HEC, LJCP sign MoU about rule of law focusing academia

Islamabad

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan (LJCP) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster partnership for increasing awareness among citizens about Rule of Law and legal rights, particularly focusing academia and the younger generation.

HEC Executive Director Professor Dr. Arshad Ali, and Secretary Law and Justice Commission of Pakistan Mohammad Sarwar Khan signed the MoU at a ceremony held at HEC Secretariat.

HEC Chairman Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, HEC Member of Operations and Planning Professor Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Director General (Academics) Muhammad Raza Chohan and other members of senior management from both sides were also present on the occasion.

The purpose of the agreement is to establish a sustained and effective collaboration between the two institutions to inform and promote academic research on rule of law, develop and implement curricula for degree courses and modules including short courses to raise awareness among students in particular and other citizens in general.

It also envisages law clinics initiative to support enforcement of Rule of Law as part of law degree activities. Both HEC and the LJCP will jointly hold different activities such as art competitions, intra-university debates, seminars, walks for promoting the rule of law at all levels of the Pakistani society.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that objective of this MoU is to put joint efforts for raising awareness on fundamental rights and how to effectively implement the Rule of Law. He said the two sides will help encouraging academia for a proactive role and equipping students with skills and knowledge so as to lead not their own life while knowing the rights and abiding by the law but also spread it among other citizens.

The chairman said that with mutual consultation, changes will be made in relevant curricula as well as specific modules will be developed.  

Mohammad Sarwar Khan said though Law and Justice Commission has been spreading awareness regarding Rule of Law among youth but joint efforts with HEC will be more effective for their guidance and training. “Our main objective is to ensure that people know about their legal rights and also realize importance of their engagement with the State, and for this purpose youth can play a vital role,” he said.

Dr. Arshad Ali said that while emphasising rights of citizens, they should also be sensitized regarding their responsibilities because only then a society can be shaped and developed on true principles of justice.