National Innovation Awards 2023

Lahore, April 03, 2023 (PPI-OT):
Greetings!

For 75 years Pakistan has survived and thrived because of the resilience and ingenuity of its People.

The National Innovation Awards resumes its mission to continue recognizing and celebrating the individuals and groups and organisations that continue to strive to put Pakistan on the map.

About the Awards

The National Innovation Awards are given to recognise Innovation and innovators across a range of different sectors in the Pakistani Society for which a three-pronged approach has been used to solicit nominations. These include: polling of experts and gatekeepers across a range of different sectors and walks of life; and direct solicitation through email and through social media. Awards are being given in 12+4 categories. (Listed below)

Finance/Fintech Innovation

Education Innovation

Social / Civic Innovation

Health Innovation

Corporate/Business Innovation

Art and Design Innovation

Build in Pakistan/ DeepTech Innovation

Most Innovative University (Programme)

Agri+Rural Innovation

Industry Innovation

Government Innovation

Most innovative Tech Startup

In addition to the above 12 categories, four (04) SPECIAL AWARDS are also conferred: The Young Innovative Talent Award, the Women Innovator Award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, and a Peoples’ Choice Innovator of the Year Award. The Awards are judged by a distinguished jury of leading CEOs, Government, and Civil Society Leaders from across the country.

Nominate yourself and the innovators and thought leaders around you as we come together to keep the innovative spirit of the nation alive!

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: www.fccollege.edu.pk

Rector’s Message for Pakistan Day

Lahore, March 23, 2023 (PPI-OT): March 23 marks an essential anniversary in Pakistan’s journey toward nationhood – the date in 1940 on which the Pakistan Muslim League adopted the Lahore Resolution which eventually led to the creation of Pakistan. Forman Christian College (A Chartered University) has played an important part in that journey, culminating in August 1947 when Forman graduate and Supreme Court Justice Mian Abdul Rashid administered the oath office, swearing in Quaid-i-Azam Jinnah as the first Governor-General of Pakistan.

The Minar-i-Pakistan in Iqbal Park now marks the spot where the Lahore Resolution was adopted – designed, as it happens, by the Russian-born Pakistan architect and engineer Nasreddin Murat-Khan, the same architect who designed Forman’s iconic Sinclair Hall. Over the past many years, “Old Formanites” from all backgrounds, communities and walks of life have worked toward fulfilling the dreams reflected in Pakistan’s founding, whether as civil servants, politicians, diplomats, academics, entrepreneurs, community leaders or in countless other roles.

Looking ahead, Forman remains committed to its historic goal of providing quality higher education to Pakistan’s next generation, promoting an educational experience rooted in the moral legacy reflected in its timeless motto: “By Love Serve One Another”.

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: www.fccollege.edu.pk

FCCU Media Center and Mass Communication Department Organized a three days workshop on Journalist Safety

Lahore, March 21, 2023 (PPI-OT): Faculty of Humanities, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), in collaboration with the Department of Journalism and Media Studies, and the Oslo Metropolitan University, Norway, hosted a three-day workshop on Journalism Safety from 14th – 16th March, the goal of the workshop was to provide journalists with the necessary knowledge and abilities to protect themselves in hazardous situations and to cope with the emotional consequences that may follow such encounters.

Journalists play a crucial role in the dissemination of information and in holding those in power accountable. However, this role can come at the cost of their physical and mental health, while covering dangerous stories, particularly in areas of conflict and high levels of violence. In these situations, their mental safety becomes even more important because they are exposed to high levels of stress, trauma, and danger.

They may witness violence, injury, death, and destruction, which can have a profound impact on their health and well-being. Without proper protection, journalists can be subjected to harassment, assault, kidnapping, or even murder.

The second day of the conference was focused on the training and covering of the demonstrations, highlighting conflicts, and sensitive issues. Lastly, the third day of the workshop focused on different strategies for dealing with threats, smear campaigns, online harassment, and surveillance.

