Month: May 2022

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Panel Discussion on India’s “Accidental” Missile Launch: Implications and Challenges

Islamabad, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Arms Control and Disarmament Centre (ACDC) at the Institute of Strategic Studies, Islamabad (ISSI) organised a panel discussion on “India’s ‘Accidental’ Missile Launch: Implications and Challenges” on May 31, 2022, at its premises. The panellists were Ambassador Tariq Osman Hyder; Dr Adil Sultan, Dean/Head of Department, Faculty of Aerospace and Strategic Studies (FASSS), Air University; Ambassador Zamir Akram, Advisor to SPD and Ms Ghazala Yasmin Jalil, Research Fellow, ACDC-ISSI. The audience included prominent defence analysts, researchers, academics and young students from Islamabad-based universities.

While opening the panel discussion as a moderator, Malik Qasim Mustafa, Director ACDC-ISSI, said that on the evening of March 9, 2022, an Indian missile flying at supersonic speed landed near Mian Channu, in the Pakistani province of Punjab. It was a BrahMos cruise missile. It took India almost two days to acknowledge that a missile had been fired due to a technical malfunction while the international community did not show any reaction to the incident. The incident is of great significance since this is the first ever-accidental launch between two nuclear-armed adversaries. It raises several questions regarding India’s intentions, its technical expertise and its nuclear command and control. Pakistan also needs to take a deeper look into what it means.

While discussing the possibility of a deliberate launch, the majority of panellists termed this as a deliberate launch. India is not a naïve state especially when there are many prerequisites for a missile launch. All missile launches in India must be authorised by the political leadership Moreover, India is aspiring for first-strike capability, counterforce strategy and escalation dominance. Therefore, under the cover of an accidental launch, India may be gauging Pakistan’s command and control configuration, operational readiness and political will to respond. However, the probability of failure of Indian command and control should not be excluded. Panellists said that internal bureaucratic dynamics keep the Indian army outside the loop regarding missile protocols resulting in a lack of coordination.

On the issue of response from Pakistan, panellists said that there is a difference between war and peacetime protocols that determine the timings of response. Few panellists were of the view that the absence of a kinetic response has reflected seriously on Pakistan. Pakistan should have at least shown a strong response at the political and diplomatic levels. However, other panellists cautioned against the use of kinetic force. The conventional response is part of Pakistan’s full spectrum deterrence posture.

Furthermore, not every event merits a strategic response, especially the attack and the response time in the case of India and Pakistan is very short. Pakistan should carefully analyse Indian doctrinal shifts and inclination towards pre-emptive first strike and explore the spectrum of kinetic response in case any such event occurs in future. There should be more clarity and transparency through joint investigations. Pakistan should push the fact that it was a deliberate launch and that India is an irresponsible nuclear state on different international forums like Conference on disarmament, First Committee and MTCR.

Talking about the impact of the incident on deterrence, panellists said that the purpose of deterrence is to minimise the probability of crisis and conflict between nuclear states. In the environment of nuclear entanglement in South Asia, the main objective should be to avoid a war that could escalate up to the nuclear level. At the low level of the escalation ladder, such incidents would challenge deterrence. The panel discussion ended with the vote of thanks by Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman BoG ISSI.

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/

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GCU seminar deliberates on strategies for combating drug use in educational institutions

Lahore, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):A seminar titled “commit to quit” was held here at the Government College University, Lahore on Tuesday under the auspices of its Anti-Narcotics Society to deliberate on strategies for combating drug use in educational institutions. Major General Ghulam Shabbir Narejo, the Director-General of Anti-Narcotics Force (ANF) Pakistan, and Vice-Chancellor Prof. Dr Asghar Zaidi addressed the seminar which was marked by musical and theatrical performances and speeches by the University’s students.

In his address, Major Gen Shabbir Narejo said that about 84% of the world’s heroin (almost 6,800 metric tons) is produced in the neighbouring Afghanistan, and transported to the entire world through three routes i.e. Central Asian states, Iran and Pakistan. “Out of this huge quantity, only one metric ton is more than enough to destroy the entire youth of the Lahore. So this huge volume of narcotics being transmitted through Pakistan makes up our society extremely vulnerable to spread of narcotics and makes our job extremely difficult,” the Major General said.

