Day: December 10, 2022

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CERP Welcomes New Board Members: Basit Zafar, Dilnaz Avari and Maheen Rahman

Lahore, December 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):CERP leadership is pleased to announce the addition of three new board members to the Board of Directors. The new members bring a diverse set of experiences with the exposure that intersects between academia and the private sector. Here is a brief profile of the new board members:

Basit Zafar

Basit Zafar is a Professor of Economics at the University of Michigan. His research is focused on labour economics, the economics of education, and household finance. Specifically, his work seeks to understand how individuals make decisions under uncertainty. Dr Zafar’s research employs a disparate set of empirical methods and techniques, including the use of subjective expectations data and experimental data.

Prior to joining the University of Michigan, he held a position at Arizona State University as a Professor of Economics. He also has extensively worked at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York as a Senior Economist. Dr Zafar received his PhD from North-western University in 2008, and his BSc from Caltech.

Dilnaz Avari

Dilnaz Avari teaches Business Studies at Cedar College. For the past fifteen years, she taught Business Studies at The Lyceum School. Additionally, she has conducted various Cambridge International Examination training courses for teachers, and the Duke of Edinburgh Awards Programme in Pakistan.

She actively engages in charitable and philanthropic activities. Dilnaz is on the Board of Trustees of Empowering Communities for Change (ECC) which seeks to uplift the lives of underprivileged communities through education, women’s health and hygiene, and community welfare and rehabilitation. Dilnaz is also a member of the Board of Governors of the Professional Education Foundation, whose objective is to alleviate poverty through Professional Education. Dilnaz received her Masters in Business Administration (MBA) from the Institute of Business Administration (IBA).

Maheen Rahman

Maheen Rahman is the Chief Executive Officer of Infra Zamin Pakistan. Maheen has over twenty years of experience in investment banking, research and asset management. In her previous appointment, she served as the Chief Executive of Alfalah GHP Investment Management where, under her leadership, Alfalah Investments has grown to be one of the largest asset management companies in Pakistan. Prior to that, Maheen was the Chief Executive of IGI Funds, during her tenure, IGI Funds turned into a profitable entity from a loss incurring fund. Her other roles include Head of Research at BMA Capital Management, Associate at ABN AMRO Bank and investment banking analyst at Merrill Lynch. She has experience working across multiple geographies during her career.

In addition to her extensive work experience and professional achievements, Maheen holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) degree in Economics from the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and a Master of Science in Finance and Economics from Warwick Business School in the UK.

For more information, contact:
Centre for Economic Research in Pakistan (CERP)
29-P Gulberg II, Lahore – 54660, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-35777844
Email: contact@cerp.org.pk
Website: https://www.cerp.org.pk/

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NIB Idea Submission “On Line Awareness Session” at SZABIST 

Karachi, December 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):This session organized by ORIC-SSUET via ZOOM link to provide Awareness NIB Idea submission at SZABIST. The online session chaired by Director ORIC-SSUET Dr. Rabia Enaam She was also gave very informative and valuable suggestions and Idea to Faculty and Students of SZABIST.

Ms. Zareesh Focal Person from SZABIST arrange all the event in very organize manner and informed all activities and efforts regarding Idea Submission at NIB. Her contribution during the journey very impressive and favourable to increase NIB Ideas from her institute.

For more information, contact:
Deputy Director Information,
Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET)
University Road, Karachi-75300, Pakistan
Mobile: 0333-2197581
Tel: +92-21-4988000-2, 4982393-474583
Fax: +92-21-4982393
Email: ahdaccani@gmail.com
Website: https://ssuet.edu.pk/

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PRCS distributes more relief goods to flood-hit in Kashmore 

Karachi, December 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) provided relief items to 200 flood-affected households in Kashmore. PRCS Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari distributed the relief items among affected families, including tarpaulin sheets, jerry cans, a kitchen set, a shelter toolkit, blankets, and mosquito nets.

On this occasion, Pakistan Red Crescent Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmad Laghari said the flood victims would not be left alone. This is the third time relief materials have been distributed in Kashmore, benefiting a total of over 21,000 people, and the operation will continue until the last flood victim receives assistance, added Chairman PRCS. He emphasized that the survival of humanity comes first. The Red Crescent has left everyone behind in relief activities. The record distribution of relief goods is an honour to the Red Crescent.

Talking to the media, PRCS Chairman also announced that a full-fledged Red Crescent branch would be opened in Kashmore district soon and medical teams would also be deployed to treat the patients. PRCS Secretary General Ubaidullah Khan and PRCS-Sindh Branch Provincial Secretary Kanwar Waseem participated in the relief distribution ceremony. Flood-affected families in Kashmore appreciated the efforts of the Pakistan Red Crescent.

