Day: March 24, 2023

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Inaugural Ceremony of SDGs Research and Resource Centre (March 2023)

Rawalpindi, March 24, 2023 (PPI-OT): Inaugural Ceremony of SDGs Research and Resource Centre held on 22 March, 2023 “Recurrent generation, optimal allocation and efficient utilization of limited resources by the academia can formulate the trajectories for achieving Sustainable Development Goals” said Prof. Dr. Bushra Yasmin, Director SDGs Research and Resource Centre (SRRC) in the inaugural ceremony of SRRC held on 22nd March 2023.

The Centre was inaugurated with ribbon cutting by the Vice Chancellor FJWU, Dr. Saima Hamid and Ms. Uzma Qureshi, Senior Social Development Specialist at the World Bank, at Department of Economics, FJWU in collaboration with the World Bank and South Asia Economic Policy Network. The Centre was launched at second International Conference on ‘’Sustainable Development in Contemporary World: Priorities, Challenges and Prospects’ held on October 4-6, 2022. Prof. Dr. Bushra Yasmin welcomed the guests and gave the overview of the centre. While highlighting the significance of SRRC, she said that universities are a vital source providing requisite research-based insights, high quality education and ground breaking innovation. They are excellent promoters of global and local partnerships.

Ms. Uzma Qureshi, senior social development specialist at the World Bank was the guest speaker of the ceremony. Ms. Qureshi has been working on gender equality, women empowerment, financial inclusion, and gender responsive budgeting and planning with national and international organizations. She has also worked with UN Women in Pakistan for 8 years leading women’s economic empowerment program and managed UN Women Uganda’s portfolio in 2016. Ms. Qureshi presented some of the analytical researches being carried out by the World Bank on Female Labour Force Participation and Sexual Harassment. She emphasized the importance of role of women in employment sector and the certain challenges they face.

A Poster Competition was also held based on the theme of Sustainable Development Goals during the inaugural. A large number of students from various departments participated in the competition. The jury awarded top 3 positions for the posters. The guest speaker and Director SRRC awarded prizes and certificates to the winners. Guest speaker was presented the university souvenir and the event was ended with a group photo.

For more information, contact:
Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU)
Old Presidency, The Mall, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51 9270050 – 54
Fax: +92-51 9271168
Email: publicadmin@fjwu.edu.pk
Website: www.fjwu.edu.pk

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IBA Karachi organized first conference on ‘Emerging Demographic Challenges’

Karachi, March 24, 2023 (PPI-OT): The Population Research Centre (PRC), Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi hosted its first research conference, in collaboration with the School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS), IBA in Karachi on Monday.

The conference brought together researchers, policymakers, and practitioners to a common platform to discuss Pakistan’s population problems and consider their solutions in the light of emerging contexts. The inaugural session was presided over by the First Lady Begum Samina Arif Alvi. The Keynote speaker was Dr. Sameen Siddiqi, Professor and Chair Department of Community Health Sciences AKUH. Dr. Siddiqi talked about the implications of population growth on Universal Health Coverage (UHC), part of SDG-3 and to be achieved by year 2030.

The first panel discussion was titled ‘The Challenges of Fertility Planning in Pakistan: An Exploration of Societal, Cultural, and Policy Perspectives’. The panellists included, Dr. Saman Naz, Public Health scientist; Dr. Saima Bashir, Joint Secretary Population Association of Pakistan; and Dr. Rafi Amir ud-din, Associate Professor COMSATS University Islamabad. The session was moderated by Dr. Lubna Naz, Associate Professor, IBA. The discussion focused on the various challenges that Pakistani individuals and couples face when it comes to planning their fertility. The panellists explored the societal and cultural pressures that influence fertility decisions, as well as the policy and infrastructure barriers that exist.

The technical sessions included various presentations from researchers and scholars representing institutes from all over Pakistan. The second panel was ‘Addressing Maternal and Child Health Issues in Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities’. The panellists included Dr. Talib Lashari, Technical Advisor and Focal Person CIP; Dr. Syed Aziz ur Rab, CEO Greenstar Social Marketing; Dr. Saba Shuja, ECD Development Manager Nutrition Section, UNICEF; Dr. Sadiah Ahsan Pal, Consultant ObGyn; and Ms. Sheena Hadi Director, Ahung. The session was moderated by Aliya Iqbal Naqvi, Faculty SESS, IBA.

