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Habib University challenges gender disparity in STEM

Karachi, December 06, 2022 (PPI-OT):Only 28% of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) jobs are held by women, globally, and men outnumber women in most STEM undergraduate majors. In several of the upcoming professions with the greatest pay and fastest job growth, such as Computer Science and Engineering, there are pronounced gender pay inequalities. Habib University, being the premier Liberal Arts and Sciences institution, addresses through its educational model, the disproportionate gender gap in STEM.

Habib University organized the session Women in STEM – Inspiring stories from Habib University at Adab Festival at Frere Hall, Karachi. Dr. Sameena Shah Zaman, Associate Professor, Integrated Science and Mathematics at Habib University moderated the session. Dr. Haleema Qamar, Associate Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Habib University, and Ms. Fariha Farooq, Ms. Anumtah Aijaz, Ms. Areeba Aziz Rajput, Ms. Binish Fatima, and Ms. Swaleha Muhammad Saleem, who are alumna of Habib University, were the speakers of the session.

During the session, Dr. Sameena said, “Habib University is an institution that focuses on nurturing informed citizens and we at Habib University ensure women’s participation in STEM.” Dr. Haleema Qamar emphasized, “To all the parents, never be hesitant when it comes to your daughters studying in the STEM field, and never be worried about financial constraints because, at Habib University, we have a bundle of scholarships to foster Women in STEM.”

Pakistan is the second worst country on Global Gender Gap Index, everywhere around 1000 women are killed in the name of honour. In tribal, patriarchal, and traditional societies, where private and public spaces are separated for men and women, former for the men and latter for the women, there, Habib University, removes these gaps and spaces for women to participate and pursue their goals in STEM.

Ms. Areeba Aziz Rajput, an Electrical Engineering alumna of Habib University from the 2018 batch while talking about her journey said, “I take obstacles as a challenge to show that women can do wonders in STEM.” Ms. Fariha Farooq said, “I knew the moment that I stepped inside Habib University that I belong to this institution, which gives you the freedom to completely explore yourself.”

While continuing the session, Ms. Binish Fatima said, “The turning point for me to opt for Electrical Engineering was the introductory (Electrical Engineering) course at Habib University, an institution that makes you a holistic individual,” highlighting the fact that Habib University provides its students an academically rich environment with the blend of interdisciplinary so that students are not just confined to their chosen field of study but explore other dimensions as well.

One of the speakers, Anumtah Aijaz stated, “When I went to apply for jobs in STEM, I knew I would be the first choice for any industry because Habib University has made me so capable that now I am not only an Engineer but I am a leader capable of best communication.” Swaleha Muhammad Saleem said, “I looked inside and found inner strength within me. I made the best use of my abilities and now I am working as a Product Manager at one of the leading industries.”

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

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Reparative Thinking: The Cognitive Challenge of Our Times

Karachi, December 06, 2022 (PPI-OT):The last 200 years have devastated everything existing on the planet earth. Colonialism and post-colonialism have exploited resources and have managed humans’ cognitive thinking. Capitalism’s destruction of the environment and its cultural and racial imperialism has programmed and managed our minds, reflecting upon it is a challenge and need of our times.

Habib University which is a generous Liberal Arts and Sciences institution takes up this mission. In the session, ‘Reparative Thinking: The Cognitive Challenge of Our Times,’ the esteemed faculty of Habib University addressed and reflected upon this challenge.

Dr. Nauman Naqvi, an Associate Professor, Comparative Humanities at Habib University, moderated the session. Hayya Fatima Iqbal, Assistant Professor of Practice, Communication and Design, Dr. Noman Baig, Associate Professor, Social Development and Policy, Dr. Anzar Khaliq, Associate Dean for Teaching, Learning, Research, and Associate Professor, and Daniyal Ahmed, Assistant Professor of Practice, Comparative Humanities were the speakers.

In the session, Dr. Nauman Naqvi quoted the words of Shashi Tharoor, which he narrated, “In reparations, The British should give us one pound” which is supposed to be symbolic. 45 trillion dollars were transferred to the U.K from our region during British rule, he said while quoting Al-Jazeera’s article.

