In a groundbreaking development, Government College University (GCU) Lahore, one of Pakistan’s oldest and most prestigious educational institutions, has witnessed a significant milestone in its 160-year history. Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir, an esteemed female academician, has been appointed as the acting Vice Chancellor of the university, marking the first time a woman has held this position.

Dr. Shazia Bashir, currently serving as the Dean of the Faculty of Mathematical and Physical Sciences at GCU Lahore, steps into her new role with a wealth of experience and a profound dedication to academia. The appointment comes as a momentous occasion for both the university and the wider academic community in Pakistan.

The decision to entrust Dr. Shazia Bashir with the responsibilities of the Vice Chancellorship was made by the Punjab governor, who bestowed upon her the additional charge for a period of four months or until the appointment of a regular Vice Chancellor. This move underscores the recognition of her exemplary contributions to the field of education and her outstanding leadership within the university.

Dr. Shazia Bashir’s academic journey is illustrious, marked by her deep-rooted commitment to learning and research. An alumna of GCU Lahore herself, she holds a Master’s degree in Physics from Government College Lahore, followed by an MPhil from the University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore. Her pursuit of knowledge led her to complete her PhD at the Technical University of Vienna (TU Wien) Austria.

Since joining GCU Lahore in 1996, Dr. Shazia Bashir has been an integral part of the institution’s academic fabric. She has served in various capacities, including as the Director of the Centre for Advanced Studies in Physics and the Institute of Physics, as well as Chairperson of the Department of Physics. Her scholarly endeavors have resulted in over 150 research publications in esteemed international journals, showcasing her dedication to advancing scientific knowledge.

The appointment of Dr. Shazia Bashir as the acting Vice Chancellor has been met with widespread acclaim from the faculty, staff, and students of GCU Lahore. It represents a significant step towards gender inclusivity and diversity in leadership roles within the realm of higher education in Pakistan. As the university embarks on this new chapter under her stewardship, there is a palpable sense of optimism and excitement for the transformative impact she will undoubtedly bring to the institution.

Related: GCU holds 6th International Biosciences Conference

The Pakistan Federation Baseball (PFB) successfully inaugurated the Chief Minister Punjab Baseball League 2024 at the Forman Christian College (FCCU) Lahore’s Baseball Ground marking a significant moment in the sports calendar of Punjab.

The grand opening ceremony was graced by esteemed dignitaries and passionate sports enthusiasts, who came together to celebrate the spirit of baseball. Punjab Education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat honored the occasion as the chief guest, expressing his fervor for sports, especially baseball.

The Chief Minister Punjab Baseball League 2024 demonstrated four days of intense competition, featuring renowned teams such as Lahore Lions, Multan Mustangs, and Faisalabad Falcons. Both male and female divisions competed for top honors, showcasing the depth of talent in the region and providing a platform for emerging players to showcase their skills on a national scale. The championship was won by Faisalabad Falcons in women category and by Multan Mustangs in men’s category.

On the last day of the league i.e. Sunday, April 21, 2024, a special field dedication ceremony took place. The baseball field was dedicated to Steve Devoss, president and CEO of GSP Consulting. Dr. Jonathan S. Addleton, Rector FCCU commended the winning team while encouraging all participants of the league. He emphasized FCCU’s baseball field as Pakistan’s finest, noting that there were only two dedicated fields in the country, the other being in Islamabad. He also highlighted the collaborative efforts of all the participating departments that guaranteed the event’s success.

Throughout the four days of the Chief Minister Punjab Baseball League 2024, a massive gathering from FCCU and outside witnessed and enjoyed the thrilling baseball matches, adding to the excitement and fervor of the event.

Related: Distinguished Guests Gather at FCCU Alumni Reunion 2024

In the wake of Quaid-i-Azam University (QAU) Islamabad’s outstanding performance in the recent QS World University Rankings, alumni have come together to urge the federal government to designate the institution as a “Flagship Institution.” The demand was made during a significant gathering of the Core Committee of the QAU Alumni Association Founders Group, chaired by Dr. Abdul Basit.

The alumni, comprising esteemed former students of QAU, emphasized the need for the government’s support to address the institution’s annual deficit of over 500 million rupees. They underscored that with adequate financial backing, QAU could continue to excel on regional and international platforms, bringing further recognition to Pakistan’s educational landscape.

