Lahore: A pivotal seminar titled "The Role of Universities in Linguistics in a Changing Era" was recently held at the University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore. Coordinated by the UET Literary Society and Higher Education Advocacy and Development, the event aimed to explore the crucial role universities play in preserving and promoting languages amidst evolving technological landscapes.

According to University of Engineering and Technology, the seminar was led by Vice Chancellor UET Lahore, Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir, and featured esteemed figures such as Vice Chancellor Government College University Lahore, Prof. Dr. Umar Chaudhry, and Secretary Board of Revenue, Shafqatullah Mushtaq. Prof. Dr. Nabila Rahman, Principal Oriental College, University of the Punjab, delivered the keynote address to an audience comprising linguistics experts, scholars, faculty members, and students from various institutions.

Prof. Dr. Shahid Munir underscored the necessity of aligning linguistics with digital advancements, advocating for the integration of languages with digital tools and research platforms. Prof. Dr. Umar Chaudhry and Prof. Dr. Nabila Rahman accentuated the importance of universities in fostering research and dialogue to protect linguistic diversity, with an emphasis on safeguarding national and regional languages as cultural assets.

The seminar also featured insights from Dr. Tanveer Qasim Rana, Dr. Abdul Ghaffar, and Dr. Shahid Farooq, who collectively highlighted the interdisciplinary importance of linguistics in strengthening cultural and intellectual foundations. The event concluded with a consensus on the need for universities to develop strategies for the digital preservation of languages, ensuring cultural continuity for future generations.

The distribution of commemorative shields to distinguished guests marked the end of the seminar, which was lauded as a significant academic initiative. Participants expressed hope for continued efforts in this domain.