LAHORE: (Wednesday, October 4, 2023): Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood has said that our teachers and students must understand that knowledge and skills are more important than degrees. He was addressing a book launching ceremony titled ‘Pakistan: Education and 21st Century’ by former Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University Dr Shahid Siddiqui, organized by PU Institute of Education and Research at Waheed Shaheed Hall.

On this occasion, Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University Prof Dr Nasir Mehmood, former VC and author Dr Shahid Siddiqui, educationist Dr Tariq Rehman, Dr Tayyaba Tamim from LUMS, Director IER Prof Dr Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry, faculty members and a large number of students were present. In his address, Dr Khalid Mahmood said that change in any society cannot come without education and as a state and society we have to realize it. He said that more than two and a half crore children do not go to school in Pakistan, which needs time to implement educational policies. He said that Dr Shahid’s writing as an educationist is commendable and students should also study it. Dr Nasir Mehmood said that instead of transfer of knowledge, work should be done to realize its importance so that problems can be resolved through their understanding. He said that fortunately, students recognize the education given by their teachers, the correct use of this power can change the lives of our children. He said that reading the works of Shahid also has its own pleasures. Dr Tariq Rehman said that today is the era of specialization and Dr Shahid is also an expert in sciences like education, pothohar and social science. He said that many aspects of education have been highlighted in this book which is worth reading. Dr Tayyaba said that we publish so many research papers and articles which are in English are not so understandable for students for which the Higher Education Commission should take steps. Dr Shahid Siddiqui said that society can be changed only through education. He said that the teacher is only a source of knowledge which can be increased in the critical thinking of the students by providing a free and friendly environment in the classrooms.
Dr Abdul Qayyum Chaudhry said that positive attitudes can be promoted by reading books and following them. He said that today's students know good and bad. He thanked the distinguished guests and participants.