Creating knowledge networks*
The Planning & Development Board, Government of Punjab signed Frameworks of Cooperation with the leading universities at a ceremony titled "Creating Knowledge Networks with premier universities such as LUMS, LSE, PU, and GCU" held at AKS auditorium, Planning and Development Board, Lahore. The Chief Secretary Punjab Mr Zahid Akhtar Zaman and Chairman P&D Board Iftikhar Ali Sahoo graced the occasion.
The Frameworks of Cooperation envision the creation of long-lasting partnerships between Planning & Development Board, Government of Punjab and the Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore School of Economics, Government College University, Lahore and the University of the Punjab. They will pave the way for enduring collaboration and research linkages between Planning & Development Board and these universities in the areas of Public Policy, Sustainable and Inclusive Economic Development and Economic Policy & Management.
In his opening remarks, Chairman P&D Board, Mr. Iftikhar Ali Sahoo, extended his immense gratitude to the honourable Chief Secretary, and participants, including VC LUMS Dr. Tariq M. Jadoon, Rector LSE Dr. Shahid Amjad Ch., VC GCU Dr. Ahmad Adnan, and VC PU Dr. Khalid Mahmood for joining the ceremony.
Chairman P&D Board emphasised that Planning and Development Board is playing a vital role in determining the economic direction of the province, developing plans and policies for economic development, and supervising province-wide coordination by tracking initiatives and plans for growth at the provincial level. Therefore, the Framework of Co-operation will be instrumental in enabling evidence-based policy formulation supported by excellent, research-backed insights. He expressed hope for a mutual understanding that will enable the development of a robust policy framework.
Additionally, VC LUMS stated that he appreciates this initiative of P&D Board to promote research in policy management. Rector LSE stated that he would consider it an honor to collaborate with the Government of the Punjab and will be most eager to facilitate the generation of research that will aid the Government in evidence-based policy formulation. VC GCU stated that he hoped the signing of the Framework of Cooperation would prove to be successful and impactful. VC PU said that PU hosts a range of departments like Economics, Agriculture, and Engineering that will contribute to generating research in critical areas.
At the end, Chief Secretary Punjab, Mr Zahid Akhtar Zaman, expressed that Government of Punjab would extend its full support to the universities and looked forward to fruitful future collaboration between P&D Board and the leading universities. He reiterated that the Framework of Cooperation will play a vital role in facilitating robust, evidence-based policy formulation in the province of Punjab.
Secretary P&D Board, Mr Muzaffar Khan Sial, Provincial Secretaries, Members P&D Board and other officers participated in the signing ceremony. 20.11.2023