Day: May 8, 2023

Lahore, May 08, 2023 (PPI-OT): The welcome note was presented by the member UNESCO Chair on Knowledge Systems for IWRM/Lecturer Engr. Summera Fahmi from the Department of Civil Engineering. The resource person of the seminar was Dr Amjad Masood, Senior Scientist, an expert in Hydrology and Climate Change at Basin Scale in Water Resources and Glaciology Section of Global Change Impact Studies Centre (GCISC), Islamabad, Pakistan. He addressed the issues faced by Pakistan due to climate change mostly the crisis arises due to the recent Flood in Pakistan. He highlighted that according to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), the global mean temperature has increased so far by about 1.1 degrees Celsius (±0.1°C) above pre-industrial levels (1850-1900) and is projected to increase by 1.5 – 4.6 0 C at the end of 21stCentury, which will lead to major environmental challenges globally.

He discussed the Government of Pakistan agenda on climate change and framework of implementing different programs like Clean and Green Pakistan, KPK billion tree tsunami program, National Flood Protection Plan, National Water Policy, National Climate Change Policy towards climate resilience and low carbon development. In his talk he highlighted the Global Climate Changes implications, Hydrology, groundwater modelling, rainwater harvesting, water availability, water storage, importance of improved water, sanitation and hygiene in public places.

The Chief Guest of the seminar was the Vice Chancellor of the University of Wah, Prof. Dr. Jameel Un Nabi. In his remarks he appreciated the Water Chair for arranging this awareness-raising seminar on water resources management. He appreciated the efforts of Guest Speaker for delivering his talk in a very impressive way. He highlighted the importance of water as a natural resource and its uses in our daily lives. He encouraged the youth to take an initiative to save water and avoid its wastage in daily usage for the betterment of the community.

The Water Chair on the Knowledge Systems for Integrated Water Resources Management/ Director Campus Prof. Dr. Muhammad Abid, T.I., in his closing remarks acknowledged the Chief Guest for gracing this event. He thanked the speaker for providing and sharing very informative knowledge on accelerating change in Water Security in a Changing Climate. He emphasized the future need of waste water recycling and water desalination as the planet earth is consisting of only 3 % of freshwater resources out of the total water available on the earth. He hoped that this seminar would be beneficial for the youth in raising the awareness of water resources in a sustainable way. He encouraged youth to take more part to grab technical innovative knowledge.

He appreciated the efforts of ICE team of organizers and Engr. Sarmad Manzoor for the arrangements. At the end the Director Campus presented the souvenir to the Chief Guest and thanked him again for taking his time out to address the youth. The souvenir with vote of thanks was presented to the Guest Speaker by the Chief Guest and Dr. Tahir Mahmood, HoD Civil Engineering presented the souvenir to the UNESCO Chair for organizing this seminar in a befitting manner.

For more information, contact:

COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus

Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore Pakistan

Tel: +92 042-99204786,

FAX: +92 (42) 99203100

E-Mail: admissions@cuilahore.edu.pk

Websites: https://lahore.comsats.edu.pk

Islamabad, May 08, 2023 (PPI-OT): “Pakistan-Afghanistan ties are beyond the neighbourhood. Besides shared religious and cultural values, we are inter-related in economic issues as well.” This was stated by H.E. Amir Khan Muttaqi, Acting Foreign Minister of Afghanistan during his Public Talk, organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad, today, under its Distinguished Lecture Series. Ms. Amina Khan, Director CAMEA, moderated the event. She said that the visit of the Acting Foreign Minister was a continuation of Pakistan’s political engagement process with Afghanistan and this event was held at CAMEA’s efforts to reinforce bilateral relations.

During his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI Amb. Sohail Mahmood underscored the importance of Acting Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi’s visit to Pakistan and highlighted the uniqueness of the Pakistan-Afghanistan relationship in view of the indissoluble bonds between the two peoples. “There are no other two countries in the region that have so much in common as Pakistan and Afghanistan do”, which “makes positive mutual engagement a matter not of choice, but of necessity”, he said. Amb. Sohail Mahmood recalled the events since 15 August 2021and Pakistan’s steps bilaterally, regionally and internationally to support the fraternal people of Afghanistan including through humanitarian and economic support, facilitation of bilateral trade and transit trade, and regulated cross-border movement.

