Lahore, The Centre for Chinese Legal Studies (CCLS) at Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) received a significant endorsement from His Excellency Consul General Zhao Shiren, who pledged steadfast support for the Centre’s initiatives. The commitment was voiced during the Chinese Lantern Festival on February 26, 2024, an event that brought together foreign dignitaries, members of the Chinese community, and the LUMS faculty and students.
According to Lahore University of Management Sciences, the Festival, held at LUMS, was more than a cultural celebration, marking a step forward in academic and diplomatic relations between Pakistan and China. His Excellency Consul General Zhao Shiren assured the gathering of support for academic research, advocacy efforts, and cultural events spearheaded by CCLS.
Dr. Sikandar Ahmad Shah, Director of CCLS, welcomed the attendees and extended Lunar New Year greetings, setting the stage for an evening of reflection and collaboration. His Excellency Ambassador Syed Hassan Raza, Adjunct Faculty CCLS, shared his personal insights into the deep-rooted connections with China.
The ceremony was marked by a symbolic tree planting by Dr. Tariq Jadoon, Provost of LUMS, and His Excellency Consul General Zhao Shiren, representing the durable partnership between LUMS and the Consulate General of China in Lahore. The tree stands as a testament to their united front in educational and cultural endeavors.
A highlight of the Festival was the cake-cutting ceremony, where notable figures such as Ms. Ho Yuk Bing, Principal Chinese International Academy and Deputy Secretary General Chinese Overseas Association, and Dr. Shafiq ur Rehman, Director of the Confucius Institute, joined in the celebrations.
The Chinese Lantern Festival at LUMS not only showcased the vibrancy of cultural exchange but also solidified CCLS’s role in promoting a deeper understanding of Chinese legal studies, language, and culture within Pakistan. LUMS expressed its appreciation to the LUMS Cultural Society for their support in organizing the successful event.
Lahore, The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore marked its 20th Annual Sports Day with grandeur at the City Campus Sports Ground, featuring a wide array of sports contests that showcased the athletic prowess of students from various campuses. The event, organized by the UVAS Sports Directorate, saw significant participation and was graced by prominent figures from the sports and academic communities.
According to University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, the sports day was inaugurated by Muhammad Masoud Anwar, Secretary of Livestock and Dairy Development Department Punjab, and Prof Dr. Muhammad Ijaz, UVAS Chairman Sports Board. The prize distribution ceremony was honored with the presence of former hockey player and Olympian gold medalist Prof Dr. Tariq Aziz Khawaja as the chief guest, alongside other distinguished guests including former Captain of Pakistan Hockey Team Mr. Shahbaz Ahmed Senior and former UVAS Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr. Nasim Ahmad.
The event highlighted the university’s commitment to promoting sports and physical education among its students, with participation from all UVAS campuses including the City Campus Lahore, Ravi Campus Pattoki, College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Jhang, and Khan Bahadar Choudhry Mushtaq Ahmed College of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Narowal. The contests ranged from track events to team sports, culminating in a vibrant display of talent and sportsmanship.
During the inaugural ceremony, Secretary Livestock Muhammad Masoud Anwar announced a substantial investment of Rs 200 million from the Livestock Department for the development of a squash court and astro turf for athletics at UVAS. He emphasized the importance of sports for mental and physical health and commended UVAS students for their achievements in sports at national and international levels.
The closing remarks by the guests of honor underscored the value of sports in character building, self-confidence, and personality grooming. They praised the efforts of the UVAS Sports Board in organizing such an extensive sports event and encouraged further enhancement of sports activities within educational institutions to nurture hidden talent.
The announcement of the establishment of a state-of-the-art wrestling academy and a swimming pool and Resource Center with the financial assistance of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) marked a significant step towards boosting sports facilities at UVAS. Prof Dr. Muhammad Ijaz, in his vote of thanks, expressed gratitude to all participants, guests, and organizers for making the sports day a success.
The sports day concluded with the distribution of trophies, medals, and awards to the outstanding athletes and teams, highlighting the achievements and dedication of UVAS students in various sports disciplines. The event not only celebrated athletic excellence but also set the stage for future developments in sports infrastructure and training at the university.
