Day: November 1, 2022

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Prime Ministers National Innovation Award 

Chitral, November 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award (PMNIA), is an initiative of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme executed by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. The PMNIA is providing an open opportunity for Pakistani youth within the age bracket of 15 to 30 years to propose innovative ideas and get funding as well as technical support to turn their ideas into a business.

The objectives of the Innovation Award are:

Improving Pakistan’s Ranking in the Global Innovation Index,

Foster Entrepreneurial Culture among the Youth

Transforming Ideas into a Successful Businesses

The grant package of up to PKR 2M will be stretched over the startup proposed budget requirements for approved activities, including rigorous entrepreneurial training, legal training and support, and financial education and training among other services. The innovation challenge aims to support solutions to indigenous issues faced by our communities nationwide pertaining to the following thematic areas.

1. Food Security

2. Water Management and Sustainability

3. Sustainable Energy

4. Urban planning

5. Climate Change and Environment

6. Information Technology and Telecom

7. Innovative Governance and Reforms

8. Sociology and Philosophy

9. Medical and Health Sciences

10. Others.

Startup Idea Submission Procedure: Startup Innovative Ideas / Concept Notes on prescribed application template and to be submitted via Prime Minister Youth Portal https://pmyp.gov.pk/HEC/InnovationLeague

Who can participate?

Youth of Pakistan aged between 15 to 30 years eligible to apply.

Why apply for National Innovation Award?

If you have an innovative idea and money is a barrier to market it, then you must apply to PM National Innovation Award and receive funding.

Innovators will receive free of cost mentorship by the renowned development sector’s expert, leading multi-national companies, local enterprises and leading employers.

Through PMNIA, there will be extensive interaction of participating candidates with academia, entrepreneurs, and industry.

Complete support and facilitation will be provided to convert the ideas into reality.

The top performing innovators participating in Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award will get recognition at national/international level.

Innovators will get exposure and can develop industrial linkages.

Innovators will get a chance to commercialize your idea/start-up.

Deadline for Application Submission is: 15 November 2022

For more information, contact:
University of Chitral
Chitral, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Tel: +92-943-412819
Website: https://uoch.edu.pk

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Institution of Civil Engineers Secured 2nd Position in Pakistan Water Week 2022 

Swabi, November 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):Pakistan Council of Research in Water Resources (PCRWR), in collaboration with International Water Management Institute (IWMI) Pakistan and other partners had organized Pakistan Water Week 2022, from 24th to 28th October 2022. The aim of water week was sharing knowledge with the stakeholders, particularly mainstreaming youth by providing them an opportunity to share their knowledge and visions for a water secure future. The theme for this year’s water week was “Role of Water-Food-Energy and Ecosystem Nexus for a Climate Resilient Pakistan”.

A series of events were organized to achieve the intended objectives of Pakistan Water Week 2022. A three-day international conference was organized from 24th to 26th October, 2022 in Serena Hotel Islamabad. Federal Minister for Planning Development and Special Initiatives, Professor Dr. Ahsan Iqbal inaugurated the International Conference. A number of eminent national and international experts focused on a range of water challenges and required measures under the influence of climate change.

The international conference was followed by the two-day national workshop organized at PCRWR, Islamabad on 27th -28th October, 2022. The workshop comprised of ice breaker activities and energizers such as industrial exhibition, students’ competitions (debate, poster, essay writing, student board games, student final year projects, documentaries, urban sculpture and Art), and mass awareness campaign etc. Technology show-casing exhibition was inaugurated by the Federal Minister for Water Resources, Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah. The inaugural session was followed by a media interaction session focused on “Optimal strategies for water conservation and sustainable water resource management”.

Students’ competitions were held on 27th -28th October, 2022. At the end of the day a closing ceremony of the event was organized to award the winners of the student competitions. Mr. Haile Gashaw, Chief WASH UNICEF Pakistan, Dr. Yousaf Filali-Meknassi, Country Director UNESCO and Dr. Rachael McDonnell, Deputy Director General IWMI embraced the closing ceremony and appreciated the initiative of Pakistan Water Week 2022 to address water issues in the country and emphasized the need of these events time to time for community and youth awareness. This will contribute towards the sustainability of water and food sectors in the country. The winners of the competitions were awarded with cash prizes, certificates and shields during the closing ceremony.

