Day: September 15, 2021

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Lt Gen Nigar Johar visits NUST 

Islamabad, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):Lt Gen Nigar Johar HI (M), Surgeon General of the Pakistan Army, visited the main campus of the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) on September 15, 2021. Upon her arrival at NUST, the esteemed guest was received by Engr. Javed Mahmood Bukhari, Rector NUST. A one-on-one meeting between the two was followed by a comprehensive presentation on NUST, attended by NUST’s senior management.

Afterward, the honourable guest was given a guided tour of the campus, particularly Atta-ur-Rahman School of Applied Biosciences (ASAB), N-ovative Health Technologies Pvt Ltd (NHTPL), the country’s first and only facility for the indigenous manufacturing of cardiac stents and other medical implants, and National Science and Technology Park (NSTP), an innovation hub drawing upon academic and research strengths of NUST, and School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering.

In her remarks, she commended NUST for its exponential growth in a short span, earning it a reputable name in the global academia. The Surgeon General also praised the University for laying special emphasis on applied research and innovation, and taking some of the trailblazing R and D initiatives aimed at socio-economic development of Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
Director Press and Media Release
National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST)
NUST Campus, H-12, Islamabad, Pakistan
UAN: +92-51-111-11-6878
Tel: +92-51-90851381
Fax: +92-51-90851382
Email: prnust@gmail.com
Website: www.nust.edu.pk

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Conference on environment and sustainable development begins at GCU 

Lahore, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):A three-day international conference on “Environment and Sustainable Development” on Monday began at the Government College University Lahore under the auspices of its Sustainable Development Study Centre (SDSC) to discuss the significance of sustainable development goals (SDGs) and their impact on the country’s future.

Member National Assembly Riaz Fatyana, the Convener of National Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, chaired the inaugural session of the conference marked by key note addresses from Prof. Dr. Shahbaz Khan from UNESCO China and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi. Provincial Minister for Environment Protection Muhammad Rizwan and GCU SDSC Director Prof. Dr. Faiza Sharif also addressed the inaugural ceremony. The theme of this year’s conference is “Partnership for the Goals”.

In his keynote address on “South-South Cooperation for Delivering a Knowledgebase for Sustainable Development”, Dr. Shahbaz Khan put an emphasis on two key areas relative to the sustainable development goals i.e. climate change and biodiversity. He stated that the SDGs are interlinked and despite of all the challenges, Pakistan is still progressing well.

Dr. Khan also talked about the significance of United Nations Sustainable Development Cooperation working at local and provincial levels with a five-year cycle plan. He concluded his talk on the role UNESCO is playing in ending discrimination and promoting intellectual dialogue. MNA Riaz Fatyana highlighted the efforts of government to promote academic excellence, environmental protection policies for solid waste management, noise and land pollution, plantation drive, ecotourism and conservation of national parks.

Talking about how SDGs put ageing firmly onto the agenda of development, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi put an emphasis on the issue of population aging and how sustainable development has helped bring the agenda on international level. He talked about the 2030 Sustainable Development agenda that is focused on social inclusion of older people and can be related to all SDGs.

“The sustainable development goals are relevant to older people in ending poverty for all sections of society including older people, ending malnutrition and hunger, and promoting health coverage that specifically include vulnerable sections of society i.e. people above the age of sixty,” the Vice Chancellor said.

Prof. Zaidi concluded his speech on the remarks that sustainable development and inclusion of older people is a common challenge in regions like Eastern Asia and Latin America, but we must embark on agendas to help meet the sustainable development goals. Provincial Minister Muhammad Rizwan said that the sustainability cannot be achieved overnight. “I have specifically focused to put an end on the poisonous emissions due to the hazardous waste by working on implementation policies during my tenure,” the minister said.

