CM gives approval to the establishment of Provincial Higher Education Commission

Lahore: Punjab Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif has given approval to the establishment of Provincial Higher Education Commission in the province whereas it has also been decided to set up state-of-the-art Information Technology University in the Knowledge Park to be established at Lahore. Free educational facilities would be provided to the poor but talented children in the Information Technology University.

This was decided at a high level meeting presided over by Chief Minister Punjab Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif at Chief Minister’s Office. Various proposals with regard to promotion of higher education in the province were considered in the meeting.

Addressing the meeting, Chief Minister Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif said that Punjab government is taking concrete measures for promotion of higher and quality education in the province. He stressed the need for establishing institution like Provincial Higher Education Commission for the promotion of higher education in the Punjab. He said that universities play very important role for promoting the process of research, therefore, special attention should be paid to the research in the universities.

The Chief Minister said that the faculties in the universities should be harmonized with the modern demands of present era. He directed that a comprehensive planning should be evolved for meeting the shortage of Ph.D scholars in the universities of Punjab. He said that Punjab government will provide all necessary resources for improving the standard of education in the universities of the province. Shahbaz Sharif disclosed that another university will also be set up along with Information Technology University in the Knowledge Park. Constituting a high level committee regarding setting up second university in the Knowledge Park, he directed that the committee should submit its recommendations with regard to establishing another university by mid of April. Shahbaz Sharif warned that no negligence and laxity will be tolerated in the programmes of promotion of education. He directed that the concerned officials should work hard for furthering the educational projects speedily. He directed that all secretaries should prepare comprehensive briefings with regard to performance of their departments, future projects and steps in this regard.

Provincial Education Minister Rana Mashhood Ahmed Khan, MPA Dr. Ayesha Ghaus Pasha, Additional Chief Secretary, Chairman Planning & Development, Vice Chancellors Punjab University, University of Engineering & Technology, Gujrat University, secretaries and senior officials of concerned departments attended the meeting.