LAHORE: The Higher Education Commission (HEC) on Monday approved Rs1.77 billion budget for the construction of phase-I of the new campus of the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) at Kala Shah Kaku.

The phase-I would be completed in three years. Under the phase-I, an institute of environment and climate change, nursing, and law departments would be established. Academic blocks and student hostels would also be constructed.

LCWU had around 1.25 acre land for Kala Shah Kaku campus.

LCWU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Bushra Mirza said the administration was trying to start medical, law and climate related subjects to provide opportunities to women to excel in different fields to play a role in development of the country.

UO: The University of Okara’s department of communication studies organised a webinar in connection with the World Press Freedom Day.

The keynote speakers included UO Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Zakria Zakar, In-charge Communication Studies, Dr Zahid Bilal, eminent journalist Wajahat Masud and Chairperson of the University of Punjab’s department of film studies Dr Lubna Zaheer.

The speakers discussed the current state of press freedom in Pakistan and argued that there could be no social and economic development in any country without its press being free from all biases and pressures.

Highlighting the role of press for social development, Dr Zakar said, “The empowerment of society is linked with the right to freedom of expression and access to information. If we need to remove poverty and illiteracy, our press will have to play a crucial role”.

Recalling the role of the Muslim press in the subcontinent, Dr Zahid said the missionary journalism of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan, Maulana Muhammad Ali Jauhar and others enlightened and empowered the Muslims.

Commenting on the scenario of press freedom in Pakistan, Dr Lubna argued, “The situation of press freedom in Pakistan, according to the Reporters Without Borders is very precarious. This is the time we must take practical steps.”

Published in Dawn, May 4th, 2021