LAHORE: As desired reportedly by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, the Punjab government on Saturday promulgated an ordinance to provide for the establishment of the University of Murree that will offer instructions in geology, geography and forestry in the hill station.

The University of Murree Ordinance 2018 was promulgated after the governor approved it in the morning.

Murree is the constituency of the prime minister and officials said the ordinance had been promulgated just five days ahead of the completion of the provincial government’s five-year term on his demand.

According to the ordinance, the university will provide instruction in geology, geography and forestry and such branches of learning as it may deem fit. It will make provisions for teaching, training, research and for the application, advancement and dissemination of knowledge.

Being PM’s constituency, step taken at fag end of govt’s term on his demand

It will prescribe courses of studies, decide teaching methods and strategies, hold examinations, award degree, diploma, certificate or other academic distinctions, award an honorary degree or other academic distinction on such person as the chancellor, on the recommendations of the syndicate, may approve.

It will collaborate with other universities, research and educational institutions, and commercial or industrial organisations, in the public or private sector, or other public authorities, create posts, award fellowships, scholarships, medals, bursaries and prizes.

It will establish institutes, colleges, departments, faculties, centres of advanced studies, laboratories, workshops, hospitals, farms, institutions, museums and other centres of learning, associate itself with examination bodies and other institutions within Pakistan or abroad and to establish facilities in Pakistan or abroad, develop and implement fund-raising plans, affiliate or de-affiliate a college or any other educational institution within the territorial limits of Rawalpindi division in the prescribed manner.

The university will be open to all persons irrespective of gender, religion, race, creed, class or colour. It shall not deny its privileges to a person on any such ground.

Officials said that transformation of the ordinance into an act of the Punjab Assembly depends on the next government. The ordinance has a life of 90 days. It can have another 120 days but through a resolution passed by the assembly.

Published in Dawn, May 27th, 2018