Mr. Rizwan also explained how only a slight change in global temperature would cause an irreversible damage. ‘’As long as people don’t learn to take personal responsibility, governments from all the countries would never be able to save the environment,” he concluded.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Faiza highlighted the importance of conference as an opportunity for researchers, scientists, industrialists, and policymakers to present their work to help meet sustainable development goals through effective collaboration. She also highlighted the main themes of the conference in the area of sustainable agriculture and food security, water resources management and poverty alleviation. Later, MNA Riaz Fatyana presented appreciation shields to event partners.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

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GCU VC briefs Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar about LLB programme 

Lahore, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):Senator Azam Nazeer Tarar, an eminent Old Ravian and the Chairman of Legal Education Committee of Pakistan Bar Council, on Saturday visited the Government College University Lahore. Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi along with the senior faculty members briefed Mr. Tarar about the faculty and facilities set up for the Dr. Allama Muhammad Iqbal Law School of GCU Lahore.

It is pertinent to mention here that the GCU Lahore this year for the first-time opened admissions to the five-year LLB programme. The last date to apply is September 17, 2021. Senator Tarar also inspected the library and classrooms for the upcoming first batch of law students. He appreciated that the GCU had started law degree programmes, as many eminent jurists in Pakistan were Old Ravians and they would act a golden resource for its law school.

Mr. Tarar also shared memories of his college days, saying that Old Ravians remembered their Alma Mater not because of their degrees but due to the values, morals and confidence that the Government College taught them.

Talking to Mr. Tarar, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Zaidi said the five-year LLB (Hons) programme of GCU was very carefully designed under the valuable guidance of best legal minds, including former chief justice of Lahore High Court, Justice Mamoon Rashid Sheikh and sitting judges of the Lahore High Court, including Justice Masud Abid Naqvi and Justice Jawad Hassan.

Prof Zaidi also shared his detailed vision for the University’s Dr. Muhammad Iqbal Law School, where the GCU would offer LLM and PhD in legal studies. GCU Dean Prof. Dr. Raiz Ahmad and Controller of Examinations Shahzad Ahmed were also present.

For more information, contact:
Public Relations Department,
Government College University (GCU)
Squash Complex, GC University, Lahore, Pakistan
UAN: +92-42-111-000-010 Ext: 296
Tel: +92-42-99213343
Cell: +92-321-8440769
Email: registrar@gcu.edu.pk
Website: http://www.gcu.edu.pk

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Saurabh Netravalkar reprimanded for breaching ICC Code of Conduct 

Dubai, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):USA, left-arm fast bowler and captain, Saurabh Netravalkar has been reprimanded for breaching Level 1 of the ICC Code of Conduct during the first game of the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup Super League 2 supported by Dream 11 against Nepal in Muscat.

Netravalkar was found to have breached Article 2.5 of the ICC Code of Conduct for Players and Player Support Personnel, which relates to “Using language, actions or gestures which disparage, or which could provoke an aggressive reaction from a batter upon his/her dismissal during an International Match. In addition to the reprimand, one demerit point has been added to Netravalkar’s disciplinary record.

The incident occurred in the 33rd over after the dismissal of batter Khushal Malla. Netravalkar aggressively shouted towards Malla after he dismissed him, and gave him a send-off, which could have provoked an aggressive reaction from Malla.

Graeme Labrooy of the Emirates ICC Elite Panel of Match Referees imposed the sanction, which was ratified by the ICC Cricket Operations department as per the COVID-19 interim playing regulations. Netravalkar pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Rahul Asher, Vinod Babu and Ahmed Shah Pakteen. Level 1 breaches carry a minimum penalty of an official reprimand, a maximum penalty of a fine of 50 per cent of a player’s match fee, and one or two demerit points.

For more information, contact:
Headquarters,
International Cricket Council (ICC)
Street 69, Dubai Sports City,
Sh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai, UAE
Phone: +97-143828800
Fax: +97-143828600
E-mail: enquiry@icc-cricket.com
Website: www.icc-cricket.com

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President Sulaiman Shahabuddin takes office at Aga Khan University

Karachi, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):Today, the Aga Khan University welcomed into office President Sulaiman Shahabuddin, the University’s third president since its founding in 1983. President Shahabuddin leads an institution that has 3,200 students on three continents, cares for 2 million patients in a typical year and has recently been ranked among the world’s top 100 universities in several fields thanks to its research prowess. He succeeds Firoz Rasul, who has retired after leading AKU to new heights during the 15 years he served as president.

