The 6th meeting of the Senate of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) was held at SMIU’s Senate Hall on Tuesday chaired by Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo.

Vice-Chancellor SMIU Dr Mujeeb Sahrai and other members of the Senate including Dr A.Q. Mughal, Mr Shahzad Mahmood, Dr Jamshed Adil Halepota, Prof Dr Muhammad Malook Rind, Mr Asif Hussain Samo, Ms Quratulain Nazeer Ahmed, Mr Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, Mr Mushtaq Muhammad Gopang, Register Mr Ghulam Mustafa Shaikh, deans, chairpersons, heads of various sections and faculty members of SMIU attended the meeting.

The minutes and actions taken on the decisions of 5th Senate meeting were confirmed. A resolution was passed on the Annual Budget Estimated for the fiscal year of 2022-23 and the revised budget of the fiscal year of 2021-22.

The Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai informed the Senate that government of Sindh has allocated Rs.292 million as a Grant-in-aid for the fiscal year of 2022-23. In this regard, the vice chancellor lauded the role of Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Minster for Universities and Boards Mohammad Ismail Rahoo, Secretary Universities and Boards Muhammad Mureed Rahimoon and other officials of Sindh Government for their support. Adding to it, he said SMIU is needed more funds as it is an expanding university, which had planned to launch different development projects.

He also informed the Senate that SMIU is bearing expenditure of about 90 million rupees of SMIU’s Model School annually. Hence, to get separate budget for the SMIU Model School, the matter is with the provincial department of education and literacy. The vice chancellor hoped that the SMIU will be given separate budget for its School in the next fiscal year of 2023-24.

Rahoo said that he shall take efforts to get the matter resolved, because he conserved an important part of SMIU. The report of construction of two buildings i.e. I.T. Tower and SMIU Model Schools’ building in the city campus was presented and it was said that these buildings were constructed from SMIU’s own reserved funds. Similarly, the Senate was informed about the construction work of the Malir Campus and said that now its work has been spedized as compared to the years of Covid-19.

The Senate was informed that since the last two years, SMIU has progressed a lot in the field of research. Seven research journals are being published and out of them two have received Y- category from the HEC Pakistan. Thus, it was decided that financial assistance for research work will be sought from national and international organizations.

Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai informed the Senate that SMIU is going to organise a mega research event titled 1st Global Research Congress on 8th and 9th March 2023, that will boost the research culture in the country.

In the Senate it was decided that study visits for students within the country and abroad will be started at amid to give them exposure of the world. Some members raised questions on the leadership program initiated by the former management of the university, and in their response it was decided that a committee will be formed to look into the matter.

The Senate members lauded role of Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai playing for progress and development of SMIU.

Minister Mohammad Ismail Rahoo also gave his observations in the meeting and appreciated the services of Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai. He said SMIU being a historic educational institution is on the priority of the Government of Sindh, and he personally takes keen interest in its development. In the Senate meeting Fatiha was performed for victims of earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

Meanwhile Rahoo attended oath taking ceremony organised by Directorate of Students Affairs for newly elected office bearers of SMIU’s nine students’ societies at the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium of the varsity. The Minister along with Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai and Senate Member Mr. A.Q. Mughal administered the oath. He also distributed certificates among the former office bearers of the Students’ Societies and their patrons.

Thereafter, in his address Mr. Muhammad Ismail Rahoo said students’ societies are essential for students’ growth as leader. Also, they provide various opportunities to their fellow students to exhibit their creative talent. But they shouldn’t compromise on their basic aim of acquiring education at the university.

Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor SMIU congratulated the office bearers of the Student Council and said that their all activities should be for development and progress of the university. He praised their role in organising most meaningful events for learning and training of students.

Dr. Asif Ali Wagan, Director Students’ Affairs presented a welcome address and thanked the minister and vice chancellor for their support. Ms. Zonaira Jalali, Manager Students’ Affairs conducted the program. Deans, chairperson, officials and students attended the program.

