In a monumental stride toward enhancing the quality of education in Pakistan, the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) has rolled out an ambitious program aimed at digitally training and certifying the country’s 1.8 million teachers. Spearheaded by the National Institute of Excellence in Teacher Education (NIETE) in partnership with the esteemed LUMS School of Education, this initiative promises to revolutionize the education sector and uplift the professional standards of teachers across the nation.

With an eye toward the future influx of educators expected to join the workforce, this pioneering program holds the potential to impact millions more, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s educational landscape.

The primary objective of the initiative is to equip teachers with state-of-the-art training and support, positioning teaching as a prestigious career choice while bolstering their effectiveness in the classroom. By prioritizing the enhancement of teacher training quality, the government aims to raise education standards in both public and private institutions, including those engaged in remote learning endeavors.

At the heart of the initiative lies a commitment to leveraging technology to create dynamic and interactive learning environments, fostering heightened student engagement and academic achievement. By integrating digital tools and platforms into teacher training, the program seeks to equip educators with the skills necessary to adapt to evolving educational paradigms and effectively utilize technology as a pedagogical tool.

Importantly, the program is designed with inclusivity in mind, ensuring accessibility for teachers from diverse geographical and socio-economic backgrounds. By harnessing the power of digital platforms, the initiative aims to bridge the gap between urban and rural educators, granting equal access to top-tier professional development opportunities regardless of location.

This groundbreaking endeavor underscores the government’s unwavering dedication to advancing education and empowering teachers as agents of change in the nation’s quest for academic excellence. As Pakistan charts a course toward a brighter educational future, the digitization of teacher training stands poised to catalyze transformative progress and unlock the full potential of the country’s educational landscape.

Related: The Collaborative Initiative of the MoFEPT and GIKI in Islamabad

The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) hosted the 2nd Symposium on Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs) in Pakistan in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan, World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation (IFC). Focused on ‘Accelerating the Electric Mobility Transition in Pakistan’ this year, the symposium brought together senior leaders, policymakers, academics, and industry experts. The event featured distinguished speaker sessions and panel discussions on progress, challenges, and ways for electrification of transportation in the country in line with global trends.

Dr. Shakeel Sadiq Jajja, Chair of the Symposium and Associate Professor at Suleman Dawood School of Business, LUMS, speaking on the scope of BEVs in Pakistan, shared that, “The electrification of transportation is rising in the last few years much more rapidly all over the world. The key environmental benefit attributed with BEVs is that they have zero tail-pipe emissions along with the low cost of operation. The environmental benefit is fully harnessed if BEVs are powered through sustainable sources of electricity. At a different level, BEVs provide an opportunity to develop new supply chains and industries which are critical to the future of the economy such as batteries, robotics, big data and analytics.”

The symposium covered critical areas ranging from the EV landscape in Pakistan, international best practices to industry perspectives on demand, supply, charging, and financing. The event also showcased an exhibition of EV-related products and services. It served as a pivotal platform for fostering dialogue and collaboration for the government and industry on the BEV value chain.

Ms. Jen Jungeun Oh, Practice Manager, Transport, South Asia, at the World Bank shared that, “The EV symposium has brought together key stakeholders in the EV ecosystem in Pakistan and generated several useful takeaways. Stakeholders agreed that concerted action is needed to catalyze EV adoption in the country, focused first on electric two and three wheelers and electric buses, given their prevalence and socio-economic importance. Key strategies include strengthening the policy environment, reducing capital costs through localisation of procurement particularly for e-buses, and unlocking affordable commercial financing through risk sharing instruments. The World Bank is committed to partner with the EV ecosystem on this journey.”

Zeeshan Sheikh, IFC’s Country Manager for Pakistan & Afghanistan added that, “Globally, in recent years, IFC has invested over $2.3 billion in e-mobility related initiatives, and we are committed to drawing on our experiences to support the private sector and the Government of Pakistan in fostering an enabling environment for enhanced adoption and investment in BEVs in Pakistan.”

