The Director Sports of the University of Sindh Jamshoro Mukhtiar Bhatti has informed that the trials for selection of female students for All Pakistan Girls’ Inter-University Championship 2021-22 will be held on November 4- 5, 2021 at Fatima Jinnah Girls Gymnasium.
She said the aspiring female students studying in various departments, institutes, centers and affiliated colleges of the University of Sindh could participate in the trials of badminton, volleyball, football and athletics games.
In the circular issued here on Tuesday, Miss Mukhtiar Bhatti further said that the trials of badminton and volleyball players will be held on November 4 at SU’s Fatima Jinnah Girls Gymnasium, while the trials of football and athletics players would be organized on November 5 at the same place.
According to the circular, the successful female students will represent the University of Sindh in the All Pakistan Inter-University Championship 2021-22 announced by the Higher Education Commission Sports Division Islamabad which will kick off on November 15, 2021.
According to the announcement, the coaching camp of successful female students for badminton will be held on November 8 and the coaching camp for selected female students for volleyball, football and athletics will be organized on November 10 at Fatima Jinnah Girls Gymnasium, University of Sindh Jamshoro.
The Consul General of Malaysia in Karachi, Mr. Khairul Nazran Abdul Rahman said that Pakistan is the fourth largest importer of Malaysian palm oil after India, the European Union, and China.
He mentioned that food scientists play an important role not only for the food industry but also for society as a whole. Among others, one of their main responsibilities is to ensure the supply of quality and healthy food and to take all possible steps to prevent unhealthy foods and their supply.
He expressed these views while addressing a seminar on “Oils and Fats Processing and Health Benefits,” at the Dr Essa Hall of the Department of Food Science and Technology, University of Karachi. The event was organized by the Department of Food Science and Technology and the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB), Consulate-General, Malaysia. It was well attended by members of food industry, key government officials, lecturers and students of food science.
During his address, the Vice Chancellor University of Karachi, Professor Dr. Khalid Mahmood Iraqi said that the University of Karachi has never compromised on merit and that is why domestic and foreign companies trust it and many reputed institutions are currently working with the University.
He stressed that the industries should avail the research conducted by the varsities as they could help them in finding the best and most sustainable solutions for their problems at low cost. The KU VC Professor Dr Khalid Iraqi mentioned that strong relationships between academia and industries could be established if the traders and manufacturers back the research being carried out by the universities and utilize it in enhancing their products for the betterment of society. In regard to huge edible oil import, he called for a breakthrough in technology that could increase local production of oils and fats to narrow down the supply gap.
The Regional Manager of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Mr. Johari Manal said that palm oil has become the largest oil consumed in the world and most useful oil for the food industry due to its unique balanced fatty acid composition and being free of trans fatty acids, which are becoming more and more important for food production. Palm oil is also widely used in the production of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and soap.
A senior official of the Malaysian Palm Oil Board, Mr. Nadir Ali Ghanghro said that Pakistan imports 3.2 million tonnes of palm oil per year. In the production of banaspati, about 70% of palm oil is used as an ingredient. He informed the audience that Sindh government has a successful experience of planting palm trees, if further progress is made, the country could go into large-scale cultivation oil palm.
The Chairperson Department of Food Science and Technology University of Karachi, Dr Shahina Naz mentioned that the injurious trans fatty acids, one of the biggest reasons for the growing number of heart diseases, are produced during partial hydrogenation process of edible oils for the production of vegetable ghee.
She said that food produced in Pakistan still contained trans fatty acids, and sometime as high as 15 to 20 percent in banaspati ghee. Trans fatty acid in food is tantamount to inviting heart disease. She mentioned that the consumption of trans fats can lead to heart and arterial diseases as well as cancer. The food industry should find ways and means to reduce trans fats in food to lowest possible level.
Dr Syed Muhammad Ghafran Saeed of the Department of Food Science and Technology shared a very interesting finding on omega 3 oil which apart from being an essential fatty acid, it is anti-inflammatory and could boost immunity and fight against Covid 19 infection. He said flax seed, a rich source of omega 3, should be included in daily diet during this covid 19 pandemic..
At the end of the seminar, Mr. Johari Minal of MPOB reminded the audience that food which includes protein, carbohydrates, oils and other nutrients should be taken in moderation and within the recommended limits and energy requirement as recommended by WHO. Overconsumption of food especially simple carbohydrates and sugar, which are predominant in modern society, leads to obesity, imbalanced nutrient intakes and thus health issues
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) organised on Thursday a send-off ceremony for Pakistani students who have secured Erasmus Mundus Scholarship for 2021-22 academic session.
