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

In a bid to address pressing environmental concerns and explore sustainable energy solutions, Punjab University (PU) Institute of Energy and Environmental Engineering (IEEE) joined hands with the Energy Engineering Research & Development Centre, along with USPCASE, National University of Science and Technology (NUST) Islamabad, to organize a comprehensive seminar. The event, held at Punjab University, aimed to foster collaborative efforts towards practical, result-oriented solutions in the realms of energy and the environment.

The seminar served as a platform for experts and scholars to share valuable insights and discuss critical environmental topics, emphasizing the importance of technological and engineering innovations in tackling contemporary challenges. Dr. Asif Hussain Khoja and Dr. Abeera Ayaz Ansari, esteemed academics from USPCASE, NUST, delivered enlightening lectures on pivotal subjects including energy, fuels, and climate change.

Dr. Khoja and Dr. Ansari underscored the significance of leveraging indigenous resources and implementing innovative waste-to-energy solutions to mitigate environmental degradation and address energy needs sustainably. Dr. Ansari also spotlighted her groundbreaking research on the ecological challenges confronting Manchar Lake, emphasizing the urgent need for conservation efforts to preserve fragile ecosystems.

Dean Faculty of Electrical, Energy and Environmental Engineering, Prof. Dr. Hamed Sattar, commended the organizers for orchestrating a fruitful seminar that brought together stakeholders from academia, research, and industry. The participation of faculty members and students from diverse departments including IEEE, ICET, IPTE, and CEES underscored the interdisciplinary nature of the seminar and the collective commitment towards fostering sustainable practices.

The seminar not only provided a platform for knowledge exchange but also paved the way for potential collaborations and partnerships in advancing sustainable solutions for the energy and environmental sectors. As the world grapples with escalating environmental challenges, such collaborative initiatives serve as beacons of hope, driving concerted efforts towards a greener and more sustainable future.

Related: PU Seminar Highlights Importance of Cultural Preservation

The federal government is poised to announce a four-year state of education emergency nationwide, aiming to address the issue of out-of-school children and various other challenges within the sector.

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif is expected to make the declaration in the near future. Sources indicate that a conference slated for Tuesday, where the announcement was anticipated, has been postponed due to the Prime Minister’s prior commitments.

Pakistan is currently grappling with significant educational challenges, including 26.2 million out-of-school children and a low literacy rate of 62%. Additionally, concerns are raised about the government’s meager spending of 1.7% of GDP on education and disparities in essential facilities such as toilets, water, and boundary walls in schools nationwide.

Last month, Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training (MoFEPT) Dr. Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui, after being briefed on the situation, expressed his intention to urge the Prime Minister and the federal cabinet to declare a national education emergency.

The impending National Conference on Education Emergency aims to devise strategies and initiatives for ensuring inclusive, quality education for all children. Despite its postponement, the conference underscores Pakistan’s commitment to addressing issues like out-of-school children and learning poverty, with the goal of supporting underperforming districts across the country.

Scheduled to be chaired by the Prime Minister, the event will bring together key stakeholders, including chief ministers, development partners, diplomats, and educationists, to collaborate on solutions. While initially set for April 30, the conference has been delayed by a week due to the Prime Minister’s prior engagement in Saudi Arabia.

Secretary of Education Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani emphasized the government’s commitment to improving the education sector, highlighting collaborative efforts between federal and provincial authorities to enact positive change.

Related: MoFEPT Unveils National Nutrition Program in Islamabad

In a celebration of World Veterinary Day 2024, the Vets Care Club of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, organized a pioneering event titled “Veterinary Joint Venture 2024” at the UVAS City Campus. The event brought together esteemed professionals and experts from various fields to discuss critical issues concerning animal health, welfare, and the livestock sector.

Distinguished figures present at the event included Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, Prof. Dr. Aneela Zameer Durrani, Registrar Sajjad Hyder, Chief Executive Officer of Forward Solution, Dr. Asim Mehmood Khan, Managing Director of Big Bird, Abdul Kareem Bhatti, Dr. Farooq from the National Institute of Health, General Secretary of Lahore High Court Bar, Advocate Qadir Bakhsh Chahal, former General Secretary of Lahore High Court Bar, Ms. Sabahat Rizvi, Dr. Iftikhar, and General Manager of Egg Box, Mr. Tahir Jatthol.

The panelists delved into a range of topics, emphasizing the indispensable role of veterinarians as essential health workers. They shed light on the significance of animal welfare and the pressing need for comprehensive legislation to safeguard the well-being of animals. Moreover, critical issues affecting the livestock sector were thoroughly discussed, providing insights into potential solutions and avenues for improvement.

The seminar served as a platform for exchange and collaboration, fostering a spirit of joint effort towards addressing challenges within the veterinary and animal sciences domain. Participants engaged in lively discussions, sharing expertise and experiences to further the cause of animal health and welfare.

