November 13, 2021

Farewell Reception hosted in the Honour of Retired Faculty Members

Khairpur, November 13, 2021 (PPI-OT):A Farewell Reception was hosted in the honour of retired Faculty Members of Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor presided over the ceremony. Ms. Zahida Parveen Mari, Department of Sindhi, Dr. Tarique Zubair Avesi, Institute of Microbiology, Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon, Department of Statistics, Mr. Aziz Ahmed Phulpoto, Department of Economics attend their age of superannuation.

Speaking on this occasion, Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto said appointment and retirement are an integral part of service. He said during the service period the good performance is remained forever. The academic and research services of retired teachers will be remembered for long time because they contributed their maximum period of life in uplifting the institution.

The Vice Chancellor said we must adopt the policy of institutional approach in the soft image building of the institution rather than individualism. Dr. Ibupoto suggested the young teachers to embark their research projects so the research and development could be availed for nation and society. Dr. Ibupoto stressed the teachers that during their teaching they must infuse the sense of moral, cultural and ethical values among their students.

Ms. Zahida Parveen Mari, Dr. Tarique Zubair Avesi and Mr. Abdul Qadir Memon also spoke on this occasion. They accorded special thanks for hosting this reception in their honour. They said they contributed for the nation and society. They said they will continue their efforts for the promotion of education in the betterment of the community.

Prof. Dr. Amir Ali Chandio and Prof. Dr. Amir Hussain Shar said that we have followed the good tradition because Vice Chancellor Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto is the trend setter. He said initiated to host the reception in the honour of retiring teachers. They said that the academic and research contribution of retired teachers is a value-added for us. They accorded special thanks to the Vice Chancellor for sparing his precious time from his busy schedule. The proceedings of the ceremony were conducted by Mr. Ishrat Ali Mirani. The Dean, Directors, Chairpersons, Officers and Employees attended the ceremony.

For more information, contact:
Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU)
Old National Highway, Khairpur, 66020 Sindh, Pakistan
Tel: +92-243-9280051-4
Fax: +92-243-9280060
Email: info@salu.edu.pk
Website: https://salu.edu.pk

November 13, 2021

All Pakistan Inter-University Volley Ball Zone-H (Boys) Championship 2021-22 concluded

Khairpur, November 13, 2021 (PPI-OT):The All Pakistan Inter-University Volley Ball Zone-H (Boys) Championship 2021-22 organized by the Sports Section, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur in collaboration with Higher Education Commission concluded at Syed Qaim Ali Shah Indoor Sports Complex of University. Prof. Dr. Khalil. Ahmed Ibupoto, Vice Chancellor was the chief guest of the concluding ceremony. In the final match of the championship, Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur beat Sukkur IBA University by 3-0 and won the championship comprehensively.

Talking to the players and participants, Prof. Dr. Khalil Ahmed Ibupoto said we have provided traditional and local hospitality to the participant teams. During the Championship, players played professionally and with vigour. He said sports culture is very essential for the promotion of healthy activities and positive mindset. The Vice Chancellor extended his cordial thanks to the Vice Chancellors of the various Universities who provided opportunity to their students in order to participate in this championship.

Dr. Ibupoto also accorded the Higher Education Commission, Islamabad for sponsoring this event.
Prof. Dr. Taj Muhammad Lashari, Dean Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Amir Ali Chandio, Prof. Dr. Amir Shar, Mr. Mureed Hussain Ibupoto, Registrar, Mr. Ishrat Ali Mirani, Dr. Syed Baqir Ali Shah, Chairman Sports Section, Mr. Muhammad Murad Pirzada, Director Physical Education, Mr. Ghulam Mujtaba Jatoi, Deputy Director Physical Education, Mr. Taj Muhammad Mahar, Ms. Farida Chohan, Mr. Ali Nawaz Maitlo and large number of students and players attended the ceremony.

