In a commendable display of altruism and dedication, students from the University of Management and Technology (UMT) Lahore’s School of Pharmacy (SPH) have been actively involved in various volunteering endeavors aimed at uplifting the community. Their relentless efforts have not only contributed to spreading health awareness but have also extended a helping hand to those in need, earning them admiration and praise from all quarters.

From conducting health awareness camps to offering assistance to the underprivileged, the students of UMT SPH have demonstrated a strong commitment to making a tangible difference in society. Their initiatives have resonated with the ethos of service and empathy, embodying the core values of the institution.

The collaborative efforts between the students and the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan have been instrumental in amplifying the impact of their volunteer work. The partnership has facilitated the seamless execution of various projects, allowing for a more extensive reach and greater efficacy in addressing community needs.

Dr Ejaz Ullah Cheema, Dean of UMT SPH, expressed his appreciation for the students’ unwavering dedication and emphasized the importance of such initiatives in nurturing socially responsible individuals. He remarked, “The enthusiasm and compassion displayed by our students are truly commendable. Their commitment to serving the community reflects the values we strive to instill in our students at UMT SPH.”

Dr. Amber Sharif, in-charge of the Community Pharmacy Service (CPS), emphasized the importance of volunteering. “Our students are not just learning about pharmacy; they are learning about compassion, responsibility, and the power of collective action,” she said.

The students, driven by a sense of purpose and empathy, remain undeterred in their mission to contribute positively to society. Their collective efforts serve as a testament to the potential of youth to drive meaningful change and inspire others to follow suit.

As the UMT SPH students continue to extend their outreach and impact, they serve as beacons of hope and catalysts for positive transformation within the community. Their endeavors underscore the power of collaboration and collective action in creating a brighter and more inclusive future for all.

In applauding the remarkable contributions of the UMT SPH students and acknowledging the invaluable partnership with the Alkhidmat Foundation Pakistan, it becomes evident that together, they are not only making a difference but also laying the foundation for a more compassionate and resilient society.

Related: UMT holds Seminar on Curriculum Development

In a proactive effort to bolster Pakistan’s agricultural exports, meet international standards, and address concerns in the global market, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam, and the International Trade Center (ITC) have inked a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to introduce an undergraduate degree program.

The primary aim of this initiative is to provide comprehensive training to youth, ensuring that the quality and safety of local agriculture and its by-products meet global standards. Also a state-of-the-art testing laboratory will be established at Sindh Agriculture University. The signing ceremony of the agreement between the Vice-Chancellor of Sindh Agriculture University, Dr. Fateh Muhammad Marri, and the ITC Provincial Lead, Rizwan Tariq, was held in the Senate Hall of the University on Friday.

Under the terms of the agreement, SAU and the ITC have committed to launching an elective course on Sanitary Phytosanitary (SPs), beginning fall 2024. The course will be integrated into the regular elective subjects at the undergraduate level, subject to the approval of the Higher Education Commission.

The International Trade Centre (ITC) will provide support to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) involved in agricultural and dairy farming ventures in the rural areas of Sindh and Balochistan provinces. This assistance aims to train individuals to adhere to international standards and meet the demands of the global market through the Graduate Farm Rural Advancement and Sustainable Progress (GRASP) program.

During his address, SAU VC Dr. Fateh Marri emphasized the imperative to enhance the quality of Pakistani agricultural goods and their derivatives. In partnership with the ITC, the university is launching a novel undergraduate degree program and setting up a state-of-the-art laboratory for testing. Dr. Marri stressed the significance of safeguarding the well-being of local consumers in accordance with international market norms and facilitating access to safe products.

Rizwan Tariq, Sindh Lead of the International Trade Center, highlighted the necessity of enhancing the quality of Pakistani products to address concerns raised by global markets. He mentioned the possibility of setbacks due to our consignments not meeting established standards. He also stressed the potential of enhanced rural agricultural standards to play a pivotal role in alleviating poverty by fostering the growth of small and medium enterprises.