During the meeting, attended by senior Quaidians, a series of initiatives were outlined to bolster the university’s standing and support its current and future students. These initiatives include establishing the Quaidians Commoners Academy under the supervision of Mr. Khalid Masood, former Principal Secretary to the President of Pakistan, aimed at providing guidance to young Quaidians.

Additionally, plans were set forth for the enhancement of social welfare projects, such as the installation of new water filtration systems at QAU hostels, the revival of the Quaidians Mentorship and Scholarship Programs, and the strengthening of the Blood Donors Forum Pakistan (BDFP). These endeavors are geared towards fostering a sense of unity among Quaidians and giving back to the alma mater in practical terms.

The committee commended Vice Chancellor QAU, faculty, employees, alumni, and students for their collective efforts in securing impressive rankings in the QS subject ranking 2024. They also urged the establishment of a Psychological Counseling Centre on the QAU campus to provide continuous support to students, demonstrating their commitment to the well-being of the university community.

As the alumni continue their advocacy for QAU’s elevation to flagship status, they pledge their unwavering cooperation to ensure the institution’s sustained growth and prominence in the global academic arena.

Related: QAU Leads the country in QS Subject Ranking 2024

In a significant move towards fostering sustainable peace and development, the University of Swat (USwat) and the Sustainable Peace and Development Organisation (SPADO) Islamabad, inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). The signing ceremony, marked by enthusiasm and anticipation, saw the convergence of academia and activism in pursuit of a common goal.

The event, graced by prominent figures from both institutions, including Prof. Dr. Hassan Sher, the esteemed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Swat, and Raza Shah Khan, the Chief Executive of SPADO, showcased a shared commitment to collaboration in research, education, and development initiatives.

Imtiaz Ali, Registrar of the University, along with distinguished faculty members such as Prof. Dr. Anwar Hussain, Director of OCRIC, and Prof. Dr. Najeeb Ur Rehman, Dean of the Faculty of Chemical Sciences, joined the occasion, underlining the collective resolve towards meaningful engagement.

The partnership, outlined in the MoU, is poised to catalyze joint research endeavors, educational exchange programs, and community development initiatives. With a focus on addressing the pressing issues of the region, the collaboration seeks to empower local communities and promote sustainable practices conducive to peace and prosperity.

Both institutions expressed optimism regarding the potential impact of their joint efforts, believing that synergy between academia and grassroots activism holds the key to unlocking transformative change. By leveraging expertise, resources, and networks, the alliance aims to bridge academic insights with on-the-ground realities, thereby contributing to the broader discourse on sustainable peace and development.

As the University of Swat and SPADO embark on this collaborative journey, they invite stakeholders from diverse backgrounds to join hands in advancing the cause of peace and prosperity in the region. With shared vision and collective action, they envision a future where education, research, and community empowerment converge to build resilient societies founded on principles of peace and sustainable development.

Related: University of Swat holds Moot Court

In a bid to cultivate global citizenship among Pakistani students, the University of Education (UoE) Lahore, hosted the inauguration ceremony of the project titled “Cultivating Global Citizenship: Empowering Teachers to Become Change Makers in Pakistan”. The event, held at the Township Campus, witnessed the esteemed presence of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Alam Saeed, Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Lahore, as the chief guest.

Led by Professor Meng Tian, Associate Professor of Educational Leadership and Director of Global Engagement at the College of Social Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK, and co-led by Dr. Naima Qureshi, Assistant Professor at the University of Education, Lahore, the project aims to equip teachers with transformative pedagogies to foster global citizenship among students. Project partners include the UoE Lahore, the Ali Institute of Education (AIE) and the Academic Leaders Innovation Forum (ALIF).

Over 60 pre-service and in-service teachers from 15 different universities, along with representatives from public and private schools across Lahore, participated in the inaugural ceremony. The project promises to provide participating educators with the knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to instill global citizenship values in their students.

Dr. Naima Qureshi, co-lead of the project, emphasized the significance of empowering teachers as catalysts for change within their communities. She highlighted, “By investing in the professional development of teachers, we are investing in the future of Pakistan.”

Expressing his support for the initiative, Prof. Dr. Alam Saeed, Vice Chancellor of the University of Education, Lahore, extended a warm welcome to the project and acknowledged the need to shape a new generation of global citizens who are not only academically proficient but also socially conscious and ethically responsible. He thanked the University of Birmingham, UK, for their generous funding, which enables the realization of this impactful endeavor.

