Day: November 18, 2021

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World Fisheries Day 2021

Islamabad, November 18, 2021 (PPI-OT):

History of World Fisheries Day

A forum for the World Fisheries consortium was established as early as 1997. This forum was famously called WFF (World Fisheries Forum). Under this forum, many participants from all over the world took part actively. As many as 18 countries signed a global consensus document for the standardization of sustainable fishery practices.

This further led to the introduction of developmental practices and policy guidelines which would make fishing a sustainable means of trade and commerce. Some of the common grounds of operations underlining the WFF are creating robust opportunities for the fishing communities, enduring fisheries as a trade, social responsibility and moral grounds of justice, preserving the ancient history of the fishermen and the harvesting communities, consolidation of fishers etc.

Theme and Introduction

World Fisheries Day 2021 is celebrated every year on November 21. The celebrations emphasize on the fishing industry’s sustainability factors. The day marks an observance of the neglected community and highlights their contribution towards national development and maritime economy.

The day focuses on the challenges faced by the fisheries sector like maintaining the balance in the ecosystem and resource extraction and analysing the performance metrics to see how they can cope with emerging trends.

Pakistan being a maritime country has various components of the maritime sector that contribute to the economy and that are imperative for future growth. Fisheries is one such sector where traditional fishermen need to be trained for the prosperity of the industry.

In this regard, the National Institute of Maritime Affairs is planning to organize a seminar cum webinar on 18th of November 2021, to particularly understand the role of fisheries in the development of the national economy. In Pakistan, the true potential of Fishery has not been realized and there is a huge gap between the present situation and the true potential.

The role of fishermen being the principal representative of the coastal community is significant and there is a need to empower this is for the better future. If this sector is strategized, regularized and managed properly in the right direction can play a significant role in nation-building.

In this regard, the seminar cum webinar will explore and deliberate the current state of the affairs, discuss the need for sustainable fishery practices, challenges for the environment and biodiversity and its contribution in the National economy.

Proposed Theme

“Sustainable fisheries and its impact on the fishing community and the national development”

Proposed Activities

Standard Webinar

A small documentary to be played on fisheries followed by discussion

Recorded messages from Professionals, students

Social Media Campaign-

Awareness about Biodiversity

Important Facts about Fisheries and Fishermen

For more information, contact:
Bahria University
Shangrilla Road, Sector E-8, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-111-111-028
Fax: +92-51-9260885
Email: info@bahria.edu.pk
Website: www.bahria.edu.pk

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NUMS Department of Public Health organized Mental Health Awareness Session 

Rawalpindi, November 18, 2021 (PPI-OT):The NUMS Department of Public Health (NDPH) in collaboration with Firefly organized an awareness session titled, “Anxiety: Contemporary Issues in Youth on November 3rd, 2021. The session was moderated by BSPH students Miss Iffa Zahid and Mr Waleed Sheikh and attended by faculty and students. As mental illness is one of leading contributory of years loss to productive life and is growing into a silent epidemic among youth, it is important for education institutions to create awareness and safe place where students feel comfortable to talk their issues. Moreover, COVID 19 pandemic has worsened the situation evident by the increasing new cases of anxiety and depression.

The Firefly organization is dedicated to raising awareness, changing the talk, and finding solutions for the students. Their team. Mr Abdullah Kiyani, co-founder of the organization and Tamara Albaja, visiting psychologist, briefed the student regarding stigmas and taboos related to mental health, common issues, management techniques and the role of peers, parents, teachers and society at large in lending support. The team shared a presentation, discussed their personal journey and how it inspired them to establish Firefly. The highlight was the interactive session of students.

The students appreciated the efforts of the young leadership and showed great interest in their volunteer work. The students discussed issues including expectations to do well at school from parents and family, peer pressure, social relationships with friends, extracurricular commitments and life challenges. Mr Abdullah encouraged students to discuss their anxiety and fears with their parents and trusted colleagues. He emphasized the need of trained psychologist in educational institutions and availability of platforms for students to talk freely without any prejudice about anxiety and stress. The team also explained internship initiatives and research opportunities within their organizations and encouraged establishment of mental wellness societies within institutions for creating awareness.

Dean MDS Prof Dr. Aisha Mohyuddin, in her concluding remarks counselled students regarding peer pressure, norms of social media, importance of parents advice and reminded that good intentions are always rewarded. Prof. Dr. Uzma Hassan, Head of Department DPH gave note of thanks to all the participants and guests. She acknowledged the contribution of Firefly organization and appreciated faculty of DPH including, Dr Tamkeen Jaffery, Dr Hina Shan, Dr Rehma Gilani and Ms Rubab Zulfiqar for providing supervision to the students in the arrangement of events. The event was concluded with the pledge that NUMS will continue such events to create mental health awareness and encourage students to discuss issues with their teachers, friends and parents.

