In response to the upcoming by-elections scheduled for April 21, the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE) Lahore has announced the postponement of two intermediate exams. The exams affected by this decision include the intermediate chemistry exam, originally slated for April 20, and the English exam scheduled for April 22.

The Lahore Board officials cited the need to accommodate the by-elections as the reason for the delay. With six National Assembly seats and 17 provincial assembly seats up for contention on April 21, the board deemed it necessary to reschedule the exams to avoid any potential disruptions.

Students and stakeholders have been advised by the board to remain vigilant for further updates regarding the new exam dates. The Lahore Board assures that the revised schedule will be announced in due course to ensure minimal inconvenience to the students.

Related: BISE Lahore Announces Scholarship Program

Amidst heavy rainfall in the Chitral region, the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) government has taken a decisive step to ensure the safety and well-being of students. The government announced the cancellation of matriculation annual exams scheduled from Thursday to Saturday, impacting numerous students in the area.

The decision to cancel the exams was made during a crucial meeting chaired by Education Minister Faisal Khan Tarakai in Peshawar. Concerns regarding the adverse weather conditions and their potential impact on students’ ability to appear for the exams prompted the unanimous agreement to reschedule the cancelled exams for a later date.

This move by the KP government underscores its commitment to prioritizing the welfare and academic interests of students, especially in regions affected by challenging weather conditions. By opting to postpone the exams rather than risking the safety and convenience of students, educational authorities aim to ensure fairness and equal opportunity for all candidates in Chitral.

The cancellation of the matriculation exams in Chitral highlights the proactive approach of educational authorities in adapting to unforeseen circumstances and addressing the needs of students amidst challenging situations. It reflects a concerted effort to uphold the integrity and quality of the examination process while safeguarding the well-being of the student population.

Related: Ban imposed on mobile use in KP schools

In a bid to protect students from scorching temperatures, the Punjab government has implemented revised Summer School Timings 2024 for regular classes during the summer season. The decision, announced by the provincial education department, aims to mitigate the impact of intense heat on students across the region.

Effective immediately, schools in Punjab will operate under adjusted Summer School Timings 2024, with regular classes commencing at 7:45 am and concluding at 1:15 pm on standard weekdays. Fridays will see an early dismissal, with classes ending at 11:45 am. For double-shift schools, the schedule will accommodate two sessions: from 7:45 am to 12:15 pm and from 12:45 pm to 5:15 pm.

This move underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing the welfare and safety of students amidst challenging weather conditions. Notably, this adjustment follows previous modifications made in response to weather variations and security concerns.

During the winter period, which spanned from February to April 15, authorities implemented altered schedules due to extreme cold. Boys’ schools in the provincial capital and other cities operated from 8:30 am to 2:30 pm, while girls’ schools commenced classes at 8:15 am, concluding at 2:15 pm. On Fridays, schools closed earlier, with boys’ institutions ending classes at 12:15 pm and girls’ schools at 12:00 pm. Double-shift schools maintained uninterrupted sessions, running from 7:45 am to 12:15 pm and from 12:30 pm to 5:00 pm in the second shift.

These Summer School Timings 2024 adjustments reflect the government’s proactive approach to addressing climatic challenges and ensuring optimal learning environments for students across Punjab. By adapting school hours to suit seasonal conditions, authorities aim to uphold educational standards while safeguarding the well-being of the student population.

Related: Punjab Govt Allocates 50 Billion for School Upgrades

In a momentous achievement for Pakistan’s higher education sector, eight universities from the country have made a remarkable mark in the latest QS Subject Rankings 2024. This year’s rankings have seen a surge in participation, with over 16,300 academic programs evaluated across various disciplines, reflecting a notable increase compared to the previous year.

The QS Subject Rankings 2024 encompass 55 distinct subjects grouped into five main categories. With a total of 1,559 institutions worldwide undergoing evaluation, including 64 making their debut appearance, the competition was intense.

Among the standout performers from Pakistan are COMSATS University Islamabad (CUI), National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) Islamabad, University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad, Aga Khan University (AKU) Karachi, University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore, and University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF).

NUST has once again reaffirmed its position as a global leader, securing the top spot in the QS Subject Rankings 2024 (Engineering and Technology). Close competitors include COMSATS University Islamabad and University of Engineering & Technology (UET) Lahore. Noteworthy performances were also observed from Quaid-i-Azam University and University of the Punjab, showcasing the diverse academic strengths within Pakistan.

NUST’s stellar performance in the QS Subject Rankings 2024 is particularly laudable, with a significant rise of 16 positions in the field of Engineering & Technology, securing the prestigious 144th spot globally. This achievement marks the eighth consecutive year of NUST’s dominance in this field in Pakistan.