Dr. Muhammad Ismail Khumbhar, Director of University Advancement and Financial Assistance, Dr. Abdul Mubeen Lodhi, Director of Advanced Studies, Dr. Aijaz Ahmed Soomro, Chairman of the Department of Agronomy, and Dr. Aijaz Hussain Soomro, Director of IFST, among others, delivered speeches during the event. Notable attendees included Dr. Asia Akber Panhwer, Dr. Shehzor Gul, Pir Ahmed Naqi Shah, along with a large number of students and faculty members.

Related: Chairman HEC Inaugurates Judo Academy at SAU

Mohammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU) recently organized a seminar shedding light on Pakistan’s economic status and its recent agreement with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The seminar, held at the university campus, drew attention to crucial aspects of economic stability and growth prospects for the nation.

Ahmed Siddiqui, Director at the Center for Excellence in Islamic Finance (CEIF)-IBA, emphasized the significant role of the IMF in stabilizing Pakistan’s current account. Siddiqui highlighted the option of leveraging the IMF’s Islamic financing program, pointing out the potential for Islamic institutions to lead the transformation of the economy towards Shariah-compliant mechanisms within a span of five years. He noted the increasing preference among the masses for Shariah-compliant financial products and services, indicating a promising future for the Islamic financial system in Pakistan.

Economist Muhammad Farrukh Ahmed addressed various economic challenges facing the country and proposed critical solutions involving restructuring and reforms of macroeconomic indicators. Ahmed identified agriculture and information technology (IT) as sectors with high potential for economic growth, foreign direct investment, and job creation nationwide. He advocated for the implementation of strict austerity measures to reduce expenditure on luxury imports, emphasizing the promotion of localization within the economy.

Moreover, Ahmed stressed the necessity of reforms within the tax authority to generate funds for public sector projects and to combat smuggling effectively. He also highlighted the importance of digitization in the financial sector and governance to tackle corruption.

The seminar featured distinguished speakers, including Mehmood Arshad, Chairman of the Employees Federation of Pakistan (EFP), along with MAJU faculty members Dr. Hina Fatima and Dr. Umar Rafiq. Their insights contributed to a comprehensive discussion on Pakistan’s economic trajectory and the strategies required to navigate its challenges effectively.

The event served as a platform for academia, experts, and policymakers to engage in dialogue and exchange ideas crucial for steering Pakistan towards sustainable economic development. MAJU’s initiative in hosting such seminars underscores its commitment to fostering intellectual discourse and contributing to national development agendas.

Related: Book on “Alternative to the IMF” Launched at IoBM

The Government of Punjab issued a firm caution to private schools in Lahore, advising against the practice of soliciting additional funds from parents, apart from the regular monthly fees. Additionally, schools were warned against pressuring parents to exclusively purchase uniforms and books from specific vendors.

The notice, endorsed by Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, was dispatched to the principals and proprietors of private schools in Lahore. It cited Section 7A(7) and (10) of The Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion and Regulation) Ordinance 1984, which stipulates that private schools can only charge tuition and admission fees, and cannot mandate the purchase of uniforms and books from designated vendors.

This action was initiated following directives from Lahore’s Deputy Commissioner Rafia Haider, who instructed Education Lahore CEO Pervez Akhtar to issue warning notices to all private educational institutions in the district.

Rafia Haider, expressing her opinion, highlighted a specific instance involving LACAS School, where additional fees were being charged for technology and where students were obligated to purchase books and uniforms from specified vendors. Consequently, the CEO of the District Education Authority, Lahore, was directed to issue a warning to LACAS School regarding the violation of the aforementioned ordinance.

Pervez Akhtar, addressing the matter, emphasized the imposition of extra costs on parents for book purchases, stressing that such demands, beyond uniform expenses or monthly fees, would face severe consequences.

Parents were urged to report any violations to the District Registering Authority. Failure to comply with the warning would result in penalties for the schools under the Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion and Regulation) Ordinance 1984.

