The University of Home Economics (UHE) in collaboration with Bargad organised a conference on equity in higher education.

Human Rights Minister Ejaz Alam Augustine, 12 vice-chancellors and representatives from marginalised communities including minorities, differently-abled persons and transgender persons joined the moot titled ‘Vice Chancellors Conference on Equity and Inclusion of Marginalized Communities in Higher Education: Opportunities and Challenges'.

In his address, the minister announced that the government is introducing a bill to protect the rights of transgender persons in Punjab and the government’s special quotas would help remove deprivation of  marginalised persons

Prof Dr Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Chairman of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) said the commission would get benefit from recommendations of the VCs for the cause. Prof Dr Kanwal Ameen, University of Home Economics VC laid stress on providing equal opportunities in higher education and experts should introduce a minority friendly curriculum in the country that protects the beliefs of all the citizens.

Sabiha Shaheen, Executive Director of Bargad stressed the need for inclusive development in higher education. This is also aligned with Pakistan’s commitments under sustainable development goals 4, 5, 10 & 16. VC Dr Asghar Zaidi, Prof Dr Javed Akram, Prof Dr Bushra Mirza, Prof Dr Muhammad Afzal, Prof Dr Rukhsana Kausar, Prof Dr Muhammad Zakria Zakar, Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad, Pro D Robina Farooq, Prof Dr Sarfraz Khurshid, Prof Dr Saiqa Imtiaz Asif, Prof Dr Talat Naseer Pasha and Dr Robeena Zakir also spoke.