and productivity by implementing a ban on mobile phone usage within public sector schools.

In a recent notification issued on Monday, it was announced that both students and staff are required to surrender their mobile devices to the school authorities upon arrival. This measure aims to minimize distractions and optimize learning time during school hours.

In cases of emergencies, school heads will utilize landline phones to communicate with parents, ensuring a prompt response when necessary. Moreover, mobile phone usage among staff members will be restricted to designated times such as recess or free periods.

Furthermore, strict protocols have been established regarding the capture of photographs or videos within school premises. Prior authorization from relevant school authorities will be mandatory for such activities to maintain privacy and security standards.

This directive has been disseminated to all District Education Officers across Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to ensure uniform implementation and adherence throughout the region. By prioritizing academic engagement and minimizing disruptions, this initiative aims to foster a more conducive learning environment within public sector schools.

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Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Punjab’s pioneering female chief minister, delivered a stirring address today, unveiling her comprehensive blueprint for empowering the province’s youth. With resolute determination, she pledged a series of transformative initiatives aimed at catapulting Punjab into an economic juggernaut. Foremost among these initiatives is the provision of Free Wi-Fi across the region, heralding a new era of connectivity and opportunity.

Maryam articulated her unwavering commitment to nurturing the potential of young minds by instituting a merit-based scholarship program, revitalizing educational funding mechanisms, and sponsoring gifted students to prestigious institutions. Additionally, she affirmed her intent to revive her father’s esteemed youth loan program, which will extend interest-free loans, furnish skills training, and equip beneficiaries with cutting-edge technology.

In a resounding call for inclusive growth, Maryam advocated for paid government internships, vowing to provide a stipend for interns to facilitate their participation in the workforce. Recognizing the pivotal role of technology in driving progress, she pledged robust support for IT startups, offering them essential resources and expert guidance. Furthermore, she proposed initiatives to enhance mobility and access, including the provision of electric motorbikes and improvements to school transportation systems.

Addressing the imperative of educational reform, Maryam outlined plans for curriculum modernization, ensuring equitable access to education for all children, and establishing specialized education centers for differently-abled children. Envisioning a digitally empowered Punjab, she welcomed tech giants and committed to expanding access to free Wi-Fi while rejuvenating e-libraries to foster a culture of knowledge and innovation across the province.

Related: Maryam Nawaz: Education to Politics

Distinguished experts at the 9th Invention to Innovation Summit have emphasized the vital necessity of collaborative efforts among the government, industry, and academia not only to extricate the country from its current challenges but also to propel Pakistan towards becoming a developed nation. Speaking at the inaugural session of the summit organized by Punjab University’s (PU) Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) after a hiatus of five years, prominent figures including Chairman of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairman of Pakistan Science Foundation (PSF), Muhammad Akram Sheikh, Chief Advisor of University of Management and Technology (UMT), Abid K. Sherwani, and ORIC Director, Prof. Dr. Shakil Ahmed, along with researchers, industry experts, faculty members, and a significant number of students, convened to address the pressing need for innovation-driven progress.

In his keynote address, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir underscored the pivotal role of educational institutions in fostering innovation, highlighting that nations leading in innovation are dominating the global landscape. He lamented Pakistan’s current standing at 88th among 190 countries in terms of innovation, attributing this lag to inadequate investment in education and research, with Pakistan currently allocating a mere 0.24% of its GDP to research and development. Dr. Munir emphasized the imperative for educational institutions to align their innovations with industry demands, citing examples of companies founded by MIT graduates contributing significantly to the world economy. He stressed the crucial role universities play in propelling Pakistan forward and advocated for instilling entrepreneurial spirit among students while emphasizing the significance of applied research for economic development. Dr. Munir also highlighted the efforts of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) in formulating policies to promote intellectual property and research commercialization.

Echoing Dr. Munir’s sentiments, Dr. Khalid Mahmood emphasized the indispensability of collaboration among academia, industry, and the public sector for national development, noting the active participation of industry and government representatives in the summit. He lauded the collaborative initiatives between Punjab University and various industries, including the establishment of Lahore Chamber of Commerce’s office within Hailey College of Commerce. Dr. Mahmood commended the revival of the summit series after a hiatus of five years, attributing the success to the commendable efforts of Dr. Shakil and his team.

Dr. Akram Sheikh praised Prof. Dr. Khalid Mahmood for reviving the summit and highlighted the platform it provides for students to showcase their innovative ideas. He emphasized the importance of practical training in educational institutions and advocated for fostering creative thinking over rote learning. Abid K. Sherwani outlined the summit’s objective of disseminating research conducted in institutes to a global audience, emphasizing Pakistan’s abundant natural and human resources and the necessity for their optimal utilization. He expressed concerns over Pakistan’s failure to provide education to millions of children and its reliance on imports despite being an agricultural country.

Prof. Dr. Shakil Ahmed elucidated ORIC’s mission to nurture a research-oriented culture in universities, highlighting the opportunities provided by the summit for scientists, experts, and students to showcase their work. The event culminated with participants visiting and commending the stalls exhibiting products based on cutting-edge research conducted by various industries and academic institutions in Pakistan.

Related: AJK Justice Calls on Students to Reject Misinformation Platforms

Punjab Food Authority (PFA) under the guidance of Chief Minister Mariyam Nawaz is gearing up to inaugurate the ‘Eat Safe Kids Campaign’ across private and public schools in Punjab starting March 1st.

Muhammad Asim Javaid, Director General of PFA, highlighted that the campaign’s primary objective is to instill in schoolchildren the importance of making healthy dietary choices from an early age. Expert nutritionists within the PFA team will extend their expertise to educators and parents alike.