November 13, 2021

University of Sargodha holds 7th International Conference of the Linguistic Association of Pakistan

Sargodha, November 13, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Department of English at the University of Sargodha in collaboration with the Linguistic Association of Pakistan hosted the 7th International Conference of the Linguistic Association of Pakistan (ICLAP) on November 10-12, 2021 to bring together researchers and linguists from across the globe working on various aspects of language to exchange their research work and developments in the field.

The three-day conference featured plenary sessions, workshops, poster presentations, and cultural evening in which more than 500 national experts, researchers, and students, including foreign linguists and scholars, participated. The main purpose of the conference was to introduce advanced approaches in linguistic studies to the students.

The veteran contemporary international linguists and renowned education specialists including Dr Sadaf Munshi Professor and Chair of the Linguistics Department University of North Texas, USA; Prof Dr Lawrence J. Zhang Dean Faculty of Education and the Social Work University of Auckland, New Zealand; Prof. Dr Charles Hall Associate Professor of English Al-Faisal University, Saudi Arabia; Prof Dr Shahid Abrar ul Hassan English Language Education Trainer Yorkville University British Colombia, Canada; Prof Dr Amra Raza Dean Faculty of Arts and Humanities Punjab University; Eric George from the USA; Professor Salvatore Attardo Texas A and M University-Commerce, USA; Prof Dr Ghulam Raza President of Linguistic Association of Pakistan (LAP), and Dr Zareena Qasim Incharge Department of English and Event Convener enlightened audience about the themes of the conference.

The parallel sessions continued for two days providing ample opportunities for collaboration and discussion on various aspects revolving around 12 key themes of the conference. More than 160 research papers were presented by the distinguished researchers virtually and physically who shared their insights and suggested training of students for conducting significant researches in the field of language and literature.

On the last day, Prof Salvatore Attardo shed light on contemporary publishing issues. This was followed by talks of Dr Shahid Abrar ul Hassan and Dr Malik Ajmal Gulzar emphasized the role of mother tongue and code-switching for learning a target language. A panel discussion on the topic ‘Local Action Plan for the International Decade of Indigenous Languages’ underscored the significance of indigenous languages and suggested measures to carry out researches for their preservation to revive local linguistic heritage.

Besides plenary sessions, a cultural evening was organized for the national and international participants at Mola Baksh Auditorium. The fantastic performances of renowned Pakistani singer Rahat Bano Multanikar and students of the music society mesmerized the audience.

Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Muhammad Saleem Mazhar congratulated the entire faculty of the English Department on successfully conducting the conference. He said that the conference provided an opportunity to the young scholars of Sargodha University to meet and learn from eminent national and international experts that would enable them to break the stalemate in the field of education and research. Additionally, he pledged his entire support and assistance in this regard.

Similarly, Dr Ghulam Raza President (LAP) expressed his gratitude and thanked the local and foreign experts for attending the conference. During the closing session, souvenirs were distributed among the speakers, members of the organizing committee and the resource persons of the workshops. All the participants vowed to promote indigenous languages through researches at the graduate and postgraduate levels.

For more information, contact:
University of Sargodha
University Road, Sargodha, Pakistan
Tel: +92-48-9230811-15
Email: info@uos.edu.pk
Website: https://uos.edu.pk

November 13, 2021

Distinguished Lecture Series “Public Talk by His Excellency, Amir Khan Muttaqi, Interim Foreign Minister of Afghanistan”

Islamabad, November 13, 2021 (PPI-OT):“We must not be a prisoner of the past, peace in Afghanistan means peace in Pakistan and vice versa.” This was stated by H.E. Amir Khan Muttaqi, Interim Foreign Minister of Afghanistan during his address at a Public Talk organized by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad today under its Distinguished Lecture Series. Members of the diplomatic corps in Islamabad, academics, civil society, former and current diplomats were also present.

Ms. Amina Khan, Director Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA) moderated the event. During his welcome remarks, Director General ISSI, Ambassador Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that in the aftermath of the US pull-out, the manner in which the Ashraf Ghani government left, shows that they never had the support of Afghan people. Now the situation in Afghanistan is a ground reality and that there is a consensus that the people of Afghanistan want peace. If there is chaos in Afghanistan, it will lead towards terrorism and back to a chaotic situation he said.