Moreover, NUST has solidified its global standing by ranking among the top 200 universities worldwide in subjects such as Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics Engineering, and Civil & Structural Engineering. Additionally, it has secured positions in the top 300 universities in Mechanical, Aeronautical & Manufacturing Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Material Science, and Mathematics. Notably, NUST has made its debut appearance in subjects like Accounting & Finance, Economics & Econometrics, and Medicine, showcasing its versatility and evolving academic landscape.

The University of the Punjab has also celebrated significant achievements, with 19 subjects ranked in the QS Subject Rankings 2024. Notable among these is Library and Information Management, which achieved a remarkable position in the 50-70 range globally, marking a historic milestone for the university. Other ranked subjects include Petroleum Engineering, Languages, Linguistics, Mathematics, Pharmacy, Agriculture & Forestry, Physics & Astronomy, Engineering & Technology, and Chemical Engineering.

This impressive showing by Pakistani universities underscores the nation’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation, positioning them as key players on the global higher education stage.

Related: QAU Leads the country in QS Subject Rankings 2024

The Sindh government has unveiled its blueprint for implementing a non-formal education system across the province, aiming to cater to the educational needs of over two million children who are currently out of school. The initiative intends to compress the elementary-level education into a span of four years.

During a meeting chaired by Sindh’s Education Minister, Syed Sardar Ali Shah, it was disclosed that a comprehensive curriculum and coursework have been devised for this non-formal education system. Moreover, efforts are underway to establish the ‘Sindh Non-formal Education Authority’ in collaboration with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF), operating in a Public-Private Partnership model.

Under this initiative, out-of-school children will have the opportunity to receive education up to class eight, alongside vocational training, with the overarching goal of empowering more than two million boys and girls in the province over the next four years. To ensure accessibility, non-formal education centers will be set up in areas where there is a higher concentration of out-of-school children.

In addressing challenges such as post-primary dropout rates, Minister Sardar Shah emphasized plans to upgrade primary schools where necessary, with a particular focus on prioritizing STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) in the curriculum.

Acknowledging the role of science exhibitions in stimulating student interest, the minister instructed education authorities to arrange such exhibitions at various levels, providing a platform for youth to exhibit their talents and innovative ideas.

In a separate meeting with officers from the Directorate of Private Institutions, Minister Sardar Ali Shah directed the enhancement of monitoring mechanisms for private schools. He also announced the appointment of 35 inspectors across the province to oversee the operations of private schools at the district level.

Additionally, private schools are required to offer scholarships to 10% of their students and include Sindhi language as a subject in their curriculum. Collaboration with the Sindhi Language Authority is also in the pipeline to train teachers in effectively teaching the Sindhi language.

Related: SHC Halts Fee Collection, Upholds Free Education Policy

Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad has once again emerged as a beacon of academic excellence, clinching the top spot in Pakistan (Natural Sciences) and earning global recognition in the prestigious QS Subject Ranking 2024. The university, which is already celebrated for its academic prowess, has reaffirmed its standing by securing impressive rankings across various disciplines.

According to the QS Subject Ranking 2024, QAU has excelled in numerous fields, including Mathematics, Statistics & Operational Research, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, and Biological Sciences. These departments have not only secured commendable global rankings between 201 to 351 but have also claimed the first position in Pakistan in their respective subjects. Additionally, the Pharmacy & Pharmacology department has made significant strides by securing the 201st position globally and the 2nd position domestically.

Moreover, QAU’s Environmental Sciences and Agriculture & Forestry departments have garnered global recognition with rankings ranging between 251 to 450. Furthermore, the Computer Science & Information System, Economics & Econometrics, and Business & Management Studies departments have also performed exceptionally well, earning impressive rankings between 351 to 451.

Expressing his elation over the university’s remarkable achievement, Prof Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar, the Vice-Chancellor of QAU, extended his heartfelt congratulations to all stakeholders involved. He attributed this outstanding success to the relentless efforts and dedication of the university’s faculty, students, staff, ranking committee, and alumni.

“This remarkable achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our brilliant faculty, hardworking students, staff, ranking committee, and alumni,” remarked Prof Dr Akhtar. “Securing the top position in Pakistan and earning global recognition in the QS Subject Ranking 2024 is a matter of great pride for Quaid-i-Azam University.”

He further emphasized QAU’s commitment to maintaining its reputation for excellence and its dedication to continuous improvement. “We aim to continue producing outstanding results in the future and remain at the forefront of academic excellence,” Prof Dr Akhtar affirmed.

With its exceptional performance in the QS Subject Ranking 2024, Quaid-i-Azam University has once again proven its commitment to excellence and innovation in higher education. As the university continues to strive for academic distinction, it remains a source of pride for the nation and a shining example of Pakistan’s potential on the global stage.

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