Monday, April 18, 2016
British High Commissioner, Mr. Tom Drew, and Department for International Development (DfID) Punjab Representative and Head of DfID Lahore, Ben French, visited LUMS on March 31, 2016. They were welcomed by Pro Chancellor LUMS, Syed Babar Ali and, Vice Chancellor LUMS, Dr. Sohail Naqvi.
The visit started with a brief introduction to LUMS by Dr. Sohail Naqvi and the Marketing Office, which was followed by a discussion on the on-going research at LUMS and the challenges facing the education sector in Punjab, Pakistan.
LUMS students were also invited for an informal chat with the High Commissioner. Mr. Drew, sought their advice on what they would do if they were in his position. The result was a conglomerate of interesting ideas: Establish more libraries in remote cities; provide scholarship opportunities for higher studies in UK as cost seems to be the main barrier; assist with development in Baluchistan and facilitate with more schools for primary and secondary education while enhancing the quality of education. Issues on climate changes were also discussed and possible collaborations to address them in time.
Formal linkages were also discussed at a higher level between the LUMS Management and British High Commission to facilitate students exchange programme in the summers so that more international audience get a flavor of life at LUMS and the progressive culture of this great institution. Such a personal interaction would help remove communication barriers and misperceptions at all levels.
