Author: Web Desk

Lahore, March 21, 2022 (PPI-OT): A team of female students from Department of Architecture, bagged the first position in an international competition on women empowerment, which was held recently for highlighting the importance of gender equality, heritage, and the environment. The event was organized by the Heritage Foundation and the International Network for Traditional Building, Architecture, and Urbanism (INTBAU).

More than nine universities from all over Pakistan participated in the competition, while only three teams, including the University of Lahore, the National University of Engineering and Technology, and Dawood University of Engineering and Technology Karachi, managed to complete the challenge. The competition was about the on-site construction of Lari Octa-Green (LOG) Zero-Carbon materials and techniques that had a low carbon footprint, like bamboo and lime.

The UOL team consisted of 11 female students of Architecture, who took the initiative of designing and constructing the structure in the premises of the university, under the supervision of Ms. Zain Zulfiqar (Assistant Professor), Ms. Komal Fatima (Assistant Professor) and Mr. Syed Zehgham Ali Zaidi (Lecturer).

The competition was adjudicated by Ms. Yasmeen Lari (first female Architect of Pakistan), who herself was known as a beacon of women’s empowerment and had been working to build “earthquake and flood resilient structures” using zero-carbon techniques. The activities were overseen by Mr. Naheem Shah (Coordinator Heritage Foundation) and Mr. Ashfaq Ahmed (Coordinator Heritage Foundation) along with Ms. Lari.

The UOL team managed to build the structure from scratch, including the making of mud-lime bricks, the excavation and construction of the foundation, the cutting of bamboo, and the assembly of pre-fab panels. It was the only team which completed the structure within the given timeline and grabbed first position in the competition.

Later, the organizers arranged a certificate distribution ceremony in Karachi to appreciate the efforts of the students. Ms. Maryam Naveed (Finale Year Student) and Ms. Khadija Sarfraz (Fourth Year Student) along with Mr. Zeeshan Asim (HoD, Architecture Department) represented UOL at this event. The students were awarded with the certificates and the importance of this project in promoting women empowerment was highlighted. Later, Mr. Asim gave an acceptance speech on behalf of the UOL and its faculty.

With the aim of highlighting the hard work, sustainability in professional practice and enlightenment on the subject of Women’s empowerment, the Department of Architecture hosted an event in the honour of the winning team held on January 14, 2022 at Defence Road Campus.

Mrs. Shahnaz Raoof (Chairperson, Chaoon Foundation), Mr. Nasir Mehmood (Pro-Rector Academics), and Mrs. Farah Mahmood (Director, UOL Relief) were invited as chief guests. Members of the winning team made a presentation on sustainable development and also explained the process of how they built the log structure. Mr. Zeeshan Asim (HoD Architecture) encouraged the students to take part in such competitions in future and congratulated the winning participants.

After winning the competition nationwide, the UOL will be sponsoring 11 participants and 4 faculty members to the UK, where they will be engaged in a similar activity scheduled at Granary Square from March 21-25, 2022. The program will include, building the log in London Square in collaboration with Bangladeshi and UK students, on 23rd March at London Square. The log will be dismantled on March 25, 2022 at London Square which will be transported to Prince Charles’ residence at High grove.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Lahore, March 21, 2022 (PPI-OT): Starting university can cause a lot of anxiety among students because of their unfamiliarity with its environment. In order to eradicate anxieties and boost students’ motivation, departments at The University of Lahore (UOL) conducted elucidatory orientation sessions between February 12 and 19, 2022.

The orientation sessions helped new undergraduate, MPhil and PhD fresh students to understand the nature of the University, the educational opportunities available to them, its values, functions, and its central objective as an academic enterprise.

HoD, DOVS gives briefing on the BS in Optometry program

On February 14, 2022, Dr. Khizar Bashir (HoD, Optometry and Vision Sciences) delivered a comprehensive speech about the specialty of BS in Optometry and Vision Sciences. He elucidated how beneficial this degree is in serving humanity, and the necessity of being an optometrist, who fills roughly 70% of an ophthalmology department’s duty. Dr. Ashfaq Ahmed (Associate Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences) spoke on behalf of Dr. Amir Gilani (Dean, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences) and explained the 5-year program, the courses, credit hours, attendance and rules of conduct.

Director IMBB appreciates students, families

The orientation sessions for IMBB’s undergraduate and postgraduate students were organized on February 14 and February 21, 2022, respectively. Mr. Zeeshan Haider (Admission Incharge IMBB) briefly guided the students about the university, department/institute, its policies, the faculty members, the grading system, general conduct and behavior during their stay at the department. Certain queries related to examination policies, grading systems, attendance, and other issues were also addressed during the event. Dr. Ahsan Sattar Sheikh (Director, IMBB) gave the concluding remarks and formally thanked the students and their families for attending the orientation sessions. He also conveyed his best compliments and wished all the students a successful stay at IMBB on behalf of the honourable Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ashraf (Pro-Rector IMBB/CRiMM).