Awais Ahmed, Advisor (Coordination) HEC chaired the ceremony, while Ms. Aayesha Ikram, DG (Scholarships) HEC and Mr. Ovidiu Mic, Head of Cooperation Delegation of the European Union were also present on the occasion along with a large number of scholarship winners and Erasmus+ alumni.
For 2021-22 session, 141 Pakistani students will receive the Erasmus+ scholarship. The number has improved despite the fact this year information session was not conducted due to Covid situation. Erasmus Mundus scholarship result for the academic year 2020-21 was also promising as 126 Pakistani students (64 men and 62 women) were awarded the Erasmus Mundus (Joint Master Degree – EMJMD) scholarship out of a total of 2542 scholarships awarded worldwide.
Pakistan ranks third in the world in the number of scholarships, moving up from fourth place with a considerable increase in the number of scholarships.
The Erasmus+ Programme provides funding for educational initiatives, training, and scholarships. It is designed to support programme countries efforts to benefit from European knowledge institutions in a lifelong learning perspective. The opportunities offered are available to Pakistani faculty and students.
Since coming under its ambit in 2016, HEC has taken proactive measure and effective communication strategies with universities students & faculty. Every year HEC conducts a series of workshops/information sessions in different cities of Pakistan to create awareness among Pakistani students about the Erasmus+ scholarships, and faculty members to apply for research funding through defined proposal topics, and also capacity building in the field of higher education with counter partners of local universities and EU universities. These workshops and awareness sessions have turned out to be very effective, encouraging results of the pervious years reflect the efforts of HEC.
Addressing the ceremony, Advisor Mr. Awais Ahmed said that the education and exposure not only defines an individual’s career but also plays a positive role in nation building. He advised the departing students to focus on their study and play ambassadors of Pakistan abroad by their conduct. He hoped that the students, on completion of their studies, will further the cause of improving the quality of education in Pakistan.
In his remarks, Mr. Mic appreciated the upward trend of the number of Pakistani students applying for and winning the Erasmus+ scholarships every year. He advised the students to keep in contact with their programme coordinators and the focal persons in case of any hardship related to Covid restrictions.
The ceremony was also addressed by Erasmus+ alumni including Ms. Hajra Mumtaz, Mr. Rizwan Mumtaz and Mr. Waqar Baig.
Prof Dr Asghar Zaidi, the Vice Chancellor of Government College University Lahore, has requested Governor Punjab Chaudhry Sarwar to approve the disparity allowance 2021 for his university employees to reduce discrimination in salaries.
In the letter, Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi wrote that “a structure of Unified Pay Scale was established in 1972 for all government servants. However, since 2009, disparities in salaries have occurred after various government establishments were allowed 100pc to 300pc of the basic pay as allowance”.
“This tax revision, coupled with inflation, has had a serious adverse impact on government servants whose take-home salaries were actually reduced even in nominal terms,” he said.
He also reminded the governor that the government did not allow any increase in salaries in the budget 2020-21.
The vice chancellor also wrote about recent discrimination with university employees, stating that special allowance has been granted to government employees BS (01-19) this year in July but it has been specified that it is not admissible to the employees of autonomous bodies.
“This categorisation has created discomfort and unrest among GCU employees,” he said.
The VC said he, being the competent authority, requested the governor to approve the grant of special allowance 2021 to GCU employees.
University of Karachi Registrar, Professor Dr Abdul Waheed, on Wednesday announced the results of the elections to the seats of the Syndicate from the constituencies of Professors, Associate Professor, Assistant Professor and Lecturer.
According to the KU Registrar, who was also the Returning Officer, Professor Dr Muhammad Haris Shoaib, Dr Basit Ansari, Dr Mohsin Ali, and Ateeq Razzak have been elected to the seats of the Syndicate from the constituencies of professor, associate professor, assistant professor and lecturer respectively.
He mentioned that Professor Dr Muhammad Haris Shoaib received 42 votes and declared elected whereas Professor Dr Shah Ali ul Qadar got 28 votes and Professor Dr Zaheer Uddin had five votes.
He informed that Dr Basit Ansari collected 43 votes and declared elected while Dr Muhammad Ali and Dr Irfan Aziz got 40 and 17 votes respectively. Meanwhile, Dr Mohsin Ali received 193 votes and declared elected whereas Syed Ghufran Alam got 123 votes and Dr Muhammad Noman Syed had 13 votes and Dr Muhammad Sajid Khan had eight votes.
The KU Registrar added that Ateeq Razzak was elected after securing 48 votes while Sana Khan had 29 votes.
