Day: March 14, 2022

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PCFR and IoBM organized a seminar on the State of Pakistan’s Economy 

Karachi, March 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):A seminar on “State of Pakistan’s Economy: Present and Future” was held on Saturday evening at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi. It was jointly organized by the Pakistan Council on Foreign Relations (PCFR) and IoBM. The speakers included Pakistan’s noted economist, Dr. Kaiser Bengali, and former FBR Chairman, Mr. Shabbar Zaidi. Veteran diplomats and former ambassadors were also present along with IoBM’s management, faculty, and students. Mr. Muhammad Zubair, Assistant Professor Economics, IoBM was the Master of Ceremonies. Huzaifa (BBA H) recited the verses of the Holy Quran and its translation.

During his Welcome Address, Mr. Talib Karim, President, IoBM, remarked Pakistan’s economic future is a huge concern for the nation. He added that somehow, we continuously find ourselves entangled in various economic issues. He expressed the dire need for the resolution of such predicaments.

Ambassador Shahid Amin, Chairman, PCFR, shared that the external factors including the Ukraine crisis and its impact on oil prices are affecting our internal situation. He reminisced how Pakistan’s economic situation was seen as the best, nearly four decades ago. He mentioned that we must identify the shortcomings, clarify our economic problems and address each one in a non-partisan manner.

Dr. Kaiser Bengali shared that a major amount of our tax revenue is used for debt servicing and defence. He added that nearly a quarter of our import bill is oil. There are seven categories of oil that the country consumes and of these, two account for two-thirds of oil consumption, i.e., diesel and furnace oil. On the other hand, the railway uses one-third less fuel per kilometre, hence the use of railway will reduce 18% of oil consumption. He suggested to disband National Logistics Cell (NLC) and rehabilitate railways.

All transport entities make revenue from cargo and subsidized passenger service and the same should be the case for railway. He called for the creation of a holding company comprising railways and NLC to integrate rail and road. He suggested to pursue indigenous power production and ban all non-consumer imports. Dr. Bengali recommended that three industries, i.e., paper, sugar, and automobile should be banned. He was confident that effective policies can reduce employment and poverty rate to a single digit in a decade.

Mr. Shabbar Zaidi presented an overview of Pakistan’s economy from 1947 to 2022. He commented that Pakistan did not learn lessons from the 1971 debacle and in the succeeding years, there was no serious dialogue on the real economy. While presenting solutions to strengthen Pakistan’s economy, he suggested better economic management, empower local governments, debt restructuring, re-examination of conventional defence expenditure and strong economic relations with the US and the EU. Ambassador Syed Hasan Habib presented a vote of thanks to the speakers, guests, and faculty members. Mementos were presented to Mr. Shabbar Zaidi, Dr. Kaiser Bengali and Ambassador Shahid Amin as a token of appreciation by PCFR and IoBM.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Business Management (IoBM)
Korangi Creek, Karachi, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-002-004
Tel: +92-21-35090961-67
Fax: +92-21-35090968
Email: omer.iftikhar@iobm.edu.pk, mec@iobm.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iobm.edu.pk/

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The rise of tech unicorns by IoBM’s CTO and Director – CIT, Dr. Imran Batada 

Karachi, March 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):The high potential of the tech industry has led to the growth of ‘tech unicorns’ which are companies that have been valued at more than $1 billion by investors. Their game changing innovations have caught the eye of many investors. Tech unicorns specialise in different things like payments, technology, businesses, fintech, etc.

For a complete read, you may visit the below-mentioned link:

For more information, contact:
Institute of Business Management (IoBM)
Korangi Creek, Karachi, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-002-004
Tel: +92-21-35090961-67
Fax: +92-21-35090968
Email: omer.iftikhar@iobm.edu.pk, mec@iobm.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iobm.edu.pk/

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IBA Karachi holds a book launching ceremony for a biography on Dr. Ishrat Husain 

Karachi, March 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi held a book launching ceremony for a biography on Dr. Ishrat Husain, Former Advisor to the Prime Minister on Institutional Reforms and Austerity and Former Dean and Director IBA, at the IBA City Campus. Attendees included the IBA faculty, students and alumni, media, members from the academia, corporate sector and diplomatic corps.