As a result of the floods, people have started talking about the reparations, which used to not happen in our region. The reparations, not just economically, but what needs to be repaired is the tremendous cognitive damage that was caused due to colonial rule and continued into the post-colonial period.

In the session, speakers tried to reflect upon how we can repair cognitive thinking due to capitalism’s interest motive, which is destroying our planet. Dr. Anzar Khaliq said, “Never in human history, lead (Pb) was supposed to be in humans, but now it is in every human being “It is not good for human body but now humans have since last 150 years.

He added further, “This is all happening in the name of progress.” And quoted this maverick saying, “We Do Not Inherit the Earth from Our Ancestors; We Borrow It from Our Children.”

Haya Fatima Iqbal, who is a renowned film and documentary maker said, “If we just look at the last 20 years of documentary filmmaking, we can know how colonized our documentaries and visual reflections are.” In the first ten years, since 9/11, films and documentaries were made, constructed, and profiled that everyone who has a beard is a terrorist.

After ten years, a positive image of Pakistan was portrayed which seemed like everything has been normalized. We need to look at different nations residing in Pakistan without any stereotypes.”

Noman Baig said, “Repairing and reparations can be done in two ways; one is theoretical and the other is practical. Theoretical is done by ideology while practical is done by fixing our relationships with ourselves and our community and other people.

The gap between ourselves and our soul should be reconciled. We need to focus on our soul which has been ignored in our intellectual discourse. One way to connect to our soul is classical poetry and its beauty of expression and its words. So, I included “Shah Jo Risalo” in our course. The soul is important to study as it has qualities of generosity, forbearance, and love. We need to find people from our indigenous history who we can mimic in terms of theory and practice.”

Daniyal Ahmed while talking about music said, “In past it was not like this, now music is everywhere, but our listening capabilities have been weak.” Talking about birds, he said, “Now, we don’t listen to music of birds.” Dr. Nauman Naqvi said, music is very important part of Habib university and quoted the words of Imam Shafi, “Music is intellect and generosity and whoever doesn’t engage with music is not generous or intellect.”

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

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Industrial Study Visit of FEE Students to Bestway Cement Limited Taxila

Swabi, December 06, 2022 (PPI-OT):On December 1 2022, Faculty of Electrical Engineering (FEE), GIK Institute arranged an industrial visit to Bestway Cement Limited, Taxila for the second-year students of FEE. Faculty members, Dr. Waleed Tariq Sethi, Engr. Afaq Hussain, and Mazhar Javed accompanied the students during the visit.

The students visited the 132 kV Electrical substation, 20 MW Solar farm, Different processes required in the manufacturing of cement and Waste heat recovery power plant. The visit provided the students with an opportunity to get an idea of the application of electrical engineering in the manufacturing of cement.

For more information, contact:
Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology (GIKI)
Topi 23640, District Swabi, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Tel: +92-938-281026
Fax: +92-938-281032, +92-938-281041
Website: https://www.giki.edu.pk/

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First 2-day Pak-TESOL regional Conference on English language teaching gets underway at Sindh University 

Jamshoro, December 06, 2022 (PPI-OT):The first two-day Pak-TESOL Sindh Regional Conference has started under the theme of “Innovation in English Language Teaching and Future Directions” organized by the Institute of English Language and Literature, University of Sindh Jamshoro in the Ayaz Auditorium, Arts Faculty Building here on Monday.

The inaugural ceremony of the conference was presided over by the Pro-Vice Chancellor of Sindh University Thatta Campus Prof. Dr. Rafique Ahmed Memon. In his presidential address, Dr. Rafique Ahmed Memon said that there were different requirements of the twenty-first century- one of them was the modern skills for teaching and learning English.

He said, first of all, teachers were required to be fully trained to cope with the challenges in this regard, adding that Pak-TESOL was a forum through which English teachers were being informed about the latest art of learning and global development.

He said that the teacher should have a set of skills to force the students to come to the classrooms by utilizing the latest methods of teaching. He said that unless the English teachers were trained, the students will not come to the classroom with enthusiasm and passion to learn, be it university, college or school.

