In a groundbreaking development, Google has joined forces with Tech Valley to introduce a pioneering initiative set to revolutionize the education landscape in Islamabad. The collaboration aims to establish 50 state-of-the-art smart schools, equipped with cutting-edge technology and innovative educational tools.

At the heart of this initiative is the integration of Google for Education, a suite of digital tools and resources designed to enhance teaching and learning experiences. Each of the 50 schools will be furnished with 30,000 Google for Education IDs, empowering students and educators with access to a wealth of educational resources and collaborative platforms.

The partnership between Google and Tech Valley signifies a significant step forward in leveraging technology to address challenges in Pakistan’s education sector. Through strategic engagements with key stakeholders, including the education secretary, Google’s ‘Google for Education’ team outlined a comprehensive roadmap aimed at driving impactful change in the region.

Central to the initiative are a series of innovative initiatives designed to empower educators, students, and the broader community. Workshops tailored for educators will focus on maximizing the potential of Google for Education tools, providing them with the necessary skills and knowledge to leverage technology effectively in the classroom.

Moreover, plans are underway to establish a flagship Google Reference School, serving as a model for excellence in educational innovation. This institution will showcase best practices in utilizing technology to enhance learning outcomes and will be accessible to educators and policymakers seeking inspiration and guidance.

In addition to empowering educators, the initiative seeks to equip 2,000 young individuals with job-oriented skills through Google career certifications. By providing training and certification opportunities, Google and Tech Valley aim to bridge the gap between education and employment, empowering youth with the skills needed to thrive in the digital economy.

Furthermore, discussions are underway for a potential partnership to host an Edutech event in collaboration with Pakistan’s education ministry. Such an event would serve as a platform for stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and chart the course for the future of education in Pakistan.

The collaboration between Google and Tech Valley represents a significant milestone in efforts to harness the power of technology to transform education in Islamabad and beyond. By combining expertise, resources, and a shared commitment to innovation, this initiative holds the promise of creating a brighter future for the youth of Pakistan.

Related: Concordia Colleges, Tech Valley sign MoU for 500 Scholarships

The Islamia University of Bhawalpur (IUB) collaborates with State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) BSC Bahawalpur to boost SME sector in the Region. In this regartd, SBP BSC Bahawalpur orchestrated a pivotal gathering to bolster Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the region. Bringing together a diverse array of stakeholders, including the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA), Punjab Small Industries Corporation (PSIC), National College of Business Administration and Economics (NCBAE), and department heads of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB).

The meeting delved into strategies to uplift SMEs. Discussions centered on fostering an enabling environment, streamlining regulatory processes, and enhancing access to finance and market opportunities for SMEs. Chairman Department of Economics IUB Dr. Abid Rasheed Gill, and Dr. Areeba Khan from Business Administration Department IUB, participated in the meeting and shared valuable insights and suggestion to expedite the growth of the SMEs in the region. Following points were mutually agreed upon:
– to ensure effectiveness of the group and enhance synergies by collaboration, all the participants will share scope of their activities and areas of expertise.

– ⁠to be able to provide focused guidance, a database of all businesses in the region should be developed. The businesses will then be categorised into Micro, Small, and Medium enterprises and their financial education as well as financing needs will be assessed.- ⁠financial education courses and information dissemination mechanism will be developed for each category.
– ⁠data analysis and research will be carried out on regular basis to understand the unique challenges of SMEs and put forward suggestions for development of the sector.
– ⁠efforts will be made to establish office of SMEDA in the region.
– ⁠the group will meet twice in a quarter to discuss ideas and asses progress.

Through a collaborative and concerted effort, SBP BSC Bahawalpur and its partners are steadfast in their commitment to drive inclusive economic growth and prosperity in the region.

Related: IUB organized seminar Constructing the Past through Material Culture

The Department of Anthropology at the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) organized a one-day international seminar “Constructing the Past through Material Culture” on April 30th, 2024. Dr. Rebecca Robert, and Ms Afifa Khan from the Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Cambridge, were the keynote speakers for the event.

The speakers explained that over the past century, significant urban expansion and the widespread adoption of mechanized agriculture and irrigation systems in India and Pakistan have caused irreversible changes to the landscape. These changes, including the implementation of large-scale irrigation systems and the flattening of numerous archaeological settlement mounds for various purposes such as cultivation and construction, have had lasting impacts.

