Islamabad, AUG 24 /DNA/ – “Universities are supposed to be the centers of quality conventional and virtual education with highly qualified faculty”. This was stated by Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training, Mr. Shafqat Mahmood while addressing a gathering on Tuesday at HEC Islamabad, including Dr. Shaista Sohail, Executive Director, HEC, Mr. Jeff Maggioncalda, CEO Coursera, Vice Chancellors, Senior faculty members and students at the launching ceremony of Phase-II of the Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative (DLSEI).

DLSEI is an initiative of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in partnership with Coursera. After the successful completion of the DLSEI Phase-I project, the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has signed a contract with Coursera and officially launched the Program at a largely discounted pricing model. HEC through its initiative “Digital Learning and Skills Enrichment Initiative” (DLSEI) intends to enhance online learning and skills development among passionate students with 1000+ Courses and 28 Learning tracks.

Addressing the ceremony, the Minister said that Pakistan’s education system is facing a plethora of challenges, particularly lack of quality and relevance, amidst rising demand for universities. He underlined the importance of interventions like Coursera for students and faculty. “There is a massive need for skill development in the country, and the courses offered through Coursera is a remarkable intervention especially at a time when Covid-19 has greatly enhanced the importance of online learning.”

He also appreciated the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) for offering training to university leadership, faculty, and administrative staff to enhance their capacity.

Mr. Mahmood said that many gaps were identified in the education system during the Covid-19 pandemic, including the digital divide in the country, faculty’s inability to teach online, and students facing difficulty understanding online classes. He hoped that the online courses under DLSEI will make a huge difference by honing in the talent of Pakistani students and improving their employability, enabling them to contribute to the country’s socio-economic development.

In her remarks, Executive Director HEC Dr. Shaista Sohail said that DLSEI was launched in 2018 under an agreement between HEC and Coursera to enhance online learning and skills development among passionate students. The students, who benefit from the courses, will be able to access courses and certifications from top universities of the world and get an opportunity to enroll themselves into the highest ranked and most expensive online courses.

She hoped that the initiative will help the country turn its youth bulge into an asset. She informed the audience that over 50,000 curated licenses will be issued under the phase-II of the initiative and 1^st year HEC will distribute 24000 licenses to all public and private sectors universities as per enrollment basis. She said that two percent quota has been specified for people with special needs, in addition to formation of a subsidized model for public sector universities.

Mr. Jeff Maggioncalda highlighted the significance of DLSEI for skill development in youth, stating that, “investment in youth is an investment in the future.”

Earlier, Mr. Nazeer Hussain, Director General IT, HEC presented the concept behind the launch of DLSEI. He said that HEC joined hands with Coursera to provide students and faculty with an opportunity to acquire certifications from world-class universities.

RAWALPINDI, Aug 24 :Rawalpindi police on Tuesday arrested one accused who tried to rape an eight years old boy.

According to the police spokesman, the victim’s father Aqeel Ashraf had registered a complaint with Police station Jatli that the accused Sami Ullah took his child to the school’s science laboratory and misbehaved and tried to rape him.

The Jatli police team on the complaint of Aqeel traced the accused and arrested him.

A Case has been registered against Sami Ullah and further investigation is underway.

RAWALPINDI, AUG 24 /DNA/ – Pakistan today conducted a successful test flight of indigenously developed Fatah-1 (Guided Multi Launch Rocket System), capable of delivering a conventional Warhead. The Weapon System will give Pakistan Army capability of precision target engagement deep in enemy territory.
The President, Prime Minister of Pakistan, Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and COAS have also congratulated the participating troops and scientists on successful conduct of flight test.

SUKKUR, Aug 24 :Successful liver transplant surgeries of two children were performed at Pir Abdul Qadir Shah Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences, Gambat, Khairpur.

Jeelani Institute of Medical Sciences (GIMS) Director, Dr. Rahim Bakhash Buatti talking to  media on Tuesday said that a 4-year old boy Mavia from Karachi and a 15-month old infant from Okara were operated at hospital free of charge.

Dr. Rahim informed that livers transplant usually costs Rs 5 million but these surgeries were performed without any charges. He said the livers were donated by children’s mothers.

Islamabad, AUG 24 /DNA/ – Rejecting the PMDA, PPP Parliamentary Leader in the Senate, Senator Sherry Rehman said, “Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) is yet another example of this government’s crackdown on freedom of expression. The state of media and press freedom in Pakistan is already in shambles and now they want to control the media through this Authority which is unconstitutional and is a violation of Article 19 and 19A”.

“The fact that they kept the final draft of the PMDA law and the entire drafting process secret, raises many questions about their intentions. The government clearly wants broad powers so that they can control the narrative and muzzle criticism. Instead of protecting media freedom, they are bringing back the draconian laws of Zia era,” she added.

Rehman asked, “Why is the controversial PMDA bill being moved to the cabinet for approval when all the concerned parties have strongly rejected it? There should have been consultations with the key stakeholders on this law. Why is the Information Ministry not working towards creating a more fair and independent media in Pakistan?”

“According to Human Rights Watch (HRW), the PMDA aims to bring all media in Pakistan; print, television, radio, films, and digital media, under one regulator. Through media tribunals, the government will now have the power to impose fines for those who violate its code of conduct or publish content it deems to be fake news. They will also get to appoint government officials on key positions. All these reeks of the government’s ulterior motive to control the media, she added.

Vice President PPPP Senator Sherry Rehman concluded by saying that, “We strongly reject this bill and demand that the government takes it back. The impact of this dictatorial law will be devastating for journalism and not to forget it is an infringement of our basic human rights”.