For more information, contact:
Sindh Provincial Branch,
Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)
Hilal-e Ahmar House, G 2 Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Zone A Block 7,
Teen Talwar, Main Clifton Road, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35306227, 35306228, 35306229
Fax: +92-21-35830376
E-mail: phq@prcsindh.org.pk
Website: http://www.prcsindh.org.pk/

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PRCS distributes more relief packages to flood-affected families in Jacobabad 

Karachi, December 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS) provided relief items to 500 flood-affected households in Jacobabad. PRCS Chairman Sardar Shahid Ahmed Laghari and the IFRC Head of Delegation (HoD) in Pakistan, Peter Ophoff, distributed the relief items among affected families, which included tarpaulin sheets, jerry cans, a kitchen set, a shelter toolkit, blankets, mosquito nets, and a family-sized tent.

Speaking on occasion, Chairman Sardar Shahid Laghari said that the Pakistan Red Crescent has helped thousands of flood-affected families, especially in areas where no other organisation has reached due to lack of access, and this would continue until the last victim is helped. He further said that PRCS has already distributed relief items in Jacobabad and will continue. “Tomorrow, we are going to distribute relief items to the flood-affected people in Kashmore and then Dadu,” said the PRCS chairman.

IFRC HoD in Pakistan Peter appreciated the PRCS efforts and said that PRCS and the IFRC would continue relief operations to help those who need it most. PRCS Secretary General Ubaidullah Khan said that PRCS is also providing more than 15000 gallons of safe drinking water daily to more than 2000 flood-affected people in the Jacobabad district.

While taking on the occasion, Provincial Secretary of PRCS-Sindh Kanwar Waseem said that we are facing the biggest catastrophe in our history, and everyone in the Red Crescent is working around the clock to provide relief supplies to those in need in the 12 most vulnerable districts. He added that PRCS mobile health units consisting of male and female doctors are treating and providing free medicines in flood-affected districts.

For more information, contact:
Sindh Provincial Branch,
Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)
Hilal-e Ahmar House, G 2 Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Zone A Block 7,
Teen Talwar, Main Clifton Road, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35306227, 35306228, 35306229
Fax: +92-21-35830376
E-mail: phq@prcsindh.org.pk
Website: http://www.prcsindh.org.pk/

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HRCP concludes national roundtable on climate justice, calls for building a new social contract

Islamabad, December 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):A national roundtable on climate justice held by the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has called for building a new social contract rooted in climate justice – the concept that climate change is an ethical, legal and political issue rather than solely environmental.

Inaugurating the roundtable, HRCP’s secretary-general Harris Khalique noted how climate change impacts people’s lives and livelihoods. He also underscored the need to include environmental rights in the ambit of human rights, and envision both immediate and long-term solutions to ensure climate justice.

The participants discussed how integral environmental rights are to the realisation of fundamental freedoms, such as the rights to life, livelihood, housing, sanitation, health, food, water and clean air. Former chair of the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and national advisor at the Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre Lieutenant General (R) Nadeem Ahmad emphasised that the provision of food, shelter, water, sanitation and healthcare must take priority during emergency responses.

Seemee Ezdi, the chairperson of the senate’s standing committee on climate change, noted that local governance is essential to affect change at a grassroots level. Shahid Sayeed Khan, the CEO of Indus Earth Trust, highlighted the importance of short-term solutions to address the psychological trauma of affected persons. Academic Brigadier (R) Dr Fiaz Hussain Shah said that strategies for climate change adaptation is needed at every level, with close coordination between the NDMA, the climate change ministry and the planning ministry.

Environmental journalist Afia Salam noted the state’s lack of preparedness when the 2022 floods took place, underscoring that the state must work towards disaster risk reduction, not just disaster management. The state must also conduct a vulnerability mapping exercise from a human rights lens and bridge both the gender gap and the youth gap in disaster mitigation efforts. Academic Zaigham Abbas said that indigenous knowledge systems on ecological resilience must be considered, and Saif Jamali from the Jinnah Institute highlighted the need to build on community responses to disasters so that vernacular wisdom is at the forefront.

Sherry Rehman, federal minister for climate change, concluded the roundtable by noting how every crisis affects the vulnerable the most, such as women and children in the recent floods. Science-based expertise must take the lead with policies that connect to on-ground realities, and a national climate adaptation plan must be developed.

For more information, contact:
Chairperson,
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Aiwan-i-Jamhoor, 107-Tipu Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore-54600
Tel: +92-42-35864994
Fax: +92-42-35883582
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Website: www.hrcp-web.org

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National Seminar to commemorate Human Rights Day held at IIUI

Islamabad, December 10, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Human Rights Day themed as Dignity, Freedom, and Justice for all was marked with a National Seminar at the female campus of the International Islamic University (IIUI) that was held in collaboration with Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights (PCHR).

