The Punjab University (PU) Hailey College of Banking & Finance (HCBF) recently hosted its 12th degree awarding ceremony, a momentous occasion where 232 students were honored with their hard-earned degrees. The ceremony, held with grandeur, witnessed the presence of esteemed guests including former Advisor to Chief Minister Khawaja Ahmed Hassaan, Chairman of Punjab Higher Education Commission (PHEC) Dr. Shahid Munir, PU Vice Chancellor Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood, Faculty of Commerce Dean Prof Dr. Mubbasher Munawar Khan, HCBF Principal Dr. Ahmed Muneeb Mehta, Registrar Dr. Ahmed Islam, faculty members, and a plethora of jubilant students.

Addressing the gathering, Khawaja Ahmad Hassaan emphasized the pivotal role bestowed upon the students in the nation’s development. He expressed concerns over the dilution of family relationships due to the omnipresence of smartphones, urging the youth to seek wisdom from their elders and actively participate in uplifting others within their field.

Dr. Shahid Munir lauded the sacrifices made by the parents for their children’s education and advocated for greater participation of women in practical fields to bolster the national and domestic economy. He urged students to engage in the advancement of Islamic banking, highlighting the indispensable role of women in national development.

Prof Dr. Khalid Mahmood underscored Punjab University’s legacy of producing exemplary graduates across various disciplines and encouraged students to contribute towards the nation’s betterment. He emphasized the importance of alumni maintaining connections with their alma mater.

Dr. Ahmed Muneeb Mehta accentuated the college’s commitment to providing education aligned with contemporary demands and fostering marketable skills among students. He announced the distribution of medals and degrees to 232 graduates, spanning both 2-year and 3.5-year MBA programs.

The ceremony was marked by an atmosphere of pride and accomplishment as students, parents, and faculty celebrated the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. As these graduates embark on their professional journeys, they carry with them the knowledge, values, and aspirations instilled by Punjab University Hailey College of Banking & Finance.

In essence, the ceremony not only symbolized academic achievement but also served as a reminder of the profound impact education can have on individual lives and society as a whole.

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In a bid to catalyze economic growth and prosperity in rural areas through evidence-based policies and targeted interventions, the University of Sargodha (UoS) has announced the establishment of the Rural Economic Transformation Lab in collaboration with the Local Government.

The initiative was unveiled during a significant meeting that brought together key stakeholders, including Commissioner Sargodha Division Muhammad Ajmal Bhatti, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Qaisar Abbas, Chairman Department of Economics Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan, Principal College of Agriculture, Deputy Commissioner, Assistant Commissioner, Director Colleges Sargodha, CEO Education Sargodha, and Dean Faculty of Engineering from the Information Technology University (ITU) Lahore.

During the gathering, Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan, Chairman of the Department of Economics at UoS, elucidated the objectives of the newly established lab, underlining its pivotal role in fostering sustainable rural development. Commissioner Sargodha emphasized the significance of evidence-based policymaking for effective governance, underscoring the necessity for robust data and empirical evidence.

In line with the objectives outlined, Commissioner Sargodha proposed the launch of a pilot project in Tehsil Kotmomin, District Sargodha, with the collaborative support of academic institutions such as UoS. To inaugurate this initiative, the Vice Chancellor pledged a funding of PKR 2 million for the pilot project.

The implementation of the pilot project will be spearheaded by Prof. Dr. Masood Sarwar Awan in cooperation with the Local Government, Agriculture College of UoS, and Information Technology University Lahore. The project aims to leverage academic expertise and technological innovation to propel sustainable economic growth and enhance the livelihoods of rural communities.

This collaborative endeavor signifies a significant step towards addressing the economic challenges prevalent in rural areas, harnessing the collective potential of academia and governance to drive tangible and inclusive development at the grassroots level.

The establishment of the Rural Economic Transformation Lab underscores the commitment of UoS and the Local Government to facilitate socio-economic progress and upliftment in rural regions, paving the way for a more prosperous and equitable future for all stakeholders involved.

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In a bid to explore the intersection of design and community impact, Punjab University (PU) Department of Graphic Design recently hosted a seminar titled “Design for Community.” The event featured Ms. Rabia Razaq, an esteemed alumna of the Graphic Design program, whose innovative work in Chicago’s healthcare sector has garnered widespread acclaim.

Ms. Razaq, a passionate advocate for inclusive technology, shared her insights and experiences with current students during the seminar. Notably, her design projects have advanced to the selection stage of the prestigious Hult Prize, underscoring their innovative and impactful nature.

During her presentation, Ms. Razaq emphasized the integration of accessibility principles into design projects, aiming to ensure that technology serves all members of society. She elucidated on the design thinking process, highlighting its pivotal role in crafting effective solutions to complex problems. “It’s the question that takes a designer to a solution,” she remarked, inspiring students to approach design challenges with curiosity and empathy.

Chairman of the Department, Prof. Dr. Ahmad Bilal, underscored the significance of the design thinking process in achieving optimal solutions. He lauded Ms. Razaq’s career trajectory as a testament to the diverse opportunities within the field of design, urging students to carve out their own paths in this dynamic industry.

Following the presentations, a lively question-and-answer session provided students with the opportunity to engage directly with Ms. Razaq and further explore key concepts discussed during the seminar. The event witnessed a significant turnout of design students, eager to glean insights from the distinguished alumna.

Faculty members, including Ms. Sumbal, Mr. Seyd Shaan, and Mr. Abdullah, were also in attendance, offering their support and expertise to enrich the learning experience for students.

The seminar served as a platform for students to gain valuable insights into the evolving landscape of graphic design, with a particular focus on its potential to drive positive change within communities. Ms. Razaq’s exemplary journey from Punjab University to international recognition exemplifies the transformative impact of innovative design solutions, inspiring the next generation of designers to make a difference in the world.

Related: UNDP focus group on training of journalism students held at PU

A focus group exploring the “Practical Training of Journalism Students” was recently convened by UNDP trainer Dr. Yasir Masood alongside Dr. Shabbir Sarwar, the In-charge of Punjab University (PU) TV Center. The discussion delved into four pivotal areas: fact-checking, practical training methodologies, fostering innovation, and the role of research in journalism. Participants critically examined the efficacy of different approaches in combating misinformation, the adequacy of practical training opportunities for journalism students, and the necessary reforms to enhance journalistic quality.

The session, spanning two hours, was marked by a robust exchange of ideas, with students actively contributing their perspectives. Dr. Yasir emphasized the importance of gathering diverse viewpoints, highlighting plans for further data collection from educators in the upcoming phase to inform curriculum development. Dr. Shabbir underscored the inevitability of curriculum updates to align with advancements in media and technology, expressing gratitude to UNDP for engaging the Department of Journalism in this collaborative effort.

The discussions culminated in the distribution of certificates to the participating students, acknowledging their valuable contributions to the discourse. This initiative stands as a testament to the commitment towards nurturing a more proficient cadre of journalists equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of news and information dissemination.

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