Related: SMIU holds graduation ceremony of its Cohort

A seven-member delegation of the five leading Russian universities from different parts of Russia visited the University of Karachi (UoK) on Wednesday.

They met the UoK Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi at the VC Secretariat and discussed the proposals of initiating cooperation and bilateral programs for the faculty members and the students of both countries.

The visiting delegate comprising of Iana Grigoreva, Head of the International Department, and Irina Karpeeva, Expert of the International Department from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Rustem Chanshev of Kazan Federal University, Aleksandra Shevchenko, Head of the International Department, and Nikita Sirotenko, Expert of Admission Department from Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design, SPbSUITD, Natalia Kovaleva, Head of Academic Mobility Department, Ural Federal University, and Konstantin Vinogradov, Head of International Projects Department, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (RSAU – MTAA named after K.A. Timiryazev) briefed the UoK VC Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi, deans of various faculties, and members of the student’s advisory council about the programs and degrees offered in the Russian universities in detail.

Meanwhile, the UoK Students’ Advisor Dr Syed Asim Ali briefed the visiting delegation about the history of the University of Karachi and teaching and research activities conducted on the campus.

The visiting delegation and the UoK administration agreed that by establishing a good working relationship the UoK and Russian varsities could initiate various joint academic programs and would be able to provide facilities to their faculty and students.

They also discussed and agreed to launch faculty and student exchange programs, joint research publications, and co-supervising research work and publications at different departments of the UoK and Russian varsities.

The UoK and the Russian universities believe that multiple joint programs could be launched to facilitate scholars, students, and faculty of both countries. They also discussed plans for online participation in seminars and workshops.

Related: UoK holds conference on saline resource management

The National University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) has taken an initiative to impart nutrition education sessions to school children in twin cities in its drive for creating awareness to help improve their health as 40.2 percent of children in Pakistan are suffering from stunted growth, said the head of NUMS Department of Nutrition & Dietetics, Dr Abdul Momin Rizwan Ahmed here on Sunday.

Realizing the dire state of nutrition indicators in Pakistan and the importance of spreading awareness about nutrition education at the grassroots level, NUMS Department of Nutrition & Dietetics (DND) started education sessions at different schools in Rawalpindi and Islamabad.

The series of such sessions were held at Roots International School, the Great Maple School, United Charter School, the International School System, and SLS Montessori School and college PWD campus, where NUMS’s nutrition experts gave lessons for two days to students of Grade I to grades IV, and Grades V to VIII on the topics of “Importance of Breakfast and Healthy Eating – The Concept of My Plate”, he said.

These educational sessions were conducted in accordance with UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 2) (Zero Hunger), SDG 3 (Good health and well-being) and SDG 4 (Quality education). NUMS Department of Nutrition & Dietetics aims to continue conducting such training sessions in various schools in the twin cities of Islamabad and Rawalpindi.

According to the National Nutrition Survey of Pakistan 2018-19, 40.2% of children in Pakistan are stunted (lower height for age), 17.7% suffer from wasting (lower weight for height), 28.9% are underweight (lower weight for age) while 9.5% are overweight. These indicators call for immediate interventions to bring about a long-term change in the eating habits and dietary choices of people at large.

During NUMS educational nutrition sessions, school children were explained through videos the difference between healthy and junk foods. They were told how the consumption of healthy and junk food affects their health.

Related: NUMS ensuring a dignified learning and enabling environment

The National Outreach Program (NOP) of the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) team visited Peshawar, a vibrant and culturally rich city with a wide range of education and cultural institutions.

The team conducted several information sessions where students were informed about the National Outreach Program (NOP) scholarship and were briefed on the state-of-the-art facilities at LUMS. During the Q&A sessions that followed, the eligibility criteria for the NOP Summer Coaching Session (SCS) and the application process were discussed. The team conducted similar in-class sessions to reach students in different colleges and universities. One of the NOP scholars at LUMS and an alumnus of Islamia College Peshawar (ICP) encouraged his juniors to apply for the NOP.

