ISLAMABAD, Dec 1 (APP):An education conference organized by the Pakistan Alliance of Private Schools Associations (PAPSA) in Islamabad urged swift reforms in the education policy to promote quality learning, ensure the return of out-of-school children, and strengthen the role of private educational institutions.
The conference was addressed by Chairman PAPSA, Sheikh Muhammad Akram along with other officials, and attended by representatives from district, divisional and provincial bodies of private educational institutes, said a press release on Monday.
Sheikh Muhammad Akram stressed the need for an immediate and comprehensive policy to bring the country’s approximately millions out-of-school children back into the mainstream education system. He also called for categorizing private educational institutions based on their fee structures, proposing that low-fee institutions be formally recognized as welfare organizations.
He emphasized that the private sector must be given adequate representation in policy-making bodies at both federal and provincial levels.
Private institutions are committed to providing quality education, he said, expressing confidence in them to offer free education to 10 percent of deserving students.
Other speakers acknowledged the sector’s significant contribution to the overall improvement of education standards.
Speakers emphasized that education forms the foundation of national development and reiterated that stronger public-private collaboration is essential for reforming and improving the education system.
FUUAST signs MoU with ABM to strengthen student support in Biorisk Management
ISLAMABAD, Dec 01 (APP):The Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and Technology (FUUAST) Islamabad, in collaboration with the Association for Biorisk Management (ABM), on Monday organised a workshop titled “Biosecurity, Biorisk Management and Professional Responsibility in Partnership” aimed at enhancing research capacity in modern biosciences.
On the occasion, FUUAST and ABM signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) under which ABM will offer scholarships to students and support research and academic initiatives related to biological safety.
The workshop was chaired by Vice Chancellor Dr Zabta Khan Shinwari and attended by ABM CEO Dr Asghar Ali, Board Member Dr Javed Khan, faculty members, heads of departments and students.
In his address, Dr Shinwari said biosecurity has emerged as a major global concern and underscored the need for universities to stay updated on evolving biological threats.
He added that the university, through its Office of Research, Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC), is actively working to strengthen research in modern biosciences.
He noted that as professionals and also as Muslims, it is important to fulfill responsibilities with integrity and stay aware of global developments, including biological risks.
Dr Javed Khan praised the leadership and vision of the Vice Chancellor and urged students to build expertise in modern scientific disciplines.
ABM CEO Dr. Asghar Ali highlighted the organisation’s collaborations with several universities across Pakistan on biosecurity research and capacity-building initiatives.
The event concluded with an interactive session in which guest speakers responded to students’ questions. Faculty members expressed appreciation to the Vice Chancellor for organising a comprehensive workshop on this emerging area of study.