Dr. Altaf Ullah Khan, Dean of Humanities and Professor of Mass Communications at FCCU, and Ms. Abeer Saady, War Correspondent, Researcher, Media Consultant, joined the workshop as the trainers. Ms. Sabahat Afseen and Mr. Umer Farooq joined as co-trainers.

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: www.fccollege.edu.pk

Department of Environmental Sciences Organizes International Conference on Soil Pollution and Remediation

Lahore, March 21, 2023 (PPI-OT): An International Conference on Soil Pollution and Remediation held in Forman Christian College, Lahore on 15-16 March 2023 organized by Department of Environmental Sciences, Forman Christian College (A Chartered University), Lahore.

Soil resources in Pakistan are at the risk because of the pressures of unprecedented rise in population, intensive agriculture, industrial expansions, unplanned urban sprawls, and mismanagement of solid and hazardous wastes. The conference was organized to understand biogenic and anthropogenic causes and sources of soil pollution and possible strategies for adaptation and mitigation.

The main themes covered in the conference were soil pollution and treatment; soil quality and health; constructed wetlands, phytoremediation and bioremediation techniques, fate of organic soil pollutants and soil remediation at nanoscale.

The conference was attended by many distinguished national and international professors, students, personnel of research organizations, industries, civilians, and civil society organizations. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal, Vice chancellor of Baba Guru Nanak University, Nankana Sahib graced the event with his presence.

After welcoming all the distinguished guests, presenters and participants, focal person of the conference Associate Professor Dr. Muhmmad Shahbaz Akhtar introduced the conference theme Soilutions to the Pollution rather than Dilution to the Pollution. After the introduction of Environmental Sciences Department, Associate professor and head of department, Dr. Derk Bakker explained the conference program, themes, and importance of the conference.

FCCU Vice Rector of Academics Dr. Douglas Trimble appreciated the Environmental Sciences Department for organizing such a wonderful conference. The Chief guest appreciated the efforts of the organizers and urged that such conferences are necessary specially to conserve and protect our non-renewable natural resources.

Foreign speakers from USA, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Philippines, and Saudi Arabia also presented their research activities and suggested sustainable strategies to combat soil pollution.

A workshop on synthesis and environmental applications of graphene-based nanomaterials in arsenic removal was conducted on the second day of the conference. Resource persons (Associate Professor Dr, Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar, FC College, Lahore, Pakistan; Prof. Tetsuya Kida and Dr. Sohail Ahamad, Kumamoto University, Japan; and Dr. Khurram Joya, Islamic University Madinah, Saudi Arabia) presented synthesis, characterization, and environmental applications of carbon-based nanomaterials/nanocomposites.

The speakers and participants discussed major pressures on soil resources of Pakistan and presented sustainable solutions to mitigate soil pollution and strategies. During second day of the conference, Dean of post graduate studies and Director ORIC FCCU, Prof. Dr. Kauser Abdullah Malik appreciated the Environmental Sciences Department and organizers (Patron Dr. Derk Bakker, focal person Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar and coordinator Dr. Sohaib Aslam) for organizing a wonderful conference. He emphasized that such conferences could help to redesign the strategies to mitigate environmental pollution.

In closing remarks, focal person Dr. Muhammad Shahbaz Akhtar quoted the remarks of distinguished professor Dr. Ratan Lal form Ohio State University, USA that ‘we are the soils, and we must protect this very important non-renewable natural resource.

Soils can survive without us, but we cannot survive without soils. Hence, we should look forward to design and efforts to approve and implement the Healthy Soils Act just like we have the acts for clean water and clean air.

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: www.fccollege.edu.pk

FCCU English Department Secures 3rd Position in Intercollegiate English Literature and Linguistics Quiz Competition

Lahore, March 15, 2023 (PPI-OT): The students from the Department of English at FCCU participated in an intercollegiate and varsity English Literature and Linguistics Quiz Competition organized by Government Graduate College, Township, Lahore, held on March 9, 2023. The esteemed organizers of this event intended to prepare their students for the upcoming Public Services Commission (FPSC) and Punjab Public Services Commission (PPSC) and had invited teams from all over Lahore to participate.

