LAHORE: The Academic Council of Government College University (GCU), Lahore, on Tuesday recommended an open merit policy for BS admissions, besides introduction of nine new academic programmes, including a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Film and Media degree and an Associate Degree Programme (ADP) in computer science.

The council also recommended comprehensive revisions to BS curricula, including a mandatory artificial intelligence course for all degree programmes.

GCU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Omer Chaudhry chaired the 36th Academic Council meeting, which is the body’s third session during his one-year tenure.

The council deliberated on the university’s undergraduate admission policy, and decided that minor exceptions to the open merit system will only be permitted for specific subject-related prerequisites or to meet requirements mandated by accredited external councils.

Additionally, to ensure a secure and regulated campus environment, the council recommended the Students’ Code of Conduct and Disciplinary Regulations for 2026.

Notably, the council recommended the launch of a university-wide post-doctoral research programme, specifically designed to accommodate both foreign and local researchers. Furthermore, the academic body approved several other degree programmes across various faculties. These include two new doctoral degrees in Zoology, a PhD in Genetics and a PhD in Freshwater Fisheries and Aquaculture.

The council also approved proposals for an MPhil in Pharmacology, a BFA in Visual Arts, and BS programmes in Business Analytics, Computational Mathematics, Financial Mathematics, Food Sciences, and Human Nutrition.

In a pioneering move for public sector universities, the Academic Council approved a first-of-its-kind GCU Summer Internship Programme, which will be open to BS students from both GCU and other universities.

BD academics: A delegation of academic leaders from Bangladesh visited leading educational institutions in Lahore on Tuesday to explore avenues for strengthening regional cooperation in higher education, research and academic exchange between Pakistan and Bangladesh.

The delegation, led by Prof Dr Mamun Ahmed, chairman of the University Grants Commission of Bangladesh, visited the Lahore University of Management Sciences and the University of the Punjab as part of the efforts facilitated by the Higher Education Commission to deepen academic engagement between the two countries.

At LUMS, the delegation held meetings with Vice Chancellor Dr Ali Cheema, Provost Dr Tariq Jadoon, deans and faculty members. Discussions focused on enhancing academic linkages through collaborative research, student and faculty exchange programmes, executive and legal education, and other joint academic initiatives.

The visit also highlighted LUMS’ expanding engagement with Bangladeshi institutions, including participation in HEC expos in Dhaka, Barishal, Rajshahi, Sylhet and Chittagong, a recently signed memorandum of understanding with North South University, and ongoing collaboration with the University of Chittagong.

Later, the delegation visited the Punjab University where it met Admission Committee Chairman Prof Dr Mehmood Saleem at the vice chancellor’s office.

The delegation included senior officials and vice chancellors from Bangladeshi universities, including University of Rajshahi, Sher-e-Bangla Agricultural University, State University of Bangladesh, University of Liberal Arts Bangladesh and Daffodil International University.

Published in Dawn, May 20th, 2026