The inauguration ceremony marked the beginning of a collaborative effort aimed at nurturing a generation of students equipped with the skills and mindset to address global challenges and contribute positively to society, both locally and internationally. Through the collective efforts of educators and institutions, the project aspires to make strides towards a more interconnected and harmonious world.

Related: UoE Hosts Successful ‘Youth Support Programme’

Speakers at the Sixth International Conference on “Advances in Biosciences” emphasized the significance of interdisciplinary research and innovation in addressing global challenges and improving quality of life. The two-day conference was organized by the Dr. Ikram ul Haq Institute of Biotechnology at the Government College University (GCU) Lahore. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Ahmad Adnan chaired the inaugural session, which was addressed by eminent experts in the field, including Professor Dr. Anwar Malik, President of the Biological Society of Pakistan.

In his opening remarks, Professor Dr. Ikram ul Haq S.I, the Secretary General of the Biological Society of Pakistan, noted the overwhelming response to the call for research papers for the conference, with 128 submissions from universities and research institutions nationally and internationally.

In his keynote address, the former federal minister on food security, Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik, reflected on the historical significance of the Pakistan Biological Society and its enduring presence as one of the country’s oldest scientific societies. Dr. Malik praised the expertise in biological sciences cultivated in Pakistan through a period of liberalization and strong government support, which led to significant capacity building and the development of skilled professionals across the country.

Professor Dr. Anwar Malik also highlighted the pivotal role of the Biological Society of Pakistan, championing scientific inquiry and collaboration since its establishment in 1955. He envisioned the conference as a platform for exchange, innovation, and friendly competition among peers, noting revolutionary advancements in biological sciences, from genetic research editing technology to the innovative applications of artificial intelligence in bioinformatics, opening limitless possibilities.

Dr. Malik emphasized the potential for developing resilient crops, personalized medicine, innovative drug delivery systems, and solutions for pollution mitigation and ecosystem restoration. Highlighting the power of collaboration across borders and disciplines, Dr. Malik emphasized the collective knowledge and efforts needed to address the grand challenges facing humanity. He encouraged attendees to ignite their passions, spark new ideas, and forge lasting connections throughout the conference.

Concluding the event, Professor Dr. M. Nauman Aftab, Director of the Dr. Ikram ul Haq Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, delivered the vote of thanks, expressing gratitude to all participants, organizers, and sponsors for their contributions to the success of the conference.

Related: GCU Seminar Amplifies Student Voices for Palestine and Kashmir

In a bid to address the pressing issue of youth unemployment in Pakistan, Punjab University (PU) Vice Chancellor, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, underscored the importance of producing skilled youth aligned with emerging trends in relevant fields. Speaking at an awareness seminar organized by the Transport & Masstransit Department, Government of Punjab, and Bank of Punjab, Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood highlighted the pivotal role universities play in shaping the future workforce.

The seminar, held at the PU Institute of Education and Research’s Waheed Shaheed Hall, aimed to shed light on the provision of motorbikes to students under the Chief Minister’s Youth Initiative. Present at the event were key figures including Secretary Transport Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi, Registrar Dr Ahmad Islam, Director Students Affairs Dr Muhammad Ali Klasra, and Director General Information Technology Dr Kamran Abid, alongside faculty members, officials from PHEC, PITB, Punjab Bank, and a multitude of students.

Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood commended the government’s initiatives, particularly highlighting the significance of schemes such as the laptop distribution program, free internet access, and now, the e-bike scheme, all implemented with stringent merit criteria. He emphasized the need for such initiatives to cater to the increasing student population and address transportation challenges faced by the university, particularly underscoring the benefit for female students.

Secretary Transport Dr Ahmad Javed Qazi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that facilitating education for young students is essential for the future prosperity of Pakistan. He reiterated the government’s commitment to providing ease of access to education and ensuring quality learning environments. Dr Qazi emphasized the interest-free and easily accessible nature of the scheme, aligning with the vision of the Chief Minister Punjab.

During the seminar, Dr Wasim provided detailed insights into the intricacies of the scheme, further emphasizing its potential impact on student welfare and educational accessibility.

The event concluded with a resounding call for students to seize the opportunities provided by such schemes, thereby contributing to the nation’s development through acquiring expertise in their respective fields.

