Day: October 12, 2022

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In fond memory of Dr Amir Sharif (1979-2022) 

Karachi, October 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):It is indeed an extremely sad day for us as one of our most beloved alumni and faculty members, Dr Amir Sharif from the Department of Surgery unexpectedly passed away earlier this morning from natural causes. Our heartfelt condolence goes out to all his loved ones at this devastating news.

Dr Sharif graduated from our MBBS programme in 2003, and subsequently trained at Yale University in the United States in both General and Minimally Invasive/Bariatric Surgery, where he excelled.

His passion for serving Pakistan and providing cutting edge superb surgical care for its people led him to return immediately after completing his training, joining his alma mater AKU in 2011 as an Assistant Professor in General Surgery. He set up a Bariatric programme at AKU and partnered with many other services to help advance minimally invasive surgery at AKU.

He quickly became one of the most cherished faculty in the Department and beyond, with his incredible skills, empathy, excellent patient care, and obvious love for trainees at all levels from the medical students to the residents. It came as no surprise when he was named Programme Director for General Surgery and he remained one of the most ardent advocates for all trainees.

Dr Sharif was an integral part of getting the surgery residency approved by the ACGMEi which was an incredible achievement. He was also a part of the Surgery Interest Group for medical students. Our students always sought him out for advice on their career as well as life issues.

Most of all, Amir was a dedicated family man and leaves behind his wife, Ayesha whom so many us know very well, two young children, parents and siblings. May Allah give them the strength to bear this huge loss?

Amir was a caring as well as brilliant faculty member and leaves us all much poorer with his untimely passing away. He also leaves us with a tremendous sense of loss as he was part of our own family, and we feel his loss as acutely as that. For those who require counselling services or assistance processing this tragedy, colleagues from our Psychiatry Department are available at all times; feel free to reach out to them. We will also extend all possible support to the family.

Details on his tadfeen and namaz-e-Janaza will follow. The Department of Surgery will be making special arrangements for all those who may want to attend. Please pray for him and his family. May Allah grant him the highest place in Jannat.

Dr Saleem Islam Professor and Chair of Surgery

Dr Adil H. Haider Dean, Medical College

For more information, contact:
Media Executive
Department of Public Affairs
Aga Khan University (AKU)
Stadium Road, Karachi
Tel: +92-21-34930051
Fax: +92-21-34934294, +92-21-34932095
Cell: +92-301-8258028
Email: rasool.sarang@aku.edu, public.affairs@aku.edu​
Website: www.aku.edu

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Transgender Faizi talks about her struggle for rights at GCU 

Lahore, October 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):A seminar on rights and social issues faced by third-generation/ transgender was held here at the Government College University Lahore on Tuesday which was also addressed by Faizi, a transgender from Toba Tek Singh who completed MPhil in Urdu Literature. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi chaired the seminar organized by the University’s Bano Qudsiya Society for Gender Sensitization in collaboration with the Urdu Department.

Speaking on the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi said that the issues of the third gender could not be addressed until we listen to their position and understand their social rights from their own perspective. He said the GCU Lahore is providing its platform to the third gender where they could come and express their problems.

Prof. Zaidi said that it is the disability of the society that it has failed to integrate the third generation. He said that GCU formed the Bano Qudsiya Society for Gender Sensitization to ensure understanding related to gender equality, social and legal rights, and healthy gender behaviours among their students.

“We will continue to make efforts to build a society that is fair, equitable and does not allow gender-based discrimination in any form,” he said. The Vice-Chancellor said GCU announced five seats for transgender three years ago, but out of thousands of candidates, they didn’t get any admission application on basis of the transgender which shows that there exists serious problem of their inclusion.

He said the motto of GCU Lahore is “courage to know”, and reiterated that we must show this courage and open the doors of this historical educational institution for all political and social debates. Transgender Faizi talked in detail about her legal fight to get a government job as transgender through the Punjab Public Service Commission. She believed that this gap between society and transgender could be bridged if they are given opportunities to work with dignity in different walks of life.

Senior lawyer Mr Liaquat Ali shed light on the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act 2O18, saying that there exist many misconceptions about this law especially that it permits same-sex marriage which is not true. He discussed the different provisions of the Act. He believed that law reaffirms fundamental rights of transgender people, including education, equality, and health, access to public spaces, political participation, and livelihood.

He said the major criticism is on the right of transgender people to get their identity cards changed in accordance with their self-perceived gender identity but this law does not support homosexuality or same-sex relations.