‘Unravelling Gordian Knots – The Work and Worlds of Dr. Ishrat Husain’, is authored by Mr. Sibtain Naqvi and explores the life and times of Dr. Husain, from his earliest days in a refugee camp in newly made Pakistan to his impactful tenures in the civil services, World Bank, State Bank of Pakistan, academia and institutional reform. The book illustrates different dimensions of Dr. Husain’s prowess as an exceptional economist, reformist and educationist.

The event commenced with a welcome note by Ms. Malahat Awan, Director, Alumni Relations, Resource Mobilization and Corporate Relations, IBA. She shed light on the legacy that Dr. Husain has left behind and how he transformed the IBA. Esteemed speakers including, Dr. Husain; Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director, IBA, Dr. Syed Noman ul Haq, Dean, UMT, Lahore and Mr. Sibtain Naqvi, book author, were invited to the stage.

Sharing her experience of working with Dr, Husain, Dr. Lalarukh Ejaz, Assistant Professor, School of Economics and Social Sciences, IBA, stated that Dr. Husain had reformed IBA in terms of introducing modern teaching pedagogies, creating a conducive environment for undertaking research, developing infrastructure and encouraging the female faculty to pursue PhDs. She said that Dr. Husain was a revolutionary leader who facilitated the faculty to enhance their abilities. Dr. Ejaz also said that she was proud of her student Mr. Naqvi for penning this phenomenal book.

Dr. Saima Husain, Assistant Professor, School of Business Studies and Director QEC, IBA, commended Dr. Husain for bringing many scholarships and studying opportunities for the IBA fraternity. She fondly recalled Dr. Husain’s instrumental role in attaining her PhD. She opined that Dr. Husain was a visionary leader, who also had empathy for all. Dr. Irum Saba, Associate Professor, School of Business Studies, IBA, commended Dr. Ishrat as a role model for many around the world and stated that he was a serial transformer of organizations.

Mr. Muneer Kamal, Former Chairman NBP, stated that the book narrates Dr. Husain’s zest for life. Appreciating the biography, he mentioned that the book encapsulates 80 years of Dr. Husain’s exceptional journey, from the pre-partition era to the current times. Mr. Kamal credited Dr. Husain with being a great manager of people and said that the State Bank of Pakistan is a complex organization and Dr. Husain managed it effectively as he can align the right person to the right role and that he transformed SBP from a relaxed organization to a vibrant one.

Mr. Naqvi stated that it was an honour to write a biography on Dr. Husain. Explaining the title of the book, ‘Unravelling Gordian Knots’, he narrated how Alexander the Great was confronted with a complex knot and how effectively he dealt with it. Similarly, Dr. Husain has been confronted with many such knots in his various assignments and he solves them seamlessly, be it policy reforms or transforming institutes. He credited Dr. Husain as a modest individual who speaks humbly about his phenomenal achievements. He said that he decided to pen this book because institutions are key to a country’s progress and Dr. Husain had transformed many institutions which makes the biography a blueprint for national development and policy makers.

Furthermore, there is a dearth of role models and Dr. Husain with his contributions of over 60 years in diverse fields makes him a great role model and an example for young adults. Thirdly, he is an inspiring figure and the author wanted to encapsulate Dr. Husain’s life lessons for the future generations.

Dr. Zaidi opined that every institution that Dr. Husain has been associated with claims him as theirs due to the legacy that he leaves behind. Dr. Zaidi thanked Dr. Husain for transforming the IBA from an Institute to an interdisciplinary university with over 5000 students. He stated that the IBA fraternity is grateful for the physical infrastructure along with the world-class facilities and opportunities that Dr. Husain facilitated.

Commending the author, Dr. Noman ul Haq, thanked him for documenting Dr. Husain’s phenomenal achievements for generations to come. He appreciated Dr. Husain’s vigour to excel in diverse fields and stated that this book was a tribute to both Dr. Husain and Mr. Naqvi.

Dr. Husain stated that life is not a bed of roses and to be successful, one must face and navigate obstacles. Addressing his success at IBA, he credited his team for the success and stated that cooperation and teamwork is required for institutes to prosper. He also credited his wife for playing a supportive role in all his achievements. He commended Mr. Naqvi for his efforts in penning the complete story of his life and for his exhaustive research which including dozens of interviews and archival data.