FCCU’s English Department sent their team comprising its students Hassan Abbas and Khadeeja Batool, along with their mentor Sir Fahad Aftab and the Chairperson of the English Department, Prof. Dr. Fatima Syeda, who was also the Chief Guest at the event. Out of the 15 teams from reputable institutions such as UCP, GCU, LCWU, University of Education, University of the Punjab, and many others, FCCU secured the 3rd position. We are extremely proud of our students for competing with great zeal and determination and for upholding the legacy of the Department and the Institution.

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: www.fccollege.edu.pk

Pakistan Studies: A Book of Readings (Launching Ceremony)

Lahore, March 09, 2023 (PPI-OT): On 6 March 2023, a book launching ceremony of ‘Pakistan Studies: A Book of Readings,’ edited by Dr. Sikandar Hayat, Distinguished Professor of History and Dean of Social Sciences, and published by Sang-e-Meel Publications, Lahore (2023), was held at the FC College University, Lahore. It was attended by a host of participants from the university, faculty, staff, students, Deans, Chiefs, HODs, Directors, former and current rectors, and contributing authors of the book.

Dr. Sikandar Hayat, in his introductory remarks, as expressed in the ‘Preface,’ explained the need for the book in these words: ‘I realized, with dismay, that there was no proper, accessible book for the students who, indeed, had to take up the Pakistan Studies course, as a compulsory course to complete their degree requirements.

The course readings were selected from here and there, from different sources, lacking any coherence or consistency in their standards, approach, or substance.

Mostly these were chance selections, some indeed not meant for undergraduate students, beyond their competence or capacity’.

Dr. Hayat explained that in terms of content, this book is valuable for undergraduate students all over Pakistan as it covers pertinent topics in line with the HEC guidelines on the subject. The authors had made a conscious effort to keep the narrative simple, straight, free of jargon, and thus easy to follow and comprehend for students at the undergraduate level.

Apart from the chapter, ‘Genesis of Pakistan,’ written by Dr. Sikander Hayat, other eminent scholars who wrote for the book include Dr. Farzand Masih (Ancient Civilizations of Pakistan), Prof Kashif Shafique (Land and People of Pakistan), Dr. Muhammad Younis (Politics and Government in Pakistan), Dr. Uzma Hanif (Economic Development in Pakistan), Dr. Arfa Sayeda Zehra (Society and Culture of Pakistan), Dr. Saeed Shafqat (Foreign Policy of Pakistan), Dr. Sara Rizvi Jafree (Women and Minorities in Pakistan), and Dr. Nukhbah Taj Langah (Languages and Literature in Pakistan).

Dr. Hayat acknowledged that Pakistan Studies books were “essentially books on the history of Pakistan, with a sprinkling of a few other topics here and there.’ This book offers multidisciplinary, wholesome text on the study of Pakistan, at the undergraduate level.

Former Rector, Dr. James Tebbe, also attended the book launch ceremony and appreciated the contribution of Dr. Sikandar Hayat and his contributing authors, who, he said, wrote a masterpiece for the undergraduate students of Pakistan.

The Rector, Dr. Jonathan Addleton concluded the event by appreciating the work of Dr. Sikanadar Hayat and the other eight contributing authors. He acknowledged their effort and dedication and the impact of this publication on the education and intellectual growth of students all over Pakistan. He also expressed gratitude for their commitment to academic excellence and contribution to the university’s mission of fostering knowledge.

For more information, contact:
Forman Christian College
Ferozpur Road, Lahore 54600, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99231581-8
Fax: +92-42-99230703
E-Mail: contact@fccollege.edu.pk
Website: Bring Tech Pro