Education

SDPI, UCP Lahore ink MoU to promote young talent through joint research

ISLAMABAD: A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) and University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore to strengthen think tank-academia collaboration for promoting young talent through joint research, academic exchange, policy engagement and capacity-building initiatives.

Under the MoU, both institutions will collaborate on research projects, joint publications, conferences and consulting assignments, while providing internship and volunteer opportunities for students and training support for faculty, said a press release issued on Sunday.

The partnership also includes exchange of experts for guest lectures and workshops, access to research and training facilities, participation of students in SDPI’s international sustainable development conference, and joint grant-writing opportunities. Both sides agreed to promote institutional linkages through knowledge sharing, resource facilitation and professional development programmes with financial arrangements for activities to be finalized through separate project-level agreements.

During the virtual MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Sajid Amin Javed, Deputy Executive Director, SDPI and Dr. Mohammad Irfan Ali Fani, Department of Political Science and International Relations, UCP Lahore signed the document.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Sajid Amin Javed said the Institute looks forward to build this collaboration strong through effective implementation of this MoU in multiple collaborative domains.

He said SDPI believes that academia is the factor of ideas that nurture and nestle young minds by imparting modern skills and education and generates best talent relevant to the market. “Our partnerships go beyond student internships and consider it beyond that as it involves joint researches, projects and study initiatives, conferences, symposium and seminars of mutual interest,” he added.

He added that the Institute is based in Islamabad and its partners linked through MoUs are its arms and eyes to function within the provinces that also helps it improve its rankings among academic institutions. He said the MoU implementation makes an MoU more effective and SDPI will be extending all-out support in this regard to the UCP.Dr. Mohammad Irfan Ali Fani said think tank and academia collaboration is critical to ensure efficacy of education imparted to students to compete in the market.

He added that UCP students’ association and attachment with the institutions like SDPI will help improve their scope in the industry. “Many industry sector partners hold events and conferences in UCP-Lahore and seminars and SDPI is also welcome to hold such events at our venue,” he said.

Dr. Irfan underlined that the UCP also sends its faculty members in industry and it is mandatory for them to engage with industry to monitor its contemporary trends to impart advanced training to its students.

He also mentioned that the PhD and MPhil students are writing different theses and require data, in the pursuit, those students can serve SDPI’s research endeavours that can benefit both students and SDPI.

Anam Naeem from Career Services Office, UCP said the Office is striving to develop MoUs in the industry and relevant sectors to initiate mutual beneficial collaborations for its students. She hoped that SDPI will collaborate with the University to facilitate its students for internship opportunities, conferences and beyond.

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.