Day: May 30, 2022

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Seminar on Educational Research held at IIUI

Islamabad, May 30, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Department of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) organized a seminar on Research Methods in Education. It was organized by PhD scholars under the supervision of Dr. Azhar Mahmood, Chairman Department of Education, Faculty of Social Sciences, IIUI, which was aimed to discuss the importance of research at higher education level.

Dr. Hukam Dad Malik from the Department of Education, National University of Modern Languages, NUML Islamabad was guest of honour in the seminar. He talked about the importance of research in education and explained latest research methods in Education. Prof. Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, (IIUI) attended the seminar as Chief Guest. Addressing the seminar participants, Dr. Zafar precisely explained the values of education and the responsibilities of an educated person as a good citizen. He also appreciated faculty and the emerging scholars for conducting this seminar.

Muhammad Ehsan, Razzaq Ahmad, Muhammad Nadil Ali, and Safeer Ijaz PhD scholars presented their research topics like quantitative, qualitative research and mixed -methods of research. At the end of the seminar, Dr. Azhar Mahmood, Associate Professor, Chairman Education Dept., appreciated the enthusiasm and participatory spirit of students. On this occasion he also motivated students to identify emerging areas of research particularly keeping in view the demands of the present era. During the seminar students demonstrated great interest and made the session very interactive. The seminar was also attended by the faculty members’ Education Department.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations,
International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)
Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,
H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9019249
Fax: +92-51-9257909
Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk
Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

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Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa at the Institute of Strategic Studies and Rasanah International Institute for Iranian Studies

Islamabad, May 30, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) held its first bilateral dialogue with the Rasanah International Institute for Iranian Studies, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on May 30, 2022.

The participants from ISSI included, Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director CAMEA, Ms. Amina Khan and Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG, ISSI. The participants from Rasanah included Dr. Ahmed Algarni, Vice President Rasanah, Mr. Osama Alsanoussim Advisor to Rasanah, Former Saudi Ambassador to Tehran, Major General Ahmed Almaimouni, Director of Studies and Research Center, Rasanah and Ambassador Awdh Asseri, Former Saudi Ambassador to Pakistan and Advisor to Rasanah.

The bilateral dialogue was moderated by Director CAMEA, Ms. Amina Khan. The subjects of discussion during the bilateral dialogue included the situation in Afghanistan, the response of the international community vis a vis the Afghan crises and other issues pertaining to Afghanistan. The bilateral dialogue was useful in bringing together viewpoints and perspectives from Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.

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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LUMS Proposes to Strengthen Industry-academia Partnerships

Lahore, May 30, 2022 (PPI-OT):A series of events to engage with industry were lately hosted by LUMS in Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore. These provided an opportunity for the University’s leadership and corporate leaders to connect with each other and discuss prospective future collaborations. Members representing LUMS leadership included Pro Chancellor, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood, Rector, Mr. Shahid Hussain, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Members of the Management Committee, Mr. Osman Khalid Waheed and Mr. Faisal Dawood and Director of Advancement, Ms. Nuzhat Kamran.

A series of discussions and presentations apprised the guests of the recent achievements of the University and its high- impact initiatives in the areas of innovation, knowledge creation, and community development. The sessions also emphasised that strong industry-academia partnerships and investment in research-based solutions are the only effective ways of tackling local and regional challenges.

While addressing guests in Lahore, Pro Chancellor, Mr. Dawood acknowledged the University’s industry partners for their generous support towards the LUMS mission to promote access to high-quality education in Pakistan. He further added that these partnerships enabled the University to continue its work of transforming higher education and learning through high-quality research and innovation.

Mr. Hussain highlighted the achievements of LUMS and said, “In a short time of 35 years, LUMS has become a hallmark of higher education standards in Pakistan. During this period, we have reached a milestone in the number of students and programmes offered at LUMS. We are also privileged to have an extremely qualified faculty who are exceptionally motivated. The University has had a great impact on society in more than one way including initiatives such as the National Outreach Programme which has inspired students in different districts and regions across Pakistan to do better and uplift their communities. We have had the good fortune of receiving good advice from all the major education centers across the world and that has been possible due to the values, merit system, diversity, inclusion, and financial support structure that is showcased here at this institution.”

While reiterating that the University’s progress would not have been possible without its donors and industry partners, Dr. Ahmad said, “We are here not only to thank you but to learn from you. We are exploring non-traditional bridges that will ultimately break new ground so we co-design outcomes for LUMS in partnership with our industry patrons. While we aim to increase the level of student inclusion, we also want to do more in terms of our product offerings as well.” He concluded his remarks by proposing a firm industry-academia partnership framework to strengthen efforts for collaboration.

Ms. Kamran led the main presentation during all the events, sharing important updates from the University. She explained that LUMS is home to students from all across the country and that the institution is always striving to make the campus more inclusive. Ms. Kamran further shared that the decision to provide 50 % scholarship to women enrolled in graduate programmes at the Suleman Dawood School of Business have increased female enrolment from 12% to 37% and the effort has been recognised by the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business’ Innovations that Inspire Initiative 2022.