Dr. Memon went on saying that there should be student-centered classrooms for English language teaching and learning and the educational environment should also be student-centered, where teaching might be shifted from the teacher to the learners in a pleasant milieu.

He said that having a big degree did not mean that a person was ready and fit to teach English language, but he/ she needed expertise and abilities, which are being provided through the Pakistan- TESOL forum. “Pak-TESOL is proving to be helpful in the research regarding the prevalence and pervasiveness of English language in the country”, he said and added that there was a need to involve students more and more in the language learning process in the classrooms.

The PVC further said that the students should identify the teaching method of the teachers so that it might be noted and implemented that which techniques were a successful model for their learning.

Addressing the ceremony, former Vice-Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University and Dean of Faculty of Social Sciences of Art and Design Lahore School of Economics Professor Dr. Shahid Siddiqui said that the Regional English Language Office (RELO) of the American Embassy introduced and started the Pak-TESOL (Teaching English to speakers of other languages) program for teaching English language.

He said that the purpose of the conference was to provide information about teaching, preparation of curriculum for language education and relevant material to the scholars and students of English language education. He said that English language experts will share their views on English language education, student performance and challenges faced in linguistics, among other important topics.

Dr. Siddiqui stated that English was the most important language of science, technology, education and diplomacy at the global level, adding that through lingua franca, the effective view of Pakistan could be conveyed to the international community.

Director of Pak-TESOL Project and Professor of Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad, Dr. Muhammad Kamal Khan said that such kind of platforms provided an opportunity to bring together the English language teaching community to discuss the latest trends, problems, practical difficulties and best practices.

He said that there was a need to pay attention to the use of digital content, English language for educational purposes, the teaching of English language through literature and the teaching of intercultural communication with the help of modern methods of English language teaching (ELT).

Director Institute of English Language and Literature and Dean of the Faculty of Arts Professor Dr. Muhammad Khan Sangi said that the conference had brought together many English language teachers and professionals from all over the country to provide knowledge and contemporary modus operandi of teaching in English language environment.

“Under these circumstances, English language teaching and research can be combined as a global language competence building”, he said and added that innovation should be considered in the English language teaching for the development of lingo communication involving the professionals.

NUML Islamabad Pro-Rector Professor Dr. Safeer Ahmed Awan said that students should play their role to ensure the clean environment and beauty of Sindh University campus, because improving the environment of their educational institution was a big contribution.

He hoped that the Pak-TESOL conference would prove to be the best source of learning for teachers, scholars and students to teach and learn the English language. Earlier, Secretary of the conference Saira Altaf Chandio welcomed the guests, while Dr. Abdul Hameed Panhwar extended a vote of thanks to the speakers and the participants at the end of the opening ceremony.

On the occasion, Dean SU’s Faculty of Engineering and Technology Professor Dr. Khalil ur Rehman Khoumbhati, Director Institute of Physics Dr. Nek Muhammad Shaikh, Syndicate Member Professor Dr. Arfana Begum Mallah, Chairman Department of Sociology Dr. Ahmed Ali Brohi, Dr. Muhammad Hasan Agheem, Dr. Farida Yasmin Panhwar. , Dr. Tariq Hasan Umrani, Dr. Abdul Fattah Soomro, Dr. Ghulam Ali Buriro, Dr. Mubarak Ali Lashari, Dr. Ellahi Bakhsh Gopang, Dr. Zafar Ibupoto, Dr. Intizar Lashari, Pir Sohail Sirhandi, Prof. Dr. Irfan Ahmed Rind, Dr. Aqifa Imtiaz, Dr. Sumera and many other scholars and students were present.

Earlier, Nazar Hussain Chandio of the Institute of Languages received the honor of reciting some verses from the glorious Quran, after which the national anthem was played. All the attendees and guests on the stage stood up in the honour of the national anthem of Pakistan.

The proceedings of the conference were conducted by Fauzia Chandio of IELL. After the opening ceremony, various sessions started, in which the scholars presented their research papers regarding English language education. The conference will continue today (Tuesday) as well, after which the two-day English language learning workshop is scheduled to get underway.