ICE GIK Student Chapter under the Student Affairs Department had participated in the student competition of short documentary under the theme of: Climate Change and its impact on agriculture and water and secured 2nd place in almost 39 entries from all over Pakistan. The title of the documentary was Climate Change: The water paradigm in Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI)
Topi 23640, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Tel: +92-938-281026
Fax: +92-938-281032, +92-938-281041
Website: https://www.giki.edu.pk/

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Undeterred Courage – The Journey of Naila Kiani

Karachi, November 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):Sports have always been crucial for developing your physical strength and assisting you in overcoming obstacles that life throws your way. In a country like Pakistan, where people remain oblivious to the importance of sports, Habib University continues to be an institution that develops the future innovators and leaders who are also ardent sports enthusiasts. To inspire students and honour notable heroes of Pakistan, Habib University organized an event honouring boxing trained Naila Kiani, Pakistan’s first female mountaineer who scaled three peaks higher than 8,000 meters including K2 in partnership with BARD Foundation. Mr. Shamez Mukhi, the Director of student life at Habib University facilitated the discussion.

“I wanted to show the beauty of Pakistan to the rest of the world,” said Naila Kiani as she narrated her daunting yet inspiring journey as a mountaineer in Pakistan.

While talking about the challenges she faced when she decided to embark on her way to summit K2, the second highest peak in the world, Kiani said, “I had to spend a considerable amount of time on training myself for mountain climbing, and had to look after my little daughter as well,” referring towards the dual role that she had to dedicate herself to while also navigating the ups and downs of parenthood.

“I went through some really tough times, but without these hardships, I would never have the strength to climb the highest peak of Pakistan,”

She further described how being a woman, a mother, and someone from a humble background didn’t stop her from pursuing the aim of climbing the three highest peaks, and that, too, within a year. “You too can do anything you want to if I, a girl from Rawalpindi, can climb the highest peaks of Pakistan, something I once believed to be impossible. You simply need to tap into your inner strength.”

In reference to Ali Sadpara’s demise, the only Pakistani mountaineer to have scaled eight of the world’s fourteen highest peaks, Ms. Kiani stated, “My guide passed away barely three weeks before my expedition, and this was the moment when I was told by multiple individuals to critically consider my decision to summit K2.” “There always exists the fear of death,” she continued, “since we see individuals die before our eyes throughout our days of mountain climbing.”

“A person who has come from an ordinary background and doing extraordinary things, is totally remarkable.”

But Naila’s courage remained undeterred. “I went through some really tough times, but without these hardships, I would never have the strength to climb the highest peak of Pakistan,” stated Ms. Kiani while she showcased the determination of a person who has overcome all the obstacles that life could throw her way.

President BARD Foundation, Mr. Abdul Razzak Dawood while talking about the absolute commitment that Naila Kiani showed stated, “A person who has come from an ordinary background and doing extraordinary things, is totally remarkable.”

The session concluded with closing remarks by the Habib’s President, Mr. Wasif A. Rizvi. Drawing the similarities between Naila’s and Habib’s journey, Mr. Rizvi said, “The challenge that we gave ourselves was how can we establish the world class yet the most generous higher education institution?” And Habib University proudly stands as the most generous institution in Pakistan with the best academic experience which remains unprecedented.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

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MoU – NTU and Beacon Impex (Private) Limited

Faisalabad, November 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):A MoU was signed on October 26, 2022, between National Textile University and Beacon Impex (Pvt) Ltd. Mr. Shazad Nadeem (MD Beacon Impex) and his team visited NTU. Beacon Impex’s need-cum merit-based scholarships Program is designed for the female students of the School of Engineering and Technology-NTU. The goal of this scholarship is to encourage females to pursue careers in Engineering and Technology. They also shared the vision of their company to empower females by inducting them into operational jobs.

For more information, contact:
National Textile University (NTU)
Sheikhupura Road, Faisalabad 37610, Pakistan
Tel: +92-41-9230081-90
Fax: +92-41-9230098
Email: info@ntu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.ntu.edu.pk

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Grand National Dialogue Roundtable “Pak Afghan Relations” 

Islamabad, November 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies (ISSI) organized a roundtable discussion titled, ‘Pak-Afghan Relations’ under the Grand National Dialogue being conducted by the Islamabad Policy Research Institute. The discussion was held under the Chatham House Rules. The keynote speaker for the discussion was Ambassador Ayaz Wazir. The discussion revolved around Pak Afghan relations and the implications for Pakistan and the region at large. A select number of participants attended the meeting and shared their views on the topic.

