Daily Times

LAHORE: Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairperson Dr Nizamuddin called on Caretaker Punjab Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari at his office on Monday.

During the meeting, various matters including promotion of research and development in higher education sector came under discussion. Talking on the occasion, the caretaker Punjab chief minister said that education was key to success and a symbol of bright future of the country. Therefore, immediate steps should be taken for the promotion of higher education, he added. Particular attention should be given to quality education for durable promotion of higher education sector because educational targets can only be achieved only through this way. He said that research and development should be especially focused on in universities and added that this goal can be achieved by arranging direct liaison among industry, livestock, agriculture and other sectors.

“Work is needed to be done with commitment and passion for promoting research and development in universities,” he added.

The chief minister said that long lasting reforms in education sector is the basis of national development as the developed countries have earned a niche in the comity of the nations through their educational measures.

“A comprehensive policy is required to modernise the education sector for effectively dealing with today’s challenges. It is the need of the hour that new reforms should be introduced in health and education sectors by utilising the information and communication technologies,” he said, adding that dexterous use of information technology is imperative for uplifting the educational system for betterment of the people.

“A vibrant strategy is required to transform the universities as centres of excellence for modern knowledge,” he added. The PHEC chairperson apprised the CM about performance and future strategy of the commission.

King Edward Medical University Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Masood Gondal also called on Caretaker Punjab CM Dr Hasan Askari at his office on Monday.

Talking on the occasion, the chief minister said that KE is a historic institution in medical education and added that extraordinary importance of this university is needed to be further highlighted.

“KE’s educational status will be restored by promoting merit in this institution,” he added.

Talking to KE vice chancellor, the CM said that research has the key importance in medical sector and Pakistan can earn global recognition by promoting medical research.

“Health sector requires selfless devotion and service towards the ailing humanity and medical students should be motivated towards public service during their education,” Dr Hassan Askari said, adding that proposal of connecting the new campus of KE being developed at Muridke-Narowal Road with Sialkot-Lahore Motorway will be reviewed.

KE VC briefed the CM about administrative and teaching activities and future plans of the university. He also presented his book Mushahidaat Wa Tasuraat to Dr Askari.

Published in Daily Times, July 10^th 2018.