Tevta providing solar technology training: Shafay

LAHORE:Provincial Minister for Industries and Commerce Chaudhry Shafay Hussain said that solar energy technology training is being provided in Tevta institutions for the first time. The promotion of quality technical education is the government’s top priority.

He expressed these views while addressing a meeting in the committee room of the Punjab Board of Investment and Trade (PBIT) on Tuesday.

Various matters, including improving the standard of technical education, upgrading Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority (Tevta) institutions and collaborations with other organisations were reviewed in the meeting. The meeting also reviewed the progress on the Chief Minister's Skill Development Programme.

Tevta Chairman Sajid Khokhar, GM Operations Aamir Aziz, Dr Shahbaz Shamsi of the PM Youth Programme, and other relevant officers attended the meeting. Representatives of the Saylani Welfare Trust, including Afzal Chandia and M Ibrahim, participated via video link. He said the process of upgrading Tevta institutions is underway in phases. He highlighted that under the CM Skill Development Programme, children are being offered free three-month IT short courses. Over 1,000 students have completed these courses, and the second phase is nearing completion. Upon course completion, international certifications of the course will also be done. The minister emphasised that international certifications will provide skilled individuals with job opportunities in global markets. These trained professionals will earn valuable foreign exchange for the country which will help improving the economy. The Saylani Welfare Trust has expressed interest in investing in projects promoting technical education under Tevta.

Moot on ‘AI role in education’ begins

The 11th two-day International Conference on AI in Teacher Education started at the University of Education here on Tuesday. The conference, on Innovating Education for a Sustainable Future: Leveraging AI Pedagogies for Quality Education, organised under the patronage of Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry, aims to explore the transformative role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in teacher education.

With the participation of eight countries and an anticipated attendance of over 400 participants, the event is set to foster global dialogue on integrating AI into educational practices. The conference was inaugurated by Waqar Naeem Qureshi, Director General of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) as chief guest.

Over the course of two days, the event will feature, 30 research papers presented in poster sessions, 13 keynote speakers (8 in-person, 5 virtual) and representation from leading academic institutions such as LUMS, NUST, IQRA University, and international participants from Australia, UK, Oman, UAE, Canada, and China. Prof Dr Aqif Anwar Chaudhry emphasised the importance of the conference, stating, 'The integration of AI in education is essential for creating a sustainable future. This conference provides a unique opportunity for educators, researchers, and policymakers to exchange ideas and advance the quality of teacher education.'

Director Division of Education Prof Dr Ayaz Muhammad Khan said that the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to innovation in teacher training. As Pakistan's pioneering institution in teacher education, the university is at the forefront of integrating AI to enhance learning outcomes and prepare educators for the dynamic challenges of the 21st century.