Mr. Muttaqi shed light on the new developments in Afghanistan and also talked about the foreign policy of Afghanistan and specifically relations with Pakistan. He said the developments in Afghanistan were peaceful due to the support of the people and in the city of Kabul not a single drop of blood was shed. He further said that with the group’s takeover, there was comprehensive peace throughout Afghanistan and that the refugees coming out of Afghanistan are economic refugees as is the case in other parts of the world as well.

The new government of Afghanistan does not pursue a policy of revenge. Talking about the Doha agreement, he said that we have made it clear that we will not allow the territory of Afghanistan to be used against any country, including our immediate neighbours. There exists a problem internationally in defining certain words – one such word is terrorism. We are now pursuing a balanced policy and we do not want our country to be a ground of conflict for major powers and joint efforts can lead to stability.

Due to the unique placement of Afghanistan geographically, it can serve as a point of connectivity for the entire region. We are exerting efforts to have dialogue with CARs so that trade can be resumed between Pakistan and Central Asia which will benefit Afghanistan as well. We also look forward to good bilateral trade with Pakistan. Reforms that the international community wants us to take we want to work towards them peacefully not through pressure tactics.

He said Afghanistan for the first time in forty-three years has a central, responsible and sovereign government which controls every inch of the territory of Afghanistan. We, in Afghanistan have a historic opportunity to create a win-win situation for everyone. The new developments have opened new opportunities for stability as the backbone of prosperity. A lot of things are coming out of the international media with the intention of destroying our image. 500,000 civil servants who were previously not being paid for months are now being paid.

We have not fired anyone due to their political views. He also stated that not a single woman has been fired or their salaries cut. Afghanistan has around 3000 clinics and hospitals which are still running today. Aid has been cut by ‘International human rights champions’ and the assets of people of Afghanistan- their basic source of sustenance – have also been frozen. There no longer exists any rationale behind any such sanctions. The international community wants us to build an inclusive government- our current cabinet fulfils that requirement – we have representatives from all ethnicities. We are being punished for something which is a possibility in the future, he concluded.

The talk was followed by a discussion moderated by Ambassador Chaudhry. During this, Mr. Muttaqi appreciated Pakistan for hosting Afghan refugees who have resided in the country for more than 40 years. Responding to a question regarding women’s rights and education, he said that more than 75 percent of girls have returned to school and while the focus of the international community on women education there is very little focus on the teachers who need to paid, hence this appears to be quiet contradictory in part of the international community.

There is a consensus in Afghanistan and the entire region that whichever government is in power with the support of the people of Afghanistan is in the interest of all. There remain no anti-Pak elements in Afghanistan and that we are trying our best that the territory of Afghanistan not be used against anyone and that peace should prevail. The talk concluded with Chairman BOG, ISSI Ambassador Khalid Mahmood presenting the Institute’s shield to the distinguished guest.

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/

November 13, 2021

PRC-Sindh distributed 400 hygiene kits in Hyderabad

Karachi, November 13, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Sindh branch of Pakistan Red Crescent distributed 400 hygiene kits to the most vulnerable communities affected by COVID-19 in Hyderabad. The distribution of hygiene kits as part of the PRC-ECHO WASH-COVID Response Program in collaboration with IFRC.

While distributing the hygiene kits, Deputy Commissioner of Hyderabad and President of Red Crescent District Branch Hyderabad Fuad Ghaffar Soomro praised the selection process of the beneficiaries. He also appreciated the efforts of the Red Crescent to provide relief to the vulnerable communities in every disaster and emergency situation.

The distribution ceremony was attended by Dr. Allauddin Shah Convener Red Crescent General Hospital Hyderabad (RCGHH), Dr. Humayoun Anjum Rana MS, RCGHH, Abdul Haq Sheikh, Convener HR Committee Hyderabad Red Crescent, Marvi Awan, PRCS Coordinator for Hyderabad and Zainul Arfeen Emergency Response Officer, PRC-Sindh. Beneficiaries expressed their gratitude for receiving hygiene kits and lauded the Pakistan Red Crescent’s initiatives in Hyderabad.

