Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has said that creating new knowledge along with education and training is the prime responsibility of universities.
He was addressing the closing ceremony of the second two-day national conference online on the theme of ‘Role of Universities in National Development and Stability’ organized by Punjab University (PU) Institute of Education and Research (IER).
On this occasion, Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Prof Dr Shahid Munir, Vice-Chancellor Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) Prof Dr Athar Mehboob, Vice-Chancellor University of Education (UE) Lahore Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice-Chancellor University of South Asia (USA) Mian Imran Masood, Director IER Prof Dr Rafaqat Ali Akbar, conference secretary Prof Dr Shahid Farooq, researchers, faculty members and students were present.
In his address, Dr Mukhtar said that such research should be promoted in the universities which will bring political and economic stability to the country. He said that teachers and imams are the persons who can create a civilized society. He said that teachers should recognize their place and become role models for students. He said that there is no shortage of resources in Pakistan, only their proper usage is needed. He said that organizing the best conference in PU IER on International Teacher’s Day is appreciated.
In his address, Chairman PHEC Prof Dr Shahid Munir said that the dream of development can never be fulfilled without education. He said that Malaysia spends 25% of its GDP on education and research. He said that the world built F-16 aircraft on the basis of education and research and research work is being done in many universities to solve water shortage. He said that our universities should promote research culture according to the new trends. He said that climate change has had the most impact in Asian countries. He said that giving suggestions to deal with the problems faced by the world is one of the important responsibilities of universities. He said that 64% of Pakistan’s population consists of youth and if we guide them in the right direction, they can contribute towards the prosperity of our country. He said that teachers should adopt modern methods of teaching using information technology so that students can be educated according to market needs.
Dr Athar Mehboob said that a teacher is an artist whose industry is the soul of man. Dr Talat Naseer Pasha said that for the promotion of education and research in the country, the teachers of education and research institutions have to play a dynamic role in systematic policy making. Mian Imran Masood said that private-public partnership is essential for the development of education in Pakistan. He said that consultation with the private sector is a good initiative of the government to promote education in the country. Dr Rafaqat Ali Akbar thanked the distinguished guests and said that Punjab University IER will continue to play its role for the sustainable development of the country.
Later, a walk was arranged under the leadership of Prof Dr Shahid Munir to pay tribute to the teachers.