Karachi, In a significant move aimed at improving transportation for students, Careem, the leading ride-hailing service in Pakistan, has teamed up with Dow University of Health Sciences to offer specialized transport services. The partnership is set to provide discount packages and introduce co-branded buses, enhancing the commuting experience for Dow students with more convenient and affordable options.
According to Dow University of Health Sciences, the collaboration agreement was inked at a ceremony at the university, attended by key figures from both organizations. Careem was represented by Sana Shakeel, Associate Director Business Development; Nuzair Virani, Head of Communications; and Amnah Rizvi, Manager Partnerships. Dow University’s delegation included Prof. M. Saeed Quraishy, Vice Chancellor; Dr. Ashar Afaque, Registrar; and several directors and managers from the marketing and public relations departments.
Under the terms of the agreement, Dow students will benefit from exclusive promo codes granting a 25% discount on rides booked through the Careem app, capped at PKR 100 off, and valid for up to four rides per student each month. This initiative is expected to significantly ease the daily commute for students, providing them with a reliable and cost-effective transportation solution.
Imran Saleem, General Manager Ride Hailing at Careem Pakistan, expressed optimism about the partnership, emphasizing its role in enhancing students’ commuting experiences by offering safe and reliable transportation options. He highlighted the collaboration’s potential to address some of the key challenges faced by students in their daily travel needs.
Prof. M. Saeed Quraishy, Vice Chancellor of DUHS, echoed these sentiments, stating the university’s commitment to not only offering top-notch education but also facilitating students with additional services that support their academic journey. He lauded the agreement with Careem as a significant milestone in achieving this goal.
Furthermore, the partnership between Careem and Dow University is not limited to transportation discounts and services. Both parties have expressed a keen interest in expanding their collaboration to include health initiatives for Careem’s captains, donation collection efforts, and other projects aimed at improving customer experiences and supporting the student community more broadly.
This collaboration marks a pioneering step towards integrating technology-based transportation solutions with educational institutions in Pakistan, promising to set a precedent for similar partnerships in the future. By combining their strengths, Careem and Dow University aim to make a meaningful impact on student life, underscoring their commitment to social responsibility and community support.
Karachi, The Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre (SSKIC) at the Institute of Business Management (IoBM) has announced the selection of five innovative start-ups to join its third cohort, following the Final Pitch Day event held on February 17. The chosen start-ups, spanning a range of industries from blockchain-powered climate solutions to AI-driven fashion technology, emerged from a competitive pool of 30 contenders, all vying for a place in SSKIC’s comprehensive 6-month incubation program.
According to Institute of Business Management, the program promises to provide the selected start-ups with a host of invaluable resources, including mentorship from seasoned industry experts, access to funding and investment opportunities, and a suite of skill development workshops and training programs. Additionally, participants will benefit from co-working spaces and essential infrastructure support, setting a robust foundation for their growth and development within the entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The selection process was overseen by a panel of 12 esteemed judges from various sectors, including academia, healthcare, finance, and technology. The judges included Dr. Seema Ansari, Advisor to Rector, IoBM; Dr. Imran Batada, CTO and Director CIT, IoBM; and Prof. Dr. Farhan Essa, Chairman of Dr. Essa Health Services Pvt. Ltd., among others. After rigorous evaluation, the judges chose Greenova8, DigiBook, Filt Resha, 1Archiver.AI, and Jeanius Digital as the top five start-ups to join Cohort 3. These start-ups represent a new wave of innovation in areas such as eco-conscious products, digital archiving, and AI-enhanced retail, indicating a bright future for entrepreneurial ventures in the region.
The announcement marks a significant milestone for SSKIC and the Institute of Business Management in their ongoing efforts to nurture and develop entrepreneurial talent, providing a platform for promising start-ups to thrive and contribute to the economy. As these start-ups embark on their journey with SSKIC, the entrepreneurial landscape in Karachi and beyond looks set to benefit from their innovative solutions and fresh perspectives.