The Department of Arabic Language and Literature, Islamic University of Science and Technology (IUST), as part of the University Outreach Program, organized an outreach programme with principals of local madrasas and oriental colleges to deliberate on the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 and its relevance to madrasa education.
The program was coordinated by the department Community Connect Coordinator, Dr. Irshad A Mir wherein Dr. Abdul Waheed Sheikh, Head of the Department, sought suggestions from madrasa heads on strategies for integration and recognition of madrasa education. A detailed session on the role of the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) in creating equivalence for madrasa degrees was discussed
The programme also featured a panel discussion chaired by Dr. Inayat Rasool, Associate Professor, which encouraged meaningful dialogue on opportunities and challenges under NEP 2020. During the program, Dr. Ruheela Hassan, Dean Outreach, emphasized blending traditional madrasa learning with modern subjects to make education more socially relevant and career-oriented. The program also included a campus visit showcasing IUST's facilities and academic programmes.