The engagements in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad allowed for a productive exchange with the University’s partners. The discussions culminated in exciting ideas for future collaborations within the higher education landscape that can have a far-reaching impact in the progress and development of the country.

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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Exposure visits of students of History Department, Quaid-e-Azam University

Islamabad, May 30, 2022 (PPI-OT):Notwithstanding the fact that Kashmir is the oldest unresolved issue present on the agenda of the UN Security Council since 1949, India has remained unchecked for blocking all efforts made for its resolution thus far. There is a dire need to encompass the anomaly in the research and academic work being produce in Pakistan, and young scholars and academics can play their part in this regard by highlighting the intricacies of the matter and exposing the hollowness of the Indian stance over the issue on the back of a comprehensive and evidence-based research.

This was held by Chairman IPS Khalid Rahman while delivering a presentation titled ‘Kashmir Situation: Setting the Framework for Research Work on the Issue’ during his talk with the undergrad students of Quaid-e-Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, who were visiting IPS on May 24, 2022 on an exposure trip. Hailing from the History Department of the University, the students were in the midst of a newly introduced course on Kashmir and their visit to IPS was aimed at introducing them with the Institute, its activities, and the contributions it has made over the years on a number of issues, especially on the matters relating to Kashmir affairs.

Responding to different questions raised by the young scholars, Chairman IPS emphasized that Kashmir is not a territorial dispute between Pakistan and India, but a denial of the UN-granted right of self-determination of about 12 million people. Young scholars must appreciate the point that under Article 257 of its constitution, Pakistan has given Kashmiris the right to decide about their future through an independently held referendum, India on the other hand has occupied more than two-third of Kashmir and has used every conceivable tactic to perpetuate it in last seven decades.

Earlier, IPS’ GM Operations Naufil Shahrukh introduced the students with IPS’ background, its areas of research and its contributions spanning over forty years on numerous issues. He underscored that the Institute has developed a strong institutional relationships and linkages with several top-notch universities and educational institutions in Pakistan and is facilitating their research scholars to conduct in-depth work in various policy-oriented arenas.

Head of QAU’s History Department Dr Fakhar Bilal in the end expressed special thanks to IPS for an insightful presentation by Chairman IPS on Kashmir issue. He briefly discussed the contours of the newly introduced course on Kashmir and hoped that it shall contribute duly in producing the required scholarship over the concerning affairs of Indian-Occupied Jammu and Kashmir.

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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Institutions have to play their role in preventing destruction of the country, court decisions will prove to be a turning point in Pakistan’s politics: Ch Parvez Elahi, Shah Mehmood Qureshi

Lahore, May 30, 2022 (PPI-OT):Vice Chairman Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) and former Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi and his son Zain Qureshi called on Punjab Assembly Speaker Chaudhry Parvez Elahi and former Federal Minister Moonis Elahi at their residence here. On the occasion, issues of mutual interest including Punjab and the current political situation in the country were discussed. The lawyers briefed Ch Parvez Elahi and Shah Mehmood Qureshi about the cases under trial in the courts, de-seating of dissenters members and oath of Hamza Shahbaz. Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf and Pakistan Muslim League agreed to work together against the government.

Later talking to the media, Ch Parvez Elahi said that PTI should immediately announce its candidates in the by-elections; we will fully support Imran Khan in bringing the dissidents to justice. Institutions have to play their role in preventing the catastrophe of the country. Judicial decisions will be a turning point in Pakistan’s politics. The present government has failed to control inflation. The claimants of good governance now show us that how to control inflation and load shedding. Pakistan belongs to all of us, every Pakistani must come out together for real freedom.

Ch Parvez Elahi further said that the so-called child Chief Minister Hamza Shahbaz’s election and oath are not valid in both constitutional and legal ways. He is ruling only on the shoulders of the police and the chief secretary. The child ruler mistreated women in the independence march. Police presence in assembly is not a trivial matter. Policemen will be summoned in accordance with the Assembly Act and will be sacked with four months’ imprisonment. The Commonwealth and UNO secretaries have also condemned the police brutality in the assembly and demanded a report of the incident from the secretary Punjab assembly.

Shah Mehmood Qureshi apprised Ch Parvez Elahi about the obstacles and containers placed by the government in the way of Independence March and informed about the violation of law. He told reporters that the government in our KP govt has never taken away the constitutional rights while the Punjab govt has taken away the rights. Thousands of people were arrested after cracking down in 36 districts of Punjab. Rana Sanaullah is pretending that there were no people.

If there were no people then why containers and barricades were set up. He said that the nation knows who is antagonist, the government alliance was formed to remove Imran Khan, not to give relief to the people, this government has no vision in eight weeks, the prices of essential commodities have risen up, it has become difficult for the people to live. He said that election is the only way to get the country out of the whirlpool in which the government is an obstacle.

