Govt Graduate College Asghar Mall expands Digital Education with AI Initiatives Under “Parho Punjab, Barho Punjab”

RAWALPINDI, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 19th Jul, 2026) In line with Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif's flagship education initiative, "Parho Punjab, Barho Punjab," the Department of Geography at Government Graduate College Asghar Mall has launched a series of digital, academic and student welfare initiatives aimed at equipping students with modern technological skills, enhancing educational standards, and improving their employment prospects.

The Punjab government is investing billions of rupees to promote quality education and modernize educational institutions across the province. As part of this broader vision, the college has introduced innovative programmes designed to bridge the gap between academic learning and the evolving demands of the job market.

Speaking to APP, Head of the Department of Geography, Professor Sajid Mahmood Farooqi, said the new initiatives are focused on integrating digital technology into teaching, strengthening students' professional competencies, and preparing them for future careers.

He said the projects have been launched during the current academic year under the guidance of Principal Dr. Tanveer Abbas to translate the Chief Minister's education agenda into tangible outcomes. Alongside academic excellence, the department is now placing equal emphasis on "education for employment," encouraging practical skills development to improve graduates' career opportunities.

Professor Farooqi said prominent professionals from diverse sectors have also expressed their willingness to support the department's efforts by mentoring students and contributing to their character building, leadership development, and professional growth.

Highlighting one of the department's landmark achievements, he said it has developed and launched the college's first official website, www.gpgcam.edu.pk, entirely through its own efforts and without any government expenditure.

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The bilingual website, available in both urdu and English, provides detailed information on the institution's 122-year history, its 16 academic departments, faculty profiles, BS degree programmes, examination results, news updates, photo galleries, downloadable documents, and contact information.

He added that the website prominently features the college's recent recognition as a National Heritage Institution of Pakistan. For the first time in the institution's history, students can also apply for admission online, while dedicated digital portals have been introduced to provide students and faculty with secure access to attendance records, examination results, and other academic services.

To prepare students for emerging technological challenges, the Department of Geography has launched a pilot AI Training and Development Programme, offering practical training in artificial intelligence and its applications in geography. The programme is designed to enable students to use AI tools for analysing geographical data, climate patterns, environmental changes, and natural hazards using modern analytical techniques.

Professor Farooqi said the department has also established merit-based scholarships from its own resources for high-achieving students and those facing financial hardships, ensuring that deserving students are not deprived of higher education due to a lack of financial means.

Reaffirming the department's commitment to academic excellence, Professor Farooqi said it would continue introducing innovative, research-oriented, and technology-driven initiatives to promote quality education, digital transformation, and student welfare, while contributing to the development of a skilled and future-ready workforce in line with the Punjab government's educational vision.