He said reasons of narcotic drugs use included poor family bondage, bad company, false adventurism, get noticed syndrome, escape from hardships and realities, frustrations, depression, recreational use and easy availability. He also shed light on the history of narcotics that goes back to 6000 years. The Major General said he had visited around 14 institutions as DG ANF, but found the GCU students more aware about drug abuse and the credit for this goes to its teachers, administration and leadership i.e. Vice Chancellor Prof. Zaidi.

He also announced cash award for different societies of GCU involved in raising awareness about drug abuse. Speaking on the occasion, Vice-Chancellor Prof. Zaidi said narcotics are being used as a weapon against youth in the modern hybrid warfare, and it is the individual responsibility of each one of us to fight this war and protect ourselves from illegal drugs.

He said keeping in view the legacy of leadership, GCU took upon itself the challenge of making its campus drug free and initiated its program with the slogan “Drug abuse prevention not through Sermons but by Science”. He said the GCU program is aimed at developing psycho-social resilience and a set of leadership skills in students needed to combat the stresses and strains of contemporary society.

Force Commander Anti-Narcotics Force Regional Directorate Punjab Brig. Rashid Minhas said GCU Anti-Narcotics Society is a role model for other universities. The seminar concluded with an awareness walk led by Major General Ghulam Shabbir Narejo and Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi.

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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IHC ruling, enforced disappearances committee positive steps

Lahore, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) welcomes the Islamabad High Court’s order holding previous and incumbent chief executives accountable for what the court has termed a ‘tacit approval of the policy regarding enforced disappearances.’

It is critical based on the overwhelming evidence to expressly articulate the role of security agencies in using this practice to quell political dissent, deny ordinary citizens the right to due process, and generally build a climate of fear in the name of ‘national security’. The court’s order, if implemented in letter and spirit, may go some way in compensating for the failure of the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED) to hold perpetrators accountable.

While the government’s constitution of a seven-member committee to deliberate on a policy on enforced disappearances is also a positive step, any such policy must institute protection and compensation mechanisms for victims and their families. It must also clarify the mandate of security agencies, and commit to closing down internment centres and revoking the arbitrary powers available to state agencies under the KP Action (in Aid of Civil Powers) Ordinance 2019.

The ‘missing’ bill on enforced disappearances should be resurrected and deliberated on further, and the COIED replaced with a judicial commission with an effective and reputable chair. The committee must also lobby strongly for Pakistan to sign the International Convention for the Protection of All Persons from Enforced Disappearance.

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

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Oath-Taking Ceremony of OWA held

Islamabad, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):An oath-taking ceremony of the members of Officers Welfare Association (OWA) of the International Islamic University (IIU) was held here at the new campus of the university. Prof. Dr. N.B. Jumani, Vice President, Administration and Finance, administered the oath on the occasion. The oath taking ceremony was also attended by Ali Muhammad Abu Turab (Guest of Honour) and Dr. Sajjad Qamar.

Addressing the ceremony, Maulana Ali Muhammad Abu Turab congratulated the elected office bearers. He maintained the universities are the imperative hubs of learning that may lead the country towards success and prosperity by nurturing young minds with a balanced approach. He hailed the role of IIU in service of society and also felicitated the new members of OWA while urging them to remain devoted to the progress of the institution.

Dr. Sajjad Qamar stressed in his speech on the importance of service to humanity. He said welfare associations must focus on disseminating peace and love for humanity. He said they must discourage hatred and such negative attitudes. He also highlighted the importance of reward for the better outcome in the organizations. He appreciated that the university is offering remarkable services in inter-faith and inter-sect harmony not only in Pakistan but beyond the boundaries.

Dr. N.B. Jumani in his address emphasized that officers have a vital role in disseminating and spreading knowledge in the society because they deal with the management of the affairs of an important hub of knowledge. He said there is a dire need to make collective efforts to make the university a shining institution. He opined that alternative resources such as solar energy and other such innovative initiatives are on the cards and management will leave no stone unturned for progress of university.

Talking about the progress of officials, he said the university is going to adopt the time pay scale policy through the Board of Governors in the light of the policy issued by the Government of Pakistan. Dr. Jumani stressed that training of the officers is imperative and management will hold dedicated training for officers in future. He vowed that all welfare associations will be encouraged to bring new options for the betterment of the university and the management will be keen to pursue every step that leads to success of IIUI. He said IIU is one of fastest growing universities in Pakistan grabbing more and more students every year with much improved rankings across the world.

