Rawalpindi Announces Holiday for All Schools, Colleges and Universities

In an official announcement, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner in Rawalpindi has declared that all educational institutions within the municipal limits of Tehsil Rawalpindi, excluding the Cantonment areas, will be closed tomorrow, on 7 September 2023 (Thursday). This decision comes in light of the upcoming Chehlum Procession.

The notification, issued by Deputy Commissioner Rawalpindi, cites the need to maintain security and order during the religious procession as the reason for the temporary closure. This closure encompasses both government and private universities, colleges, and schools.

Furthermore, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner has requested the Director of Information to ensure widespread dissemination of this information through electronic and print media. The Private Schools Association in Rawalpindi has been similarly notified.

This precautionary measure aims to ensure the safety and security of students and faculty during the Chehlum Procession, and normal educational activities are expected to resume on the following day, 8 September 2023.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Universities Now Must Get Foreign Office Clearance Before Working on International Projects

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has instructed universities to get permission from the Foreign Office (FO) before forming partnerships with international organizations, such as the United Nations (UN) and its subsidiaries.

Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, revealed this decision via an official letter, stating that any collaboration with organizations like the UN should first be sanctioned by the FO.

He added that this happened after the FO expressed concerns to the Higher Education Commission about universities forming potentially sensitive international partnerships without prior consultation.

Recent observations revealed that some educational institutions might unintentionally misrepresent Pakistan’s stance on certain issues when partnering with international bodies without the FO’s guidance.

To prevent this, the HEC’s letter stated that universities should route any international collaborations, especially those of political significance, through the relevant governmental departments, with the FO at the forefront.

Dawn reported that an institute affiliated with Quaid-i-Azam University had communicated with an international organization without first consulting the FO.

Following the event, the FO intervened and discussed the issue further with the HEC. As a result, universities are now advised to ensure they have the approval of both the Foreign Office and the HEC before venturing into any global alliances.

Source: ProPakistani

Following teachings of Islam solution to socio-economic woes: Aneeq Ahmad

Caretaker Minister for Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony Aneeq Ahmed says solution of socio-economic and moral problems confronted to nation lies in following the teachings of Islam and message of Holy Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (SAWW).

Addressing a ceremony in Karachi on Sunday, he urged Ulema to spread the message of Islam as they have the strength to take this message in every nook and corner of the society.

He said those obtaining religious education in Madrassas and other educational institutions can put the society on right direction by equipping themselves with teachings of Islam.

Source: Radio Pakistan

HEC announces scholarship program for GB students

Higher Education Commission has announced a Scholarship Program for students of Gilgit-Baltistan to study in top Pakistani universities or institutions.

An official of HEC said the applications have been invited from outstanding students of Gilgit-Baltistan who intend to pursue undergraduate studies from HEC-recognized public sector universities.

The applicants who are already availing any other scholarship are not eligible to apply while the maximum age limit is 22 years as of closing date of application submission.

The candidates will be shortlisted based on their scores in Aptitude Test and academic credentials in which the candidates must secure at least 50 percent marks.

The application can be submitted online through: http://eportal.hec.gov.pk.

The last date for submission of the application in 30th of this month.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Madad Ali Sindhi vows to assess ability of teachers to correct educational system

Minister for Education and Professional Training Madad Ali Sindhi has vowed to evaluate the ability of teachers to correct the educational system in the country.

Talking to media persons during his visit to the Karachi Press Club on Sunday, the Minister said that the education and ability of the teachers would be checked in the educational institutions including the universities of the country.

He said that the educational system would be put on the right track.

Replying to a question, he said that education was the provincial subject after the 18th Amendment.

He said that Sindh, Punjab and other provinces had reservations over history subjects and they wanted to put the personalities, they considered to include them in the curriculum.

Earlier, speaking about the issues of the journalists, he advised his interim government to announce a permanent fund for the journalists.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Universities Aren’t Allowed to Form Contracts With Foreign NGOs: HEC

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has issued a directive banning universities from independently engaging in contracts with international non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The announcement came to light through reports on Friday.

HEC Chairman Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed sent a formal letter to the vice-chancellors of universities and heads of educational institutions. The letter emphatically states that no agreements or activities with international organizations should be initiated without prior consultation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The chairman expressed concerns about several universities collaborating with international organizations, including the United Nations (UN), on sensitive and political matters. Such collaborations, according to the HEC, risk tarnishing Pakistan’s global image, leading to reservations voiced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

HEC’s directive instructs universities to cease these activities immediately and requests that they seek permission from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before entering into any such contracts or engaging in related activities. HEC emphasizes that this directive will not compromise the autonomy of educational institutions, reassuring them to continue their operations independently, free from external influences that could potentially jeopardize the country’s stability.

Source: ProPakistani