For more information, contact:
Director
Centre for Pure and Applied Geology
University of Sindh
University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
Tel: +92-22-9213167
Cell: +92-300-9375193
E-mail: shsolangi@usindh.edu.pk
Website: www.usindh.edu.pk

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ICC announces Player of the Month nominees for November 

Dubai, December 06, 2022 (PPI-OT):The ICC Player of the Month nominees were announced by the International Cricket Council (ICC) today in celebration of the outstanding performances that took place across international cricket in November 2022. The shortlist for the ICC Men’s Player of the Month for November features two stars of England’s T20 World Cup winning campaign.

Jos Buttler was in inspired form as his side surged to glory, providing a solid platform for success both as skipper, and at the top of the order. Adil Rashid joins him in contention for the Player of the Month crown thanks to a series of restrictive and impressive bowling displays in the latter stages of the tournament.

Finally, despite Pakistan falling short of claiming the T20 World Cup prize at the final hurdle, Shaheen Shah Afridi completes the line-up after his threatening spells with the ball saw him end the tournament as Pakistan’s leading wicket-taker.

In the ICC Women’s Player of the Month category, three opening batters stake their claim for the November prize following impressive performances in bilateral cricket.

Pakistan’s Sidra Ameen celebrates her first nomination in the Player of the Month Awards as she dazzled in the victorious ODI series against Ireland in Lahore. From the opposing side, Ireland’s Gaby Lewis is named on the shortlist following impressive batting exploits in her side’s historic T20I series victory which immediately followed.

Thailand’s Natthakan Chantam also enjoyed a prolific month at the crease, registering big scores in her side’s ODI series victory on home soil against the Netherlands.

An independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world can now vote to decide the winners, which will be announced next week. Fans registered at icc-cricket.com/awards are invited to cast their votes until Saturday.

ICC Men’s Player of the Month Nominees for November:

Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK)

Spearheading Pakistan’s bowling attack in their surge to the Men’s T20 World Cup Final, Afridi once again proved a constant threat to opposing batters. Taking ten wickets during the month at a superb average of 7.30, his stand-out figures came in the must-win battle against Bangladesh at Adelaide, where his four for 22 secured his side’s passage through to the knockout stages.

Although he was withdrawn mid-way through the Final due to injury, he was key to keeping England within reach during the showpiece finale.

Jos Buttler (ENG)

At the top of England’s batting order, Buttler showcased his full repertoire of strokes in a series of glittering displays as his side went on to claim the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup. The England captain started the month in dominant fashion with a Player of the Match performance against New Zealand, registering 73 from 47 balls as his side won by 20 runs in Brisbane.

He then bettered this feat in the remarkable semi-final performance against India, where his brutal 80 from 49 balls alongside Alex Hales saw them chase down the 169 target without loss. Alongside his crucial score of 26 in a tense Final, Buttler also provided leadership in the field, ending with the Trophy lift on the field at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.

Adil Rashid (ENG)

Rashid has proven himself time and again as a world-class bowler in the shortest format and November cemented his credentials as one of the standout performers in England’s armoury. Despite having taken just four wickets across the four T20Is he played in during the month, his expert economy rate of 5.70 was pivotal to restricting opposition scores in high-pressure matches.

He claimed the Player of the Match award with figures of one for 16 in the final group game against Sri Lanka at the Sydney Cricket Ground, before excelling in the Final, where the outstanding consistency he demonstrated in his figures of one for 22 was rewarded with the T20 World Cup trophy.

ICC Women’s Player of the Month Nominees for November:

Sidra Ameen (PAK)

Pakistan opener Ameen enjoyed a hugely successful ODI series against Ireland last month, and will be hoping to celebrate her first ICC Player of the Month Award after scoring 277 runs across the three-match series in Lahore and only being dismissed once.

She was in imperious form with the bat, recording her highest score of 176 not out in the first ODI, followed up with an unbeaten 91 from 93 balls as Pakistan claimed the whitewash victory 3-0 over the tourists in Lahore, and she walked away with the Player of the Series prize.

Natthakan Chantham (THA)

Chantham has been a key player for Thailand as they continue their rise in international cricket, and her first ODI appearances for her country underlined her abilities as a top-class batter. She is named on the shortlist after guiding Thailand to a 4-0 series win over a touring Netherlands in Chiangmai.