Furthermore, the notice instructed schools to submit a compliance report detailing the steps taken in response to the warning and the implementation of Section 7A(7) and (10) of The Punjab Private Educational Institutions (Promotion and Regulation) Ordinance 1984. This report would be reviewed by the Chairperson of the District Registration Authority Lahore.

Related: Punjab Govt Sets Target for 10% Rise in Student Admissions

The act of Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi students walking out from the Coca-Cola recruitment drive might seem insignificant at first glance, but when placed in the right context, its significance becomes apparent.

Consider the backdrop: these students are likely in their final year, facing the pressures of impending graduation and the transition into a challenging practical life. Many of them hail from middle-class backgrounds, grappling with the burden of hyperinflation and the weight of societal expectations. Every corner they turn, whether it be their parents, relatives, peers, or even the local milkman or vegetable vendor, echoes the same question: “Have you secured a job?”

In this environment, the allure of a prestigious brand like Coca-Cola, with its potential to enhance any CV, cannot be understated. Walking away from such an opportunity requires not only conviction but also a considerable amount of courage. It’s a decision that acknowledges the importance of taking a stand against ongoing issues, such as the conflict in Gaza, even at the expense of potentially missing out on a career-defining opportunity that may not come knocking again.

The students’ action speaks volumes about their values and their willingness to prioritize principles over personal gain. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most significant acts of defiance are those that occur in the face of temptation and opportunity. In a world where individual advancement often takes precedence, their choice to stand up for what they believe in deserves recognition and respect.

Related: IBA Karachi Launches Green Media Initiative

Amidst a backdrop of growing global concern for the plight of Palestinians and Kashmiris, students from various universities across Lahore gathered at Government College University (GCU) Lahore to express unwavering solidarity with their oppressed Muslim brothers and sisters. The seminar, held on Thursday, served as a platform for youth to amplify their voices against the injustices faced by Palestinians and Kashmiris.

Organized by the Ex-Servicemen Society in collaboration with GCU’s Kashmir and Palestine societies, the event drew participation from students representing more than eleven educational institutions, including Punjab University, UMT Lahore, University of Engineering and Technology, Home Economics University, and University of Gujarat.

Throughout the seminar, students passionately showcased their support through patriotic songs, impassioned speeches, and dramatic performances, shedding light on the systemic injustices and atrocities experienced by Palestinians and Kashmiris on a daily basis.

Distinguished guests including Senator Lieutenant General (r) Abdul Qayyum, ASP Shehrbano Naqvi, GCU Faculty Dean Prof. Dr. Sultan Shah, and Maulana Masoodur Rehman addressed the attendees, emphasizing the urgent need for global solidarity and action to address the ongoing crises in Palestine and Kashmir.

Prof. Sultan Shah, Dean of GCU, lauded the pivotal role played by the university’s Kashmir and Palestine Societies in advocating for human rights and raising awareness among students about the struggles faced by these communities.

Senator Abdul Qayyum stressed the importance of unity among Muslim nations in confronting the challenges confronting Kashmiris and Palestinians, urging concerted efforts to end their suffering.

ASP Syeda ShehrBano Naqvi underscored the influential role of universities in amplifying the voices of marginalized communities on the global stage, calling for continued activism and advocacy.

Adding a touch of poetic solidarity, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Gujarat, Prof. Dr. Mushahid Anwar, recited verses expressing support for the oppressed people of Kashmir and Palestine, resonating with the sentiments echoed throughout the seminar.

The event concluded with a renewed commitment from the attendees to stand in solidarity with Palestinians and Kashmiris, vowing to continue their advocacy efforts until justice and freedom are achieved for all oppressed communities.

As global attention remains focused on the plight of Palestinians and Kashmiris, gatherings like these serve as a poignant reminder of the power of collective action and solidarity in the pursuit of justice and human rights.

Related: GCU Student Attacks Professor Amid Harassment Accusation

In a bid to foster exceptional reporting on climate change issues, the Centre for Excellence in Journalism (CEJ) at the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi, honored four journalists from various language-media with the inaugural ‘Climate Reporting Awards’. The event, funded by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, aimed to highlight and encourage journalistic expertise in environmental reporting.