He also highlighted the international community’s expectations from the Interim authorities including inclusivity, human rights of all citizens of Afghanistan, and counter-terrorism actions. He stressed that Pakistan had also remained bilaterally engaged with the authorities in Afghanistan to ensure that terrorism and security-related issues were effectively addressed. While expressing his views, H.E. Amir Khan Muttaqi, recalled his previous visit to ISSI and said that since then, much had changed and many of the pessimistic analyses had proved to be wrong. He went on to say that the Interim government had overcome several challenges and that its first order of business was to convey to the region and beyond the desire to form a “new foreign policy” based on cooperative dialogue and joint ventures. He added that the government had been able to make the region’s decades-long aspiration of connectivity a reality, and not only Afghanistan but the entire region, particularly the CARs, could reap the benefits of this policy.

The Acting Foreign Minister further highlighted that, despite facing numerous challenges after assuming power, the Interim government had been able to attain progress in numerous fields. Contrary to the last twenty years, it was the first time in decades that Afghanistan was funding its national budget without any foreign assistance and loans. The country’s focus had not just been on its own economy but it was also continuously striving to increase regional connectivity and energy cooperation through mega projects like TAPI, CASA-1000, Trans-Afghan railways, and connecting South Asia to Central Asia through Afghanistan thus paving the way for greater integration.

Speaking about Pakistan-Afghanistan bilateral relations, Acting Foreign Minister Muttaqi said that ties between the people of Pakistan and Afghanistan have been sacrificed at the altar of political considerations in the past, resulting in the loss of a lot of opportunities. He said both countries have been facing similar challenges over the past two years; even though the manifestations were different, the pain was common for both. He was of the view that his administration was resolved to turn these challenges into opportunities and take firm steps that help integrate the two economies, so that there can be “cascading effects.” He added that the two countries should leverage their God-given opportunities to build their future. The economic ties should be de-linked from political considerations and forward movement ensured through joint efforts, particularly in the fields of infrastructure and transportation. Work also needed to be focused on increasing management capacity, development in the fields of trade and commerce, and making custom’s procedures transparent, digital and easy.

Responding to questions regarding women’s rights, Acting Foreign Minister Mutaqqi said that female education was neither un-Islamic nor banned permanently; the decree was only suspended till the second order. The Acting Foreign Minister also responded to a number of questions regarding terrorism and TTP. He categorically reaffirmed that Afghanistan will never allow its territory to be used against any country, including Pakistan. He added that the request to resolve the issue through dialogue as well may also be considered.

While commenting on the recently-concluded Trilateral Foreign Ministers’ dialogue between China, Pakistan and Afghanistan, he said that they had held important deliberations where the three sides agreed on not allowing any individual, group or party to use their territories to harm and threaten regional security and interests or conduct terrorist actions and activities. The event was attended by a large number of former diplomats, members of Islamabad-based Diplomatic Corps, academics, researchers, representatives of civil society, and print and electronic media. The event concluded with Chairman BoG, ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, presenting the Institute’s shield to the guest.

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/

Lahore, May 08, 2023 (PPI-OT): CUI, Wah Campus participated in “The Pakistan Engineering Council held the 3rd Engineering Capstone Expo-2023” held on January 12, 2023, at Pak-China Friendship Center, Islamabad. In this expo, students from more than thirty universities showcased their Final Year Projects (FYPs). PEC Chairman Engr Muhammad Najeeb Haroon inaugurated the ceremony and different industry delegates and guests from academia attended the inaugural ceremony.

From CUI, Wah Campus, three teams from the Department of Mechanical Engineering and two from the Department of Civil Engineering exhibited their FYPs at the event. The students were accompanied by Dr. Ayaz Ahmad, ECE Department as the focal person for the event, and FYP coordinators and supervisors: Dr. Hammad Salah Uddin, Dr. Adnan Nawaz, Dr. Rana Faisal Tufail, and Dr. Fazal Um Minallah. The projects of CUI Wah students were appreciated by the Jury members and the visitors.

For more information, contact:

COMSATS University Islamabad, Lahore Campus

Defence Road, Off Raiwind Road, Lahore Pakistan

Tel: +92 042-99204786,

FAX: +92 (42) 99203100

E-Mail: admissions@cuilahore.edu.pk

Websites: https://lahore.comsats.edu.pk

Turbat, May 08, 2023 (PPI-OT): It is notified for the information of all students/ concerned that the University Hostels shall re-open on 8th May 2023 (Monday) to smoothly resume classes and other academic activities as already announced earlier today.