The NOP team also interacted with attendees of the NOP Summer Coaching Session 2022 at different colleges in Peshawar. The attendees shared their experiences with their juniors and motivated them to apply for this year’s NOP SCS 2023.

The team also visited Pakistan’s first-ever Girls Cadet College in Mardan (GCCM) to talk about opportunities by conducting a similar session. The session further strengthened the team’s mission to spread awareness about the scholarship and the opportunities it provides to students across Pakistan regardless of their ethnicity or background.

As a result of the visit, hundreds of students were motivated to apply for the scholarship.

Related: The Transformational ‘Ambassadors for Change’ Program at LUMS

Under the auspices of the Association of Private Sector Universities Pakistan (APSUP), Pakistani universities have signed cooperative agreements with leading Turkish universities during their visit to Istanbul.

The agreements were signed by Istanbul Aydin University and Yeditepe University with Pakistani universities including the University of Lahore (UoL), Superior University, Preston University, Iqra University, University of Management & Technology (UMT), Gift University, Indus University and the University of Sialkot.

The main areas of cooperation include the exchange of included exchange of faculty and students for teaching, research, studies, collaboration for short-term programs, research projects and publications, organizing joint seminars, conferences and other academic events, cooperation in online learning, development of joint and dual degree programs and organizing joint cultural activities designed to promote international understanding.

On this occasion Chairman APSUP, Prof Dr Ch Abdul Rehman, President Istanbul Aydin University Prof Dr Mustafa Aydin, Rector Istanbul University Prof Yadigar Izmirli,  Mian Imran Masood Chief spokesperson APSUP, Prof Dr Canan Aykut Bingol Rector Yeditepe University, Dr Abdul Basit President APSUP Federal Chapter, Muhammad Anwar Dar Chairman Gift University, Prof Dr Sumaira Rehman Rector Superior University, Prof Dr Asif Raza Rector UMT, Prof Dr Shahid Qureshi Rector Gift University, Murtaza Noor Executive Director APSUP, Ms Ayesha Zahid Executive Director Superior University, Nabhan Shah Karim Head of Marketing & Communication, Institute of Business Management and representatives of University of Lahore, Iqra University and University of Sialkot.

The visiting Pakistani delegation also expressed condolence over human loss during the recent earthquake and offered Fatiha.

Related: APSUP demands Revision in Intake Limit for Architecture Programs Admissions

The Asian Institute of Fashion Design (AIFD) of Iqra University (IU) through its students is all set to showcase a collection of work at the Hôtel d’Évreux located in Place Vendôme in Paris, France on March 5th, 2023.

Place Vendôme is the most prestigious square in Paris and is home to designer brands like Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Dior, and Cartier. AIFD Students will be showcasing their work in Paris during Paris Fashion Week for the very first time, putting Pakistani designers at the forefront of the fashion landscape.

AIFD’s show in Paris will begin with their first ever student-made Fashion Film, ‘Enchanted Odyssey’ which will be followed by a showcase of the Top 10 looks from the AIFD Thesis Collection 2022.  The collection is going to be showcased at Hôtel d’Évreux in Place Vendôme which was built in the 17th century, the Hôtel d’Évreux is a model of Period architecture. With its 18th Directoire and Napoléon III style rooms, it’s a jewel of the Paris historical and assets heritage.

Fashion Weeks provide one’s brand a platform to be part of a prestigious and momentous global event. Young designers are given an opportunity to present their collections during off-schedule slots or presentations during Fashion Week. Many Fashion Weeks have events or spaces specifically designated for emerging designers to showcase their work during this coveted time of the year. Any brand that wishes to make an impact begins with Paris, during Paris Fashion Week. Propitiously this relates to the storyline of our Fashion Film, where a young girl’s dream of entering the fashion world is akin to how AIFD students envision themselves.