The “Veterinary Joint Venture 2024” stands as a testament to the commitment of UVAS and its affiliates to promote excellence in veterinary education, research, and practice. By bringing together stakeholders from diverse backgrounds, the event reinforced the importance of collective action in advancing the welfare of animals and the sustainability of the livestock sector.

As World Veterinary Day continues to be celebrated worldwide, initiatives like the “Veterinary Joint Venture 2024” underscore the crucial role of veterinarians and allied professionals in safeguarding the health and well-being of both animals and humans alike.

Related: UVAS observed World Veterinary Day 2024

The Government College University (GCU) Lahore Dramatics Club and AJOKA Theatre convened to deliberate on potential collaborations aimed at producing impactful plays and other joint initiatives aimed at engaging and educating audiences.

Chaired by Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir and AJOKA Executive Director Shahid Nadeem, the meeting centered on leveraging drama and theatre as catalysts for social development.

Accompanying the esteemed leaders were GCU Advisor Students’ Affairs, M. Siddique Ahmad Awan, and Director Academic Planning and External Links, Dr. Fouzia Shahin.

Prof. Dr. Shazia Bashir underscored the power of entertainment media in conveying meaningful messages. She emphasized the historical significance of co-curricular activities such as debates and theatre in shaping the character and skills of GCU students.

Shahid Nadeem, Executive Director of AJOKA, shed light on prevailing challenges within the drama industry, highlighting the prevalent focus on ratings and profits at the expense of addressing societal needs. He affirmed that collaborations like the one between GCU and AJOKA can counteract this trend by producing content that both engages and educates.

Nadeem also expressed his pride in returning to GCU, his alma mater, which also boasts the late Madeeha Gauhar, founder of AJOKA, as an alumna.

As AJOKA Theatre celebrates its fortieth anniversary and GCU commemorates 160 years since its establishment, both institutions expressed their intention to formalize their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding. The Vice-Chancellor extended an invitation to Mr. Nadeem to collaborate with GCU in establishing a department of Theatre Studies.

The meeting concluded with an optimistic outlook towards future collaborations, with both parties eager to harness the power of drama and theatre for social change and education.

Related: Iranian President Visits GCU Lahore

In a poignant critique of India’s maneuvers in the contested territory of Jammu and Kashmir, Professor Dr. Muhammad Kaleem Abbasi, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir (UAJK), has drawn parallels between India’s tactics and those employed by Israel, accusing India of attempting to alter the demographic landscape of Muslim-majority regions.

Prof. Abbasi’s remarks came during the 5th Inter-University English Debate Competition, a collaborative effort between UAJK and the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Cell (JKLC). He articulated grave concerns over India’s actions, characterizing them as violations of international law and an infringement upon the right to self-determination.

Speaking to participants, Prof. Abbasi underscored the striking similarities between India and Israel’s strategies aimed at influencing population ratios in disputed territories to sway future plebiscites. He emphasized the crucial role of such platforms in educating youth about the Kashmir issue, urging a nuanced understanding rooted in its historical context.

Moreover, Prof. Abbasi condemned what he termed “water terrorism,” accusing India of leveraging vital resources to advance its agenda in the region. He contended that India’s endeavors to manipulate demographics and control water sources expose its ulterior motives and disregard for the rights of Kashmiris.

Dr. Raja Muhammad Sajjad Khan, Director of the Kashmir Policy Research Institute (KPRI), echoed Prof. Abbasi’s sentiments, stressing the importance of educating students about the intricacies of the Kashmir conflict and empowering them to express their perspectives effectively. Dr. Khan elaborated on the legal dimensions of the issue, urging students to exercise caution and precision in their discourse.

The competition witnessed spirited participation from numerous students, with Syeda Humira Hameed, Asma Abrar, and Ayman Abbasi emerging as standout contenders, according to the esteemed panel of judges. The judging panel, comprising distinguished academics including Prof. Dr. Syed Nadeem Haider Bukhari, Dr. Shahida Khalique, and Dr. Ayesha Rahman, evaluated participants’ performances rigorously.

Raja Muhammad Aslam Khan, Director of the JKLC, and Dr. Sharjeel Saeed, Director of Students Affairs at UAJK, provided valuable insights into the competition’s background and significance, enriching the dialogue on the Kashmir issue and reaffirming the commitment to fostering informed discourse among the youth.

Related: 42nd Pakistan Congress of Zoology Concludes at UAJK

Starting today, the non-teaching staff at the University of Karachi (UoK) have initiated a pen-down strike. This action comes after a week-long abstention from evening classes by the teaching faculty, indicating a deepening crisis within the institution.