Professor Dr. Zafar Iqbal also addressed on the occasion who called for united efforts to make the university a leading hub of learning. He said all the associations and the management must come forward together to adopt the attributes of governance through a holistic approach. He also urged that protection of resources must be the top priority.

On the occasion, President OWA, Chaudhary Muhammad Nazir said that the OWA will be among the leading ranks for the welfare of the university officials. He thanked the officer’ community for electing him and his cabinet and vowed that officers’ welfare will be a top priority and OWA would be eager to cooperate with the management for university’s progress. Earlier, new General Secretary of OWA, Muhammad Imran thanked the house for support and shared various suggestion regarding betterment and progress of the university.

The new office bearers of the OWA included, Chaudhary Muhammad Nazir, President, Hassan Shabbir Mir, Vice President (Male), Naila Bashir, vice President (Female), Muhammad Imran, General Secretary, Farooq Ahmad Sharif, Information Secretary, Zahra Shah, Joint Secretary (Female), Syed Manzoor Shah, Joint Secretary (Male), Muhammad Rafi, Finance Secretary and Muhammad Kamran, Culture / Sports Secretary.

For more information, contact:

Public Relations,

International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)

Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,

H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-9019249

Fax: +92-51-9257909

Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk

Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

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IIUI holds Job Fair

Islamabad, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):President International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI), H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud Al-Otaibi, saying that higher education in Pakistan is evolving rapidly and expectations of society are also rising accordingly, stressed upon academia to come forward and play its progressive role to make the education truly relevant.

He shared his views during the inaugural ceremony of Job Fair organized by Faculty of Management Sciences (FMS) held at Quaid-e-Azam Auditorium, Faisal Masjid Campus of the university. He said that producing all round graduates along with professional development and preparing them to display true image of Islam is our main focus in the university. He opined that maintaining the quality of higher education in institutions must be the top priority to achieve sustainability and progress in the country.

Dr. Hathal inaugurated the Job Fair along with Dean, Faculty of Management Sciences, Dr. Abdul Raheman. The event was attended by as many as 25 organizations set-up their stalls for interviews of the students. During the inaugural ceremony, Dr. Hathal Hamoud, President IIUI visited various booths established by various multinational companies and organizations and witnessed the interviews of the students of various disciplines of the Faculty of Management Sciences.

President IIUI maintained that opportunities play a key role for career development and polishing the talent of the students. President, IIUI appreciated the interactive activities of students and representatives of companies in the job fair and also presented shields to the representatives of companies at job fair and organizing committee on the occasion.

On the occasion, Dr. Abdul Rehman, Dean FMS also briefed the representative of companies about the university and its contributions for the development of the country while visiting various booths established by the companies. Dr. Abdul Rahman, Dean FMS said that the job fair is aimed at providing an opportunity to employers and qualified youth to interact with each other. “We are providing employers with a perfect platform to interact with their prospective candidates one-on-one” he said.

He added that the activity has been planned to minimize the burden of the government that it has been facing due to unemployment. He added that FMS is committed to inculcate professional and entrepreneurial learning opportunities among students. Dean FMS said that during the day-long activity, female students of Faculty of Management Sciences would interact with representatives of companies till noon, while male students would interact with the Human Resource representatives at Quaid-I Azam Auditorium, Faisal Masjid Campus after lunch break.

Dr. Uzma Noor, briefing the purpose of the job fair said that the event is not only to provide jobs for the students but also building long-term relationship with the corporate, social and public organizations as Faculty of Management Sciences intends to create liaising with the participating organizations in research and including them in its corporate advisory board. She also briefed that to prepare the students for the job fair, several pre job fair activities such as interactive sessions, CV making workshops and mock interviews were conducted during the last two months.

On this occasion representatives of the companies shared that setting up our companies both here at the campus is to induct qualified youth and train them according to the needs of the job market. It would certainly enhance the performance of the talented youth.

Participating organizations included State Life Insurance Corporation of Pakistan, Shan Marketing, Alkhidmat Foundation, Trade Expeditors Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd., Meezan Bank, Pak Suzuki, Ternotech, AAA Associates, Vivo Electric (Pvt) Ltd., RMB (Right Medical Billing), HBL, (Pvt) Ltd., First Women Bank, PTCL, Silk Bank Limited, HBL Microfinance Bank, Airblue and U Microfinance Bank.