Furthermore, he advised the younger generation to have a life purpose and to contribute to the society. He emphasized that without equal educational and employment opportunities, social mobility cannot be attained. Dr. Husain encouraged the audience to think beyond their own progression and to enable the less privileged in achieving a better life and economic stability. An engaging Q and A session ensued between Dr. Husain and the audience. The evening concluded with Dr. Zaidi presenting a memento to Dr. Husain.

For more information, contact:
Executive, Communication and Public Affairs,
Institute of Business Administration Karachi (IBA)
Main Campus: University Road, Karachi – 75270, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-422-422 (Ext. 269)
Fax: +92-21-99261508
Email: raza.lakhani@khi.iba.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iba.edu.pk

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Applications Open for Aspire Leaders Program 

Lahore, March 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Aspire Leaders Program applications are available for the youth around the world, who come from underprivileged backgrounds.

Eligibility Criteria:

Age: 18-26 years old.

First-in-family to college

Low-income background

Currently enrolled in a college or university or recently graduated

For further details please visit the link mentioned below:

Website Link: https://www.aspireleaders.org.

Contact Email Address: info@aspireleasders.org

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: www.fccollege.edu.pk

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Annual Advisory Board Meeting – Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa 

Islamabad, March 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) held its annual Advisory Board meeting on March 11, 2022. Participants joined the meeting both physically and virtually. Those present on the occasion included: Senator Seher Kamran, Patron in Chief, Centre for Pakistan and Gulf Studies (CPGS); Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry; Ambassador Naela Chohan ; Ambassador Riffat Masood; Dr. Zahid Ahmed, Deakin University Australia; Dr. Salma Malik, QAU; Dr. Qandeel Abbas, QAU; Dr Waqas Sajjad, UMT; Dr. Christian Wagner, (SWP) Stiftung Wissenschaft und Politik; Dr Daud Abdullah, Director Middle East Monitor (UK); Mr Tamim Asey, Founder and Chairman at IWPS and CFRA Afghanistan and Brig. Mehboob Qadir.

In his welcome remarks, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General, ISSI, apprised the board of the workings of the five centers of excellence at the ISSI that have contributed towards the aim of producing quality work, achieving synergy, focusing on the relevance of issue areas and narrative building. He said that ISSI has had 190 events throughout the year 2021 and has extended outreach to 43 think tanks internationally. The theme that ISSI is following for the year 2022 is “National Security – Expanding Horizons.

While giving the Performance Review of CAMEA, Ms Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, briefed the advisory board about the vision and functions of the Centre. The vision of CAMEA aims to promote and provide quality research, analysis, policy input and dialogue on issues related to Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africa. It envisions synergy of inquiry and cooperation as well as building close cooperative relations with these important regions in line with Pakistan’s foreign policy.

She apprised the advisory board of the major events CAMEA had organized in 2021 as well as the Centre’s research activities. These included conferences, seminars, in-house meetings, webinars and roundtables. CAMEA research activities included issues briefs, research papers, op-eds and confidential briefs. Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry moderated the meeting where all the participants gave valuable insights on how the Centre should function and different ways in which CAMEA’s workings could be further improved.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/

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GCU celebrates Gilgit Baltistan Culture Day 

Lahore, March 14, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Gilgit Baltistan Culture Day was celebrated here on Sunday at the Government University Lahore, organised by Ravians students, under the auspices of its Society for Culture and Heritage (SOCH). Minister for Tourism, Gilgit Baltistan Raja Nasir Ali Khan was the Chief Guest at the cultural event hosted by Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi.

The celebrations marked by cultural dance and musical performances was held at the GCU Oval Ground, presented by Road and Safety Company, in collaboration with University of Lahore. Speaking on the occasion, eminent motivational speaker Qasim Ali Shah said people of GB are beautiful inside out. He said bravery, honesty, hospitality and beauty of the people of GB had no match in the world.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi appreciated the enthusiasm of the GB students in celebrating their culture day and raising awareness about their values and heritage. He said celebrating various cultures was aimed at spreading awareness, promoting cultural integration and making efforts to keep alive all customs.

The students of GB also addressed the event and told students about their culture and traditions, saying Gilgit Scouts had liberated their homeland from the Dogra Raj on this day in 1947 without any external support because they had great love for Pakistan. They also told the gathering about their major cultural events, including the Shandoor Polo Festival, Babusar Polo Festival and Jashn-e-Baharan. Later, singers who came especially from GB performed at the event.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk