Day: December 6, 2021

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Bazdar is a leading figure and important reference in modern Balochi Poetry: Dr. Abdul Saboor Baloch

Turbat, December 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):Institute of Balochi Language and Culture (IBLC) University of Turbat (UoT) organized a literary session on 30th November 2021 in the honour of Allah Bakhsh Bazdar, an eminent poet of the Balochi Language. The session was presided over by Dr. Abdul Saboor Baloch, Director IBLC and Dean, Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, while Allah Bakhsh Buzdar graced the session as chief guest.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr Abdul Saboor Baloch said that “poetry of Allah Bakhsh Buzdar is a part of MA, BS and MPhil courses of his institute and our students in general, have always been in interaction with Allah Bakhsh Buzdar on academic and literary matters, but it is a moment of pleasure that he is present among us today.” Dr. Abdul Saboor added that “Allah Bakhsh Buzdar is a credible and important reference of modern Balochi poetry which has given a new dimension to the Balochi poetry with unique style, innovation, themes and vocabulary.

Speaking on the occasion, Allah Bakhsh Buzdar said that it was his long-standing desire to have an institute or a university where our children could acquire knowledge and training in line with the requirements of modern times, and luckily our wish had come true after the establishment of University of Turbat. Now it is our collective responsibility to give ownership to this prestigious institution and we should play our due role for its promotion and development.

Dr. Buzdar said that “Balochi is not only a very ancient language but its linguistic geography is also very vast. Due to its massive geographical size and lack of contemporary facilities including modern means of communication, Balochi language could not become a standard literary language worldwide.” He said that like other languages in the world, Balochi has also different dialects, but simultaneously a standard dialect and language is also imperative for its growth.

He underscored that “Uniform alphabets and spelling, active media, common economic market, teaching of language at broader level and other means of communication play an important role in the promotion of language and literature, but unfortunately Balochi Language is still deprived from these modern facilities.” He suggested that we need to take concrete efforts to solve these prevailing problems. Dr. Allah Bakhsh Buzdar presented his poetry on the occasion which was hailed by the audience.

Prominent columnist of Urdu language, Rahat Malik, Rustam Baloch Advocate, Dr. Ghulam Muhammad Khetran, Siddique Khetran, Qazi Noor Ahmed, Sartaj Gichki, research scholars, faculty members and students in large number attended the session. In the end, Prof. Dr. Abdul Saboor Baloch presented a set of books published by the IBLC to the chief guest. Assistant Professor Dr. Sadiq Saba performed the responsibilities of stage secretary on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
University of Turbat
University Town Ginnah, M-8 Road Turbat,
Balochistan, Pakistan
Tel: +92-852-412045
Email: info@uot.edu.pk
Website: https://uot.edu.pk

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Seventeenth meeting of IPS Working Group on Kashmir 

Islamabad, December 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):Exploring every possible avenue is critical for the Kashmiri freedom struggle leadership and activists to gather support from the world community, including Qatar’s economic and diplomatic clout, which can help provide a potential channel for meaningful dialogue among the stakeholders. This suggestion holds water in the existing regional and global scenario where Qatar is emerging as an important regional player, especially after successfully facilitating the US-Taliban talks in recent years.

This idea was extensively debated on December 2, 2021, during a meeting of the IPS’ Working Group on Kashmir (IPS-WGK), a body of experts and opinion leaders on Kashmir affairs meeting regularly at the Islamabad-based think tank for the last two years after the illegal revocation of the special constitutional status of Indian Occupied Jammu and Kashmir by the BJP-led Delhi regime on 5 August 2019.

Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain, vice chairman, IPS chaired the session, which was addressed as keynote speaker by Dr Farhan Mujahid Chak, a Kashmiri-Canadian scholar and associate professor, international relations, Qatar University, Doha.

Irshad Mahmood, director-general, Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Cell (JKLC); Ambassador (r) Tajammul Altaf, senior research associate at IPS; Advocate Nasir Qadri, international law researcher and founder, Legal Forum for Oppressed Voices of Kashmir (LFOVK); Professor Dr Shaheen Akhtar, National Defence University (NDU), Mir Tahir Masood and Hasan al-Banna, officials of the All Parties Hurriyat Conference (APHC), and Dr Waleed Rasool, Kashmiri scholar and activist attended the meeting. Sabur Ali Syed, senior research officer at IPS, moderated the session.

Dr Chak viewed Qatar as one of the few countries that can help cultivate an atmosphere of talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours to clear the prevalent air of antagonism and help resolve the Kashmir dispute.

However, other discussants believed that unless the indigenous, legitimate armed struggle for Kashmir’s right of self-determination does not reach a critical level, any talk of dialogue between India and Pakistan or a mediatory role by a third party would be useless. They advocated for both kinetic and non-kinetic support to Kashmiri freedom activists within the J and K region and across the world, especially potential diplomatic capital such as Doha.

