MARDAN: The academic council of Abdul Wali Khan University has approved reforms in curriculum to bring it at par with international standard.

The 26th meeting of the academic council meeting was held here on Thursday with Vice-chancellor Prof Jamil Ahmed in chair. The meeting reviewed academic and research activities and discussed future plans.

The meeting approved reforms in curriculum in phases for BS level to impart education to students according to modern standard.

The board of studies of social sciences, chemical sciences and life sciences was also approved. Computer science and English programmes of University College for Women have now been converted to BS level.

The recommendations of committee for development council (CDC) for university alumni were approved that included proposals for quality enhancement.

The meeting was attended by the director academic, Prof Sher Afzal, and heads of all departments. These decisions taken in the meeting are important for improving the quality of education at the university.

DENGUE: A targeted dengue response was launched in Katlang tehsil after a special report, prepared by deputy medical superintendent of the local hospital, revealed the presence of larva sites in Katlang Bazaar.

Officials said that acting swiftly on the findings, coordinator public health Dr Robina Riaz, on special directives of district health officer Dr Mohammad Shoaib, mobilised dengue quick response team.

The team including medical entomologist M Afzal and Mansoor Ahmad conducted a thorough inspection of potential mosquito breeding grounds.

During the visit, several sites were identified with Aedes larvae. Immediate action was taken by health staff in collaboration with Katlang TMA to eliminate the larvae on the spot.

Larvicidal treatments were applied to stagnant water bodies and open drains. Indoor residual spraying (IRS) was carried out in identified hotspot areas.

Health officials urged people to cooperate with dengue surveillance teams and maintain cleanliness to prevent further spread of the disease.

Published in Dawn, May 23rd, 2025