For more information, contact:
National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS)
The Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9270677
Email: info@numspak.edu.pk
Website: http://numspak.edu.pk

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Capital University Participated in HEC Volleyball Tournament held at National University of Modern Languages 

Islamabad, November 18, 2021 (PPI-OT):Education is incomplete without sports. These days sports are an integral part of education. When students are physically fit, they will achieve more academically. Sport develops a sense of friendliness among the children and develops their team spirit. It helps children to develop mental and physical toughness. Sport also eliminates the mental exhaustion of children. Therefore, the Capital University of Science and Technology for the well-being of their students participated in HEC Volleyball tournament held at National University of Modern Languages (NUML).

For more information, contact:
Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST)
Islamabad Expressway, Kahuta Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Pakistan
UAN: +92-51-111-555-666
Tel: +92-51-4486700-4
Email: info@cust.edu.pk
Website: https://cust.edu.pk

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RSGCRL-PU celebrated GIS Day 2021 

Lahore, November 18, 2021 (PPI-OT):Remote Sensing, GIS and Climatic Research Lab (RSGCRL), (National Center of GIS and Space Applications), University of the Punjab, Lahore has celebrated November 17th, 2021 as GIS day which is a red-letter day for the entire geospatial community. GIS Day is an opportunity for all GIS professionals, researchers, students and those in applied sectors to commemorate the legacy and utility of a system that has redefined the way we interact with the world, broadened the horizons of our minds and whetted our innovative zeal.

Despite the changes our world has recently experienced in pandemic years, GIS is still here. In fact, GIS is more important than ever. The pandemic has raised global awareness of the relevance of GIS as a decision-making toolset that enables people to build healthy communities, resilient cities, and a more sustainable planet. Thus, GIS can be justifiably celebrated as never before, as an essential technology for applying geography and spatial thinking. Hundreds of organizations in North and South America, Europe, Asia, and Australia hosted GIS Day last November, gatherings that served to ignite the imagination of future geospatial innovators who will move the planet forward using GIS.

Owing to this, RSGCRL being the prestigious national lab of GIS has celebrated GIS day-2021 with an awareness lecture by Dr. Khalid Mahmood, providing a forum for users of GIS technology to demonstrate real-world applications. On the special day each year, GIS professionals get the opportunity to proudly lift the curtain on what the technology can do.

Maps and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) have emerged as indispensable tools in human development strategies. From managing relief efforts in flood affected areas to planning water supply, sanitation, transportation and housing facilities, GIS-based maps have become the quite essential tool for urban and economic planners. This is the reason why development banks, municipal governments, and institutes of higher learning use maps to collect and disseminate data on human development and the environment.

It would provide advanced software tools and applications for geo-education and geo-spatial data analysis in the education and health sectors in the district. In most developed economies the governments collect and make such data available for free to practitioners and academics so that the maps and other geo-referenced data could be used in development studies. The road to economic development and prosperity is difficult to navigate without maps. Making it harder to generate maps will hurt efforts to fight disease, illiteracy and poverty in Pakistan.

Some notable achievements of GIS in Pakistan are; Pakistan launched the cadastral map of Islamabad to curb land record tampering, ensure monitoring of construction through imagery and provide information about land ownership. The cadastral mapping project was conceived under the vision of the prime minister to transform the old system into a modernized digital online system. The initiative aims to control the tampering of land records and monitor ongoing construction projects through extensive imagery to provide accurate and updated information about land ownership through a single click, especially for the overseas Pakistanis.

The task to digitize the old Patwar system into a modernized one was given to the Survey of Pakistan. Similarly, The Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) of the United Nations has taken steps to develop expertise and capacities of Geographic Information System (GIS) professionals in Pakistan for agricultural mapping and for land monitoring. FAO took the steps with the recent availability of ‘Google Earth Engine’, a cloud-based computing geospatial platform which has gained the attention of remote sensing-based applications.

The remote sensing-based applications are designed to process large data sets for global applications, analysis and ultimate decision-making. Furthermore, the frequent usage of GIS will provide the public and private sector a mechanism to devise result-oriented solutions based on analysis, leading to improved asset management, resource planning and enhanced service delivery in Punjab. Using GIS and related technologies computer scientist, has been able to check the spread of dengue fever in Lahore. National Database and Registration Authority (NADRA) was also introducing a system that would help users get information about projects with just a click, terming technology as the only tool that could defeat land grabbers.

Similarly, Many European countries are developing new strategies to improve cadaster management. GIS science and technology offer cadasters a method of quickly accessing and producing maps, leveraging database information, and automating enterprise work processes. In addition to this, developments in GIS have transformed how researchers in a variety of fields gather and analyze information about the world around us. Scientists gain valuable insights in areas such as geology and meteorology by gathering remote sensed data and implementing geospatial tools. The perspective offered by GIS science and technology and methods can be particularly important in studying global climate change.