The event underscored LUMS, HEC, the World Bank and IFC’s commitment to fostering innovation and addressing pressing societal challenges through collaborative efforts. By harnessing the collective expertise and insights of participants, the symposium aimed to charter a course towards a greener, more sustainable future for transportation in Pakistan.

Related: LUMS Holds Third Practicum Showcase Conference

During the ongoing matriculation exams for classes 9 and 10 across various cities in Sindh, Karachi’s students and educators are facing notable challenges. These challenges include power outages and delays in receiving examination papers.

At North Nazimabad’s Block F Government Boys School, the absence of electricity has exacerbated the stress of the examination atmosphere for both students and educators. Furthermore, the enforcement of the ban on mobile phones at examination centers has been ineffective, allowing students to freely use their devices despite the education board’s prohibition.

The situation is further complicated by continuous reports of delays in the delivery of examination papers. Despite accusations of leaked papers, Board Chairman Sharaf Ali has dismissed such allegations. To address the challenges encountered by centers receiving papers late, the chairman has announced additional time allowances to compensate for delays. However, concerns persist regarding the integrity and efficiency of the examination process, especially regarding issues with paper distribution.

Earlier, there were reports of a leaked Grade 9 computer science paper circulating on social media platforms on the day of the examination. The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) is currently unable to verify the authenticity of the leaked paper, and ongoing investigations to determine its validity are increasing anxiety among students and authorities alike.

Related: Committee identifies irregularities in Karachi’s Intermediate Exams 2022-23

Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, underscored the critical importance of collaboration between industries and academic institutions in driving forward the emergent educational policy aimed at developing human capital and industries across Pakistan. His remarks came during the 4th PEC International Deans Conference held at Muhammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU).

During his keynote address as the chief guest, Dr. Siddiqui highlighted the government’s commitment to forming a task force in conjunction with the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) to address the challenges faced by engineers and to ensure that new engineers are equipped with the latest technological trends in their respective fields.

“We must empower our young generation with technological education and skills so that they can serve the institution of the country and abroad after acquiring in-demand skillsets,” remarked Dr. Siddiqui, emphasizing the significance of providing cutting-edge education to prepare the workforce for both local and international markets.

Engr. Najeeb Haroon, Chairman of the Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC), echoed Dr. Siddiqui’s sentiments, stating that the council is dedicated to creating opportunities for both experienced and new engineers across various public and private sector projects. He also emphasized the council’s efforts to strengthen ties with engineering universities to enhance professional education in the field of engineering.

Dr. Zubair Shaikh, President of Muhammad Ali Jinnah University, lauded the efforts of the PEC in fostering relations between local and international academia and engineering professionals. He emphasized the positive and sustainable outcomes that such collaborations can yield in the future.

The PEC International Deans Conference serves as a platform for academia and industry experts to exchange ideas, foster partnerships, and drive innovation in engineering education and practice. With the government’s commitment to promoting collaboration between industries and academic institutions, Pakistan aims to develop a skilled workforce capable of meeting the demands of the modern economy both domestically and internationally.

Related: MAJU Hosts Seminar on Pakistan’s Economic Outlook

The Press Information Department recently extended a gracious invitation to the National College of Arts (NCA) Lahore, welcoming a delegation of ten esteemed journalists from Bangladesh. Spearheaded by the distinguished Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr. Murtaza Jafri, and bolstered by the efficient support of the Registrar’s office, the delegation was warmly received alongside officials from the Press Information Department.

This significant visit, made possible through the generous sponsorship of the Pakistan High Commission, was orchestrated with the noble intention of nurturing cross-cultural ties and amplifying the positive portrayal of the nation on an international platform. As part of this diplomatic exchange, Dr. Jafri took the opportunity to encourage talented Bangladeshi students in the realms of art and design to contemplate the prospect of pursuing their education at NCA.

By extending this invitation, NCA seeks to not only share its illustrious heritage and top-tier art education but also to foster a global community of artists and designers committed to excellence and collaboration. Through initiatives like these, barriers dissolve, and bridges are built, fortifying international cooperation and mutual understanding.

Related: NCA showcases students artworks in exhibition