*PUBLIC SECTOR OF PUNJAB UNIVERSITIES VICE CHANCELLORS CONFERENCE*

*PUBLIC SECTOR OF PUNJAB UNIVERSITIES VICE CHANCELLORS CONFERENCE*

Punjab Public Sector University Vice Chancellor Conference on “PARADIGM SHIFT IN HIGHER EDUCATION – HACKATHON PLANNING FOR FUTURE” is being held at Kohsar University Murree from September 30th to October 1st. 2022. The organizers had a very successful series of PRE CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS TOO. Vice Chancellor FJMU Conducted a workshop on ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AND HEALTH INFORMATICS (For details pl click link: https://youtu.be/2pqY1hkNVxQ ) In the inaugural ceremony the vice-chancellors were welcomed by Professor Dr. Syed Habib Bokhari, VC Kohsar University Murree. Following a short video with the University Report, he welcomed and introduced the esteemed participants. Fatima Jinnah Medical University was represented by Vice-Chancellor Professor Khalid Masud Gondal (TI&POP) Professor Dr. Shahid Munir, Chairman of Punjab Health Education Commission was the guest of honor and he talked about the evolving trends in higher education with stress on producing skillful and employable youth. He discussed about the latest technology and its importance in university education and progress. Next was the address by the Guest of Honor, Professor Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, who stressed the long-lasting results of quality assurance and teamwork.

The highlight of the day was the keynote address of the Chief Guest Honorable Chancellor, Governor Punjab, Engineer Mohammed Baligh ur Rahman. He talked about future directions of higher education he stressed on the current situation of the flood crisis in the country and how all the universities together can play a role in the rehabilitation of the areas. working on a common policy by all Vice Chancellors on board. It should be mentioned here that Fatima Jinnah Medical University has already sent four 20- 25 membered teams to Southern Punjab and flood-affected areas of Sindh to establish medical camps. The most recent visit was to Rajanpur Distt, South Punjab. by the Vice Chancellor Prof Khalid Masood Gondal, Pro VC Prof Shamsa Hamayun, Prof Bilquis Shabbir, Dr. Fizza Rafiq, Dr. Amna Buttar, and other members of FJMCAANA, where they not only established a medical camp but also laid the foundation of a village consisting of 29 houses for the homeless flood affectees. Honorable Governor Punjab also talked about financial collaboration, Governance and special stress on character building in the universities, anti-drug abuse, narcotic campaigns, and most importantly women empowerment. He said how humbleness in one’s life profession and career is important and should be inculcated in the minds of our students. Talking about the latest trends in technology he specially mentioned his recent visit to the telemedicine center of excellence at King Edward Medical University where the current VC FJMU Professor Khalid Masood Gondal was heading the institute at that time and leading the first well-established telemedicine center in Punjab and Pakistan. A replica with a better version of the center will be established inshallah at Fatima Jinnah Medical University.

The meeting ended with the distribution of souvenirs to the participants of the conference by the chief guest.

Day 2 of the Conference started with the theme ‘Governance and Finance; challenges and sharing good practices.” Keynote speaker Chairman HEC prof Dr.Mukhtar Ahmed highlighted Developing the knowledge ecosystem through managing universities’ infrastructure and Research Funding. Ex-chairman HEC Pb prof Dr. Fazal Ahmed Khalid and prof Muhammad Nizam Uddin discussed challenges for universities in Finance and governance. Former Rector NUST University Lt Gen Muhammad Asghar presented Excellent experience at NUST and Ranking of universities. During the panel discussion, Telemedicine and Robotic innovation presented by VCs FJMU and KEMU were highly appreciated. Prof Bilquis Shabbir Director QEC Deptt FJMU was also linked online and she mentioned flood relief activities of FJMU and the provision of Telemedicine/Teleconsultation facilities for the ailing humanity of flood-affected areas. At the conclusion of the session, VCs medical universities planted trees in the campus of Kohsar university.