President Shahabuddin is uniquely well prepared to lead AKU. He is an accomplished health care leader who previously served as Regional CEO of the Aga Khan Health Services (AKHS) in East Africa, which cares for more than 1 million patients annually. During his tenure, AKHS hospitals and health centres attracted almost $150 million in external funding, underwent substantial growth, were accredited by international organizations and expanded access for low-income patients.

President Shahabuddin knows the University well: he joined AKU in Karachi in 1986, spent the first 15 years of his career at the University and has worked closely with its deans to launch new nursing and medical degree programmes. He is also intimately familiar with the two regions in which AKU is primarily located. He was born, raised and educated in Pakistan, and has spent the last two decades living and working in Kenya and Tanzania.

“Today is the proudest moment of my career,” President Shahabuddin said. “AKU’s excellence in education, research and health care delivery, public-service ethos and ability to bring people together across boundaries of all kinds make it unlike any other university in the world. In returning to AKU, I feel that I am coming home.”

“With Sulaiman Shahabuddin at its helm, Aga Khan University is in good hands,” said Dr Haile Debas, Chairman of the AKU Board of Trustees and the former Chancellor of the University of California, San Francisco. “His record of success, wealth of highly relevant experience and passion for the University’s mission will be invaluable in leading the University through its next era of growth and development.”

President Shahabuddin grew up in Karachi. He attended the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi, earning a Bachelor of Business Administration and an MBA. He later earned an MSc in Sustainable Development at Imperial College London/SOAS University of London and is currently finishing a Doctorate in Health Administration from Central Michigan University.

President Shahabuddin joins an AKU that has grown significantly in size, scope and stature. The University has opened cutting-edge facilities for teaching, learning and health care delivery in Nairobi and Karachi. It has launched new training, degree and research programmes in partnership with institutions such as Harvard University’s Kennedy School, Columbia University and the University of California, San Francisco. Its hospitals have repeatedly achieved international quality standards, the number of patients it treats has greatly increased and it has substantially expanded access for low-income patients. AKU’s plans for the future include building new hospital facilities and launching additional academic programmes in fields outside of the health sciences.

During the pandemic, AKU has been a valued adviser to governments, a crucial resource for patients and a trusted partner in multiple international COVID-related clinical trials. “President Rasul pursued the vision set forth by AKU’s founder and Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, with tremendous energy and success,” President Shahabuddin said. “I look forward to building on his formidable legacy and to working to fulfill the Chancellor’s vision for the University.”

President Shahabuddin has two AKU alumni in his immediate family. His wife, Zeenat, received her nursing degree from AKU and went on to earn a Doctorate in nursing from Johns Hopkins University. Today she is the global Head of Quality, Clinical Programmes and Projects for the Aga Khan Health Services, as well as the new Regional CEO for AKHS in East Africa. Their daughter, Anjiya, earned her medical degree from AKU in 2019. The couple also has a son, Basim, who recently graduated from the University of Toronto.

For more information, contact:
Media Executive
Department of Public Affairs
Aga Khan University (AKU)
Stadium Road, Karachi
Tel: +92-21-34930051
Fax: +92-21-34934294, +92-21-34932095
Cell: +92-301-8258028
Email: rasool.sarang@aku.edu, public.affairs@aku.edu​
Website: www.aku.edu

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Webinar on “Indian Naval Modernisation and its Impact on Strategic Stability in South Asia” 

Islamabad, September 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) hosted a webinar on “Indian Naval Modernisation and its Impact on Strategic Stability in South Asia” on September 14, 2021. While welcoming the guests, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry, Director General ISSI, stated that the global maritime domain would be greatly affected by the geostrategic realities. India is now embarked upon hegemonic desires in South Asia. The rapid indigenous military modernisation and access to emerging technologies would further enhance the threats for Pakistan.

