Punjab University Enhances Focus on Insurance Sector Training and Employment

Lahore, Punjab University is intensifying its efforts to train and supply skilled graduates to meet the growing demands of Pakistan’s insurance industry, as per Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood. He made these remarks during a seminar on ‘Insurance and Takaful’ hosted by the university’s Hailey College of Banking and Finance (HCBF) on Wednesday.

According to University of the Punjab, the event, which also marked the inauguration of a career fair and Takaful week at HCBF, brought together key figures from the insurance sector, including Muhammad Hisham, Chairman of the Insurance Association of Pakistan North Region, senior officials, faculty members, and students. Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood highlighted the insurance industry’s proactive engagement in employing the university’s graduates, noting the sector’s robust growth and the resultant rise in employment opportunities for trained professionals.

The Vice Chancellor acknowledged the significant employment potential within the insurance field, particularly in life and health insurance, and the emerging area of Islamic insurance known as Takaful. He praised the efforts of HCBF in starting new academic programs tailored to industry needs, revealing that professionals from diverse fields, including medicine and engineering, are increasingly entering the insurance industry.

Muhammad Hisham underscored the excellent job prospects for students equipped with relevant skills, mentioning that skilled graduates quickly receive competitive job offers. He also discussed the expansion of new opportunities in various insurance sub-sectors and the global promotion of Takaful.

Dr. Ahmed Muneeb, Principal of HCBF, elaborated on the college’s strong connections with the insurance industry and the proactive steps taken to align the curriculum with market demands. He stated that the college’s graduates hold significant positions across all major insurance companies, demonstrating the effectiveness of their educational programs.

The career fair associated with the event featured stalls from leading insurance companies in the country, which conducted on-site interviews, offering students immediate employment opportunities.

University of Turbat Distributes Scholarships to Deserving Students

Turbat, The University of Turbat (UoT) hosted a significant event on May 6, 2024, where financial scholarships totaling Rs. 36.12 million were awarded to 430 deserving students as part of the Balochistan Education Endowment Fund (BEEF) scholarship program. The ceremony highlighted the institution’s commitment to supporting talented students financially to continue their higher education.

According to University of Turbat, the event saw participation from key university personnel and representatives from BEEF. Mr. Abdul Jabbar, the in-charge of the Financial Aid Office at UoT, along with Mr. Changiz Ahmed, Chairperson of the Political Science Department, and several BEEF representatives including Program Manager Mr. Shahzad Amir, were present. The scholarships were awarded based on merit and established criteria set by BEEF, aiming to alleviate the financial burdens of the students and enable them to focus on their academic pursuits. The event also included expressions of gratitude toward the BEEF team and its CEO, Mr. M. Zakara Noorzai, for their support in organizing the ceremony.

UW FM 101.8 Radio Honors Pakistani Squash Legend Qamar Zaman

Wah, In a special broadcast, UW FM 101.8 Radio celebrated the legacy of Pakistani squash icon Qamar Zaman, whose career is a testament to resilience and excellence in the sport. The station featured an in-depth interview with Zaman, highlighting his journey from humble beginnings to becoming a dominant figure in squash during the 1970s and 1980s.

According to University of Wah, Zaman’s squash career began with limited resources, practicing with a taped broken ball as a child, which exemplified his dedication and passion for the game. Known as ‘The Stroke Master,’ Zaman gained prominence after winning the Pakistan Junior Squash Championship in 1968, reaching the semifinals of the British Amateur Squash Championship in 1973, and triumphing at the British Open Squash Championship in 1975. His prowess on the court earned him the nicknames “wizard” and “magician” of squash, and he was honored with the Pride of Performance Award by the President of Pakistan in 1984.

The interview on UW FM 101.8 provided listeners with a detailed look at Zaman’s remarkable achievements and the virtues of perseverance, humility, and dedication that have defined his career. The station aims to inspire future generations of athletes by sharing stories of sporting legends like Qamar Zaman, promoting a culture of determination and passion for sports.