The awards ceremony, held for the first time, celebrated the outstanding contributions of journalists who participated in the Green Media Initiative boot camps in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and South Punjab. These camps provided intensive training to 24 journalists, equipping them with the necessary skills to report effectively on climate-related issues.

Dr. Rüdiger Lotz, Consul General of the Federal Republic of Germany, commended the awardees for their invaluable contributions to the climate change discourse. He emphasized the role of journalists in enabling climate action through informative storytelling.

The awards were presented to four journalists—two from each province—for their exemplary news stories produced after attending boot camps in Swat and Rahim Yar Khan. The winners and runners-up included:

**Rahim Yar Khan**
– Winner: Irfan Ulhaq, Correspondent, Dawn Media Group
Story title: Salinity control plan reclaims 1.3 acres farmland
– Runner-up: Mahjabeen Abid, Producer/Anchor, PTV National Multan
Story title: Air pollution: A big reason for complications during pregnancy

**Khyber Pakhtunkhwa**
– Winner: Arif Ahmad, Reporter, Zama Swat
Story title: An entire village in Swat flooded due to climate change
– Runner-up: Laiba Hussan, Reporter, Aaj News
Story title: Solar energy’s unintended impact: Peshawar’s silent drought crisis

The winners were selected by a jury comprising senior journalists Shahzeb Jillani and Afia Salam from a pool of 20 entries submitted by alumni of the Green Media Initiative boot camps.

In addition to the awards ceremony, a resource book titled ‘Pakistan: On the Frontline of Climate Change’ was launched. Authored by Rina Saeed Khan and edited by Farahnaz Zahidi, the book provides journalists with essential insights and tips to enhance their climate change reporting skills.

Amber Rahim Shamsi, Director of CEJ, underscored the institution’s commitment to fostering high-quality journalism, particularly in the realm of climate reporting. She expressed gratitude for the partnership with GIZ and their shared vision for impactful reporting.

In his keynote speech, Ahmad Shabbar, Founder and CEO of GarbageCan, emphasized the importance of accurate reporting on environmental issues, highlighting humanity’s interconnectedness with nature and the urgent need for action.

The Centre for Excellence in Journalism at IBA Karachi continues to play a pivotal role in elevating journalistic standards across Pakistan, reaffirming its position as a leading journalism training institution in the country.

Related: IBA Karachi Hosts Provincial Dialogue on MHM and Tax Reforms

Renowned legal luminaries have emphasized the urgency of reforms within Pakistan’s judicial system to ensure affordable and expeditious justice for the common citizen. This call to action was echoed during a significant roundtable conference titled ‘The Role of Mediation in Enhancing Access to Justice in Pakistan,’ jointly organized by Punjab University (PU) Law College and the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy (ILRA).

Distinguished figures including Principal of PU Law College, Prof Dr. Shazia Qureshi, Vice Chairman of Punjab Bar Council, Kamran Bashir Mughal, Chairman Board of Directors of the Institute for Legal Research and Advocacy, Syed Shahbaz Bukhari, Chairman Board of Advisors of the same institute, Zafar Iqbal Kalanauri, Associate Professor Dr. Naeemullah Khan, along with students, graced the occasion.

During the conference, Zafar Iqbal Kalanauri, an eminent legal expert, underscored the reliance of Pakistan’s judicial system on paper evidence and highlighted the presence of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms prevalent globally. He lamented the varying interpretations of laws by provincial courts within Pakistan, leading to prolonged disputes, particularly concerning matters such as marriage, dowry, finances, and land. Kalanauri advocated for the integration of mediation systems to address these issues effectively, warning that without systemic reforms, it could take up to 320 years to resolve the current backlog of cases in Pakistani courts.

Kamran Bashir Mughal emphasized the imperative for collaboration between bar councils and educational institutions, stressing the need for effective enforcement of existing laws. He acknowledged the role of bar councils in law implementation and proposed necessary amendments to existing legislation.