The campaign’s rollout will commence during the National Nutrition Month of March, gradually encompassing all districts within the Punjab province. Utilizing creative mediums such as painting, drawing, and storytelling, the PFA aims to foster enthusiasm among children for nutritious eating habits.

Furthermore, the PFA will extend its efforts towards conducting medical screenings and providing nutritional training specifically tailored for school-aged children. Free medical assessments, including body mass index evaluations, weight assessments, skeletal muscle mass measurements, and height checks, will be offered to both students and staff. Additionally, teachers and parents will receive training on promoting daily consumption of healthy and nourishing foods to ensure the well-being of children.

Muhammad Asim emphasized that fostering a healthy lifestyle remains a paramount objective for the Punjab Food Authority. Ensuring access to nutritious foods, from street vendors to school canteens, is central to this mission. “Investing in the health of today’s children ensures a brighter future for tomorrow,” he concluded.

Related: PFA Cracks Down on University Food Facilities

Borderless Labs Inc. (BLINC) has granted Namira Salim, the First Pakistani Astronaut, a prestigious scholarship to advance her journey in space exploration by training as an orbital scientist astronaut.

“Through our collaboration with Borderless Labs Inc. (BLINC), Namira Salim embarks on an ambitious path, training at esteemed US institutions, including the International Institute of Astronautical Sciences (IIAS),” stated Mac Malkawi, Founder, CEO, and President of BLINC.

Expressing her enthusiasm, Namira Salim shared, “I will undergo intensive training as a scientist astronaut, preparing myself for forthcoming private orbital missions around Earth and beyond, as commercial space ventures make the final frontier accessible to all.” Salim will also receive training for Extra Vehicular Activity (EVA or spacewalks) and survival in Lunar and Martian gravity.

Namira Salim, renowned for being the First Pakistani Astronaut and a trailblazing astronaut with Sir Richard Branson’s Virgin Galactic since October 6, 2023, holds numerous feats to her credit. She is the first Pakistani to reach both the North and South Poles, and the first Asian to tandem skydive from Mount Everest during the First Everest Skydive in 2008.

Beyond her space endeavors, Salim is a dedicated advocate for Space Diplomacy through her non-profit, Space Trust, and actively promotes STEM/STEAM Education for capacity building in developing nations.

“My forthcoming training endeavors aim to inspire space enthusiasts and foster future astronauts on private missions, particularly from Pakistan and South Asia,” stated Namira Salim.

Mac Malkawi emphasized Salim’s role as a beacon for the next generation of space leaders, asserting, “Namira Salim serves as a role model for aspiring astronauts, pushing the boundaries of human spaceflight not only in Pakistan but also in emerging spacefaring nations.”

He added, “Her steadfast dedication to human space exploration will pave the way for future Pakistani astronauts through the collaborative efforts of BLINC and Space Trust.”

BLINC, through its investments, media initiatives, and commitment to inclusion, is bridging gaps to bring Space and STEAM fields to untapped markets.

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The 11th Convocation ceremony of the University of Education (UoE) unfolded amidst grandeur at its main campus in Township, Lahore, with Chancellor/Governor of Punjab, Engineer Muhammad Baligh ur Rahman, at the helm. A total of 9739 students, including 20 Ph.D. recipients, 911 MS/MPhil awardees, and 8808 graduates, were honored with certificates during the ceremony. Additionally, 82 graduating students were lauded with prestigious medals for their outstanding achievements.

The event saw the esteemed presence of Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Alam Saeed, Former VC Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha (H.I., S.I.), Dr. Faiz ul Hasan, Vice Chancellor of Baba Guru Nanak University Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Former Vice Chancellor of UVAS Dr. Naseem Ahmed, along with members of the UoE Syndicate, Selection Board, Academic Council, Controller of Examination Mr. Muhammad Ashraf, UE Directors/Principals, and notable figures from educational and social spheres.

Distinguishing this convocation was the exclusive use of Urdu, the national language, throughout all proceedings—a symbolic nod to linguistic heritage. Chancellor/Governor Punjab Engineer Muhammad Baligh ur Rahman, on the occasion, inaugurated the UE Sports Arena and Swimming Pool, marking a significant stride in campus infrastructure.

In his address, Chancellor Baligh ur Rahman extended heartfelt congratulations to the graduating students, their parents, and educators. He expressed pride in presiding over the jubilant ceremony, citing UoE’s stature as one of the nation’s premier institutions. He emphasized the pivotal role of educators in nurturing academic excellence and fostering a spirit of creativity among students, essential for societal advancement. Pledging unwavering support for educational development and research initiatives, he underscored the importance of embracing modern technology to propel Pakistan towards progress.

Echoing this sentiment, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Alam Saeed underscored the university’s core mission of equipping graduates with practical skills alongside academic knowledge. He highlighted UE’s commitment to upholding global education standards, aligning educational programs with national priorities to produce competent professionals contributing to the country’s growth trajectory.

Reflecting on UoE’s rich legacy, Dr. Saeed traced the institution’s roots back to the late 19th century, emphasizing its enduring commitment to academic excellence. He detailed ongoing infrastructural developments and academic expansions across various campuses, underscoring UE’s proactive approach in meeting evolving educational demands.

With nearly 30,000 students enrolled, including a significant female cohort, UoE stands as a beacon of inclusive education. Its global recognition in various academic rankings underscores its commitment to quality education and research excellence.

In closing, Dr. Saeed extended felicitations to the graduating class, urging them to honor their parents’ sacrifices by contributing meaningfully to society—a testament to UoE’s ethos of producing conscientious professionals poised to make a positive impact.

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