The elections were held at the Arts Auditorium from 9:30 am to 1:00 pm and all elected members would hold office for three years from the date of the first meeting of the Syndicate.
Provincial Education Saeed Ghani has said that examinations for class 10th will be held from July 5 while annual exams for class XII will start on July 26.
“The candidates will attempt 60 percent of the examination papers in optional subjects as per the pre-issued syllabus. Duration of examination papers would be two hours instead of three while papers will carry 50 per cent MCQs, 30 percent shorts question and 20 per cent detailed questions”.
Earlier in a meeting chaired by the provincial education minister on Thursday morning, he said that the decision regarding the reopening of primary and middle schools will be taken in consultation with the steering committee members and stakeholders.
The meeting was attended by Secretary School Education Ahmed Bakhsh Narejo, Secretary College Education Khalid Haider Shah, Additional Secretary Education Dr Fauzia, Chairman Intermediate Board Karachi Saeed Ahmed, Chairman Intermediate Board Hyderabad Muhammad Memon and others.
The meeting discussed arrangements for annual examinations from 9th to 12th classes. The concerned officials assured the minister that they would take all possible measures for maintaining transparency in the assessment process. They also discussed the issue about the number of examination centers.
On the occasion, the provincial education minister said that due to Covid-19 children of all classes were promoted to the next level. However, this year they would attempt exams. No one would be promoted without examinations this year.
Ghani said that in consultation with all stakeholders, decision would be taken to open educational institutions in Sindh from 1st to 8th classes. “We want all decisions regarding education in Sindh to be taken after consultation with stakeholders”.
He said that the news being broadcast in electronic and print media from various sources for the last several days is creating misunderstandings among children and parents. He said that so far we are reviewing the situation and the final decision will be taken in consultation with the steering committee which includes all the stakeholders.
KARACHI: The Board of Secondary Education Karachi (BSEK) on Wednesday extended the form submission date for annual examination 2021.
According to the official statement issued by the board, the BSEK Chairman Prof Syed Sharaf Ali Shah has approved to extend form submission date for the candidates who want to attempt the annual examination. The students of class ninth and tenth have been directed to submit exam forms till May 20.
However, the candidates of all affiliated schools would pay Rs 1200 as late fees with each form. It’s for the second time BSEK has been increasing late fee in May. On May 3, the board has raised late to Rs800 for ninth while the aspirants of class tenth were directed to submit Rs500 with examination forms.
You should be ashamed of yourself! Do you have no shame? That’s shameful! Such remarks can have devastating effects on a child’s mental health and may lead to him or her becoming a victim of toxic shame. Sania Nasir writes why society needs to be wary of this mental disease.
ittle did nine-year-old Ahsan know that failing an exam would lead to such drastic changes in his life. Soon after the results came in, verbal and physical assault from his father began. Besides the frequent hammering that he received for not performing in studies, he was also told how ashamed his parents were to have him as a child. Ahsan went from a happy little child to an extremely silent one. He lost interest in all he ever was interested in, became easily startled by the slightest of sounds and lost all his confidence. To make matters worse, his grades started dropping further. Ahsan was no longer the boy he once, only a living example of what toxic shaming does to a child.The term toxic shame was coined by Silvan Solomon Tomkins, a noted psychologist and personality theorist who developed both affect theory and script theory. In his affect theory, Tomkins discussed how toxic shame was different from healthy shame. Healthy shame is a scenario where a child feels guilty of doing something inappropriate, while toxic shame is an irrational feeling of worthlessness, humiliation, and self loathe that has been inflicted onto the child through repeated traumatic experiences.
While being ashamed over something a child did that was unacceptable usually passes away in a few hours or days, toxic shame tend to linger for much longer and if not addressed, may lead to greater mental health issues like chronic depression.The issue with toxic shaming is that unlike healthy shaming, it can creep into dark corners of our minds and hijack our beliefs about ourselves.Often times, it can hide in our unconscious mind in such a way that we are unaware that we have shame and the feelings and pain associated with shame are of greater intensity in a person experiencing toxic shaming. Such is the potency of this mental disease that an external trigger isn’t even required to bring up that feeling of shame, a person’s own thoughts can bring on those feelings. If the cycle of shame continues, it sometimes leads to chronic “shame anxiety”, or the fear of experiencing shame.