Syed Shahbaz Bukhari raised concerns over rising divorce rates due to inadequate practice of family laws in Pakistan. He also highlighted the untapped potential for legal advisors in the corporate sector, suggesting that stricter adherence to legal regulations could boost employment opportunities for lawyers. Bukhari advocated for the overhaul of the arbitration system to expedite case resolutions and mitigate the burden on courts.

Expressing gratitude to Punjab University Law College for hosting the conference, Prof Dr. Shazia Qureshi applauded the convergence of academic and legal experts, emphasizing the educational value such events provide for both scholars and students. Dr. Naeemullah Khan echoed sentiments of reform, citing historical precedents and emphasizing the economic repercussions of unresolved commercial and domestic disputes.

The conference concluded with a collective call for comprehensive reforms within Pakistan’s judicial apparatus, underscoring the vital role of academia, legal practitioners, and policymakers in ensuring equitable access to justice for all citizens.

Related: PU Seminar Promotes Environmental Conservation

The University of Management and Technology (UMT) organized a special seminar on Pakistan’s Curriculum Development in which Provincial Education Minister Rana Sikandar Hayat Khan participated as a special guest. While talking to the students, he said that the decisions of one’s fate cannot be made sitting in closed rooms, so educational reforms will be brought in consultation with all stakeholders. Students will be taught all modern IT skills including Robotics and Python. The education minister said that it was a pleasure to come to UMT while seeing that the future of Pakistan is being prepared in a wonderful educational environment. The youth are the only hope and change. With the help of youth, Pakistan will stand on its feet again.

Rana Sikandar Hayat further said that he is determined to bring Punjab to number one in the ranking of education and make Pakistan a significant country in the export sector as well. He said that there is no shame in adopting a good policy of any party. We will come up with a curriculum that will be requirements of the modern era. The education minister said that now is the time to get out of the discussion of who is right and who is wrong, only work for the betterment of the country. We have to ponder why government educational institutions are not doing well as compared to private educational institutions.

Rana Sikandar said that the Punjab government will give 500 scholarships to the youth for higher education. The education minister told the students that he has started a series of surprise visits to ensure the immediate availability of basic facilities in the educational institutions. He said that he will go to the last extent to improve the schools and provide adequate facilities to the students. The education minister also promised the students to make all the government educational institutions of Punjab model educational institutions in the next 5 years.

Related: UMT and GCU Lahore Forge Academic Collaboration

Balochistan’s Chief Minister (CM) Sarfraz Bugti, has issued directives for the dismissal of around 2,000 teachers across various positions due to consistent absenteeism. This decision emerged from a session of the education department led by CM Bugti, with a primary focus on tackling the prevalent issue of teacher absenteeism, addressing the inefficiencies within educational institutions, and implementing reforms in the provincial education sector.

In an effort to combat the shortage of teachers in schools, the chief minister has instructed the appointment of teachers on a contractual basis. The responsibility of finalizing the termination process for absent teachers within a two-month timeframe has been assigned to the chief secretary Balochistan.

Furthermore, discussions during the meeting encompassed topics such as the literacy rate in the province, the allocation of necessary resources to public educational institutions, and the hurdles encountered by the education system.

A decision has been taken by the provincial government to introduce biometric attendance systems in educational facilities. The initial phase of this pilot project will commence in Dera Bugti and Musakhail districts, with plans for expansion to other districts in subsequent stages.

CM Bugti has directed relevant authorities to integrate representatives from local bodies into district education groups to ensure teachers adhere to their designated schedules. He emphasized the elimination of all forms of interference, including political influences, from the education department, emphasizing that appointments of teachers and officers would be solely based on merit.

Participants were briefed during the meeting about the educational landscape of the province, which comprises approximately 80,000 teachers and 7,000 single-room schools. However, concerns arise as approximately 3,300 schools were reported to be non-functional.

Related: Balochistan govt signs MoU with Google for youth scholarships