Ambassador G. R. Baluch’s Book “Duty to The Pen” Launched at IoBM

Karachi, March 18, 2023 (PPI-OT): The Institute of Business Management (IoBM) held a book launching ceremony for “Duty to the Pen-Reflections on International and National Issues” by Amb. G. R. Baluch on Saturday. Former Chief Justice of Pakistan, Justice Gulzar Ahmed was the Chief Guest. Also present was H.E Mr. Cemal Sangu, Counsel General of Turkiye in Karachi. Former CJP, Justice Gulzar Ahmed credited Ambassador G. R. Baluch for writing these articles and producing them as a book. Justice Gulzar called for the revival of the economic and foreign policies of Pakistan. “We cannot become a reckoning state. We need to attach to our values that are reflected in our policies,” he added. “We need to develop Pakistan so we can be heard in the international arena and to be counted among the community of nations.”

During his address, President IoBM, Mr. Talib Karim said that practitioners are the best teachers. He urged the youth to become readers so they may become leaders of tomorrow. He added that this is the third book published by IoBM’s faculty member. Speaking on the occasion, Chancellor IoBM, Mr. Bashir Jan Mohammad said that “Amb. Baluch’s book highlights various issues affecting Pakistan.” He added that to become a prosperous nation we should promote good governance and curb corruption. H.E Mr. Cemal Sangu congratulated Amb. Baluch. He viewed the book as an asset that will present insights among the readers. Earlier, when unveiling the book, Amb. Baluch reflected on the title.

“I believe that the pen is the mightiest tool we use to share the truth.” He was hopeful that the articles in the book can be used as a case study. The students studying international relations and those preparing for CSS can benefit from the political and military conflicts shared in the book.

Ambassador Syed Hassan Habib, Senior Fellow, IoBM highlighted that the book reflects Amb. Baluch’s hard work and his analysis of the issues explore a plethora of geopolitical issues. “His range of subjects is brilliant,” he added. Dr. Muhammad Arif, Director Research IoBM said that the book presents an analytical assessment of various international and national political issues. He added that he will encourage the scholars to use the book for further research. Dr. Sarwat Nauman, HoD, Education Department appreciated the innovative article about reimagining the HEC. The book comprises Amb. Baluch’s extensively researched-based articles.

They cover geopolitical regions including Afghanistan, India, China, the USA, Russia, and the Middle East. Global Politics and Pakistan’s National Issues are also discussed. The book reflects Amb. Baluch’s insight and acumen as a diplomat with over three decades in the Foreign Service of Pakistan. He was Pakistan’s Ambassador to Vietnam. He is currently associated with IoBM’s Global and Regional Studies Center.

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/

IIUI Holds reception in honour of 3 new faculty members

Islamabad, March 18, 2023 (PPI-OT): IIU administration held reception ceremony in honour of the 3 new faculty members in the rank of Professor, delegated from the Islamic University of Madinah, to teach in Faculty of Usuluddin and Faculty of Sharia and Law IIU.

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

The 84th meeting of Advanced Studies and Research Board of IUB was held at Abbasia Campus

Bahawalpur, March 18, 2023 (PPI-OT): The 84th meeting of the Advanced Studies and Research Board of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur was held under the chairmanship of Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor. The meeting approved the topics and examiners for 195 PhD theses. The policy of approval of PhD theses abstracts and titles was also discussed in the meeting. Similarly, multidisciplinary studies at PhD level in arts, social sciences, and education were approved. National level evaluation of PhD thesis was also approved. Amendments related to the semester progress report were approved.

It was agreed that M. Phil and PhD theses will be submitted through digital means. Amendments and corrections in M. Phil and PhD rules were also approved in the meeting. Director Advanced Studies and Research Board Prof. Dr. Asif Naveed Ranjha presented a report on the implementation of the decisions taken in the last meeting.

For more information, contact:
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB)
University Chowk, Gulshan Colony, Bahawalpur,
Punjab – 63100, Pakistan
Tel: +92-62-9250235
Fax: +92-62-9250335
E-mail: info@iub.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iub.edu.pk/

Five years on, former FATA waits to be mainstreamed – HRCP concludes fact-finding mission to western KP

Lahore, March 18, 2023 (PPI-OT): On concluding a high-profile fact-finding mission to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has observed widespread frustration among residents of the newly merged districts, who continue to wait for the state to fulfil its pledge to integrate these areas with the rest of the province by securing its people’s civil, political, social and economic rights under the Constitution. The mission comprised HRCP chairperson Hina Jilani, vice-chair HRCP KP Akbar Khan, and HRCP members Jamila Gillani and Professor Ijaz Khan. The team spoke to a range of civil society members, journalists, lawyers, and district administration officials in Bannu, Peshawar, Khyber and Swat.

