Long-lasting educational reforms basis of national development: CM Askari

–Caretaker chief minister discusses future plans of varsity with KEMU VC

LAHORE: Punjab Caretaker Chief Minister Dr Hasan Askari Rizvi on Monday said that long-lasting reforms in the education sector were the basis of national development as the developed countries had earned a niche in the comity of nations only through their educational measures.

Speaking during a meeting with Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Chairman Dr Nizamuddin, who called on him, the chief minister said that a comprehensive policy was required to modernise the education sector for effectively dealing with today’s challenges.

“It is the need of the hour that new reforms are introduced in the health and education sectors by utilising the information and communication technologies,” he said, adding that dexterous use of information technology was imperative for uplifting the educational system for the betterment of the people.

“A vibrant strategy is required to transform the universities as centres of excellence for modern knowledge,” he added.

The chief minister said that education was the key to success and a symbol of bright future of the country. “Therefore, immediate steps should be taken for the promotion of higher education,” he added.

He said that research and development should especially be focused in universities and added that this goal could be achieved by arranging direct liaison among industry, livestock, agriculture and other sectors. “Work is needed to be done with commitment and passion for promoting research and development in universities,” he added.

Separately, King Edward Medical University (KEMU) Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Masood Gondal also called on CM Askari.

Speaking at the occasion, the chief minister said that KEMU was a historic institution in medical education and added that extraordinary importance of the varsity was needed to be further highlighted.

“KEMU’s educational status will be restored by promoting merit in this institution,” he said.

The chief minister said that merit should be promoted in KEMU and research had key importance in the medical sector. “Pakistan can earn global recognition by promoting medical research. Further steps should be taken to promote medical education.”

Earlier, the KEMU VC briefed the chief minister about administrative and teaching activities and future plans of the university. He also presented his book “Mushahidaat Wa Tasuraat” to CM Askari.