The panel discussed challenges and opportunities for improving maternal and child health in Pakistan, including limited healthcare access, cultural norms, poverty, and safe family planning mechanisms. Experts explored solutions such as increasing healthcare access, improving nutrition, promoting awareness for family planning, and investing in education and infrastructure. The theme for the Population Research Conference 2023 was ‘Emerging Demographic Challenges’. The sub-themes for the conference were: (i) Fertility Behaviour / Fertility Planning, (ii) Maternal and Child Health, (iii) Food Insecurity, (iv) Climate Change and Population, (v) Identity, Ethnicity and Social Inclusion.

The event concluded with remarks by Dr. G. M. Arif and Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra, who spoke shortly before dinner for the panellists and speakers.

For more information, contact:
Executive, Communication and Public Affairs,
Institute of Business Administration Karachi (IBA)
Main Campus: University Road, Karachi – 75270, Pakistan
UAN: +92-21-111-422-422 (Ext. 269)
Fax: +92-21-99261508
Email: raza.lakhani@khi.iba.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iba.edu.pk

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LUMS National Outreach Programme Visits Quetta

Lahore, March 24, 2023 (PPI-OT): The National Outreach Programme team organised Quetta Open Day. They had established contact with key officials, before the event, including the Secretary of Education, Balochistan Government, Mr. Rauf Baloch, and the Education Monitoring Officer Balochistan, Syed Zubair. The team also ran an effective social media campaign that garnered almost 600 interested attendees and mobilised several Balochistan-based social media groups and pages to spread awareness about the event.

The event had a great turnout of almost 400-500 students, teachers, and parents, with a particular interest shown by the Hazara community. The presence of disabled students from Balochistan was of great significance. The event also received media coverage from a local channel widely viewed across the province, further increasing its reach.

The NOP team was invited to the Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS). They met with the Deputy Director of Student Affairs, Mr. Sameen Khan, and the Interim Pro-Vice Chancellor of BUITEMS, Dr. Bakhtiar Kasi. The meeting focused on expanding NOP’s reach within the province, and several areas of collaboration were identified. These included using BUITEMS facilities such as auditoriums and guest houses for future Open Days, creating partnerships to hold sessions in other BUITEMS campuses, and developing liaisons with universities like the University of Turbat, University of Gawadar, University of Loralai, and Lasbela University.

The NOP team also visited the National Incubation Centre, BUITEMS, Youth Development Centre, and International Centre for Refugees and Migration Studies. During these visits, the team discussed the possibility of inducting Afghan students into the NOP Programme. The NOP team was also invited by officials from the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund (BEEF), including the Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Suhail, the Senior Manager of Program, Policy, and Coordination, Mr. Qazi Shehryar, and the Program Manager, Scholarship Development, Ms. Shamshad Kausar.

During the meeting, the team discussed areas of mutual interest and ways to expand NOP in Balochistan. They also provided BEEF officials with their collateral to send to students when they reopen after winter vacations. The NOP team also visited Mariabad, a community in Quetta exclusively for Hazara people. They met with a local who had initiated a book café that was home to many young students. The team plans to hold an online session with the owner to encourage Hazara students to apply for the NOP program.

Overall, the Quetta Open Day was a remarkable learning experience for the NOP team, who were motivated to expand the LUMS NOP program to different cities, schools, and colleges in Balochistan. The team identified several areas of collaboration with key stakeholders, including universities and the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund, and is eager to continue exploring opportunities to increase the programme’s reach.

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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Third Plenary Meeting, NUST and CUST on “Erasmus Plus Digi Health” Project Held by Office of External Linkages and Internal Collaborations at Capital University

Islamabad, March 24, 2023 (PPI-OT): Under the Erasmus Plus DigiHealth Project, a hybrid meeting was planned from 6 to 9 March 2023 at NUST and CUST jointly. The teams of University of Gent, Belgium, University of Lyon, France and University of Mangolia participated remotely. Whereas the teams of University of Northumbria, UK, University of Huddersfield, UK, Chiang Mai University, Thailand, Chaing Rai University, Thailand, attended the meeting at NUST and CUST.

The project meeting was held in B block workshop room on 8th March and M block conference room on 9th March. After the project meeting, foreign delegates were taken to a comprehensive tour of the campus. The guests were impressed with the modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art equipment that is available to students in labs. The foreign guests left with a positive impression of the university. We believe that this visit has further strengthened our relationship and will lead to future collaborations and exchange programs.