Ms. Aisha Kashif leads LBS’ week long session

For the Lahore Business School (LBS), it was a week-long orientation session for its newly enrolled students conducted under Ms. Aisha Kashif’s (Assistant Professor, LBS) supervision. The week comprised sessions in which faculty members spoke on different topics, including: public speaking, balancing studies with extra-curricular activities, grading system, presentation skills, personal grooming, etiquettes/ manners, Moodle, and SLATE training. During the closing session, a student satisfaction survey was conducted to obtain feedback from students that would guide the organizing team in making future adjustments.

CS and IT emphasizes practical learning

The orientation session at the Department of Computer Science and Information Technology (CS and IT) highlighted the degree programs being offered with emphasis on practical learning. The students were asked to link themselves to the industry early enough in order to enhance their practical skills. Moreover, the faculty members gave academic advice about the outlines, career prospects, rules and regulations.

Chemistry holds two sessions

The Department of Chemistry held two orientation sessions on February 15, 2022 and February 19, 2022, led by Mr. Zahid Ali (Lecturer) and Ms. Aimon Saleem (Lecturer) respectively. The orientation sessions were presided over by Dr. Arif Nazir (HoD, Chemistry). Moreover, university rules and regulations were shared with the students, and they were advised to integrate into the university culture for their own well-being. Graduate students were told to be research-oriented and target to publish in reputable journals.

Mathematics emphasizes time management

Mr. Jawad (BS Coordinator) supervised the session at the Mathematics and Statistics Department. The students were informed about the grading system for exams and various scholarships opportunities available. They were further advised to manage their time effectively, setup timelines for getting work done in each of their courses, and to work hard in order to achieve good grades.

Senior faculty attend the session of Education Dept.

On February 14, 2022, Dr. Tanver Iqbal (Assistant Professor, Program Advisor) gave a brief introduction of the university and detailed information regarding the department. Professor Dr. Muhammad Saeed (Head of Department), Dr. Muhammad Hameed Nawaz (Associate Professor), Dr. Khalid Rashid (Assistant Professor), Dr. Musarrat Javaid (Assistant Professor), and Dr. Mehwish Gull (Assistant Professor) also attended the event. The orientation program for MPhil and PhD students was organized on February 19, 2022. Dr. Gull and Dr. Nawaz formally welcomed the students and gave introduction about the institute, code of conduct and course outlines etc.

Software Engineering addresses discipline issues

Dr. Yasir Mahmood (Assistant Professor) and Mr. Junaid Aziz (Assistant Professor) led the orientation session of the Department of Software Engineering (DoSE) held on February 14, 2022. It began with an introduction of the DoSE faculty and continued with an explanation of academic programs, degree requirements, and general discipline rules (governing the display of identity cards, smoking restrictions, outsider visits, restrictions on celebrating private parties, job prospects, and governing student life at UOL).

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Lahore, March 21, 2022 (PPI-OT): Who thought that a young boy named Naqibullah Mashwani, son of Ammanuddin from Kunar, Afghanistan, will achieve all his dream by breaking the stereotypes and move to Pakistan for his further education? Mr. Mashwani’s journey has had many ups and downs. However, with his dedication and quest for learning more, he didn’t lose hope.

The expedition at the University of Lahore is remarkable and commendable. In conversation with The Spectacle, Mr. Mashwani spoke his heart out.

Spectacle: Share a little about your Educational Background?

Mr. Mashwani: I graduated from Oxford Public High School Lower Dir, KPK in 2016. After that, I returned to my homeland and got enrolled into one of the top schools in Kabul named Rahman Baba High School where Afghan government provided me the facility of hostel. I completed my 10th, 11th and 12th classes from Oxford School.

Spectacle: What were your plans after 12th class?

Mr. Mashwani: When I finished my 12 years of education, my desire was to have my university education abroad. I also did a bit of teaching before coming to Pakistan.

Spectacle: Tell us more about you working experience in Kabul.

Mr. Mashwani: In January 2018, I gave demo at Kabul English Language Center (KELC) and got selected as an ESL Instructor. I worked there till February 2020 which was a good learning experience. At the same time, I was applying for many scholarship opportunities here and there.

Spectacle: How did you get Allama Iqbal Scholarship Program?

