The Higher Education Development in Pakistan (HEDP), a pivotal initiative led by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), recently hosted its 9th World Bank (WB) Mission at the HEC Secretariat. During the week-long event, comprehensive discussions were held on all six project components, meticulously assessing progress while considering safeguards and fiduciary aspects.

Chaired by Executive Director Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum and Project Coordinator Dr. Mahmood Butt, the kick-off meeting welcomed the Mission team members and applauded the dedicated efforts of the HEDP team.

Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum emphasized the importance of project missions, highlighting their role in tracking progress, documenting lessons learned, and serving as vital checkpoints. He also expressed HEC’s commitment to thorough evaluations of project progress and solicited continued support for faculty training.

Ms. Inga Afanasieva, the Task Team Leader and Senior Economist at the World Bank, reiterated WB’s commitment to strengthening Pakistan’s Higher Education Sector. She emphasized the crucial role of supporting areas such as the National Academy for Higher Education (NAHE), Affiliated Colleges (ACs), Financial Autonomy of universities, and faculty training.

A joint review between HEC and WB allowed for a comprehensive assessment of each component’s progress, leading to mutually agreed-upon next steps aimed at maximizing support for the higher education sector.

The HEDP team presented numerous achievements, including the award of 132 research grants, establishment of quality enhancement cells in 29 affiliated colleges (ACs), capacity-building of 3900 faculty members on the revised Undergraduate Education Policy (UEP), and advancements in enhancing access to the Pakistan Education Research Network (PERN).

The mission also involved engaging project beneficiaries and academicians in constructive dialogue at HEC Islamabad, providing insights into the project’s contributions towards bolstering research endeavors and improving teaching and learning in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs). Visits to prominent institutions like the University of Education (UoE), Government College University (GCU) Lahore, and associated ACs, along with a tour of the Data Center at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, were also conducted.

In a wrap-up meeting with Chairman HEC Dr. Mukthar Ahmed, the WB team expressed appreciation for the hospitality extended by the HEDP and HEC teams throughout the mission. They commended the significant progress achieved since the last mission in July 2023, highlighting the collaborative efforts driving positive transformation within Pakistan’s Higher Education Sector.

HEDP stands as the flagship project of HEC aimed at supporting research excellence, improving teaching and learning, and strengthening governance in higher education. More information about the project can be found on the HEC website.

Related: HEC Clarifies: Pakistan Studies Not Removed from Curriculum

The Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) has directed the Vice-Chancellor of Punjab University (PU) to investigate allegations made by both male and female students of the School of Communication Studies against a recently appointed dual national professor. The complaint accuses the professor, Dr. Hanan Ahmad, of discouraging students and expressing views contrary to societal norms.

Murtaza Omer Bhatt, Deputy Director for Administration and Facilitation at the Punjab Higher Education Commission, conveyed in a letter to the Vice Chancellor that students have reported Prof. Dr. Hanan Ahmad of promoting LGBTQ+ agenda, as well as discussing topics related to sex and body shaping during lectures. The letter dated February 12, 2024, urged the Vice Chancellor to thoroughly examine the matter and provide findings.

The complaint alleges that Professor Hanan Ahmad frequently uses inappropriate language towards both university staff and students. One complainant expressed concern in a letter to the Punjab Higher Education Commission, questioning the relevance of such topics in Dr. Ahmad’s lectures and suggesting possible personal issues due to his unmarried status.

Furthermore, the complaint states that Dr. Ahmad behaves inappropriately towards students, presenting himself as a much younger individual and inviting female students to contact him at any time. Allegedly, female students have expressed discomfort in his presence, prompting some to report the matter to the school’s Director, Dr. Nosheena Saleem.

However, according to the complainant, Dr. Saleem failed to address the issue adequately, instead praising Dr. Ahmad and reprimanding students for their complaints. The complainant also noted that Dr. Saleem’s relationship to Dr. Ahmad, being his sister, may have influenced her actions. This situation has left students feeling powerless to voice their concerns within the school environment.

The complainant emphasized the importance of teachers serving as sources of inspiration rather than discouragement. They lamented the lack of support within the university and expressed frustration at Dr. Ahmad’s apparent disregard for Punjab University’s reputation.

Related: China Grants Rs 4 Million for PU’s Oriental College

Forman Christian College University (FCCU) brought together over a thousand distinguished alumni and esteemed guests from various sectors during its Annual Alumni Reunion held on the evening of March 2, 2024. The event, a testament to the institution’s rich legacy, witnessed the presence of politicians, civil servants, bureaucrats, diplomats, educators, scholars, industry experts, journalists, and artists, fostering a vibrant atmosphere of camaraderie.

Mr. Attiazaz Munawar Ud Din, President of the Formanites Alumni Association (FAA) and CEO of Khazana Enterprises extended a warm welcome to all the guests. He emphasized the importance of alumni revisiting their alma mater to strengthen connections and contribute to the institution’s ongoing success.

One of the highlights of the reunion was the presentation of the Distinguished Formanite Award, a prestigious recognition bestowed upon outstanding alumni who have excelled in their respective fields either on national or international platforms.  This year, the award was given to two distinguished alumni: Mr. Najeeb Ullah Ghuari, Chairman and CEO of NetSol Technologies Inc. and a 1975 alumnus of FC College, and Mr. Shaukat Hassan, Director of MAS Group Of Companies and a 1969 graduate of FC College. Both awardees have made remarkable contributions to community service and philanthropy.

Rector FCCU, Dr. Jonathan S Addleton shared the significant accomplishments of the university over the past year, emphasizing the institution’s unwavering commitment to excellence. He also highlighted the vital role alumni play in shaping its trajectory and commemorated the 160th Founder’s Day, acknowledging the contributions of FCCU’s founder, Dr. Charles W. Forman.

The event concluded with a dinner and a Sufi performance by the renowned artist Sanam Marvi.

Related: FCCU Hosts Int’l Seminar on Leading Quality Assurance

University of Baltistan, Skardu (UoBS) and the College of Tourism & Hospitality Management (COTHM) have announced a groundbreaking affiliation, marking the joint launch of two Associate Degree programs: Tourism & Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts.

The revelation came during the Annual Convocation-2024 of COTHM, held at the Pakistan National Council of the Arts (PNCA) in Islamabad on February 28, 2024. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naeem Khan, Vice Chancellor of the University of Baltistan, Skardu, GB, unveiled this collaboration, signaling a significant stride in educational partnership.

COTHM stands as Pakistan’s premier international hotel schools network, boasting campuses in Lahore, Islamabad, Rawalpindi, and Skardu.

This affiliation between UOBS and COTHM promises to open up new avenues for the youth of GB, providing them with opportunities for skills-based vocational training and certification in hospitality, culinary arts, travel, tourism, airline services, and nutrition sciences.

The collaborative effort between UOBS and COTHM is expected to pave the way for a skilled workforce, offering thousands of enticing career opportunities not only in Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan but also in the Middle East and beyond.

Related: 4,000 Students in Gilgit-Baltistan Rally for Peace