According to NASA, the Earth’s average surface temperature has increased by approximately 1.62 degrees Fahrenheit since the late 19th century. Scientists attribute problems like extreme weather events, rising sea levels and diminished ice sheets and glaciers to the emission of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere. The Fourth National Climate Assessment, released by the U.S. Global Change Research Program in November 2018, predicted long-term consequences such as worsening air quality, decline in crop production, greater incidence of food and waterborne diseases, increase in heat-related deaths, diminished populations of underwater creatures due to ocean acidification etc.

Using GIS techniques and software, experts can closely monitor these dangers. Robust geospatial data and detailed visualizations offer guidance for organizations and government agencies as they plan for the challenges ahead. By bringing together GIS and climate change studies, spatial problem-solvers can seize opportunities to make a difference in the lives of future generations.

In the nutshell, GIS technology is a growing industry and new innovations are constantly being developed. Therefore, GIS day enables the GIS users and vendors to open their doors to schools, businesses, and the general public to showcase real-world applications of GIS. The purpose of this event is to create awareness among the people about the field, knowledge and applications of GIS and Remote Sensing.

For more information, contact:
Registrar,
University of the Punjab
Quaid-e-Azam Campus, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231102
Fax: +92-42-99231103
E-Mail: registrar@pu.edu.pk
Website: http://pu.edu.pk/

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Ch Shujat Hussain, Parvez Elahi and Moonis Elahi express deep sorrow over the demise of Sheikh Rasheed’s brother

Lahore, November 18, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Muslim League President and former Prime Minister Chaudhry Shujat Hussain, Speaker Punjab Assembly Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and Federal Minister for Water Resources Moonis Elahi have expressed deep sorrow over the demise of Sheikh Rafiq Ahmad, brother of Federal Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad. PML leaders said in a condolence message that we share your grief equally, may Allah grant him a high position in Jannah and grant you all courage to bear the trauma with patience.

For more information, contact:
Mediacell, Pakistan Muslim League
30-C, Chaudhry Zahoor Elahi Road,
Gulberg-II, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35878428
Fax: +92-42-35877329
Website: www.pmlmediacell.com

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COO of 500 Global Appreciates Pakistani Start-ups during visit to NICL at LUMS

Lahore, November 18, 2021 (PPI-OT):Pakistani technology start-ups took the spotlight as Courtney Powell, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Partner, 500 Global, a USD 1.8 billion international venture capital firm, visited the National Incubation Centre Lahore (NICL) at LUMS. The visit was facilitated by Paklaunch. Ms. Powell was accompanied by Board Member, Max Scheder-Bieschin, and hosted by Chairman NICL, Saleem Ahmad. The team was welcomed by the LUMS leadership including Rector, Shahid Hussain; Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad and members of the Board Trustees.

During the day-long engagement, Ms. Powell and Mr. Scheder-Bieschin discussed the role of NICL in preparing the future generation of start-up founders. Mr. Ahmad presented NICL’s vision for venture incubation in high impact sectors, its rigorous focus on skills development and role as an innovation hub for industry, citing the example of electric mobility work that fits well with the organisation’s cleantech initiative. The visit coincided with the launch of the USAID-sponsored electric vehicle market assessment report, chaired by the US Consul General, William Makaneole at NICL.

The guests were given a tour of the NICL facilities including the Makers Lab, a suite of state-of-the-art prototyping workshops; the Facebook Innovation Lab, where virtual and augmented reality solutions come to life and a co-working space, featuring a plug-and-play set-up. They exchanged insights with entrepreneurs from NICL’s graduated start-ups as well as those currently in incubation, and participated in a roundtable discussion with the Foundation Council members including Qasif Shahid (Finja), Usman Javaid (Ricult) and Ahmed Hussain (SSC).

“We’re truly impressed with the passion and potential we have seen so far,” said Ms. Powell of her visit. “At 500 Global, we believe that there is talent everywhere and fantastic founders in every market, and it’s just access to education capital and network that is needed to see their companies succeed. At NICL today, we’re inspired to meet some of these talented founders and trailblazing entrepreneurs first-hand. We’re excited to be on the ground here to learn and formulate what our dedicated Pakistan strategy should be.”

Speaking on Pakistan’s emergent start-up landscape, Mr. Ahmad said, “Pakistan’s nascent start-up ecosystem is inflecting with rising international investor interest on the back of talented founders. We at NICL are attempting to generate a manifold growth in entrepreneurially-minded, highly skilled human capital that accelerates this positive trajectory. Technological leapfrogging, be it through new venture creation or innovation of industry, is the only way to attain the kind of growth needed to satiate the influx of our youthful population.”

500 Global is a leading venture capital firm with more than USD 1.8 billion in assets and a growing focus on technology, innovation, and unlocking capital in emerging markets. The company has invested in more than 2,500 start-ups worldwide with a portfolio that includes 33 companies valued at over USD 1 billion and 120 companies valued at more than USD 100 million. NICL is a springboard for venture incubation and corporate innovation through an intersection of applied research, industry and talent, to solve Pakistan’s biggest problems.

For more information, contact:
Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)
D.H.A. Lahore Cantt. 54792
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35608000
Fax: +92-42-35725048
Website: www.lums.edu.pk