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

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LUMS Vice Chancellor Speaks at THE University Impact Forum in Baku

Lahore, October 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):THE University Impact Forum held from September 27-28, 2022, in Baku, Azerbaijan, focused on how universities can be agents of change and their role in widening access to quality education. Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad introduced the core philosophy at LUMS of ‘Learning without Borders’. “It means bridging the gender divide, and socio-economic barriers to harness talent to amplify our efforts. ‘Learning without Borders’ also means a singular focus on innovation that changes lives for a better world,” he shared.

The philosophy also works towards elevating several multi-disciplinary centres at LUMS that work to address the grand challenges facing Pakistan and beyond. “Our Centres have chosen 6 challenges that face Pakistan. They include how our Centres can better manage issues related to energy and water, progressive policy frameworks, gender inequity, and using technology and entrepreneurship to make for a more resilient society.”

He gave the example of the LUMS Energy Institute (LEI) which has designed Pakistan’s Electric Vehicle Policy. He added that LEI has also put forth recommendations for the power sector that have the federal government saving $1 billion each year for the next 10 years.

Dr. Ahmad also shared details about the collaboration with the University of Baltistan, in Skardu which is creating an infinite impact. “150 of our students twinned with 150 students in Skardu and lived together for a month. A wealth of data is now feeding into research questions that has a direct impact on local communities,” he added.

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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Group A Preview: Wide-open group sets the tone for highly anticipated World Cup 

Dubai, October 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):Group A is sure to make intriguing viewing in the first round of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 as Namibia, Netherlands, Sri Lanka, and United Arab Emirates (UAE) battle it out for the right to qualify for the Super 12.

The teams will play each other once in a round-robin format from October 16-20, with the top two advancing into the next stage.

By virtue of their world ranking, Sri Lanka are favourites to progress but face a tricky first test in the form of Namibia, who progressed to the Super 12 stage in their first ever ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 12 months ago.

UAE’s return to the competition comes against Netherlands, who are desperate to make up for a disappointing campaign last time out.

All six fixtures will take place at Kardinia Park in Geelong, with the winners joining reigning champions and hosts Australia, as well as Afghanistan, England, New Zealand and the Group B runners-up in Group 1 of the Super 12 stage.

The team who finishes second will enter Group 2 and face Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, South Africa and the Group a runners-up.

Namibia (second appearance)

Namibia are fast establishing themselves as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.

They were firm underdogs in their Round 1 group at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2021 but comfortable victories over Netherlands and Ireland ensured their progression to the latter stages.

Since then, they have claimed their first-ever series win over a Full-Member nation, beating Zimbabwe (3-2) in a five-match T20I series in May. Captain Gerhard Erasmus was the star of the show in the win that secured qualification over Ireland, notching an unbeaten half-century before David Wiese hit the winning runs.

Wicketkeeper-batter Lohan Louwrens is one new addition to keep an eye on this time around. He has captained his country at the under-19s level previously and has already made a mark for the Eagles at the senior level, scoring 111 runs in a seven-wicket win against Hong Kong in June.

Another new face already has a World Cup qualifying hat-trick to his name – Tangeni Lungameni was the scourge of the Mozambique top order during a qualifier for the 2021 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and now gets his chance at the marquee tournament.

Though Sri Lanka will be a daunting first test, Namibia will hope that they get the better of the Netherlands in their second fixture, as they did last year, which could well set up a second consecutive Super 12 appearance.

Sri Lanka (eighth appearance)

Ever-presents at the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, Sri Lanka are going to have to do it the hard way if they want to become champions for the second time.

The Lions reached the final on three occasions between 2009 and 2014 and struck gold at the third time of asking thanks to a typically assured innings from Kumar Sangakkara. But two consecutive eighth-place finishes – their lowest in the history of the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup – means expectations have been tempered ahead of their next campaign.

The Asia Cup win in September suggests the side have turned a corner, however. Wanindu Hasaranga impressed with the ball there as only India’s Bhuvneshwar Kumar took more wickets than the wily leg-spinner, who will want to retain his place in the ICC Men’s T20I Team of the Year.

Topping the group is the expectation for Sri Lanka, who will then be targeting a deep run in the knockout stages, which they hope will culminate in a second piece of silverware in as many months.