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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Round Table discussion on Sustainable Educational Development 

Islamabad, November 01, 2022 (PPI-OT):A Round Table Discussion which is the second event of the series on Grand National Dialogue that spotlights Sustainable Educational Development was organized by the Faculty of Education International Islamic University Islamabad, Pakistan and Islamabad Policy Research Institute on Tuesday in Allama Iqbal Auditorium, International Islamic University Islamabad.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Additional Secretary, Wasim Jamal highlighted the importance of access to education and mentioned important challenges like learning crises, and the need to focus on graduate attributes, skills development, educational reforms and quality education.

He said that the budget for education has been increased but still there is more to be done on the financial part. Stressing the importance of skills, he said blended education is the need of the hour, while he also apprised of the Initiatives taken by the ministry. He also discussed the issues of access and out of school children.

The seminar was also addressed by Brig R Rashid Wali Janjua, Director Research and Analysis, Islamabad Policy Research Institute who said that equal opportunity to education in the country is dire need adding that females have fewer opportunities and same is the case with citizens of rural areas. He called for an integrated approach suggesting that Madrassah students must be integrated. He mentioned details of Grand National Dialogues and the importance of dialogues.

The participants also showed concern towards out of school children, mentioning that around 20 million children between ages of 5-16 years are out of school, while the Gender Disparity in literacy rate is evident with male literacy rate being 73.4 percent and female literacy lingering at 51.9 percent.

Vice President A and F Dr. N.B. Jumani who was representing the President, IIUI, thanked the secretary for his time and insightful thoughts and IPRI for collaboration. He stressed the need of Dialogues for improving the practices. He also elaborated the initiatives, activities and scope of the constituent units of university. He mentioned the key initiatives such as Paigham e Pakistan of IRI, training programs of Dawah Academy and Shariah Academy and dialogue activities by IRD. Dr Shamsa Aziz, Chairperson Faculty of education female campus thanked the panellists and participants for contribution.

Earlier, Dean Education Muhammad Sarwar, apprised of the goals of and objectives of the activity. He highlighted the importance of policy making and prioritizing the sustainable goals for development of the education system. Dr Azhar Mehmood, Chairperson Department of Educational Leadership and Management and focal person of the series of events was also present on the occasion along with faculty members.

Reimagining the futures together, there were three parallel round table sessions. Higher Education and Sustainable Development was moderated by Dr. Shamsa Aziz, Prof. Dr. Ashfaque Ahmed Shah, Dean, Department of Educational Development, University of Baltistan, Dr. Hafiz Muhammad Inam Ullah, Professor, Institute of Education and Research, University of Peshawar ,Prof. Dr. Irfan Rind, Head of Department (Education), IBA, Sukkur, Sindh, Maulana Dr. Zafar Iqbal Jalali, Principal, Jamia Islamia, Islamabad, Dr. Aamir Tuaseen, Rehmatullil Aalameen, Academy, Islamabad, Dr Batool Atta The University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, AJK, and Dr. Fouzia Younus, Principal, IMCG Humak, Islamabad shared their views.

Education and Peace Building in Youth was moderated by Dr Muhammad Munir Kayani. Prof. Dr. Haroona Jatoi, Former Joint Education Advisor, Curriculum Wing Islamabad, Dr. Shafqat Munir Ahmad, Sustainable Development Policy Institute, Islamabad, Dr. Noor Fatima, Assistant Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, IIUI, Dr. Abid Gil, Deputy Chief Advisor, JICA.

Education and Emerging Needs of Society was moderated by Dr Shazia Naureen. The panellists included Dr. Iftikhar Hussain Shah, Additional Director General, Technical Education and Vocational Training Authority, Head Office Lahore, Dr. Azhar Mahmood Chairperson, Department of Educational Leadership and Management, IIUI, Dr. Shafquat Hussain Janjua, Area Education Officer Federal Directorate of Education, Islamabad, Dr. Ali Bangash, Assistant Director, FGEI (C/G) Directorate GHQ Rawalpindi, Dr. Muhammad Azhar, Deputy District Education Officer, Jand, Dr. Shahanshah Babar, Deputy District Education Officer, Kohuta, Rawalpindi, Dr. Babar Afzal, President, Private Schools Association, Islamabad
The recommendations of the Round tables discussions on Grand National Dialogue on Sustainable Educational Development were presented in the concluding ceremony.

The Dean, FoE said that it is not only an integral part of sustainable development, but also a key enabler for it. In the closing remarks Prof Dr. N. B. Jumani (Vice President A and F), IIUI appreciated the efforts of the team and mentioned that IIUI is looking forward to facilitating these debates in whatever way possible.

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