Earlier in his introductory remarks, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC-ISSI, said that India has not only introduced nuclear weapons in South Asia but has also added a nuclear dimension in the Indian Ocean. India’s building of triad and offensive military preparedness is aimed against its neighbours. Its ongoing naval modernisation has severe implications for regional peace and security.

While providing a comprehensive quantitative overview of India’s naval capabilities and its future plans to achieve the blue water navy in her briefing, Ms Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, Research Fellow ACDC-ISSI, said that the extensive naval acquisitions would immensely improve the Indian reconnaissance capabilities, warfighting capabilities, anti-submarine capabilities and would provide the Indian Navy with a strategic outreach in the Indian Ocean. The nuclearisation of the Indian Ocean is a threat to all the littoral states, especially for Pakistan that aims to maintain a credible nuclear deterrent against India.

In his remarks on “Dynamics of Competition in the Indian Ocean Region,” Vice Admiral (Retd) Khan Hasham Bin Saddique HI(M), Managing Director Bahria Foundation, highlighted the overall strategic, geopolitical and geo-economic landscape of the Indian Ocean where future maritime conflict and great power competition will emerge and Pakistan’s role in it. He opined that the Indian Ocean region is not only complex and diverse but also greatly militarised by the littoral states and external major powers due to a spectrum of armed conflict. The region is also facing non-traditional threats like terrorism, piracy and Climate Change. However, the regional and bilateral security arrangements are not robust.

While expressing his views on “Indian Maritime Modernisation: Implications for Balance of Power in South Asia,” Commodore (Retd) Baber Bilal, Director, National Institute of Maritime Affairs (NIMA), opined that Indian naval muscles in the Indian Ocean and future planned induction will make it a “Bull in China Shop” which will challenge the combined naval arsenal of all other states of the Indian Ocean region and global powers. It will also have far-reaching effects on the naval environment in the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern oceans. Therefore, Pakistan and like-minded states should increase interaction, cooperation and inter-dependence to safeguard their legitimate interest against the Indian challenges.

In his remarks on “India’s Development of Sea-Based Nuclear Capabilities and Deterrence Stability in South Asia” Captain (Retd) Dr Syed Aqeel Akhtar Naqvi (PN), former naval aviator addressed three key areas: assessment of regional strategic stability; the conception of sea-based nuclear forces in the postures of India, China and Pakistan and impact of Indian naval development on deterrence stability in South Asia. Indian naval development especially nuclear submarines will not only generate an escalatory effect during the crisis but also drive a new arms race in the region.

In his remarks on “India’s Maritime Strategy: Repercussions for Regional Security Architecture,” Mr Sufian Ullah, Research Fellow, Centre for International Strategic Studies (CISS), Islamabad identified five key aspects of India’s maritime strategy: acquiring the massive naval capabilities, expanding great power role in the Indo-Pacific region, acquiring emerging military technologies from Quad alliance to contain China; projecting India’s image as a net security provider in the region and acquiring nuclear triad by developing nuclear submarines. In addition to these aspects, the Indian postural shift to counter-force operations will undermine the strategic stability in the region.

The presentations were followed by an extensive question and answer session. Concluding the webinar, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BOG ISSI, said that India’s motivations are to acquire the status of regional hegemon global power and US partnership to contain China. Towards that end, it is heavily militarising and nuclearizing the Indian Ocean. Pakistan must not seek parity and look for smart ways to maintain deterrence. Talking about the role of the US, Russia and Western powers, he said that their military assistance has played a greater role in disturbing the regional military balance.

For more information, contact:
Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI)
Sector F-5/2, Islamabad – 44000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-51-9202481
Fax: +92-51-9204658
E-mail: strategy@issi.org.pk
Website: http://issi.org.pk/