The Punjab University (PU) Department of History hosted a seminar titled ’84 years of Lahore resolution, Muslim league, Quaid e Azam and demand for Pakistan’ to commemorate a pivotal moment in Pakistan’s history. The event, held on Tuesday, saw the gathering of esteemed scholars, faculty members, and students eager to delve into the intricacies of Pakistan’s founding ideology.

Distinguished historian Dr. Sikandar Hayat, from the Forman Christian College, University Lahore, delivered a comprehensive address during the seminar. Dr. Hayat illuminated the challenges and criticisms encountered by the Pakistan Resolution, shedding light on concerns regarding the feasibility of establishing separate Muslim-majority states and the implications for minority rights. Notably, he addressed prevailing misconceptions, particularly those propagated by leftist perspectives, emphasizing the dynamic and often underappreciated role of Quaid-e-Azam Mohammad Ali Jinnah in the independence movement.

“We don’t prefer regional writers and prefer foreign authors instead,” Dr. Hayat remarked, hinting at a broader discourse surrounding the sources shaping historical narratives within Pakistan. He underscored the enduring legacy of the Pakistan Resolution, stressing its continued relevance in shaping national identity and politics.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Department of History, Prof. Dr. Mahboob Hussain, expressed gratitude to the scholars and attendees, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts for the betterment of Pakistan.

Meanwhile, in another intellectual endeavor on campus, the Punjab University (PU) Library Book Club organized an introductory talk on two significant works: ‘Commentary on the Eleventh Contentions’ by Abdal Hakim Murad and ‘Khutbat-e-Multan’ by Maulana Mufti Abdul Khaliq Azad Rai.

Dr. Muhammad Rasheed Arshad, Assistant Professor in the Department of Philosophy, delved into the depths of ‘Commentary on the Eleventh Contentions,’ highlighting its diverse range of topics encompassing ethics, cosmology, metaphysics, theology, law, and history.

On the other hand, Dr. Shahzeb Khan, Associate Professor at the PU Institute of English Studies, navigated through the scholarly discourses presented in ‘Khutbat-e-Multan,’ offering insights into the Islamic system of justice and politics, the economic system of Islam, and the social aspects of Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) life.

Chief Librarian, Dr. Muhammad Haroon Usmani, lauded the significant interest generated by the event, which attracted a diverse audience of students, faculty members, and intellectual enthusiasts. He extended gratitude to the guest speakers for their valuable contributions.

The seminars serve as a testament to Punjab University’s commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and preserving Pakistan’s rich historical and literary heritage.

Related: PU Launches Tree Plantation Campaign on World Water Day

The Information Technology University (ITU) Lahore, in collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), has spearheaded the nation’s pioneering foray into the metaverse with the launch of virtual reality-based classes.

Breaking new ground in Pakistan’s educational landscape, ITU Lahore has introduced immersive learning experiences that replicate the traditional classroom setting, all within the realm of virtual reality headsets and motion tracking technology. As reported by local Pakistani news outlet Samaa, this innovative approach aims to enhance students’ academic prowess through a dynamic engagement with the metaverse.

Dr. Ibrahim Ghaznavi, Head of the Computer Sciences Department at ITU Lahore, expressed optimism about the transformative potential of this initiative, foreseeing a significant enhancement in students’ learning outcomes through their participation in the metaverse.

The genesis of these groundbreaking courses traces back to the university’s response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, which prompted the institution to transition to online learning. However, the adoption of metaverse technology marks a progressive step forward, aligning with the global trend of leveraging virtual reality for educational purposes.

Reports indicate that ITU Lahore’s pioneering program was developed in collaboration with support from the University of Denmark and may draw inspiration from its spiritual predecessor, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). Since its establishment in 2012, ITU Lahore has been steadfast in its mission to emulate the success of MIT in the realm of technology and engineering. The university boasts an array of strategic partnerships with renowned institutions and corporations such as Harvard and IBM, underscoring its commitment to fostering innovation and academic excellence.

Related: ITU Celebrates 4th Convocation