Day: October 25, 2022

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Dawah Academy holds International Conference on Dawah Strategy in Contemporary World 

Islamabad, October 25, 2022 (PPI-OT):Two day 5th International conference on Dawah Strategy in contemporary world in context of Non-Muslim missionary activities organized by Dawah Academy of the international Islamic University was held here at Faisal Masjid campus of the university on Tuesday.

The conference experts and paper presenters spoke on a number of important topics according to the theme of the conference including contemporary requirements of Dawah, Modern society and strategy of Dawah ,challenges in Dawah in the contemporary context and combating misconceptions against Islam. Around 50 research papers were presented in the conference where participants called for a comprehensive strategy for Dawah in contemporary world.

The opening ceremony was addressed by H.E. Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi who highlighted the importance of Dawah and also addressed the challenges Muslim world is facing in the shape of misconceptions and stereotyping against Islam. Hailing the management of Dawah Academy for the conference, the IIUI President said that Dawah Academy is one of the vital constituent units of the university and its efforts to disseminate Islam’s true message of peace are appreciable. He also his shared the vision university management has set for the progress of IIU.

The conference was also addressed by Prof. Alexandre Papas, Professor at EPHE, practical school for advances studies, national centre for scientific research in Paris). Mufti Sham ul Haq Siddiqi from Germany also shared his thoughts as chief guest and spoke on the Muslims in the western world. Dr. Shaista Sohail, Executive Director, Higher Education Commission also expressed her views on the topic. Earlier, Dr. Muhammad Ilyas, Director General, Dawah Academy apprised the participants of the aims and objectives of the conference.

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 Bids Farewell in Honour of Dr. Masoom Yasinzai 

Islamabad, October 25, 2022 (PPI-OT):A farewell ceremony was arranged at the new campus in honour of outgoing Rector International Islamic University (IIU) Professor Dr Masoom Yasinzai who retired on Tuesday (October 25th) after serving IIUI for a decade. Other than Dr. Masoom, the farewell ceremony was joined by the IIUI President Dr Hathal Homoud Alotaibi along with the Vice Presidents, Deans, Directors and senior faculty members.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi appreciated the efforts of Worthy Rector saying that his vision and his nature of hard work has set us on the track of success. He said that the university would keep benefiting from his insights as being one of varsity’s prudent contributors, Dr. Masoom shall always be consulted to guide in the light of his experiences. He thanked Dr. Masoom for his untiring work, honesty, selfless and altruistic services he granted to the university.

On the occasion, Dr. Masoom said that he has special attachment to this university. He discussed his immense love and bonding with IIUI saying that the university that faced many ups and downs, now, has been put on the pathway of the progress and prosperity that has been followed by the recent management. He assured of his maximum support and voice for the IIUI on all forums saying that in future as well he will be among the leading ranks to make IIUI one of the top universities of the world.

He thanked the Embassy of Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in Islamabad for its continuous support to university, while he also thanked Imam Muhammad bin Saud University saying that KSA’s cooperation during his service was exemplary. He also thanked the IIUI Pro Chancellor Professor Dr. Ahmad Salem Muhammad Al- Ameri for his support and guidance. He also appreciated the vision and policies of Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi.

After the ceremony, Professor Yasinzai was accompanied by the IIUI President and Vice President who saw him off for the departure. Dr. Masoom served IIUI for 10 years and he is an international scientist who has also served as Vice Chancellor Balochistan University and VC Quaid-e-Azam University Islamabad. He had his primary education from Kuchlak, a suburb of Quetta and his research and academic activities date back to 1980 when he started teaching at the University of Balochistan.

He is also known for his administrative and academic contributions in many universities while he has played a vital role in launching the civil engineering program and Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences at IIUI with his personal efforts. In recognition of his services in science and technology, he was awarded Sitara-i-Imtiaz, while he was also awarded Aizaz e Fazeelat by the President of Pakistan.

