Punjab's five public universities have joined forces to improve teacher development, student mobility, and cooperative research.

A memorandum of understanding was signed at Kamalia on Sunday by the vice chancellors of the University of Kamalia, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan, Thal University Bhakkar, University of Education, Lahore, and Government College University, Lahore, to formally launch the "ISLAH Consortium," which stands for innovation, skills, learning, academics, and hope.

The program unites universities that have been a part of Punjab's higher education scene for almost a century with those that have just opened. The partner institutions together cover the whole geographic area of the province, from Lahore to southern Punjab, and there are ambitions to grow the consortium across the country.

The MoU states that the consortium will collaborate on resource sharing, faculty training, student exchanges, community engagement, and research programs.

In addition, a number of conferences, student-centered programs, and cooperative projects are planned for the upcoming months at all of the participating schools.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Muhammad Omer Chaudhry gave an explanation of the initiative's goal and philosophy, stating that the consortium aimed to capitalize on Pakistan's rich intellectual heritage and the momentum of the previous three decades of higher education expansion.

Through consistent enhancements to academic excellence, the consortium aims to produce "future-ready graduates."

Punjab Upgrades 200 Afternoon Schools

The Punjab government has given its approval for 200 afternoon schools to be upgraded from elementary to higher education.

The project is expected to cost around Rs. 470 million, according to government information. Of them, 136 new schools will be improved during this phase, and 64 schools have been included in a trial project. The initiative's initial payment of Rs. 100 million has already been made by the Finance Department.

The project will begin on April 1, 2025, and end on June 30, 2027. Reports on the use of money must be submitted by the District Education Authorities.

The government has issued guidelines for teacher recruitment and salary payments to ensure the smooth implementation of the plan.