ISLAMABAD   -  President Dr Arif Alvi on Saturday proposed the universities to provide higher education to more students with the help of online education and different shifts, adding besides the 4-year programmes, the universities should also start 2-year degree programmes.

During a meeting with caretaker Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, Madad Ali Sindhi who called on him, President Alvi said the number of people enrolled in universities for higher education in Pakistan is very less compared to other countries in the region. He said special measures should be taken to increase the number of people with higher education in the country. With the help of online and distance education programmes of Virtual University and Allama Iqbal Open University, the number of highly educated people can be increased, the President hoped. He also stressed the universities to focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, cyber security and cloud computing. 

The president sought the government’s special attention to provide education to the 27 million out-of-school children through both traditional and non-traditional ways. He stressed promotion of quality education and professional training in the country. He said special arrangements should be made to provide education to the people living in remote areas of the country. President Alvi also proposed that online tools of education could also be utilised for the provision of education to people living in remote areas. He also suggested utilising various platforms other than school buildings such as mosques for the purpose.

Highlighting the importance of education for special persons, the President stressed that special arrangements should also be made for them to give education along with the normal children.

With respect to the girls’ education, the President said the girls should be encouraged to continue their education in schools. He said the universities should equip their students with skills according to the needs of the market. Matters related to the Federal Urdu University were also discussed in the meeting.