Mr. Mashwani: I gave an exam for Allama Iqbal Scholarship Program and got selected for studying at the University of Lahore. The government of Pakistan is offering scholarships to Afghan youth in various fields with the aim of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Afghanistan. The scholarship covers living allowance, books, and hostel dues and fees.

The day I saw my name shortlisted is unforgettable because I had gotten what I had been longing for; a free scholarship, a top university and desirable field i.e. International Relations (IR).

Spectacle: Share about your experience at the UOL and why you chose IR?

Mr. Mashwani: I joined The University of Lahore in 2021 and chose the field of International Relations (IR) as my major because it’s my favourite and secondly due to the weak foreign policy of my country that I intend to contribute to. The experience at UOL has been so good. Dr. Rabia Akhtar (HoD, School of Integrated Social Sciences) has been so kind, supportive and golden hearted. Mr. Zeeshan Ali (Research Associate, UOL) also motivated me to perfect my English communication skills. On top of that, all my Punjabi classmates have made me feel like their brother and countryman. They always cooperated with me and made my life comfortable.

Spectacle: You have written a book at such a young age, tell more about it.

Mr. Mashwani: When I finished my first semester at University of Lahore, I got three months’ vacation and that was a chance for me to achieve something again. I wrote a basic English conversation book which was published by “Mayar Kitab Koor” through Dir Adabi Tolana (DAT) in Lower Dir, KPK. It was the first English book ever published by this foundation.

One of my childhood friends called me and asked me to teach his students a special English course for three months. I taught them practical English system “inter-com”. However, some of the disciples were not familiar with English learning. Therefore, I made my mind to write an easy and small book to assist such students. The book consists of 200 fundamental English questions and published more than 300 copies that I sold out in just three days.

Spectacle: Any message to fellow students?

Mr. Mashwani: I would like to say that there’s nothing hard and impossible to attain. Whatever you want to be in life and achieve depend on how you spend your time and how you think of your success. Work hard and achieve your goals because nothing is impossible.

For more information, contact:

The University of Lahore

1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761

Email: info@uol.edu.pk

Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Lahore, March 21, 2022 (PPI-OT): With the aim to attract the student’s community towards sports and other healthy activities, the Higher Education Commission in collaboration with PM’s Initiative Kamyab Jawan Programme, a National Youth Development Initiative, organizes different intervarsity championships.

The competitions provide a platform for social contact and understanding among the student players (male and female) of the universities across Pakistan. The University of Lahore (UOL) bagged silver medal in the “Tug of War Championship 2021-22” held at MNS University of Agriculture Multan on February 28, 2022. Overall, 32 universities took part in the event.

On the other hand, the IBA University Sukkur hosted the Table Tennis Championship 2022 on February 24, 2022 in which over 13 universities from all over Pakistan participated. The UOL team won Bronze Medal in the championship.

Engr. Javed Ali Memon (HEC official) chaired the event as chief guest and appreciated the event management team. He encouraged the students to participate in healthy activities and discover their hidden talents. “Come out in all games and sport and make your country proud in the field of sports as well”, he said.

Mr. Asad Hussain Shaikh (Deputy Director Sports, Sukkur IBA University and Patron of Sports and Adventure Society) lauded the enthusiasm of the players in the championship and presented cash prizes to the players along with their trophies.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Lahore, March 21, 2022 (PPI-OT): Numerous Afghan students are getting their education from various Pakistani Institutes. The University of Lahore is one of the top Institutions in the private sector that is facilitating Afghan youth in the domain of capacity building. Currently, over 160 Afghan students, both male and female, are reportedly enrolled at the University of Lahore on the basis of their passports and Proof of Registration (PoR) cards in several departments though majority of them are placed under the School of Integrated Social Sciences where they are studying International Relations.

Apart from quality education, the Afghan students at UOL are actively involved in different extra-curricular activities that are molding them into all-round students. Mr. Raheem Ullah (M.Phil. student, English Literature, 2nd Semester) feels happy in sharing his fantastic experience in Pakistan generally and at UOL specifically. Despite numerous attempts to join other universities within Lahore, he ultimately chose UOL due to its well-regarded academic environment and the initial impressions of this institution. Mr. Raheem Ullah appreciates all the efforts and support given to him by Chairman’s Office, Department of ELL, and Ms. Quratulain Javed (Manager, OSA) during his stay at the UOL.

Mr. Ajmal Hajizada (BS-Social Sciences, 7th Semester) says that Life at UOL has been full of varied experiences. The constructive environment created for foreign students is truly encouraging. “I enjoy all multiple tastes from spicy paratha roll (street food) to the sweet molten lava (Desert), feel at home with all the students. The community is accommodative”, he says.