At present every institution should think of Pakistan’s interest. Respecting the courts and institutions, Imran Khan did not call for a sit-in of the workers, but it may not be up to Imran Khan to stop the enthusiasm of the workers every time. Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that the barbarism of Rana Sanaullah would not be able to suppress the struggle for real freedom of the people and all those responsible for the retaliatory actions would be held accountable.

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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At a conference organized by Sindh Human Rights Department, EU envoy indicates extension of GSP + to Pakistan beyond 2024 #HRConfSindh #PPP

Karachi, May 30, 2022 (PPI-OT):Charge d’Affaires of the EU Delegation to Pakistan Mr. Thomas Seiler has indicated that “GSP+ beyond 2023 is possible for Pakistan” as the country’s government has ensured the European Union that all efforts to show compliance with the high requirements would be made.

He was speaking at a Conference on “Human Rights Reforms in Sindh – GSP+ and Beyond” organized by the Human Rights Department, Government of Sindh at a local hotel on Monday. Sindh Minister for Labour, Human Resource Saeed Ghani was the chief guest while Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister Surendar Valasai inaugurated the conference, which was attended by human rights activists, government officers of various departments, public representatives, civil society and labour rights activists and minorities’ representatives.

Mr. Thomas Seiler said in the next phase of the Generalised System of Preference (GSP – Plus there would be more international conventions and covenants. These instruments would pertain to the recognition of the competence of the UN Human Rights Council to consider complaints from individuals, abolish the death penalty and the requirement to recognize the International Criminal Court – ICC (for genocide, crime against humanity, war crimes and crimes of aggression).

“The final regulation can be expected before the end of the year,” he remarked. He reminded the main duty of employers toward human rights, labour rights and the combat against climate change. “They will have to respect and implement human rights in their enterprises, and to play an active role in building a sustainable economy and society.”

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest Saeed Ghani said the government of Sindh is leading all the provinces in making legislation for protection of rights of labour, women, minorities and people with disabilities. “We consider the protection of people’s rights as our duty rather an obligation to an international commitment,” Saeed Ghani said adding that the Sindh government has made all the laws on its own as the ruling Pakistan People Party is committed for this cause, he remarked. “We need support from the international community to provide a favourable environment for the government and businesses to implement the laws,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Special Assistant to Sindh Chief Minister Surendar Valasai said Human Rights Department has developed a Provincial Human Rights Policy with an aim to create compliance with Human Rights obligations in addition to implementing national and provincial human rights framework. He said that Sindh Human Rights Department is working for accomplishment of mission of our Chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari who is taking keen interests in promotion and protection of human rights. The Chief Minister of Sindh, Syed Murad Ali Shah has recently approved a special grant of Rs 50 million to Human Rights Department to provide legal to the vulnerable groups in Sindh.

According to him Pakistan’s exports to the European Union have increased from 4.53 billion Euros in 2013 to 7.49 billion Euros in 2019, registering an increase of 65%. He underlined the need for devising a cohesive strategy by all the stakeholders including the government of Pakistan, provincial governments and civil society so that the country could continue benefiting from trade benefits beyond 2023.

Secretary of Human Rights Ms. Noreen Bashir gave a presentation about the performance of the department. She said the department has created Provincial Task Force on Human Rights, Provincial Human Right Vigilance Committee, and District Human Rights Committees. Noted social worker Faisal Edhi underlined the need to remove religious hate material from the school curriculum for interfaith harmony. He recalled that during his school days the teachers were encouraging discrimination against Hindu students.

Chairperson of the National Commission for Rights of Child (NCRC) Ms. Afshan Tehseen recommended increased synergy among the official rights protection commissions, legislation and governments. Member of National Commission for Human Rights (Sindh) Ms. Anis Haroon, Aslam Shaikh, Member of Sindh Human Rights Commission, Superintendent of Police for Human Rights Ms. Shehla Qureshi, Ms. Kulsoom Chandio, MPA, a representative of civil society Ms. Sara Zaman, Ms. Ambar Shamsi, Speaking on the occasion, the participants gave a number of recommendations for improvement of the human rights situation in the province.

A representative of the minority communities pointed out that nomads and gypsies communities in the interior of Sindh are not counted in the national census. Issues of enforced disappearance, discrimination against minorities, problems being faced by transgender, violence against women and non-implementation of the laws were also pointed out on the occasion. Most of the participants regretted that a number of good laws have been passed, but they are not being implemented. They underlined the need to universalize the social security services to all the workers. A documentary produced by noted artist Ayoub Khoso on the human rights situation in Sindh was screened on the occasion.

For more information, contact:
PPP Media Cell (Sindh)
Pakistan People’s Party (PPP)
Peoples Secretariat Shikarpur Colony,
Behind Mazar-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Karachi, Pakistan
Cell: +92-305-3370383
Email: contact@ppp-tu.com
Website: https://www.ppp.org.pk