A workflow has been developed using various techniques and strategies to detect nearly 6000 mound features across the region. This not only aids in understanding settlement distributions related to the Indus Civilization and subsequent cultural periods but also addresses common challenges in archaeology such as low-density archaeological features in large-scale surveys and limited training data for machine learning models. Historical maps serve as fundamental resources for historians and archaeologists, offering valuable insights into past landscapes, settlement patterns, and geographic features.

Prof. Dr Rubina Bhatti, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences was the chief guest and Professor Dr. Shazia Anjum Director of the Culture and Heritage Research Center was the guest of Honor. Prof. Dr. Asif Naveed Ranjha from the Social Work Department, Prof. Dr. Samar Fahd from the Dept. of Applied Psychology, Dr. Naeem Asim HOD Public Health Department, and Dr Samia HOD History also joined the event.

Chairman Anthropology Department Associate Professor Dr. Farooq Ahmed thanked all guest speakers, faculty members, and students of the Anthropology and Psychology Departments for their participation in the seminar. He emphasized the protection of heritage for future generations which is important for nations’ pride and identity. He was of the opinion that if past and material culture is lost owing to political-economic, environmental, and other reasons, the future will be lost.

In the end, Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti Dean of Social Sciences described the importance of history and civilizations. She concluded the debate with the importance of Anthropology and Archaeology in preserving the artifacts. She congratulated Dr. Farooq Ahmed Chairman Department of Anthropology for arranging a successful international seminar. In the last Dr Moazzam Durrani Lecturer Department of Anthropology who moderated the seminar called on stage all the presenter to share a token of appreciation for their contribution to the seminar.

Related: IUB Shines at International Culture and Arts Festival in China

Fareeha Basit Khan Literary Society at Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) hosted the much-anticipated event titled “Celebrating Shakespeare” on the 30th of April, 2024. The day began with a serene recitation of the Holy Quran by Anshra Zahid, setting a reverent tone, followed by a robust rendition of the National Anthem.

The auditorium echoed with whispers and gasps as Shakespeare’s Character made a surprise entrance in the beginning of the event, sending waves of thrill through the gathered crowd. Ms. Aaisha Umt Ur Rashid, the incharge of Fareeha Basit Khan Literary Society, took to the stage as a host and commanded the attention of all as she unfolded the proceedings of the event.

The highlight of the day was an electrifying panel discussion featuring luminaries like Shahid Nadeem, Sarmad Sultan Khoosat, and the distinguished Dr Zakia Nasir and Ms Zakia Resshid. They engaged into the interesting debate on “Relevance of Shakespeare in Contemporary Pakistani Society,” masterfully moderated by Dr Amara Khan, the esteemed Chairperson of the English Department, LCWU. The discussion was a rollercoaster of intellectual insights and passionate exchanges that lasted an intense 50 minutes.

Following the panel’s conclusion, the panelists were honored with shields, amid roaring applause that resonated through the venue. The momentum continued with a spellbinding showcase of Shakespearean characters that captivated the audience, drawing cheers and applause.

The climax of the event was a fiercely competitive Shakespearean quiz that had teams from UCP, UET, GCU, and UHE battling wits. Hosted by the dynamic duo of Ms. Hasna Asif and Ayesha Abid, the quiz unfolded in two suspense-packed rounds, culminating in a nail-biting rapid-fire round. In a stunning display of knowledge and quick thinking, the team from GCU clinched the first prize, with UCP and UHE following closely in second and third places, respectively.

As the event drew to a close, participants were awarded shields and certificates, their faces beaming with pride and achievement. The day was not just a celebration of Shakespeare but a testament to the enduring spirit of literary excellence that thrives within the venues of Fareeha Basit Khan Literary Society.

Related: LCWU Holds Inspiring Women’s Day Walk

The Department of Physics at Government College Women University Faisalabad (GCWUF) recently hosted a comprehensive three-day workshop entitled “Computing Tools and Simulation Methods.” Held in the Video Conference Room of GCWUF from April 22nd to April 24th, 2024, the workshop aimed to equip participants with essential skills in utilizing computing tools for advancing research, particularly in Neural Networking and Machine Learning.

The workshop featured training sessions on various computing tools, including MATHEMATICA, MATLAB, and MATH-CAD, conducted by esteemed professionals in the field. Dr. Ishrat, an Assistant Professor at the University of Education Lahore Faisalabad campus, with expertise in computing physics, led the sessions on MATH CAD. Dr. Maryam Liaqat, an Assistant Professor at the University of Okara, delved into specialized applications of MATH CAD. Engr. Imran Rasheed from HEC National University of Medical Sciences provided hands-on training on MATLAB. At the same time, Mr. Zohaib Ali, a PhD scholar from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad, assisted in facilitating the workshop.

The workshop began with recitations from the Holy Quran and NAAT, followed by a welcome address from Dr. Ayesha Younus, the Head of the Physics Department. Each day commenced with an overview of the featured software packages, emphasizing their functionalities and applications. Interactive sessions allowed participants to engage with the software tools directly, gaining practical insights into their capabilities.

The second day focused on advanced topics and specialized applications of Math Cad, with practical exercises and case studies enriching participants’ understanding. Dr. Ayesha Younus expressed appreciation for the resource persons’ contributions at the end of each day.

The final day featured sessions on MATLAB and Mathcad, led by Eng. Imran Rashid and Dr. Maryam Liaqat, respectively. Participants explored advanced functionalities and techniques, applying them to real-world scenarios. The Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Zill-i-Huma Nazli, extended gratitude to all participants and organizers, commending the efforts of Dr. Ayesha Younus and her team. A token of appreciation was presented to the guest speakers, symbolizing gratitude for their valuable contributions.

Overall, the workshop provided a platform for participants to enhance their skills in utilizing computing tools for scientific research, fostering collaboration and knowledge exchange within the academic community.

Related: GCWUF organized a Seminar on Sustainable Development Goals

28th Government College University (GCU) Lahore Parliamentary Style Championship unfolded with great anticipation, drawing in 72 teams from 45 esteemed educational institutions nationwide. This three-day event, meticulously organized by the University’s Debating Society (GCUDS), served as a beacon for intellectual exchange and rhetorical excellence.

The championship provided a platform for shining orators to showcase their talents and engage in spirited debates on a range of crucial socio-political issues. Participants, representing the cream of academic institutions across the country, brought forth their perspectives, arguments, and eloquence to the fore, captivating audiences with their impassioned speeches and insightful analyses.

From the outset, the competition pulsated with energy as teams delved into discussions on topics of national significance, employing the nuanced artistry of parliamentary style discourse. Each round witnessed a clash of ideas and ideologies, as participants navigated through the complexities of contemporary challenges, offering solutions and critiques with eloquence and poise.

As the event unfolded, it became evident that the championship was more than a mere contest; it was a convergence of minds, a celebration of intellect, and a testament to the power of dialogue in shaping collective understanding. Participants not only showcased their rhetorical prowess but also demonstrated their ability to engage with diverse perspectives, fostering an environment conducive to mutual learning and growth.

In her address, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir underscored the significance of such platforms in nurturing the intellectual capital of the nation. She lauded the winners for their outstanding performances and expressed confidence in their potential to contribute meaningfully to public discourse in the future. Dr. Bashir emphasized that a tolerant and compassionate society can only be built through dialogue and understanding, particularly among the youth. Debates, she noted, serve as a crucible for critical thinking, enabling participants to grapple with complex issues and emerge with a deeper appreciation of the multifaceted nature of the world.

The 28th Government College University Lahore Parliamentary Style Championship thus concluded not just as a competition but as a testament to the power of dialogue, reason, and engagement in shaping a brighter future for the nation.

Related: GCU and AJOKA to forge partnership for socially impactful plays 

The Department of Education at GCWUF organized a one-day Seminar on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on April 29, 2024, under the auspices of the Ministry of Planning and Development, with a special initiative by the Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC). This seminar aimed to foster awareness and delve into the significance of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in fostering a sustainable future, particularly within Pakistan’s education system.

Dr. Aminah Qayyum, the focal person for SDGs in the Department of Education, commenced the seminar with a welcoming address and an introductory note. The guest speaker, Dr. Shafqat Rasool from GCUF’s Department of Education, shared insights into the significance, targets, and progress achieved thus far in the realm of quality education. His discourse encompassed both exemplary practices and the challenges confronting Pakistan’s Primary Education System.

Following Dr. Rasool’s presentation, a panel discussion ensued, exploring the challenges, opportunities, and potential solutions pertaining to the realization of SDGs. Dr. Salma Shahid, the Head of the Department of Education, contributed her perspective on the establishment of a working group aimed at exploring collaborative initiatives and projects aligned with SDGs.

The seminar served as a platform for stakeholders to engage in meaningful dialogue, emphasizing the vital role of education in driving sustainable development. Through collaborative efforts and informed discussions, the participants aimed to pave the way for a more inclusive and equitable educational landscape in Pakistan.

Other than The 4th Convocation of GCWUF