Death Penalty Handed Down To Erawan Shrine Bombers After 11-year Legal Saga

Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) Chairman Dr Khalid Maqbool Siddiqui has called for the creation of new administrative units across Pakistan based on population size, arguing that the country needs a more effective system of governance to meet the needs of its growing population. Speaking at a press conference in Karachi, Siddiqui said the business community across the country had also raised concerns similar to those voiced by his party regarding the existing administrative structure. He argued that Pakistan’s administrative system needed reforms to ensure better governance and a more balanced distribution of resources. Siddiqui said the provincial structure had changed after the abolition of the One Unit system, but the country had failed to restore an administrative framework that fully addressed the needs of its population. He stressed that his party’s demand for new administrative units did not target the country’s territorial integrity or seek to undermine the existing provinces. “We demand the creation of administrative units in Pakistan according to the population,” Siddiqui said, emphasizing that the objective was to improve administration and ensure that people received better public services. Addressing concerns over the boundaries of potential new administrative units, the MQM-P chief said his party had never called for a debate over the division of Pakistan’s territory. He described Pakistan as the “motherland” and said all four provinces remained an integral part of the country. Siddiqui maintained that the country itself was indivisible, while the Constitution allowed for changes in the administrative structure. He said the Constitution provided a mechanism for altering provincial boundaries and creating new administrative arrangements, although he believed the existing procedure had become impractical under current circumstances. The MQM-P chairman also pointed to the significance of August 1, the beginning of Pakistan’s independence month. He said the month carried a strong ideological connection with the creation of Pakistan and should encourage political leaders to discuss reforms aimed at strengthening the country. Siddiqui further revealed that his party had already introduced a constitutional amendment in the National Assembly to address the issue. He argued that Pakistan needed to revisit its administrative framework and consider reforms that could make governance more efficient and bring government closer to the people. The MQM-P has repeatedly advocated the creation of additional administrative units, maintaining that a more decentralized system could improve governance, facilitate service delivery and ensure a fairer distribution of resources. The demand, however, remains a politically sensitive issue, particularly in the context of debates over provincial boundaries and autonomy.

LAHORE: The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore hosted a high-level meeting of vice chancellors from more than 80 universities across Punjab under the auspices of the Higher Education Commission (HEC). HEC Chairman Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar chaired the meeting, while UET Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Munir hosted the gathering. Punjab University Vice Chancellor Dr Muhammad Ali Shah also attended the meeting and joined the senior academic leadership on stage. The meeting focused on the rapid transformation of higher education in line with the changing demands of technology, industry and the global job market. Participants discussed the federal government’s initiative to modernize university curricula and degree programmes, with a particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and emerging technologies. Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar urged universities to take immediate steps to update their curricula, teaching methods and academic programmes. He stressed the need to equip students with modern knowledge and practical skills that can help them compete in an increasingly technology-driven economy. The HEC chairman highlighted the importance of incorporating fields such as artificial intelligence, data science, robotics, cybersecurity and biotechnology into university education. He also called on universities to align their academic programmes with the evolving needs of industry and the employment market so they can produce graduates with relevant and marketable skills. During the meeting, participants exchanged views on the role of artificial intelligence in higher education, research and innovation. They also discussed digital learning, technology-enabled teaching and opportunities to strengthen international collaboration among universities. UET Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Munir said the university was ready to share its AI-related curriculum and coursework with other higher education institutions. He emphasized the importance of cooperation among universities to accelerate the adoption of modern technologies and strengthen the quality of higher education across the country. The meeting also highlighted the growing importance of research and digital education in preparing universities for future challenges. Academic leaders discussed ways to promote innovation, improve learning opportunities and create stronger links between higher education institutions and industry. As part of a plantation campaign at UET Lahore, HEC Chairman Professor Dr Niaz Ahmad Akhtar also planted a sapling on the university campus, underscoring the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability. The meeting concluded with UET Lahore Vice Chancellor Professor Dr Shahid Munir presenting a commemorative shield to the HEC chairman in recognition of his visit and participation in the important academic gathering.