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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Successful use of technology in reducing maternal and infant deaths 

Karachi, October 25, 2022 (PPI-OT):Over 3,000 pregnant women from rural Kilifi have received basic obstetric screening since April 2021 to check for risky pregnancies. This has adversely reduced maternal deaths and infant mortality rates in the county. The Mimba Yangu (My Pregnancy) project by the Aga Khan University (AKU) in partnership with the County Government of Kilifi, sought to assess the role of technology in access to quality maternal services and enhancement of birth preparedness. Other partners included Philips Foundation and Philips.

Kenneth Miriti, Kilifi County Maternal, Neonatal, and Adolescent Reproductive Health Coordinator, said, “Many mothers give birth without knowing how the baby is in the womb and this has led to many deaths of the infants, the mothers, or both. Mimba Yangu has enabled mothers to know the conditions of their pregnancies as early as possible and refer them to appropriate healthcare facilities for skilled management which has saved their lives.”

Mimba Yangu achieved this by facilitating ultrasound screening at primary health care level through trained antenatal care staff. In its implementation, they used Philips Lumify​, a portable ultrasound machine, and Philips Mobile Obstetric Monitoring (MOM) application, a software solution that allows community healthcare workers to identify and manage high-risk pregnancies.

The project trained 32 nurses and midwives from fourteen selected health care facilities (levels 2, 3, and 4) in Kaloleni and Ganze sub-counties. This was done through theory and practical sessions facilitated by radiologists from Aga Khan University, and senior sonographers from the Kilifi County Ministry of Health.

To further strengthen communication between pregnant women, community health volunteers (CHVs), and primary health care workers, 36 nurses/midwives across fourteen facilities in Kaloleni and Rabai, as well as approximately 250 CHVs were trained on the MOM application.

Speaking on the success of Mimba Yangu at its end of project dissemination and learning forum, Prof Marleen Temmerman, Director, AKU Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health, noted “The project wanted to assess the feasibility of using the equipment and to determine the benefits of the same. We are proud to announce that our objectives were achieved through the early detection of various pregnancy anomalies and the ultrasounds eventually made a huge difference in infant and maternal deaths.”

Kilifi County’s Department of Health has established a transitioning strategy for the project by integrating the basic and crucial costs in their 2022/2023 annual plans to ensure its sustainability.

The project aimed at studying the feasibility and possible impact of the use of digital innovation and the implementation of the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation of at least one ultrasound exam during pregnancy, best done before 24 weeks. The expectation was to enhance access to quality maternal care and prevent complications during pregnancy and childbirth in three sub-counties of Kilifi County: Kaloleni, Ganze, and Rabai.

The benefits of obstetric ultrasound screening in early pregnancy include early detection of risk pregnancies and complications, exact assessment of gestational age leading to better management of pre-, post-terms births, early referral of pregnant women, and ultimately better maternal and new-born pregnancy outcomes.

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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LUMS Hosts Retreat to Celebrate VC Teaching Excellence Award Winners 

Lahore, October 25, 2022 (PPI-OT):Each year, LUMS proudly recognises the University’s most exceptional educators through the Vice Chancellor’s (VC) Teaching Excellence Awards. On October 8, this year’s cohort, including Drs. Haniya Azam, Muhammad Hamad Alizai, Rahman Shah Zaib Saleem and Syed Zahid Ali, came together for a retreat at the LUMS Learning Institute (LLI).

The session was an opportunity for the winners to celebrate together as a cohort, share ideas, and explore ideas for future pedagogical projects. The programme was facilitated by Dr. Launa Gauthier, Interim Director for the LUMS Learning Institute (LLI); Dr. Arshad Ahmad, Vice Chancellor, LUMS, and Ms. Fatima Iftikhar, Co-Lead Partnerships and Educational Developer (LLI).

Dr. Ahmad extended a warm welcome to the cohort. “The power of this retreat stems from the idea that a small group can lead great change. This is as an opportunity to raise the bar for teaching and learning. If we can do that, it will have almost an infinite impact not only at LUMS, but for the country,” he said.

Over the course of the day, the participants exchanged ideas, shared memorable moments from their teaching careers, and highlighted strategies they have utilised effectively in the classroom.