They warned that the Bharatiya Janta Party (BJP) would further harden its stance over Kashmir and disregard any such mediation offer by any country, especially as it intends to install a Hindu chief minister in the IOJK once the delimitation process comes to an end. Ambassador (r) Syed Abrar Hussain observed in his concluding remarks that Pakistan has always welcomed any mediation offer to resolve the chronic dispute. In contrast, India repeatedly backs out of talks on one pretext or another.

For more information, contact:
Outreach and Publications,
Institute of Policy Studies (IPS)
1, Street 8, F-6/3, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-8438391-3 (Ext: 122)
Fax: +92-51-8438390
Website: www.ips.org.pk

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China Embassy Scholarship 2021: For Deserving Students of University of Peshawar 

Peshawar, December 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):China Embassy Islamabad gave Scholarship of PKR 5.4 million for the deserving students of the University of Peshawar through China Study Center, UoP, Pakistan for the year 2021. Prof Dr. Zahid Anwar, Director China Study Center, University of Peshawar visited Chinese Embassy, Islamabad on November 30th, 2021, to receive the Cheque of PKR 5.4 million. The Director China Study Center, UoP held a meeting with Mr. Wang Shengjie, Director of the Political Section of the Chinese Embassy to receive the Cheque and discuss the programs and events organized by China Study Center and a tentative events calendar for the year 2022.

China Study Center, University of Peshawar is located in the heart of Peshawar near the border with Afghanistan and had the advantage to conduct research on issues related to China, Pakistan and Afghanistan. It will focus on trilateral cooperation among China, Pakistan, and Afghanistan and will organize programs to enhance understanding. It will also conduct field survey to know the problems and needs of the people of merged districts of KP (former FATA) and its solutions.

Also, China Study Center, UoP will enhance cooperation with other Universities in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in the field of China Studies. It will be a hub of China studies in KP. The Center will organize different contests and events to encourage youth to understand Chinese culture and strengthen people to people contacts. The events will include the translation of interesting articles from Chinese to Pakistani languages and Chinese food festivals. These activities, programs and events related to higher education, BRI and CPEC will contribute to China and Pakistan joint march towards a shared, peaceful and prosperous future.

For more information, contact:
Media and Protocol Officer
University of Peshawar
Tel: +92-91-9218463
Email: mpo@upesh.edu.pk
Website: www.upesh.edu.pk

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Argentinian Ambassador to Pakistan visits LUMS to Foster Collaboration 

Lahore, December 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):To strengthen bilateral scientific cooperation between Pakistan and Argentina, The Ambassador of Argentine to Pakistan, His Excellency Ambassador Leopoldo Franciso Sahores and Deputy Head of Mission, Mr. Camilo Ernesto Silberkasten, visited LUMS on Thursday, December 2, 2021.

Cutting edge research at LUMS is geared towards tackling the grand challenges of the world, and multiple research exchanges are currently underway at the University. This collaboration with Argentina will further the untiring efforts of faculty to make headway in diverse areas, particularly agricultural biotechnology.

Also in attendance were LUMS Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad; Provost, Dr. Farhat Haq; Vice Provost, Dr. Tariq Jadoon; Dean Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE), Dr. Sabieh Anwar; and Director, Office of Advancement, Ms. Nuzhat Kamran.

His Excellency Ambassador Mr. Leoplodo Franciso Sahores expressed interest in the project by Dr. Khurram Bashir, Associate Professor, SBASSE, titled ‘Establishment of automated non-invasive plant phenotyping system and screening cotton germplasm for drought and/or heat stress tolerance.’ The proposal explains how optimising chemical application methods could improve stress tolerance and enhance crop production. The aim is to establish a plant phenotyping facility in Pakistan to enhance crop yield under challenging environmental conditions.

Connections between research and industry are essential, explained H.E. Mr. Sahores. “There is a lot of potential for collaboration between academic and research institutions in Argentina with Pakistan. We would like to explore and connect labs, institutions and universities to come together to help make agriculture in Pakistan more efficient.”

Vice Chancellor, Dr. Ahmad gave an overview of the University and the path forward. “Through our strength drawn from the diversity and excellence in teaching, we want our presence to be felt in South Asia in the next 3 decades.”

He explained that indigenous solutions are needed to solve the big issues facing the world. “We need expertise from other areas to solve complex issues. At LUMS, we are trying to direct the productivity of our greatest asset – our faculty. We cannot work in silos with regards to our disciplines, and so we promote interdisciplinary programmes.”

