Prosperity can never be achieved without education:Zulifqar Khosa

Lahore: Senior Advisor to Chief Minister Senator Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa has said that the dream of progress and prosperity can never be achieved without introducing modern reforms in the field of education.

He was presiding a Cabinet Committee on Education Reforms meeting held at 90-Shahra-e-Quaid-e-Azam, here today, Secretary Higher Education Ijaz Munir, Additional Secretary School Education, Vice Chancellor Punjab University Mujahid Kamran, Vice Chancellor University of Engineering and Technology Gen. (Retd) Muhammad Akram Chaudhary, Vice Chancellor Lahore College for Women University Saliha besides others were also present. Various recommendations were presented during the meeting for establishment of a Higher Education Commission at provincial level and bringing about betterment in existing education institutions. The meeting was informed that the administrative matters of government universities and degree awarding institutions are with the provincial government however matters, relating to funds distribution and other affairs are still with the federal government and Higher Education Commission, due to which difficulties are being faced to bring about betterment in the education system.

Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa was informed that semester system is operative in universities and colleges, under the present education system, which is satisfactory to some extent. However, there is still room for further improvement in this system in some newly established universities and affiliated colleges. It was recommended that in order to bring about rapid changes on modern lines, there is a need for formulating a body consisting of universities and college teachers to ensure implementation of semester regulations, alongwith strictly enforcing academic audit system.

A report by a sub committee recommended during the meeting that clearing of licensing examination by the students acquiring medical, engineering and law degrees from non-governmental institutions should be made compulsory. It was also proposed in the meeting that the process of conducting entry tests before the result of FSC examination by the federally controlled universities, should be stopped.

Sardar Zulfiqar Ali Khan Khosa said that many useful suggestions have been made during the meeting, however, there is still need to further review all related aspects. He directed the participants of the meeting to further reflect on these suggestions and proposals and submit a unanimous summary of recommendations so that it can be given a final shape after further deliberation.