Day: July 25, 2026

Beijing: Lahore Chinese International Academy (LCIA) and the University of Management and Technology (UMT) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to deepen collaboration in academic exchange, cultural activities, and institutional support, a move that expands their academic cooperation networks and injects fresh momentum into China-Pakistan educational and cultural ties.

The agreement was signed by He Yubing, Vice Principal of LCIA, and Dr. Nadia Anwar, Acting Dean of the School of Liberal Arts at UMT, at a ceremony in Lahore. The agreement places an emphasis on Chinese language training, while also promoting cultural understanding among students and faculty at both institutions, CEN reported.

As a player in Chinese language education in Pakistan, LCIA has long been committed to building bridges for people-to-people exchanges between China and Pakistan. The academy has previously collaborated with local universities and institutions, including the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), on language training programs.

UMT has evolved into a premier institution of higher learning in Pakistan and is recognized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) as a ‘W4’ category university, the highest ranking awarded to institutions demonstrating exceptional research output and academic quality. The university’s commitment to internationalization and cross-cultural dialogue makes it an ideal partner for LCIA in advancing Chinese studies and cultural exchange in Pakistan.

Faisalabad: The researchers called for innovation-led, inclusive and resource-efficient reforms during a policy roundtable organized by the Agri. Policy, Law and Governance Center (APLGC), University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) under the Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) RandD cluster on Public Policy and Economic Development.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Asif Kamran, Director APLGC moderated the roundtable, titled ‘Transforming Agricultural Policy: Aligning Institutions, Markets, and Innovations for Resilient and Competitive Agriculture’.

Prof. Dr. Ir. Rudi Febriamansyah of Universitas Andalas, Indonesia, participated as the international speaker and shared Indonesia’s experience of food-security policy, irrigation management, farmer cooperatives and agricultural extension.

It was agreed that there is a need to shift policy approaches from crop productivity to climate resilient cropping patterns, well functioning markets and public-private sector partnership for innovations.

The experience of support price, subsidies and extension service in both countries was also discussed.

The participants discussed on renewed role of public sector institutions and markets considering nature of challenges and opportunities.

Other experts included Dr. Raza Ullah, Dr. Qaiser Abbas, Dr Azhar Abbas, Dr. Samee, Dr. Jawaria Nasir, and Ms. Ammara Azam. The event was well attended by faculty and students.

The participants agreed that Pakistan and Indonesia could benefit from academic collaboration, joint projects, exchange programs and comparative policy analysis to learn from experience.

Multan: The Punjab government has transferred and posted Muhammad Usman Akram, a PMS/BS-18 officer, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Multan Waste Management Company (MWMC), on deputation basis.

The officer who was working as Managing Director of Suthra Punjab Agency in Gujrat, has also been assigned the additional charge of the post of MD Suthra Punjab Agency Multan.

Peshawar: The district administration in Swat on Friday engaged religious scholars, community elders and law enforcement officials in a special jirga aimed at strengthening peace, combating drug abuse and promoting social harmony in the district.

The jirga, chaired by Deputy Commissioner Sohail Ahmed Khan, was attended by District Police Officer Mushtaq Ahmed Khan, representatives of public and private organisations and local notables, saia a press release issued here.

The participants held detailed discussions on the prevailing security situation, the rising threat of narcotics and the need for collective efforts to address social challenges.

They agreed that religious scholars could play a vital role in educating the public and encouraging responsible social behaviour through their sermons and community outreach.

The meeting also condemned recent incidents involving attacks on women and ambulances, describing such acts as contrary to social and humanitarian values.

Religious leaders were urged to spread messages of peace, unity, tolerance and respect for the law in their congregations.

Speaking on the occasion, the deputy commissioner said sustainable peace and social stability required close cooperation between the administration, police, religious scholars and the public.

He said the district administration was committed to protecting public safety and tackling drug abuse through coordinated action.

District Police Officer Mushtaq Ahmed Khan said law enforcement agencies would continue working with community stakeholders to maintain peace and eliminate criminal and anti-social activities. He reaffirmed the police’s commitment to using all available resources to ensure a secure environment for the people of Swat.