LAHORE: Higher Education Commission (HEC) Chairman Prof Dr Mukhtar Ahmed has said creating new knowledge, along with imparting education and training to students, is the prime responsibility of universities.

He was addressing the closing ceremony of the second two-day online national conference on ‘Role of Universities in National Development and Stability’ organised by the Punjab University Institute of Education and Research.

Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairman Prof Dr Shahid Munir, Islamia University Bahawalpur Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Athar Mehboob, University of Education

VC Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha, University of South Asia VC Mian Imran Masood, IER Director Prof Dr Rafaqat Ali Akbar, conference secretary Prof Dr Shahid Farooq, researchers, faculty members and students were present.

Dr Mukhtar said research should be promoted in the universities to bring political and economic stability in the country. Teachers and imams could create a civilised society and teachers should become role models for students.

PHEC chairman Prof Munir said Malaysia spent 25 per cent of its GDP on education and research and research was being done in many universities to resolve water shortage issue. He said giving suggestions to deal with the problems faced by the world is one of the important responsibilities of universities. He said that 64pc of Pakistan’s population consisted of youth and if guided in the right direction, they could contribute towards the prosperity of our country.

Dr Athar Mehboob said a teacher was an artist whose industry was the soul of man.

Dr Talat Naseer Pasha said for the promotion of education and research in the country, the teachers of education and research institutions would have to play a dynamic role in policy making.

Mian Imran Masood said private-public partnership was essential for the development of education in Pakistan. He lauded the government’s initiative of holding consultations with the private sector to promote education in the country.

Dr Rafaqat Ali Akbar thanked the distinguished guests and said Punjab University Institute of Education and Research would continue to play its role for the sustainable development of the country.

Later, a walk was held under the leadership of Prof Munir to pay tribute to the teachers.

Published in Dawn, October 6th, 2022