What Toxic Shaming Does
The ultimate mental trap that a person or a child experiencing toxic shaming falls into is the belief that “I’m unlovable” or “not worthy of love”.Other feelings that toxic shaming induces include: I’m stupid, I’m unattractive, I’m a failure, I’m a bad person, I’m a fraud or a phony, I’m selfish, I’m not enough, I hate myself, I don’t matter, I’m defective, I shouldn’t have been born, and I’m unworthy of being loved.Parents can unintentionally lead a child towards a spiral of toxic shaming due to their irrational reactions to certain events. For an example in the case Ahsan, the child is was probably as disappointed as his parents over failing the exam and was in dire need of solace and encouragement. What he got instead was an utter unaffectionate behavior from his father, someone a child looks up to the most. That is exactly what a recipe for a child falling into the abyss of toxic shaming looks like, for the mind of that little boy would tell him: if your father can’t love you or console you, nobody else would. And that triggers a feeling of unworthiness.There are other sources of toxic shaming as well.
Healthy shame is a scenario where a child feels guilty of doing something inappropriate, while toxic shame is an irrational feeling of worthlessness, humiliation, and self loathe
Research suggests that toxic shame is mostly reinforced through childhood experiences and can be internalized through experiences at school with teachers, friends, or family members. It is also caused by the extreme focus of all kinds of abuses like physical, verbal, emotional, and sexual abuse. Psychologists believe toxic shaming is a syndrome that underpins large swathes of mental-health problems, from depression and anorexia, to violence and bullying. Thus, it is very vital for parents and teachers to explore and understand this phenomenon.
Teachers should not let children connect their mistakes, failures, and wrongdoings to their core identities
If a child is suffering from toxic shame, there will be several signs.According to mental health counselors, children who suffer from toxic shame have low self-esteem. They experience a feeling of chronic unworthiness. Besides, they frequently feel a sense of irrational guilt. They feel ashamed of their gender, body, and color complexions. In most cases, as a result of toxic shaming, children become drug addicts to escape and numb the shame.
What Can Parents And Teachers Do?
Research argues that words and actions of an insensitive teacher can have a devastating impact on the children’s early educational experiences. Certain teaching classroom practices can increase shame in children. For instance, turning a student’s desk towards a wall or yelling demoralizing statements on a disruptive child. To eliminate toxic shaming in schools, teachers should model and teach with empathy. Moreover, teachers should teach children to dig into their emotional experiences. They should not let children connect their mistakes, failures, and wrongdoings to their core identities. Furthermore, teachers should allow children to have a say in classroom rules. Teachers and children can design and brainstorm the rules together so that there is a common understanding of consequences for certain behavior. They must practice vulnerability and make empathy the foundation for their teaching.As for parents, they must get it out of their heads that seeking professional help is an admission of failure. In our complex society with its myriad social problems, our children quite naturally face dilemmas that we never had to cope with during our childhood.
The ultimate mental trap that a person or a child experiencing toxic shaming falls into is the belief that “I’m unlovable” or “not worthy of love”.
So if a child is suffering from toxic shame, parents must seek professional help. Moreover, most of the parents ineffectively try to encourage self-respect, self-care, and self-discipline with comments like ‘Do you have no shame, how can you act like that/ talk like that?’ Instead of shaming children, parents should treat their children with respect. They should commit to a shame-free environment at home and avoid character assaults. As Genevieve Simperinghem, founder of Peaceful Parent Institute in New Zealand, suggests, “We cannot completely protect our children from being shamed, but we can help them know that it’s not ok. When kids know that shaming isn’t ok, they will more likely feel free to put up a boundary when they feel shamed.”She adds, “To protect our children from shame, we need to face and resolve the shame we carry. Exploring how you felt as a child greatly helps to resolve and cleanse shame from your system while shining light on how shaming negatively impacts children in general.”
Sania Nasir is a student of MPhil Education at Sukkur IBA University. She has been involved in various education research projects and can be reached at sania.mphil18@iba-suk.edu.pk
The Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Shafqat Mahmood said, that educational institutions of the Islamabad would be transformed in to role models for the country, he was addressing a ground breaking ceremony for Islamabad Model College for Boys in sector G-15.
ittle did nine-year-old Ahsan know that failing an exam would lead to such drastic changes in his life. Soon after the results came in, verbal and physical assault from his father began. Besides the frequent hammering that he received for not performing in studies, he was also told how ashamed his parents were to have him as a child. Ahsan went from a happy little child to an extremely silent one. He lost interest in all he ever was interested in, became easily startled by the slightest of sounds and lost all his confidence. To make matters worse, his grades started dropping further. Ahsan was no longer the boy he once, only a living example of what toxic shaming does to a child.
While being ashamed over something a child did that was unacceptable usually passes away in a few hours or days, toxic shame tend to linger for much longer and if not addressed, may lead to greater mental health issues like chronic depression.