For more information, contact:

University of Turbat

University Town Ginnah, M-8 Road Turbat,

Balochistan, Pakistan

Tel: +92-852-412045

Email: info@uot.edu.pk

Website: https://uot.edu.pk

Lahore, May 08, 2023 (PPI-OT): Kazakhstan’s Ambassador to Pakistan Mr Yerzan Kistifan has said that South Asia and Central Asian countries should work together to increase trade, cultural, religious and historical ties for the development of the region. He was addressing the inaugural session of a three-day international conference on ‘Central and South Asia Re-connected’ by Punjab University Department of History and Pakistan Studies at Al Raazi Hall. On this occasion, Chairman Punjab Higher Education Commission Prof Dr Shahid Munir, PU VC Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, representative of Konard Adenauer Stiftung Dr Ellinor Zeino, Chairman Department of History Prof Dr Mahboob Hussain, renowned Historian Prof Dr Iftikhar Malik, National and International researchers, scholars, faculty members and a large number of students were present on the occasion.

In his address, Mr Kistifan said that Kazakhstan and Pakistan have historical relations and both countries are culturally connected. He said that Kazakhstan wants to strengthen relations with South Asian countries at all levels for the strengthening of the region. He said that we should learn lessons from history and benefit from each other’s knowledge and experiences. He said that Central Asia is moving in the right direction and its future is bright. He said that peace in Afghanistan is necessary for the region while the world is being damaged by the war between Russia and Ukraine. He said that Ukraine is a big country for wheat production, which has affected many countries. He said that we should not look at others for the development, peace and prosperity of our region.

He said that peaceful diplomatic talks are the need of the hour for all the countries in the region. He said that problems are everywhere but they can be solved by working together. He said that the future of our region is in our own hands. Dr Shahid Munir said that Central and South Asia are home to a diverse array of cultures, languages, histories and regional connectivity is crucial to unlocking the potential of this diverse and dynamic region. He said that regional connectivity was not just about physical infrastructure, such as roads, railways and airports, although these are important. It is also about people-to [1] people connectivity, trade and investment and the exchange of ideas and knowledge, he added. He said that by connecting businesses and markets, we can unlock new opportunities for trade and investment, creating new jobs and economic growth.

He said that we are looking forward to the construction of the TAPI gas pipeline, which will link Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan, India and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, which is transforming Pakistan’s economy and creating new opportunities for trade and investment. He said that the development of new highways, railways, and ports is transforming the way people and goods move across borders, providing new opportunities for trade, investment and tourism.

Dr Khalid Mahmood said that Central Asia and South Asia are two important regions sharing rich culture and history. He said that for thousands of years, the great Silk Road has connected the two regions together and now the recent Belt and Road Initiative with CPEC as one of its important components has raised the hopes that these historical and cultural ties can be revived. He said that Central Asia has historically played an important part in enriching the South Asian region politically, spiritually and culturally. He said that all sufism of South Asia originated in Central Asia and for centuries, established the spiritual linkages between the two regions.

He said that Pakistan is overcoming the energy crises and the gas pipeline project can be a great opportunity for economic and technological collaboration. He said that security, extremism, climatic and environmental issues are faced by the two regions and can be resolved by mutual cooperation. Dr Mahboob Hussain said that the conference would provide us an opportunity to get familiar with the multiple dimensions and new paradigms of South and Central Asia. He said that delegates from the universities of four provinces including Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar and eight countries are participating in the three-day international conference. He said that the three-day international conference would provide a platform for sharing of ideas and academic exchange.

Dr Iftikhar Malik said that the historian writes what he sees; we have to learn from history and move forward. Professor Aslam Syed said that Central and South Asian countries need to revise their foreign policies for the development and prosperity of the region. The conference will continue today.

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/

Lahore, May 08, 2023 (PPI-OT): Dear Students,

It is to inform you that the course selection due date for add/drop/replace course(s) for Spring 2023 semester has been extended up to Wednesday, May 10, 2023. This is a last chance for students who have not yet made course selection due to any hardship reasons.

2. Student(s) who fail to enroll/ select any course(s) within the above dates will be declared as “Inactive Student”. Such students may continue their studies through “Re-admission” as per the University rule/policy, upon payment of prescribed Re-Admission Fee in the very next semester.

Note:

Class have been commenced with effect from April 17, 2023.

Students shall be responsible for their late course enrollment, and if any quizzes or assignment(s) have been given or taken during the period.

No request for the enrollment of course(s), and semester unfreeze will be considered after the above said course selection date.

Fee voucher once issued will not be adjusted/revised.

1st semester students facing any difficulty email to the respective Department (Contact Us – Academic Department https://www.vu.edu.pk/contact.aspx)

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