PHEC chairman, UET VC discuss higher education challenges

LAHORE:UET Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Shahid Munir, met with the Chairman of the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC), Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan here on Monday.

During the meeting, they discussed the challenges facing higher education and explored possible solutions. Dr Shahid Munir, who is also former PHEC Chairman, congratulated Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan on assuming the chairmanship of the PHEC and conveyed his goodwill.

Honey bee training workshop begins at PU

A four-day 18th Honey Bee Training Workshop, organised by Punjab University Institute of Zoology, Honey Bee Research Garden in collaboration with the Office of Research Innovation and Commercialisation, Hailey College of Commerce and Small and Medium Enterprises Development Authority (SMEDA) started at the PU Zoological Museum here Monday. On this occasion, PU VC Prof Dr M Ali, Secretary Law and Parliamentary Affairs Punjab Asif Bilal Lodhi, SMEDA CEO Socrat Aman Rana, Director Honey Bee Research Institute Ghulam Sarwar, HCC Principal Prof Dr Hafiz Zafar Ahmad, Director Institute of Zoology Prof Dr Nabila Roohi, Incharge Honey Bee Research Garden Prof Dr Abdul Majid Khan, President Academic Staff Association Prof Dr Amjad Magsi, faculty members, farmers, researchers, experts and students were present.

In his address, Prof Dr M Ali said that farmers in Pakistan were growing grains by investing a lot of capital, but they were sold at a low price in the market. ‘If this situation remains and the problems of farmers are not solved, then wheat will also have to be imported in the future,’ he cautioned, adding that farmers do the work of production, which Allah loves, and we should respect them and provide them with facilities.

He said that agriculture is an important sector along with industrialisation, artificial intelligence, data science and technology while more profits can be earned by promoting corporate farming. He said that honey is the best food which also cures many diseases. He said that due to lack of facilities in villages, cities are expanding and agricultural land is shrinking.

He said that it is necessary to provide awareness for kitchen gardening so that natural products can be promoted. He congratulated the organisers on the successful workshop. He said that students will get an opportunity to learn from the experiences of farmers, researchers, experts and teachers participating in this workshop. Asif Bilal Lodhi said that the government was playing its role in solving the problems faced by universities and farmers and providing legal support. He said that Pakistan is a talented and resource-rich country, for its development and progress everyone has to work together.

Socrat Aman Rana said that steps are being taken to promote industries in the country according to the vision of the PM. He said that they are also providing facilities to increase the production capacity of honey. He said that they are trying to provide modern facilities to farmers and promote entrepreneurship.