With initiatives like these, stakeholders aim to not only empower the youth but also pave the way for a brighter and more prosperous future for Pakistan.

Related: Russian Ambassador inaugurates classroom at PU

Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and Peoples Commission for Minorities Rights (PCMR) organized a conference on “Fulfilling the Dream of Free & Compulsory Education (Article 25-A of the constitution of Pakistan)” wherein speakers urged the government to engage relevant stakeholders, including independent education policy experts in policy-making process to develop comprehensive education policy that addresses education-related issues. Peter Jacob, Dr. A. H. Nayyar, Dr. Baela Raza Jamil, Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh, Dr. Yaqoob Khan Bangash, Saqib Jillani Advocate, Raza Ali Advocate, Dr. Uzma Ashiq Khan, Abida Mukhtar, Faaria Khan, and Shafaq Minhas were among the speakers, while the provincial minister for school education Punjab, Rana Sikander Hayat also addressed the conference.

Speaking on the occasion, Education Minister Rana Sikander Hayat said that the government is committed to investing more funds in education, which will be used to improve the quality of early childhood education, enhance access to technology in schools, and elevate the standard of teachers training. He reiterated that the Ministry of Education will empower school management councils to effectively address education-related issues, and introduce reforms to promote social cohesion and ensure equal learning opportunities for all students.

The executive director at CSJ, Peter Jacob highlighted the challenges stemming from institutional disconnect and policy vacuum caused by a lack of coherence in policy decisions and a lack of coordination among relevant public bodies. He acknowledged the announcement of an education emergency and emphasized the need for clear strategies and measures to address the barriers and gaps in achieving the goal of inclusive and equitable quality education. He observed that the involvement of relevant stakeholders including independent experts in education policy and human rights is crucial in developing goals, targets, and actions for the upcoming education policy.

Dr. Baela Raza Jamil expressed concern over the learning loss experienced by children in Pakistan, attributing to inadequate funding provided by duty bearers, and the lack of approval of rules of business, which hampers the implementation of federal and provincial laws related to the right to free and compulsory education guaranteed in Article 25-A of the constitution of Pakistan. She said that the government needs to prioritize early childhood education to improve learning outcomes and language skills among children, and stressed engaging authentic stakeholders in the policy-making process to develop genuine solutions tailored to address education-related issues within the specific context.

Dr. A. H. Nayyar stated that a predominant religion-specific content is present in textbooks that promotes a certain ideology which is a violation of Article 22 (1) of the Constitution of Pakistan. He said that the government needs to abolish textbook boards, and offer multiple textbooks from private publishers to enhance the quality of learning, teaching, and examination, which would foster critical thinking and creative writing skills among students and teachers.

Dr. Riaz Ahmed Shaikh said that the quality of education suffers due to a lack of harmony in policy goals and policy actions introduced to influence the worldview of our nation. He lamented that the inadequate allocation of resources for education and non-scientific educational culture contributes to the decline in education standards. He emphasized the reversal of regressive policy decisions to bring the focus back on fact-based quality content in textbooks to promote a more balanced and informed educational curriculum

Dr. Yaqoob Khan Bangash emphasized the importance of imparting education in the right manner, cautioning that low-quality education can be more detrimental than receiving no education at all. He expressed concerns about the promotion of certain ideologies in textbooks noting that this compromises the overall quality of education. He underscored the need to transfer the responsibility of education to universities by abolishing the examination boards, which would ultimately lead to significant improvements in the education system in the long run.

Saqib Jilani Advocate underscored the government’s obligation to provide free education, including textbooks, transportation, meals, and stipends to prevent children from engaging in child labor. He announced that he intends to file a petition in the Supreme Court under Article 184 (3) to ensure the implementation of the fundamental right to education, guaranteed in Article 25 (A) of the constitution of Pakistan.

Raza Ali Advocate said that the single national curriculum (SNC) is a craft of the National Curriculum Council (NCC), which lacks legal authority, instead, the Council of Common Interest (CCI) is authorized to make such decisions under the 18^th Amendment to the constitution of Pakistan. He highlighted an ongoing petition in Lahore High Court, that challenged the SNC, an extra-constitutional policy decision made by a non-statutory body, NCC.

