LAHORE: Academic institutions in Lahore on Tuesday organised a series of events to highlight innovation, sustainable development and intellectual discourse.

At the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), an international conference on “Contemporary Issues and Administrative Sciences” focused on the theme “Entrepreneurship and Innovation for a Sustainable Future: Reimagining Management and Public Value Creation.”

The gathering brought together scholars, industry leaders and students to discuss emerging challenges and solutions.

Lahore Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) President and Chief Guest Faheem Saigol underscored the role of entrepreneurship in driving economic growth.

He urged universities to prepare students with practical and market-oriented skills.

Other speakers emphasised reimagining management practices and strengthening public value creation in response to global challenges.

Meanwhile, Punjab University (PU) hosted a workshop on aquaponics, organised by the Institute of Zoology.

PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Ali Shah announced plans to establish a model aquaponics site to generate employment in the fisheries sector and improve livelihoods of fish farmers.

He noted that aquaponics accelerates fish breeding and growth and stressed the need for Pakistan to adopt controlled agriculture systems, pointing out that neighbouring countries earn millions through modern practices.

Prof Shah also warned of water scarcity risks, urging measures to raise groundwater levels and promote sustainable farming.

In another major event, the Government College University (GCU) held the 30th Parliamentary Debating Championship, drawing 61 teams from across Pakistan.

As hosts, GCU’s Debating Society did not compete, but Lahore Grammar School (LGS) and Punjab University claimed top honours.

In the English Open category, LGS defeated LUMS in the finals on a complex geopolitical motion, with Bazaid Afzal named as the best speaker.

Lahore Grammar School also won the English Novice category, with Shayan Hadayar recognised as the best speaker.

In the Urdu Open category, PU secured the championship title after debating global power structures and imperialism, with Filza Waqar awarded the best speaker.

The University of Management and Technology (UMT) triumphed in the Urdu Novice category, with Hassan Panjhoota named the best speaker.

Published in Dawn, April 22nd, 2026