Nadeem Mahbub has been appointed by the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training as the Higher Education Commission's (HEC) Acting Chairman after Prof. Dr. Ahmed Mukhtar's three-year term has ended.

An official notification states that the appointment was made in accordance with HEC Ordinance, 2002, Section 8(3). Mr. Mahbub's appointment was authorized by the prime minister, who served as the controlling authority.

Effective immediately, Mr. Mahbub, who is currently a member of the HEC and Secretary of the Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, will assume the additional duties of Acting Chairperson.

He will hold this position until a permanent chairperson is appointed, which may be three months.

British Council and Punjab Special Education Partners

The Special Education Department (SpED), Government of Punjab, and the British Council have signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) to formally begin a new phase of cooperation aimed at strengthening management and leadership skills in special education institutions throughout the province.

The goal of this strategic alliance, which will be finalized through an Operational Alliance Agreement, is to improve the professional capacity of 790 senior special education teachers and 290 school administrators.

The initiative will enhance school administration procedures, establish sector-specific leadership standards, and support inclusive, learner-centered strategies for kids with special needs.

As part of this effort, senior consultants from the British Council and technical specialists from SpED Punjab will collaborate closely to build and implement a strong leadership development model.

In order to promote a cooperative professional atmosphere for school leaders, the program will also provide opportunities for peer learning and mentorship.

"Whether in the arts, society, inclusive education, teaching English, or administering tests, equality, diversity, and inclusion are at the core of our work," stated James Hampson, Country Director, British Council Pakistan.

For all children to have access to inclusive and equitable learning environments, this agreement in partnership with Punjab's Special Education Department is essential.

Every child has a different story, but they all have the same right to study, develop, and flourish, according to Mr. Muhammad Khan Ranjha, Secretary of the Special Education Department in Punjab.

We remain steadfast in our dedication to inclusive education, enabling each special child to realize their greatest potential.

The collaboration demonstrates a sustained dedication to creating locally applicable, sustainable solutions that improve special education management and leadership.

The initiative, which will be implemented using a multi-stakeholder model, will promote excellence and equity in Punjab's special education sector by utilizing both local knowledge and global best practices.