Abida Mukhtar expressed concerns voiced by the parents of children regarding the single national curriculum, and the religious material in all textbooks particularly due to the involvement of the Punjab Ulema Board (PUB) in approving textbook content published by Punjab Curriculum and Textbook Boards. She mentioned that the parents filed a petition in the Lahore High Court challenging the regressive and unconstitutional policy decision to assert their children’s right to quality education.

Shafaq Mihnas shared the findings of the content analysis based on 130 textbooks published by federal and provincial boards that carry texts and images specific to a majority religion in books of all subjects including languages and social studies, and portray males and females in culturally assigned conventional roles.

Related: HEC to Refine Transnational Education Policy

In their commitment towards achieving SDG 2 i.e. Zero Hunger and enhancing food security, The National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) and the Higher Education Commission (HEC), in collaboration with the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN), organized a 2 day National Consultation Workshop on Introducing New Courses on Food System Transformation in Pakistan.

Pakistani Universities and Higher Educational Institutions convened to discuss the critical need for the integration of Food Systems and Food Systems Transformation into the curriculum of Pakistan’s universities, focusing on agriculture and food sciences.

At the workshop’s opening, Prof. Dr. Fayyaz-ul Hassan Sahi, Chairman of the National Agricultural Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC), emphasized the crucial role of academia and NAEAC in enhancing understanding of food systems and transforming Pakistan’s food systems. He expressed strong support and technical guidance from NAEAC to make this possible and highlighted the alignment of these efforts with NAEAC’s vision to improve academic curriculum of agriculture and food science related degree programs.

Farrah Naz, Country Director at GAIN, discussed the importance of adopting robust approaches to improve understanding of food systems and their transformation. She emphasized the role of NAEAC, HEC, and PARC as key partners in creating an enabling environment for food systems transformation and improving food security in the country.

Faiz Rasool, Head of Policy & Advocacy at GAIN, outlined the key objectives of the workshop, including designing innovative curriculum modules, providing faculty training, and promoting interdisciplinary research collaborations to address food systems challenges.

Dr. Ghulam Sadiq Afridi, Member Social Sciences Division (PARC), highlighted the significance of advocating for food systems transformation in higher education and beyond. He emphasized the need for a robust framework to assess the impact of curriculum changes and educational initiatives, as well as the importance of tools like the Pakistan Food Systems Dashboard.

The chief guest, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Ali, Chairman of PARC, emphasized the workshop’s role in bringing together stakeholders such as academia, government, non-governmental organizations, and international partners to discuss course outlines, finalize action plans, and ensure alignment with national and international standards.

The workshop serves as a platform for collaboration among academia, government, NGOs, and international partners to drive progress in food systems transformation aligned with Pakistan’s priorities and global goals.

Related: NAEAC delegation visits UoK

Russian Ambassador Albert P. Khorev has inaugurated renovated and upgraded classrooms for teaching and promoting Russian language in Punjab University (PU). Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood welcomed the Russian ambassador. The Russian delegation included Head of Russian House in Pakistan Mr Ruslan M. Prokhorove and others while Principal Oriental College Prof Dr. Nabila Rehman, Director Institute of Languages and Linguistics Dr. Hafiz Muqit, Assistant Professor Russian Language Dr. Ekaterina Gavrishchuk and faculty members were present on this occasion.

The classrooms were upgraded with the funding from the Russian government institution i.e Federal Agency of the Russian Federation under “Rossotrudnichestvo” project, which has provided a large-scale modernization of Russian language classes located in all countries of the world as part of the international humanitarian program.

Speaking on this occasion, Mr Khorev said Russia and Pakistan have excellent relations. He said that Russia is promoting economic relations with Pakistan and for the first time Pakistan-Russia trade volume has crossed $1 billion mark. He said that there is a need to promote cooperation between Russian and Pakistani institutions in many fields. He said that Lahore and Punjab University will play a key role in promoting Pakistan-Russia relations. He said that Russian language centers have also been set up in Karachi and Sargodha.

He said that he would support the promotion of comparative analysis of Pakistani and Russian literature for better understanding of each other. He also stressed the need to promote cultural relations between Pakistan and Russia. He thanked Punjab University for promoting Russian language. Vice-Chancellor Dr. Khalid Mehmood said that he wants to promote academic relations with Russian universities. He said that teachers and students of Punjab University have also visited People’s Friendship University in Moscow in the recent past. He said that PU will cooperate in promoting relations with Russia at all levels.

Related: New laurels for PU in QS subject ranking