The Chief Guest of this event was Mr. Qazi Faez Isa, Senior Judge Supreme Court of Pakistan. Mr. Syed Muhammad Anwar, Chief Justice Federal Shariat Court, Muhammad Talha Mehmood Federal Minister for SAFRON, Ms. Kashmala Khan, Federal Ombudsman FOSPA was the Guest of Honour.

The other dignitaries included Dr. Raheem Awan, DG legal Aid and Justice Authority, Mr. Farhatullah Babar, Former Senator, Dr. Farkhanda Zia, Vice President Female Campus IIUI, and Dr. Sameena Malik, Vice President IIUI participated in the event.

In his opening remarks, Mr. Muhammad Shafique Chaudhry, Executive Director Parliamentarians Commission for Human Rights said that the Universal Declaration of Human Rights remains as relevant today as it was on the day in 1948 that was proclaimed and adopted by the UN. He said there is a dire need to pay heed towards the protection of human rights. He opined that academic institutions can play a pivotal role in disseminating awareness for protection of human rights.

Mr. Qazi Faez Isa, Justice Supreme Court of Pakistan and the Chief Guest of this event, during his speech identified that human rights are recognized as the fundamental rights in the constitution of Pakistan. Despite the fact that Article 25 gives the right of education to both boys and girls, over 1000 attacks over educational institutions of Pakistan were committed in three years. He opined that Islam is inclusive and non-discriminatory religion. He opined that Ignorant men dominate women, the Holy Quran says men are protectors of women. He said Islam is the best example of giving dignity, freedom and justice to the humanity, irrespective of their cast, creed, and colour.

Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwar, Chief Justice Federal Shariat Court urged that the universal declaration of human rights is a comprehensive draft having 30 articles is recognized by the constitution of Pakistan as well. We have to be objective, we have to discuss the shortcomings along with the achievements as a nation. The federal Shariat Court has declared that the Domestic Violence law does not have any clause contrary to the Islamic teachings. He said that domestic violence is an unethical, inhuman activity that should be ended in Pakistan.

Nobody could restrain the female rights to access justice according to Islam. Human rights and Islam complement each other. He said in Islam the domestic violence is prohibited as it teaches that women should be treated with care and respect. Senator Talha Mehmood, mentioned that safety of females should be ensured in the country. We see Muslims all around us but the Islam and its preaching should be adopted by all of us in its true sense.

Islam is the religion of peace and prosperity which gives female freedom and dignity, they had participated in wars, bear the burden of economic activities as well. Education is the most important source to bring change in a positive manner. The government is trying to cater the effectiveness of the institutions by giving them standard training for their capacity building to ensure public safety. The child protection is the aspect which needs government attention and it would be possible through strengthening the institutions. The women should be given due rights protected by the Islam as well as the constitution.

Ms. Kashmala Khan, Federal Ombudsman stated that people should have the awareness regarding their rights and laws given by the constitution of Pakistan. FOSPA is giving justice to the vulnerable people of society, especially females. The laws came in 2010 regarding workplace harassment and later on the law related to property rights was introduced. She further said that harassment is not acceptable in any segment of society.

FOSPA is determined to end discrimination between male and female by giving women the dignity and freedom as well as justice to the effected people. Females should not remain silent and speak up against the unjust behaviour of society. Gender equality cannot be possible without knowing the rights given by the constitution of Pakistan. Three institutions need to be reformed including police, academics, and judiciary. The challenge is to implement the property rights law and workplace harassment law in each province of Pakistan.

Dr. Rahim Awan, DG Legal Aid and Justice Authority said that 1500 years old declaration of human rights in the form of Khutba-Hajatul-Wida, and the western community adopted the same traits in the form of International Declaration of Human Rights. For the provision of legal aid LAJA has declared that every woman is entitled for the legal aid along with all the human beings. LAJA is giving free legal aid to all the citizens of society. For the capacity building, legal awareness LAJA is training the lawyers and the other legal institutions for the amicable dispute resolution.

Dr. Samina Malik, Vice President, Female Campus, IIUI, in her address on the occasion, briefed that students from forty different countries are acquiring quality education. He said that the university is on the path of development under the newly prepared strategic plan. She apprised that the university has extended the last date of admission to December 26, 2022 keeping in view the number of applications and interest of students. She also mentioned that the university has the highest number of female students and the ratio of female students is more than the male student.

Dr. Farkhanda Zia, DG Shariah Academy, IIUI while delivering her speech mentioned that every human being should respect the other human being. International law, international declaration of human rights, and Islam all insists on dignity of human beings. While commemorating the Human Rights Day the findings should be displayed depicting the status of human rights to understand where we stand in accomplishing the human rights declaration. Dr. Samina, vice President, Female Campus, IIUI urged the academics to acquire comprehensive understanding regarding the basic rights of citizens so they could deliver that valuable knowledge to the new generation. At the end of the ceremony, shields were given to the dignitaries.

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