“As the CEO of AIFD, I wanted to break away from the norm and do the extraordinary and raise the bar for Fashion Institutions in Pakistan. At first, my team and I presented the thesis collection as a Fashion Film in December 2022 which was the first-ever Fashion Film by a Fashion institute in Pakistan and I certainly didn’t want to stop there. I wanted their degrees to feel like trophies and what better way than to finish it off with the representation of our students’ work on a runway in Paris during Paris Fashion Week? These students are not only presenting their collection but are proudly representing Pakistan on a global platform,” stated Co-Founder & CEO of AIFD Maheen Lakhani Ahmar.

Momal Sheikh, Hasan Rizvi, and Alizeh Pasha will be joining the AIFD Team as their Brand Ambassadors. All three members have always been very supportive of the students’ work. Momal and Alizeh had recently visited AIFD and often wore outfits from the students’ collections to highlight AIFD talent.

The work and efforts of the AIFD Thesis students are commendable and deserve recognition both internationally and locally. It is AIFD’s vision to provide emerging talent a platform to jumpstart their career and garner recognition. AIFD has several other projects in the pipeline. More on that will be disclosed at a later date.

Related: 856 degrees awarded at the 20th convocation of Iqra University

The 3rd Annual Literary and Literary Festival (BLCF)-2023 kicked off at Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB) Baghdad ul Jadeed Campus.

In the opening ceremony, Vice-Chancellor IUB Prof Dr Athar Mahboob, Commissioner Bahawalpur Dr Ehtisham Anwar, Deputy Commissioner Zaheer Ahmad Jappa, Syed Tabish Alwari and President Chamber of Commerce and Industry Bahawalpur Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Mann inaugurated the 3rd BLCF.

On this occasion, Asghar Nadeem Syed, Jami Chandio, Hina Jilani, Nazir Leghari, Sardar Ali Shah, Prof Dr Hameed Raza Siddiqui, Hafeez Khan, Deans, Principal Officer, Senior teachers and officers participated. While addressing the ceremony Dr Athar Mahboob said that educational institutions try to involve the young generation in literary and cultural activities along with education so that they can play their role in society. He welcomed all the guests to the 3rd Bahawalpur Literary and Cultural Festival.

Commissioner Bahawalpur Dr Ehtisham Anwar while speaking said that the organization of this festival is very welcome as this kind of literary and cultural festival gives our youth an opportunity to know about their culture.

Speaking on occasion Jami Chandio said that literature is very important for the society and such a festival helps in shaping society. He said that literature and culture have a close relationship with education. Universities around the world are creating a new educational revolution by harmonizing modern sciences with literature and culture.

Shahzad Ahmed Khalid, Focal Person/ Director Press Media and Publications IUB briefing on this occasion, said that the first day was on February 27. Recitation and Naat and Elocution Competitions were organized at Abbasia Campus.

 Aqeel Abbas Jafari, Sajjad Parvez, Naeem Masood, Saleem Saffi, Syed Noor, Nasir Adeb, Aqeeb Abbas Jaffari, Hasnain Jamal, Azhar Majuka, Ajmal Sajid, Jameel Parwana, Mohan Bhagat, Zahoor Ahmed Lohar, Wahab Bhagti, Javed Iqbal, Mujahid Barelvi, Amna Mufti and other famous personalities will be visiting the four-day events of Festival.

Related: IUB all set to host 3rd BLCF

Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif on Tuesday termed children the ‘future builders of the nation’ and said the government would provide maximum educational facilities to them. Addressing the launch of mobile schools under the project ‘School on wheels’, he said the step would increase the literacy rate in the country, particularly in the rural areas.

In the first phase, the mobile schools consisting of eight buses will provide primary-level education to the children of Islamabad and adjoining areas. The buses have been equipped with computers, desks, whiteboards, and LCDs, to create an effective teaching and learning environment.

Shehbaz Sharif said the government would increase the number of buses and expand the project to the rest of the country and Azad Kashmir. He expressed satisfaction that the project would mainstream the children in rural areas who faced the unavailability of modern educational facilities.