After the visit, the Department of Biology at SBASSE also hosted a webinar “Cooperation in Agriculture Biotechnology between Argentina and Pakistan”, in collaboration with the Argentine Republic Ministry of Science and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Pakistan.

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

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Fatima Group Conducts Virtual Recruitment Session

Lahore, December 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):Fatima Group has conducted a virtual recruitment session on “Adopting to the Digital World” on Monday, November 29. Students graduating in 2022 and 2023 from undergraduate programmes took part in the drive. The purpose of conducting this session was to educate students on how to successfully land their first job and guide them about the application process for the FG Empower to Lead Program (E2L).

Mr. Junaid Asrar Khan, Head of Talent Sustainability at Fatima Group introduced the recruitment team and gave a brief history of the organisation. Fatima Group is a progressive business conglomerate in Pakistan, with a strong portfolio of products and services. It is a significant player in the growth and sustainability of important industries of Pakistan. The Group has made significant investments in large scale manufacturing plants, utilising state-of-the-art technology and promoting manufacturing excellence. Its portfolio extends to fertiliser, sugar, textile, commodities trading, mining and energy.

Ms. Wajeeha Mohsin, Lead Talent Sustainability talked about the agenda of Cracking the Code by explaining self-authoring, riddler requirements, fun and functional competencies as well as self-sales pitches. Syed Abdul Haye, Senior Marketing Manager, shared tips to attempt different aptitude tests and train yourself as a champion. He also explained the 3S Leadership Model – Setting the Direction, Synergising Taking Others Along, and Sailing in the Right Direction. Other topics discussed were competencies assessment, group exercise and final interviews. The session ended with an interactive QnA.

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

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UNDP and National Incubation Center Lahore Host Innovators in Plastic Waste Recycling at SolutionsFest 2.0

Lahore, December 06, 2021 (PPI-OT):The National Incubation Center Lahore (NICL) at LUMS collaborated with the Innovation-Acceleration Lab at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Pakistan to host SolutionsFest 2.0: Reimagining our Relationship with Plastics in Pakistan. This three-day event, which aimed to discuss, strategise and create solutions for plastic pollution, was held from November 29 to December 1 at NICL.

SolutionsFest2.0 brought together people at the heart of the design process and curated a community-led problem-solving engagement opportunity to address the issue of plastic waste management in Pakistan. During the event, plastic problem solvers explored materials, tested connectivity, worked with tools and mechanics, created structures, and improved on iterations by focusing on and responding to the problem of plastic waste generation and on creating a system for a circular economy.

Solutions included a mobile app to facilitate door-to-door collection of recyclable plastics; prototypes of interlocking plastic bricks to enable low-cost housing for slums; upcycled, aesthetic furniture; another solution to turn non-recyclable plastics from waste to energy; and eco-friendly, low-cost, specialised shoes made of recycled material for children born with clubfoot. All prototypes were created at NICL’s state-of-the art, Makers Lab, which includes metal, CNC, PCB, wood, and 3D printing facilities for speedy, high quality hardware solutions.

Mr. Ehsan Gul, Head of Experimentation at UNDP Pakistan Innovation-Acceleration-Lab, stated, “We need to rapidly prototype and experiment to find solutions for fixing the rapidly increasing plastic waste management problem in Pakistan. Soutionsfest 2.0 provided an opportunity to bring sustainability enthusiasts, local recyclers, private sector partners, etc. together to catalyse ideation and invention. The National Incubation Center Lahore was a natural choice for us as a key partner, because of their mission to enable Pakistani problem-solvers and their all-inclusive space, which offers critical prototyping facilities and fosters an environment of innovation and problem solving.”

In his keynote address, Mr. Hammad Naqi Khan, Director General of World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Pakistan, appreciated the efforts of the participants and organisers, “We saw a myriad of good ideas today, quite a few ideas were both viable and scalable. In terms of plastic use, radical change is important, but so are small steps in the right direction; for sectors like healthcare plastic usage may be imperative, but for most other sectors it boils down to mere convenience and that is where we need to intervene and make a change.”

He emphasised the importance of taking a collaborative approach, and involving stakeholders across the value chain, from consumers to multinational corporations to the government to create synergies and tangible impact. The National Incubation Center Lahore is a springboard for venture incubation and corporate innovation through an intersection of applied research, industry and talent, to solve Pakistan’s biggest problems.

SolutionsFest 2.0 is part of a larger portfolio of the Innovation-Acceleration Lab, UNDP Pakistan. The Lab is a dedicated learning space to reimagine development solutions. The Lab, along with the country office, programmes and partners, explores and experiments new approaches, from ethnography to design, to find inclusive and human-centred approaches for meaningful change. In the last two years, the Innovation-Acceleration Lab has been exploring this issue with the learning question: how we can reimagine relationship with plastics in Pakistan.

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