Netherlands (fifth appearance)

One of the final two teams to book a spot at the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, the Netherlands are out to right a few wrongs in Australia. Slow starts in each of the previous two tournaments have cost them a place in the Super 12 stage.

A defeat to Bangladesh and a washout against Oman saw them eliminated before their final first round fixture at the 2016 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. Then, in 2021, they were soundly beaten in each of their three fixtures and were skittled out for less than 110 on two occasions.

That means a fast start is a must this year for the lowest-ranked side in the group and they will want to be in a strong position prior to their clash with Sri Lanka on October 20.

One of those who struggled to get going in the UAE was Bas de Leede, who failed to make double figures in either of his group stage innings.

The summer was a much brighter time for the 22-year-old, though, who struck two T20I half-centuries against New Zealand and 89 against Pakistan in an ODI.

If he and opener Max O’Dowd can find their best form, the Netherlands could well spring a surprise.

United Arab Emirates (second appearance)

After an eight-year hiatus, the UAE are back on the T20I world stage and looking to make history.

Their only previous ICC Men’s T20 World Cup appearance, in 2014, yielded three defeats, and so a win this time around would be their first in this event and only their second ever in a global ICC tournament, with their sole success to date coming against the Netherlands in the 1996 ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup.

The Netherlands will be keen to avoid a repeat of that outcome when the pair meet in their opening fixture on October 16th, though the UAE do have the recent form on their side, having won four of their five previous meetings.

Bar a change in captain, preparations for the tournament have been smooth, and they gave two-time world champions West Indies a stern test in their penultimate warm-up fixture, with spinner Junaid Siddique impressing with figures of five for 13.

They ultimately came up 17 runs short chasing 152 despite the best efforts of Muhammad Waseem (69 from 52) and Zawar Farid (29 from 14).

It was a promising and morale-boosting team performance and one that suggests they have what it takes to ruffle a few feathers in Group 1.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

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Public Defense and Viva Voce Examination of Ms. Salma Naz 

Lahore, October 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):This is to inform you that the public defense and viva voce examination of Ms. Salma Naz, a candidate of Ph.D. Degree in Political Science will be held on 19.10.2022 (Wednesday) at 02:00 p.m. in the Department of Political Science, University of the Punjab, Lahore. She has completed her thesis under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Iram Khalid. The topic of the thesis is “Crisis Management between Pakistan and India (2001-2019)”.

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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Details of Pakistan v Ireland women’s series announced

Lahore, October 12, 2022 (PPI-OT):Ireland women’s cricket team will travel to Pakistan for the first time for the three ICC Women’s Championship 2022-25 fixtures from 4-9 November, which will be followed by three T20Is from 12-16 November. All the six matches will be played the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The visitors will arrive in Lahore on 29 October and will have four days of practice in the lead-up to the ODI series.

This will be Ireland and Pakistan’s second successive series in the ICC Women’s Championship. While Pakistan defeated Sri Lanka 2-1 in Karachi in June, Ireland lost all three matches to South Africa in Dublin in June.

Ireland will be the fourth international cricket team to visit Pakistan in 2022 after Australia, West Indies and England men’s sides toured earlier this year. England men’s side will return late November for the December Tests, while New Zealand men’s side is due here in the third week of December for the two Tests and three ODIs with the series opener to be played in Karachi from 27-31 December.

Head of Women Cricket Tania Mallick: “We had a great experience of hosting Sri Lanka earlier this year in Karachi and are now excited to host Ireland here at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. This is just a beginning of a new era in women’s cricket, after hosting Ireland we are looking forward to organising women’s league soon.

“We want fans to come to the ground and support women’s cricket for what promises to be exciting six days of cricket in Lahore.”

Pakistan captain Bismah Maroof: “We are all up for an exciting series against Ireland. The series will help us in attracting new fans to the women’s game. The series will provide an opportunity for young cricketers to up skill themselves as per the demands of international cricket.

“We are eager to perform in front of our home crowd and win crucial ICC Women’s Championship points as qualifying directly for the next ODI World Cup is one of our main targets.”

The ODIs and T20Is will begin at 1000, toss will take place at 0930 PKT.

Series Itinerary

29 October – Ireland team arrive in Lahore

31 October – 3 November – Training

4 November – First ODI

6 November – Second ODI

9 November – Third ODI

12 November – First T20I

14 November – Second T20I

16 November – Third T20I

For more information, contact:
Media Manager,
Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-5717231-4
Fax: +92-42-5711860
Website: www.pcb.com.pk