Mr. Fareed Khan (BS-International Relations, 3rd Semester), has learnt a lot of theories about people and their ideologies and life at the University is helping to appreciate the realities of the taught theories. “On campus, I interact with liberals, feminist, communists, and religious persons to have fruitful discussions”, he argues.

The faculty and students at UOL, appear to be helpful in guiding the Afghan students in all aspects. “Almost all the Afghan students who share their experiences with me, reveal that the community is so supportive in classes, cafes, cultural events, libraries, public transport etc.”, Mr. Raheem Ullah added.

Mr. Hormatullah (BS-International Relations, 3rd Semester) says that UOL has taught him many positive life changing lessons. Latifa Jawadi (BS-Optometry and Vision Sciences, 6th Semester), has many positive experiences to share about UOL. “I have not been treated as an outsider at UOL. I have not found difference in treatment between me and other Pakistani students”, she remarked.

Majority of the Afghan students are active in co-curricular activities including sports. Most of them are members of the University of Lahore’s sports club and have formed an Afghan football squad that competes in UOL’s Sports Galas to integrate into a larger community and enjoy the pleasure of physical activity and competition. Some of the students have shown their keen interest to remain in Pakistan due to its accommodative environment, but have an obligation to go back home and support their communities.

To crown it all, the UOL policy on these batches of students is to ease their transition into a new culture and collaborate with them in identifying their deficiencies and immediately fix them with the aim of preparing them a brighter future and contribute towards positive Pak-Afghan relations. Afghanistan, a war-torn nation, needs intellectuals, rationalists, and highly gifted graduates to assist in stabilizing the country and enabling it to stand on its own economic and political feet.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk

Lahore, March 21, 2022 (PPI-OT): With the aim to sensitize the student community on the environmental issues, mitigations, implementations and to motivate them be a part of healthy environment, the Safe Society organized an event titled as “Think Tomorrow”. The mega event themed on the “Sustainable Development Goal (SDGs)” took place on December 16, 2021 at the UOL’s Defence Road Campus, Lahore and executed in two segments: an Awareness Seminar and Think Tomorrow Competition based on SDGs of Climate Change and Water Conservation.

Dr. Atif Irshad (Assistant Professor, Environmental Sciences) and Ms. Iqra Nasim (Lecturer, Environmental Sciences) were the chief guest and key speaker of the seminar respectively. Dr. Irshad centered his speech on the mitigation measures to tackle climate change. He said, “Climate change is the biggest threat the world is facing today. If we don’t tackle it now, the consequences will be terrible. Climate change is not merely an environmental issue but an all-encompassing threat to health, agriculture, peace and security, millions of people, and the global economy. However, we can tackle this individually by adapting or changing our habits to sustainable ones”.

Dr. Irshad while discussing the issues regarding water scarcity and its conservation, said, “Conservation of water is an emergency issue which the modern world is facing right now. The increase in the consumption of water must be balanced with efforts of conserving it”.

Ms. Nasim said: “Climate Change has gained an urgency too quickly than predicted. Storms, droughts and intensifying sea levels are miserable signs of what we are confronting. Major areas will become uninhabitable because they will be either flooded or get scarcely any precipitation at all. Developing countries are now diverting toward renewable energy markets to mitigate climate change in sustainable way”.

She also called for a move towards clean and green technology for instance installation of solar systems to meet energy needs and to follow the path of 3R’s- Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Moreover, she highlighted the issues concerning water shortage in the country.

Students compete over innovative ideas for the green environment

Later, Think Tomorrow Competition had three modules that included Essay Writing (Climate Change and Water Conservation), Poster Presentation (Sustainable Development Goal) and Scavenger Hunt. The moto for all these modules was “Innovative Idea for Green Environment”.

More than 70 members from distinct institutions namely, The University of Lahore, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), National University of Science and Technology (NUST), and Government College University Lahore (GCU) participated in the competition. Dr. Qamar uz Zaman (Assistant Professor, Environmental Sciences), Mr. Afzal Hussain (Lecturer, Environmental Sciences) and Ms. Maria Latif (Lecturer, Environmental Sciences) were the adjudicators of the contest.

Ms. Rumaisa Kaleem (6th Semester, Department of Optometry, UOL) won in Scavenger Hunt, whereas, Ms. Farhat Naz (7th Semester, Department of Environmental Sciences, UOL) and Hashir Khan (1st Semester, Department of Architecture, UOL) were the winners of Essay Writing and Poster Presentation Competition, respectively. At the end, shields and certificates were awarded to the chief guest, speaker, winners, participants and the management team of Safe Society.

For more information, contact:
The University of Lahore
1 – KM Defence Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-111-865-865, +92-42-35322501 +92-42-35321761
Email: info@uol.edu.pk
Website: www.uol.edu.pk