The mission is concerned over undue delays in the transfer of power to the civil administration and elected representatives in western KP, following the 25th constitutional amendment in 2018. The much vaunted merger was intended to make basic facilities and fundamental rights available to this region, including protection of life and property, education and healthcare, water and electricity, and access to justice, including through courts in the vicinity. While some progress has been made, it has simply been too slow.

Of particular concern to the mission is the resurgence of militancy in KP, compounded by reports of extrajudicial killings and enforced disappearances. The continued presence and control of security forces in the newly merged districts appear to have undermined the authority of the local government and civil administration. It is also a bone of contention for local residents who question how peace will be maintained if the region remains hyper-securitized. In this context, HRCP was alarmed by reports of continued restrictions on freedom of movement and speech, including widespread self-censorship.

HRCP welcomes the recent local government elections, but observes that the effectiveness of this system has been compromised by lack of funds released to elected representatives, many of whom have complained they lack even a workspace. Indeed, HRCP is alarmed by allegations from multiple sources that the funds that should have been transferred to the local authorities for the merger and subsequent development schemes have either been siphoned off as a result of corruption or diverted to other regions.

Nonetheless, the mission was particularly moved by the spirit of resistance that local residents in Swat have continued to display in the shape of ulasi pasoon [the people’s uprising], making it clear they are not willing to tolerate militancy any longer. The process of restoring law and order in the newly merged districts, albeit slow, is visible in the form of robust policies for police reforms and capacity building. Above all, HRCP was pleased to observe a robust political mobilisation among the youth of the newly merged districts, who have no qualms in exercising their constitutional right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly by making legitimate demands of the state.

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

UVAS inks MoU with Govt College Women University Sialkot for academic and research cooperation

Lahore, March 18, 2023 (PPI-OT): The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore signed a memorandum of understanding with Government Collage Woman University Sialkot for enhancing academic and research cooperation. Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Nasim Ahmad (SI) and Director Office of Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC) Dr Ferhan Jamil from UVAS while Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Rukhsana Kausar and Convener External Linkages Dr Asma Waheed Qureshi from (GCWUS) signed a MoU in a ceremony held at City Campus.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Nasim said that UVAS is first university among public sector universities who attained license from DRAP for the vaccine production against foot and mouth (FMD) deadly disease of livestock. He also mentioned UVAS is also working on patent filing of his researcher’s work. Prof Dr Rukhsana Kausar sought collaboration with UVAS in joint research project, utilizing resources like laboratories and exploring opportunities for joint research.

Under the MoU, both institutions will develop research proposals as well as will conduct joint research and development projects and provide opportunities for the students regarding internships, mutual access to facilities for the purposes of fundamental, academic research and other academic activities. The information related to mutual workshops, symposia and conferences will be shared with students and faculty of both institutions and intellectual property developed during joint activity will be jointly owned by both institutions etc.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)
Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99211374, +92-42-99211449
Email: webmaster@uvas.edu.pk
Website: www.uvas.edu.pk

National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council team paid visits UVAS Ravi Campus

Lahore, March 18, 2023 (PPI-OT): National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) team from Higher Education Commission (HEC) paid visit at UVAS, Ravi Campus Pattoki. The committee members reviewed facilities of three-degree programs including BS (Hons.) Poultry Science, BS (Hons) Fisheries and Aquaculture, and BS (Hons) Dairy Technology part of pre-accreditation visit. Team members comprised of Women University, Swabi (retired) Prof Dr Abdul Rab, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Prof (Retd) Dr Muhammad Aslam Mirza, University of Agriculture Faisalabad Prof (Retd) Dr Ahsan-ul-Haq, Secretary (NAEAC) Dr Abdul Ghaffar and IT Coordinator (NAEAC) Mr Abdullah.

Dean Faculty of Animal Production and Technology Prof Dr Saima and Principal Officer, Ravi Campus Dr Arshad Javid briefed them regarding the different teaching and lab facilities of Ravi Campus. Later, Chairperson of each department gave an overview to (NAEAC) team regarding their departmental activities and standards of NAEAC being followed by the department.

The committee visited various departments including poultry, dairy and fish farms, milk and fish processing plants, the zoological museum, the Central laboratory complex, hostels, sports complex and other research and training facilities of the Ravi Campus. The team also held an individual meeting with the undergraduate, postgraduate students and faculty. The Committee appreciated UVAS achievements and state-of-the-art research and training facilities available in Ravi Campus for the imparting of practical knowledge to students. At the end, NAEAC team members met with Prof Dr Saima and discussed the strengths and identified necessary areas for improvement in departments.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Officer
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS)
Syed Abdul Qadir Jillani (Out Fall) Road,
Lahore – Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99211374, +92-42-99211449
Email: webmaster@uvas.edu.pk
Website: www.uvas.edu.pk