The decision to indefinitely strike arises from unresolved grievances, including non-payment of leave encashment, reimbursement of medical expenses, and pending remuneration for evening classes spanning over a year. Following a general body meeting at the Chinese Teachers Memorial Auditorium, the Employees’ Welfare Association of KU (EWAKU) and other representative groups announced the strike.

Senior KU teachers anticipate severe disruptions to both academic and administrative operations on campus due to the strike, reflecting growing dissatisfaction with the administration’s handling of employee concerns. This may further prompt the Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS) to consider a complete boycott of academic activities.

Prof. Shah Aliul Qadr, President of KUTS, disclosed that the matter would be discussed in the upcoming general body meeting following the elections for KU senate and syndicate seats.

During the meeting chaired by Irfan Khan, head of the association, non-teaching employees outlined their demands, including payment of leave encashment, release of pending arrears, and approval of promotions for over 600 staff members pending for four years.

Mohammad Shahid, a representative of the association, expressed disappointment over the lack of progress in negotiations with the university administration, highlighting their refusal to disburse funds allocated by the Higher Education Commission for outstanding dues.

Shakeel Gabol, representing another employee group, criticized the administration for exacerbating what he described as the “worst-ever financial crisis” faced by the institution, urging unity among attendees.

Meanwhile, staff members of the Centre of Excellence in Marine Biology (CEMB) continued their strike over unpaid salaries and pensions spanning three months, underscoring the broader financial challenges confronting Karachi University.

Related: UoK to Confer Honorary Doctorate on Iranian President

Beaconhouse National University (BNU) Lahore took a significant step towards enhancing academic and research collaboration between Pakistan and China with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) for the establishment of a China Studies Chair.The ceremony marked a milestone in fostering deeper understanding and cooperation between the two nations.

The event, graced by the presence of Honorable Rana Sikandar Hayat, Minister of Education of the Government of Punjab, witnessed the signing of the MoU by His Excellency Zhao Shiren, Consul General of China in Lahore, and Dr. Moeed Yusuf, Vice Chancellor of BNU.

The MoU delineates a comprehensive program of collaboration between Chinese universities, think tanks, and BNU aimed at advancing academic and research endeavors. It seeks to facilitate a nuanced exploration of China-Pakistan interactions, promoting greater understanding and cooperation in various spheres.

Building upon its existing program on the Chinese language, BNU will introduce a dedicated course on Chinese Studies at the School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences (SLASS). This course will offer a comprehensive exploration of Pakistan-China relations, enriching academic offerings and fostering greater cultural understanding.

The signing of the MoU heralds a new chapter in bilateral collaboration, setting the stage for deeper engagement and mutual enrichment between Pakistan and China. It reflects BNU’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for academic excellence and cross-cultural dialogue, paving the way for robust scholarly exchanges and collaboration in the years to come.

Other than BNU students dive into CBD Punjab’s skyline

In a significant development for the advancement of higher education, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) have forged an agreement to collaborate on initiatives aimed at ensuring the quality and promotion of higher education. This landmark agreement was announced during a joint event titled “Quality Assurance,” hosted by PHEC.
During the event, Executive Secretary of HEC, Prof. Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum, and Chairperson of PHEC, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, reaffirmed their commitment to this collaborative effort. The event was attended by Vice-Chancellors from 75 public and private universities across Punjab.
Education Minister Mr. Rana Sikander Hayat graced the occasion as a special guest, delivering an address that underscored the government’s commitment to merit-based appointments of vice-chancellors in Punjab universities. He outlined a robust educational vision, emphasizing the implementation of short-term and long-term education reforms, including teacher training initiatives supported by the UK, school upgrades, and solutions for various educational challenges. Additionally, plans were unveiled for the introduction of technical education and modern IT courses for students.
Prof. Dr. Zia-ul-Qayyum highlighted the adoption of innovative methods to elevate university standards for enhanced international competitiveness. Collaboration with provincial authorities was emphasized as a means to implement reforms effectively.
Practical measures are already underway in public sector universities to integrate quality assurance mechanisms into the higher education system, including the establishment of quality enhancement cells.
Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairperson of PHEC, expressed eagerness to collaborate with HEC to advance higher education. He urged the Government to bolster the higher education budget to align with global standards, stressing the pivotal role of education in maintaining dignity in the modern era. The comparison of Pakistan’s educational budget with that of South Asian countries underscored the need for increased funding in this sector.
Dr. Farkh Naveed, Secretary of Higher Education Department (HED), emphasized the importance of diversifying revenue sources for universities beyond Government budgets. He outlined ongoing efforts to expedite the appointment process for new vice-chancellors in Punjab universities, including the formation of search committees and the implementation of performance monitoring mechanisms.
This collaboration between HEC and PHEC marks a significant step forward in the journey towards enhancing higher education quality and accessibility in Pakistan.

Other than HEC to Refine Transnational Education Policy