For more information, contact:
Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST)
Islamabad Expressway, Kahuta Road, Zone-V, Islamabad, Pakistan
UAN: +92-51-111-555-666
Tel: +92-51-4486700-4
Email: info@cust.edu.pk
Website: https://cust.edu.pk

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Virtual University of Pakistan and The Military Land Record Have Signed a Memorandum of Understanding

Lahore, March 24, 2023 (PPI-OT): The Virtual University of Pakistan and the Military Land Record have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to conduct computerized recruitment tests for aspiring candidates across Pakistan. The MOU signing ceremony was held today at the Military Land Record head office, and was attended by the senior officials from both organizations. The Virtual University is one of the leading government universities in Pakistan, providing high-quality education through its online platform. The university has been actively involved in promoting online education and has introduced several online degree programs. The Military Land Record, on the other hand, is a government agency responsible for maintaining land records in the country.

Under the terms of the MOU, the Virtual University will provide technical support and expertise to the Military Land Record to conduct computerized recruitment tests for various positions. The computerized tests will be conducted through the university’s platform, which will ensure transparency, efficiency, and reliability in the recruitment process. Speaking at the ceremony, the Vice-Chancellor of Virtual University, Prof. Dr. Arshad Saleem Bhati TI, SI, said, “We are delighted to collaborate with the Military Land Record to conduct online recruitment tests. This MOU will not only enhance the credibility and transparency of the recruitment process but will also promote the use of technology in the public sector.”

The Director-General of Military Land Record, Major General Tariq Zamir HI (M), Director General, also expressed his pleasure at the collaboration, saying, “The online recruitment tests will help us in identifying the most competent and qualified candidates for our organization. We look forward to a successful partnership with Virtual University of Pakistan.” The MOU signing ceremony marks a significant milestone in the use of technology in the public sector of Pakistan. The collaboration between the Virtual University of Pakistan and the Military Land Record is expected to set an example for other government agencies to follow, promoting the use of technology to improve transparency, efficiency, and reliability in the recruitment process.

For more information, contact:
Virtual University of Pakistan (VU)
M.A. Jinnah Campus, Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road,
Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-880-880
Fax: +92-42-99200604, +92-42-99202174
Website: www.vu.edu.pk

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World Forest Day 2023 was organized by IUB in collaboration with Forest Department, Government of Punjab

Bahawalpur, March 24, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Islamia University Bahawalpur On the direction of Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob, Vice Chancellor the Islamia University of Bahawalpur, Institute of Forest Sciences organized World Forest Day. On this occasion Prof. Dr. Moazzam Jamil Dean Faculty of Agriculture and Environment, Prof. Dr. Shazia Anjum Dean Faculty of Chemical and Biological Sciences, Prof. Dr. Tanveer Hussain Tarabi Director Institute of Forest Sciences, Shamsuddin Khan RO CTD, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Anjum Aqeel Chairman Department Entomology, Prof. Dr. Abubakar Raza, Department of Entomology, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Naveed Aslam Mulghani, Chairman Department of Plant Pathology, Dr. Aun Samar Raza, Chairman Department of Agronomy, Dr. Muhammad Naeem, Chairman Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Dr. Makshuf Ahmed, Director of Academics.

Dr. Muhammad Rafi, Associate Professor Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan Director Industrial Linkages Dr. Muhammad Owais Additional Controller Examination Dr. Muhammad Latif Principal Officer State Care Dr. Imran Khalid In-charge Agriculture Extension Department Shahid Hameed Divisional Forest Officer Publicity and Extension Bahawalpur, Muhammad Safeer Assistant Professor, Dr. Amjad Saeed Assistant Professor, Dr. Junaid Naseer Assistant Professor, Dr. Muhammad Azim Saber Assistant Professor and other faculty members of the Faculty of Agriculture and Environment and large number of students participated. Prof. Dr.

Tanveer Hussain Tarabi briefed the participants of the event about the usefulness of different plants, also highlighted the usefulness of Pulkan, Bohar and Pipal plants and the important role of different trees for positive climate change to the participants and students. On this occasion, it was reiterated that it is very important to plant trees to deal with climate change, due to which a positive change will be created in our environment. Oxygen is very important for humans and animals. Planting trees is very important to increase the amount of oxygen in the atmosphere. All the participants in the event also reiterated their commitment that we should work hard according to the New Year’s theme “Forests and Health”. Later, a walk was also organized to create awareness about “World Forest Day”.

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/