Education

Universities shift online in Islamabad, Rawalpindi amid heightened security

ISLAMABAD: Several universities in Islamabad and Rawalpindi on Sunday announced changes to academic schedules, shifting classes online and postponing examinations ahead of the expected second round of US-Iran talks in Islamabad.

Pakistan took centre stage when it brokered a 14-day ceasefire between the US and Iran, followed by high-stakes talks in Islamabad attended by senior delegations from the two countries. Although the talks did not yield the desired results, the ceasefire remains intact, with confidence-building measures being pursued to secure a permanent truce.

A second round of talks is expected to be held in Islamabad, as US President Donald Trump announced that his representatives are set to arrive in the Pakistan’s capital tomorrow.

The International Islamic University Islamabad said all classes will be held online from April 20 to 24, according to a notification. The university also postponed mid-term examinations scheduled for April 20 to 21.

The administration introduced a four-day working week for non-teaching staff, from Monday to Thursday, with 50% staff working from home. This policy will remain in place from April 20 to 30.

Separately, Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi announced that all classes will be conducted online from April 18 to 26. The university’s main campus will remain closed for one week, according to an official notification.

The notification also stated that “all students residing in university hostels are hereby directed to vacate the hostels immediately,” adding that employees, including officers, teachers, and staff, “shall perform their duties from home during this period,” while essential staff would remain available as required.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Medical University has postponed all scheduled examinations for Allied Health Sciences. The university administration said the decision was taken to facilitate students in the prevailing uncertain circumstances.

New dates for the postponed examinations will be announced in due course, the administration added.

COMSATS University Islamabad has shifted all classes online, according to an official notification. It said that from Monday, 20 April, all classes will be conducted online. The university has also postponed the ongoing midterm examinations.

Education

Pakistan, China deepen TVET ties with landmark MoUs in Hangzhou

ISLAMABAD: Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, participated in the China-Pakistan International TVET-Industrial Cooperation and Exchange Seminar held in Hangzhou on May 24, 2026.

The seminar was held during Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif’s official visit to China, where landmark agreements are signed with leading Chinese educational institutions through the TANG International Education Network to enhance bilateral cooperation in technical and vocational education, advanced technologies, skills development, educational exchange and youth empowerment for Pakistani youth.

Addressing the seminar, Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan highlighted the importance of Pakistan China collaboration in equipping young people with market-driven skills and modern technological expertise to meet emerging global challenges.
He said the partnership would open new avenues for Pakistani students and professionals in advanced and multidisciplinary fields.
During the event, several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with prominent Chinese institutes and colleges under the framework of the TANG International Education Network.

The agreements aim to strengthen institutional linkages, promote industrial cooperation, facilitate academic exchanges and expand opportunities for technical and vocational training between the two countries.

The seminar was organised as part of activities marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China, reflecting the growing strategic partnership and shared commitment to youth development, innovation and educational cooperation.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan said Pakistan’s youth remained the country’s greatest asset and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering them through international collaboration, modern education and skills-based initiatives aligned with future industry demands.

Education

Effective exam monitoring, administrative affairs underway; Commissioner briefed

BISE Rawalpindi examination arrangements HSSC 2026

RAWALPINDI: Commissioner and Chairman Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education (BISE), Rawalpindi, Engineer Aamir Khattak, on Saturday visited the Rawalpindi Board office and reviewed administrative and examination arrangements.

Secretary Board Amjad Iqbal Khattak, Controller of Examinations Tanveer Asghar Awan, Deputy Secretary Shah Rukh Rashid and other officials were present on the occasion.

Office-bearers of the Employees Welfare Association appreciated measures taken for institutional improvement, transparency in examinations and discipline.

Speaking on the occasion, the commissioner said that transparency, merit and modern administrative practices would be further strengthened to ensure a fair and peaceful examination environment for students.

He said institutional success depended on trust, honesty and teamwork.

Later, the controller gave a detailed briefing on arrangements for the HSSC 1st Annual Exams, including monitoring mechanisms and the use of modern technology.

The commissioner directed officials to ensure effective monitoring and utilisation of modern tools, while adopting a zero-tolerance policy against cheating mafias.

Education

Japan donates 168 books to AIOU, launches Pakistan-Japan Advancement Center

ISLAMABAD: The Embassy of Japan donated 168 English-language books to Allama Iqbal Open University under the “Read Japan Project,” while the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center (JPAC) was also inaugurated to promote academic, cultural and employment cooperation between the two countries.

The books, donated by the The Nippon Foundation under its global “Read Japan Project” launched in 2008, were formally handed over by Akamatsu Shuichi to AIOU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood during a ceremony held at the university here, said a press release.

The donated collection covers a wide range of subjects including Japan’s history, politics, economy, security, international relations, philosophy, literature, language and culture, aimed at promoting deeper understanding of Japan among Pakistani students and researchers.

Japan donates 168 books to AIOU, launches Pakistan-Japan Advancement Center

On the occasion, the Japan Pakistan Advancement Center (JPAC) was also inaugurated to foster Japanese language learning, cultural and academic exchanges, while promoting employment opportunities and entrepreneurship for Pakistani youth.

Federal Minister for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resource Development Chaudhry Salik Hussain also attended the event.

Ambassador Akamatsu congratulated the students and faculty members and said that books serve as bridges of knowledge that help people explore Japan’s rich culture and perspectives while inspiring innovation and new ideas in Pakistan.

He termed JPAC an important initiative for strengthening Pakistan-Japan relations in the fields of education, employment and entrepreneurship.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Nasir Mahmood thanked the Nippon Foundation and the Embassy of Japan for the donation, saying the books would help students gain a better understanding of Japan and further enhance bilateral relations between the two countries.

He expressed commitment to nurturing talented students and strengthening ties with Japan through the newly established JPAC.

Federal Minister Chaudhry Salik Hussain appreciated the JPAC initiative and expressed hope that it would further promote friendship, cooperation and people-to-people exchanges between Pakistan and Japan.