Islamabad, The International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) marked a significant milestone by holding its 100th Meeting of the Selection Board at the Faisal Masjid Campus, chaired by the university’s President, H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud Al-Otaibi. The landmark event took place over two sessions on Wednesday, March 06, 2024, and Thursday, March 07, 2024, gathering esteemed members of the academic and judicial communities.
According to International Islamic University Islamabad, the meeting was graced by the presence of Honorable Mr. Justice Dr. Syed Muhammad Anwer, Aalim Judge of the Federal Shariat Court Islamabad, a representative from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Islamabad, and relevant IIUI officials. The selection board conducted interviews for various vacant academic positions within the Faculty of Social Sciences (FSS) and the Faculty of Shariah and Law, aiming to bolster the university’s commitment to academic excellence and scholarly pursuit.
This session signifies a momentous achievement for IIUI, underscoring its dedication to upholding high standards in education and contributing significantly to the academic and legal spheres.
Jamshoro, In an initiative aimed at mitigating the impact of drug use among the youth, the University of Sindh, Jamshoro, has taken a proactive stance by organizing a seminar titled “Drugs Abuse Awareness and Prevention.” This event, held in collaboration with the Bureau of STAGS, PM Green Youth Movement, and the Anti-Crime and Anti-Narcotics Organization, brought together students, teachers, and experts to discuss strategies for sensitizing communities to the dangers of drug abuse.
According to University of Sindh, the seminar provided a platform for speakers to emphasize the importance of community engagement in the fight against drug addiction, specifically targeting the province of Sindh’s youth. Additional Collector Customs Tahir Abbas, Assistant Director Anti-Narcotic Force Hyderabad Haroon Tariq, and Dr. Shehryar Qambrani from the Benazir Bhutto Shaheed Addiction and Drug Rehabilitation Centre were among the experts who shared insights on drug prevention, treatment, and the psychological and socio-cultural factors contributing to drug use.
Highlighting the crucial role of educational institutions, media, and civil society in drug abuse prevention, the speakers advocated for a collective effort to protect the youth by promoting healthy activities and lifestyle changes. The seminar underscored the necessity of government and institutional support for research and public awareness campaigns as effective measures against the increasing trend of drug use.
Dr. Farhat Jokhyo, Associate Professor at the Department of Psychology, announced plans for collaborative research with the ANF and other organizations to explore solutions to the drug crisis. Meanwhile, Dr. Ghazala Panhwar, Director of the Bureau of STAGS, outlined efforts to monitor student activities closely and encourage participation in sports and debates as alternatives to drug use.
The seminar concluded with a call to action for all stakeholders to contribute to building a progressive, prosperous, and drug-free Pakistan. A drug awareness rally further reinforced the message, spreading awareness across the university campus.
Lahore, The Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) Centre for Entrepreneurship, in collaboration with the IDEA Lab at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the non-profit organization Umeed, successfully hosted a three-day Global Entrepreneurship Conference. The event, which took place from March 4th to 6th, 2024, convened a vibrant assembly of entrepreneurs, academics, students, investors, and influential figures from across the globe.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the conference aimed to foster a culture of innovation and collaboration among participants. Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost at LUMS, expressed his enthusiasm for the conference as a platform for exchanging ideas and learning from experienced entrepreneurs, especially those from the US.
The event featured opening remarks from distinguished guests, including Ms. Dina H. Sherif, Executive Director of the Legatum Center for Development and Entrepreneurship at MIT, and Ms. Johanna Hising DiFabio, Assistant Dean of Executive Degree Programs at the MIT Sloan School of Management. They highlighted the critical role of entrepreneurship and innovation in driving sustainable and equitable growth.
The conference offered a range of sessions led by prominent speakers such as Mr. Hassan Ajwad Abbas, CEO of Umeed; Mr. Roberto M. Fernandez, Professor at MIT Sloan School of Management; and representatives from Ericsson, Delta Air Lines, Bruce Power, Rock Yard Ventures, Aiforia, and LEGO Group. Discussions covered the IDEA-Lab Pakistan concept, the art of idea generation, global strategy, renewable energy, cultural dynamics, pitching for success, AI insights, and the intersection of science and market needs.
Ms. DiFabio praised the MIT Executive MBA team in Pakistan for their dedication to creating positive change and developing innovative solutions, particularly in Pakistan. Ms. Dina H. Sherif emphasized the significant impact that entrepreneurship can have on creating prosperity and jobs.
Mr. Ajwad Abbas shared his vision for IDEA-Lab Pakistan as a systemic model to foster Deep Tech Innovation in Pakistan, aiming for a lasting partnership with MIT. The conference also spotlighted the Tabeer Project, a capacity-building initiative by LCE and the US Department of State, which provided a unique training and networking opportunity for Business Incubation Centres (BICs) across universities in Punjab.
At the conference’s conclusion, Prof. Nauman Zaffar, Director of LCE, reflected on the successful start of their mission to build a comprehensive entrepreneurial network for collaborative learning and capacity building with local and international partners. The event marked a significant step towards strengthening the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Pakistan and beyond.