Also, he said, the mobile library would promote a reading culture among the children. He said education was a vital factor to make a society developed and cultured. The prime minister on the occasion interacted with the schoolchildren and encouraged them to take interest in learning.

Earlier, the prime minister launched the countrywide Spring plantation campaign by planting a sapling. He urged civil society and the general public to participate in the plantation drive to save future generations. He pointed out that cities were transforming into concrete jungles and the environment needed urgent rectification through the plantation of trees.

Related: UET holds seminar on Chinese Culture and Impact

The University of Engineering and Technology (UET) Lahore held a seminar titled Chinese Culture and Impact.

The seminar was organized by the China Study Center, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Humanities and Islamic Studies. This seminar was also the fifth seminar of the Self-Engineering Seminar Series initiated by Dr Mehvish Riaz.

The purpose of the seminar was to explore the rich and diverse Chinese culture and how China has influenced the world. Dr Bushra Hanif, Assistant Professor, China Study Centre, and Mr Awais, Incharge, Confucius Set and Instructor, Chinese language at UET, who conducted the seminar, enlightened the audience that Chinese culture encompasses a wide range of traditions, beliefs, and practices, and has played a significant role in shaping the world we live in today.

They also created awareness about academic and professional collaboration with Chinese organisations. Students’ newfound understanding of the Chinese language, literature, art, and traditions will be beneficial to those who plan to study or work in China.

Professor Dr Shahid Rafique, Director, China Study Centre, and Dean, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Humanities and Islamic Studies, Dr Mehvish Riaz, Chairperson, Department of Humanities, Social Sciences and Modern Languages, Muhammad Asif, Registrar, UET were present on occasion.

Related: UET Lahore, NAB organize anti corruption awareness walk

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a landmark agreement between the two organisations.

The key focus areas under the MOU include joint initiatives to strengthen the capacity building of public sector finance professionals and to support the Public Financial Management (PFM) transformation in Pakistan. AGP and ACCA will also collaborate on specialised training opportunities, including cyber security, data analytics and ERP, which will be delivered through ACCA’s global accountancy partnerships and international academic network.

At the MoU signing ceremony, ACCA President, Joseph Owolabi, also presented ACCA’s Approved Employer accreditation to the Auditor General of Pakistan, recognising AGP’s high standards of staff training and development. ACCA’s Approved Employer status will ensure AGP has access to ACCA’s globally sought-after talent with the right skills, ethics and competencies to drive AGP’s vision of a model supreme audit institution adding value to national resources.

Speaking at the occasion, the Auditor General of Pakistan, Muhammad Ajmal Gondal, stated: ‘I congratulate DAGP and ACCA on the signing of this MoU.  This memorandum will cement the on-going collaboration between AGP and ACCA on various initiatives thus far. The MoU lays down the guiding principles of varied initiatives including capacity building to benefit the public sector in serving the nation by promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in the management and use of public resources.’This MoU with ACCA will go a long way to further the Government’s vision of public sector transformation (in particular, public financial management) and professionalisation of public sector audit and accountancy professionals.’

ACCA president, Joseph Owolabi,commented: ‘We’re delighted to formalise our partnership with DAGP through this MoU aimed at promoting professionalisation of public sector finance professionals in Pakistan. This is key to empowering public servants for effective public financial management, improving fiscal transparency and enhancing public trust. I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate DAGP on their Approved Employer accreditation, which is a recongition of their highest levels of employee support. I’m certain the cooperation between ACCA and AGP will bring positive change.’

Assad Hameed Khan, head of ACCA Pakistan, commented that this partnership will also support in the acceleration of Government’s efforts to modernise PFM, improve delivery of essential public services and garner public trust. The mutual cooperation will not only help upskill public sector finance professionals, but also to spotlight their professional role towards sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Related: ACCA’s PLC 2023 Lahore emphasizes on sustainable thinking