Inter-University Consortium, Jang Group sign accord

Islamabad
The Jang Group of Newspapers and Inter-University Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences, Humanities and Arts (IUPCSS), Pakistan, an alliance of 30 Pakistani universities, signed a Memorandum of Understanding and Cooperation (MoUC) at Camp Office of Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan, says a press release.
Sarmad Ali, managing director of Jang Group of Newspapers, and Dr. Nasser Ali Khan, chairman of the Inter-University Consortium and vice chancellor of the University of Haripur, signed the accord. The ceremony was attended by the vice chancellors of various member universities and representatives of Jang Group.
According to the agreement, both organisations agreed to extend cooperation for organising joint seminars, conferences, workshops, expos for promotion of higher education and social sciences, strengthening existing public relation departments of the IUCPSS member universities, assisting in publishing and circulation of Pakistan first-ever higher education quarterly magazine ‘Inter-University Consortium News’ under the auspices of IUCPSS, image building of higher education sector, assisting in career development, placement and organising counselling sessions for the enrolled students from IUCPSS member institutions and highlighting the Mardan Declaration, roadmap on strengthening social sciences, other success stories and achievements of IUCPSS member institutions
While sharing the background, objectives and achievements of the Inter-University Consortium, Chairman Dr. Nasser Ali Khan informed that IUCPSS is Pakistan’s largest, autonomous, voluntary network of Pakistani higher education institutions (HEIs). Currently the consortium is working with several national, international universities networks and organisations in order to undertake collaborative steps for improving the state of social sciences in the country.
University of Turbat Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir termed the accord as a milestone for strengthening social sciences, arts and humanities in Pakistan. He said that through this agreement, the universities located in far flung and remote areas will get more opportunities for highlighting their success stories and issues.
University of Swat Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Jehanzeb Khan underlined the importance of joint concrete efforts for revival of social sciences. He was of the view that the policy makers in the country had neglected the social sciences, arts and humanities which are crucial for promoting values, logic and tolerant society.
Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences & Technology (Karachi) Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal said that media role was critical for promotion of social sciences and higher education in the country. Through this agreement, academia and media would get an opportunity jointly to contribute for betterment of the society.
Abdul Wali Khan University Vice Chancellor, Professor Dr. Ihsan Ali appreciated the role of ‘Jang’ Group for highlighting the importance of education for society. While emphasising over solid steps for strengthening social sciences in the country, he said that special quota should be allocated for social sciences, arts and humanities in award of various scholarships, research and travel grants and that policy should be implemented in letter and spirit. He further said that universities are facing difficulties in finding qualified faculty in the fields of social sciences, arts and humanities.
Speaking on the occasion, Managing Director of ‘Jang’ Group Sarmad Ali appreciated the contribution and efforts of the Inter-University Consortium. He said that it is matter of pleasure for ‘Jang’ Group to enter into accord with 30 universities consortium. “We need to revisit our focus and priorities; we have forgotten our rich heritage, values, culture and history. Only through paying special attention towards social sciences, arts and humanities, we can regain it”, he remarked. He offered every possible support of Jang group to inter university consortium for strengthening social sciences in Pakistan.
The participants were of the unanimous view that social scientists and media should play vital role in order to highlight and recommend the solutions of various problems being faced by Pakistani society.