Scoring 267 runs across the four matches, the Thailand opener registered her first century in this format in the first game (102 from 135 balls), and followed this up with two further half centuries in the successful series.

Gaby Lewis (IRE)

Ireland’s Gaby Lewis is no stranger to the ICC Player of the Month awards, and sees her name shortlisted for the fourth time. Despite losing the ODI series to Pakistan, Ireland bounced back strongly in the three T20Is which followed.

Winning the first match thanks in large part to Lewis’ unbeaten 69 from 54 balls, they then secured the historic series victory in the final game with Lewis once again starring as opening batter. Her stylish 71 from 46 sealed the triumph and a Player of the Series award to cap off the memorable month.

The ICC Player of the Month Voting Process:

The three nominees for either category are shortlisted based on performances from the first to the last day of each calendar month. The shortlist is then voted on by the independent ICC Voting Academy* and fans around the world. The ICC Voting Academy comprises prominent members of the cricket fraternity including well-known journalists, former players, broadcasters and members of the ICC Hall of Fame.

The Voting Academy submit their votes by email and hold a 90 per cent share of the vote. Fans registered with the ICC can vote via the ICC website, accounting for the remaining 10 per cent. Winners are announced every second Monday of the month on ICC’s digital channels.

Voting Academy for ICC Player of the Month November 2022*:

Afghanistan: Hameed Qayoomi and Javed Hamim; Australia: Melinda Farrell and Lisa Sthalekar; Bangladesh: Mohammad Sekander Ali and Md Ariful Islam Roney; England: Elizabeth Ammon and Lydia Greenway; Ireland: Ger Siggins and Clare Shillington; India: Lavanya Lakshmi Narayanan and Irfan Pathan; New Zealand:

Jordan Oppert and Craig Cumming; Pakistan: Sawera Pasha and Sana Mir; South Africa: Zaahier Adams and JP Duminy; Sri Lanka: Azzam Ameen and Farveez Maharoof; West Indies: Daren Ganga and Merissa Aguilleira; Zimbabwe: Daniel Nhakaniso and Mpumelelo Mbangwa; Others: Ajit Vijaykumar and Dirk Nannes.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

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Sciver grabs third position in MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings 

Dubai, December 06, 2022 (PPI-OT):England batter Nat Sciver has moved up to third position in the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings after helping win the first match of their ICC Women’s Championship (IWC) series against the West Indies in Antigua.

Sciver, who was named Player of the Match for her innings of 90 that set the platform for England’s 142-run victory, has moved up one place and is just one off her career-best second position attained in April this year.

Danni Wyatt has moved up three places to 18th after scoring 68 runs and wicketkeeper Amy Jones is up one place to 30th after chipping in with a useful 30, as England won their first match of the championship and are tied with the West Indies in the points table after four matches each.

In the bowlers’ rankings, England off-spinner Charlie Dean’s haul of four for 35 has helped her move up one slot to 18th position while captain Heather Knight has advanced eight places to 87th.

For the West Indies, skipper Hayley Matthews is up one place to 17th after notching a 32-ball 34 at the top of the order. Seam bowler Chinelle Henry has progressed five places to 41st after finishing with three for 59.

In the MRF Tyres ICC Women’s T20I Player Rankings, which take into account performances in the first two matches of the series between New Zealand and Bangladesh, Amelia Kerr is up 13 places to 27th among batters with scores of 27 and 46 not out while Maddy Green’s unbeaten knocks of 36 and 37 have helped her move from 64th to 56th. Kerr has also moved from seventh to fifth among all-rounders.

Medium-fast bowler Haley Jensen has reached a career-best 12th position, her hauls of three for eight and two for 12 lifting her seven places. Lea Tahuhu, who also grabbed five wickets in the two matches, is up 23 places to 15th. Fran Jonas has progressed 17 places and is in the top 20 for the first time.

New Zealand and Bangladesh, who play the last match of their T20I series on Wednesday, will then feature in their IWC series from Sunday. New Zealand beat the West Indies 2-1 in their first series of the championship while Bangladesh make their debut in this edition, which sees the field increased from eight to 10 teams.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com