For more information, contact:
Sindh Provincial Branch,
Pakistan Red Crescent Society (PRCS)
Hilal-e Ahmar House, G 2 Khayaban-e-Iqbal, Zone A Block 7,
Teen Talwar, Main Clifton Road, Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35306227, 35306228, 35306229
Fax: +92-21-35830376
E-mail: phq@prcsindh.org.pk
Website: http://www.prcsindh.org.pk/

November 13, 2021

HRCP concerned about inflation and rising extremism

Lahore, November 13, 2021 (PPI-OT):The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) has said that the deteriorating state of human rights in the country has reached a tipping point. In a situation where people are caught between spiralling food inflation and the insidious rise of religious extremism, continued attempts by the establishment and the ruling government to marginalise Parliament represent an existential threat to the country’s democracy. Constant attempts at political engineering and the exploitation of ethnic divisions could set back Pakistan’s fragile democracy by decades. HRCP also strongly opposes any amendments that curb the power of local governments.

The political opposition has a duty to its constituents to present solutions to the inflation crisis. HRCP also urges the government to seriously reconsider the neoliberal development models it has adopted. These measures are neither pro-poor nor rights-based. If the state cannot provide its citizens with livelihoods and shelter, it has no right to take away what little they have.

That the government chose to negotiate with the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) was unconscionable. This capitulation to a far-right militant group that is responsible for an estimated 80,000 Pakistani deaths is a grim portent for progressive, secular voices. HRCP is also gravely concerned by the government’s failure to impose the writ of the state even after at least seven police officers were killed during the recent violence perpetrated by supporters of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP). The government’s negotiations with the TLP will embolden other proscribed organisations that have no compunction in seizing the little civic space left to ordinary people.

In light of the surge in violence against women, children and transgender persons, HRCP demands immediate measures to strengthen children’s protection bureaus, women’s shelters and gender-based violence courts, and better equip women police officers. HRCP also continues to monitor the situation of Afghan refugees in Pakistan and strongly urges the government to develop and implement a coherent policy towards refugees that guarantees their right to security and freedom of movement.

HRCP welcomes the Supreme Court’s decision to penalise the miscreants who attacked a Hindu temple in Karak district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. This sets an important precedent and should make it clear that the state will not tolerate any attacks on religious minorities’ places of worship. Regrettably, this action alone is not enough to protect freedom of religion or belief. We reiterate the need to implement the 2014 Tassadaq Jillani Supreme Court judgment, establish an independent statutory national commission on minorities, enact legislation against forced conversions, and revisit the recommendations of the Senate’s 2018 report on the blasphemy laws.

While HRCP supports the urgent need to legislate against the practice of enforced disappearances, it is concerned that the draft legislation does not make adequate provision for deterrence or prosecution, or for holding state agencies accountable for employing this practice as a tool of intimidation.

We welcome the passage of the Protection of Journalists and Media Professionals Act, but the procedural rules that have yet to be issued must not infringe on the right to freedom of expression and opinion, nor should the process of issuing these rules be needlessly delayed. It is deeply ironic, however, that this law is at odds with the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act 2016 and proposed – draconian – Pakistan Media Development Authority Ordinance.

In the current environment, it is therefore deeply fitting that HRCP has chosen to give the Nisar Osmani Award for Courage Journalism in 2021 to the Pakistan Federal Union of Journalists (PFUJ), which has been an indispensable force in resisting the rising coercive regime of censorship.

For more information, contact:
Chairperson
Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP)
Aiwan-i-Jamhoor, 107-Tipu Block,
New Garden Town, Lahore-54600
Tel: +92-42-35864994
Fax: +92-42-35883582
Email: hrcp@hrcp-web.org
Website: www.hrcp-web.org