National Conference on Thalassemia Calls for Mandatory Pre-Marriage Testing in Rawalkot

Rawalkot, A two-day national conference focusing on the causes, treatment, and prevention of thalassemia highlighted the critical need for comprehensive awareness and governmental action. Held at the University of Poonch Rawalkot, the event convened experts and academics to discuss strategies against this genetic disorder affecting thousands annually in Pakistan, including Azad Kashmir.

According to University of Poonch Rawalkot, the conference, titled “Community in Thalassemia: Causes, Treatment, Diagnosis, and Prevention,” addressed the disease’s prevalence and the urgent need for preventive measures, such as mandatory pre-marriage testing to mitigate the risk of thalassemia major in offspring. Speakers including Deputy Commandant CMH Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Registrar Jamia Poonch Dr. Abdul Rauf, and District Health Officer Poonch Dr. Manzoor Hussain, emphasized the importance of legislative action to enforce these health checks before marriage. They also discussed the significant financial and social support required for patients’ treatment and the role of diet and potential complications from blood transfusions.

The conference called upon medical students and professionals to increase public education about thalassemia and support legislative measures ensuring compulsory health screenings for couples before marriage. It was underlined that only through widespread awareness and preventive steps could the incidence of thalassemia be effectively reduced in the region.

Islamabad Hosts “Wo-Mentoring Program” to Foster Female Academic Leadership

Islamabad, A pioneering three-day training workshop titled “Wo-Mentoring Program: Leadership Skills Development Among Female Leaders” recently concluded at International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), in collaboration with Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi (FJWU). The event marked the culmination of the Leadership Capacity Framework (LCF) project, aimed at enhancing the roles of women in academia.

According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the LCF project, titled “Shattering the Glass Ceiling: Challenges and Opportunities for Women Academic Leaders in Pakistani Universities,” was spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Samina Malik, Rector of IIUI, as the Principal Investigator, with funding from Pakistan’s Higher Education Commission. The project sought to address the numerous challenges faced by women in academic leadership through strategic partnerships with public sector universities across the country.

The Wo-Mentoring program, deriving from the “Women Academics Empowerment Policy” developed by IIUI and FJWU, aimed to provide female academics with significant opportunities for professional growth. The program is designed to highlight and promote the contributions of existing and aspiring women leaders in academia.

The workshop included a variety of interactive sessions and activities, drawing participants from prestigious universities across Islamabad, Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Resource persons for the event included Ms. Momina Dar, a training and development consultant; Mr. Shahid M. Minhas, a certified master trainer with extensive experience in change management and leadership development; and Ms. Sumbal Naveed, founder of the Institute of Learning for a Better Tomorrow (ILFABET), known for her advocacy in education transformation.

The initiative not only fosters skill development but also aims to inspire a broader recognition of the pivotal role women can play in leading and transforming academic institutions in Pakistan.

Bahria University Karachi Seeks Civil Engineer and Manager SSC to Enhance Campus Operations

Karachi, Bahria University Karachi Campus is currently seeking to fill two key positions within its staff: a Civil Engineer and a Manager for the Student Support Center (SSC). The university aims to bolster its infrastructure development and student services by recruiting qualified individuals who can bring expertise and innovation to these roles.

According to Bahria University, the Civil Engineer position requires candidates with a BE/BS in Civil Engineering, preferably holding a Master’s in Construction or Engineering Management. The role demands at least five years of relevant experience, proficiency in MS Office and Primavera P6, and a solid understanding of FIDIC documents and civil engineering tools. The successful candidate will be responsible for assisting in designing and executing construction projects, maintaining quality assurance standards, and managing budgets and schedules for construction activities.

The Manager SSC position seeks individuals with a minimum of 18 years of education, preferably with an MS/M.Phil., and at least five years of experience at the university level in handling academic and student affairs or similar responsibilities at a corporate level. This role involves preparing schedules for non-academic activities, supervising campus events, maintaining student non-academic profiles, and ensuring the implementation of university policies on non-academic events. The manager will also be responsible for updating the SSC’s social media and web presence, automating SSC operations, and liaising with the BU alumni community.

Both positions are critical in supporting Bahria University’s mission to provide a conducive learning environment and robust infrastructure. The application deadline for these vacancies is forthcoming, and interested candidates are encouraged to prepare their submissions promptly to meet the university’s staffing needs for the upcoming academic year.