On the occasion, Dr. Kausar Fiaz Khwaja, In-Charge, FMS, Female Campus, Dr. Muhammad Faisal Rizwan, Chairman Dept., of Accounting, Dr. Tasneem Fatima, Chairperson, Dept., of Business Administration, Ms. Uzma Noor, Chief Organizer of Job fair, Dr. Fouzia Syed, In-Charge Dept., of Technology Management, Dr. Tahira Awan, In-Charge Dept., of Accounting and Commerce, Mr. Waqas Ahmad, Dr. Imran Qureshi, Dr. Hafiz Ghufran Ali, Dr. Ali Asghar,, Dr. Arshia Mukhtar, Ms Ayesha Jameel, faculty members coordinating officials from Faculty of Management Sciences and a large number of students attended the job fair.

For more information, contact:

Public Relations,

International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI)

Room No.118, Admin Block, New Campus,

H-10 Sector, Islamabad, Pakistan

Tel: +92-51-9019249

Fax: +92-51-9257909

Email: iiuipublicrelations@iiu.edu.pk

Website: www.iiu.edu.pk

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LUMS and AAS Partner to Cultivate Humanities and Social Sciences in Asia

Lahore, May 31, 2022 (PPI-OT):LUMS has entered into a partnership with the Association for Asian Studies (AAS), the largest US based organisation focusing on Asian studies. This AAS initiated USD 2.68 million project is funded by the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency (SIDA). The aim is to develop research capabilities of professionals in the fields of Humanities and Social Sciences in South and Southeast Asia. Universities especially those that have underfunded departments in Humanities and Social Sciences, and are located away from the metropolitan centres, and have also been adversely affected by social and political conflicts are a priority.

‘Cultivating the Humanities and Social Sciences and Supporting Under-Represented Scholars of Asia’ is a major initiative that spans the South and Southeast Asian regions, thereby helping pave the way for new collaborative paths that can be explored. The four universities, each situated in Thailand, Cambodia, Pakistan, and India will benefit from this grant over a period of four years.

“The most important part of the project is that its focus is on Humanities and Social Sciences, often neglected areas of research and knowledge in most of the academic settings. This particular project is a major step in the right direction,” adds Dr. Farrukh A. Khan, Director, Office of International Affairs, LUMS and Associate Professor, Postcolonial Studies, Mushtaq Ahmad Gurmani School of Humanities and Social Sciences (MGSHSS), LUMS.

The funding is planned to develop the research capacity of local universities and enhance the academic knowledge, research skills, experience, and resources of their scholars in the Humanities and Social Sciences. The primary focus will be on junior faculty, graduate students, senior and independent scholars, women and the ethnic minority groups from under-represented regions of Pakistan. It intends to support scholars, working in the Humanities and Social Sciences, located in less economically advantaged regions through four routes built around enhancing individual and institutional research capacity. These include short and long-term research grants, graduate student travel allowances, and residence fellowships for individuals from marginalised groups.

In addition to research grants, the Project also aims to organise AAS-in-Asia conferences and trans-regional workshops as well as encourage academic publications and collaborations. The implementing partner for Pakistan is MGSHSS, LUMS. The University is honoured to be the regional hub for the project. “We will help identify and build the capacity of other universities located away from larger cities in the region. We are looking at universities in Baluchistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Baltistan, which lag behind when it comes to funding of certain academic programmes,” explains Dr. Khan who is the Hub-Lead of this Project as well. Initially, the collaboration was directed by Dr. Kamran Asdar Ali who is now the President of AAS and was formerly the Interim Provost at LUMS.

As far as the implementation goes, “Each hub is supposed to carry out a training workshop, the one is Pakistan will be held in the first week of September. These trainings will eventually lead to a collective conference where the top candidates from each hub will present their research papers,” says Dr. Khan.

“This is an excellent initiative that will not only help build capacity in social sciences regionally but through international linkages, increase our footprint in Asia,” says Dr. Tariq M. Jadoon, Interim, Provost, LUMS. Additionally, this will help build the University’s profile. “This is an important opportunity and we are perfectly suited to gain advantage of our position. This will also lead to enhanced engagement with other universities, especially in far flung areas in Pakistan,” adds Dr. Khan.

For more information, contact:

Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS)

D.H.A. Lahore Cantt. 54792

Lahore, Pakistan

Tel: +92-42-35608000

Fax: +92-42-35725048

Website: www.lums.edu.pk