Talking about his experience, Dr. Alizai shared, “I had taken workshops and tried interventions without knowing how to implement them. Then I took the Pedagogical Experimentation course at the LLI [a core faculty development offering]. It was about inviting colleagues into my class who gave me precise feedback. That was the most beneficial course for me because it was the difference between theory and practice.”

Dr. Zahid shared his belief that when it comes to learning, practice is very important. “I often call students to the board to solve a question. I tell them that with the help of three things – intuition, mathematics, and visualization – they can solve any equation,” he said.

Faculty also cited other aspects that impact teaching, such as building connections with students and showing compassion. Dr. Saleem narrated how he often reaches out to struggling students and offers support. “This helps them sort out their problems while improving their academic performance. It’s not just about teaching; but also about grooming someone to be better and helping them excel in life,” he explained.

Recognising that math can often be a daunting subject, Dr. Azam tries to be more approachable to put students at ease. “I took it upon myself as a challenge to dissolve this impression. It has made my students rethink how hard math really is,” she said.

The group also discussed ways to collaborate on a project that would help them to utilise the grant funds that are part of the teaching award. Together they worked with the LLI to propose a LUMS-wide project that will focus on faculty’s experiences of the balance between teaching – research and the opportunities and challenges they face in the early years of teaching.

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

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Szymon Makuch visits IHHN’s Childhood Cancer Patients 

Karachi, October 25, 2022 (PPI-OT):Szymon Makuch, the Polish ultra-distance runner, after completing the 1000 kilometers approx. KarakoRUN2022 through the Hindukush, the Karakorum, and the Himalayas for pediatric cancer, traveled to Karachi to meet Indus Hospital and Health Network’s childhood cancer patients.

At IHHN, Korangi Campus, Szymon toured the hospital’s pediatric wards and met all our brave little warriors. He listened to their inspiring stories and spent time with them playing games and painting. He was excited to meet the little oncological patients. He said, “After meeting these kids, I realize that their journey is bigger than the run itself. This has been a very humbling experience.”

Szymon was officially taken on board as our IHHN Ambassador. Dr. Abdul Bari Khan, CEO, IHHN and Mr. Mashhood Rizvi, Executive Director, Communication and resource Development Directorate, IHHN presented him the IHHN Ambassador shield.

Our partner Quetta Gladiator also visited the hospital to present a souvenir to Szymon and as sports fans appreciated his commitment to take on this never-been-done-before demanding run through Northern Pakistan. They also acknowledged his dedicated efforts for the childhood cancer patients.

Szymon Makuch specializes in extreme runs for charity. He has run several ultra-distance treks through his Run for Emotion initiative in order to help raise funds for various patients. KarakoRUN2022 marks Szymon’s fourth and most extreme marathon so far. The run, which spanned almost 20 days in North Western Pakistan’s most difficult terrains, provides a modest emulation of the burdensome journey childhood cancer patients experience.

For more information, contact
The Indus Hospital (TIH)
C-76, Sector 31/5, Opposite Darussalam Society,
Korangi Crossing, Karachi – 75190, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-35112709-17
Fax: +92-21-35112718
Email: crd@indushospital.org.pk
Website: http://www.indushospital.org.pk/

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Lahore girls team defeat Faisalabad by 45-9 in Punjab Games basketball event

Lahore, October 25, 2022 (PPI-OT):The thrilling competitions of 73rd Punjab Games were held at different sports venues of Nishtar Park Sports Complex on the second day of the mega event being organised under the banner of Sports Board Punjab and with the collaboration of Punjab Olympic Association on Tuesday.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Ehsan Bhutta and Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi visited National Hockey Stadium and watched exciting sports events. Director Admin Syed Umair Hassan, Director Sports Nadeem Qaiser, SBP Chief Consultant Hafeez Bhatti, SBP PRO Abdul Rauf Roofi and other officials were also present on this occasion.

Secretary Sports and Youth Affairs Ehsan Bhutta and Director General Sports Punjab Muhammad Tariq Qureshi appreciated the performance of young male and female players in Punjab Games events. They also distributed prizes among the top position holders of the sports events.

Lahore girls team defeated Faisalabad by 45-9 in the Punjab Games basketball event played at NPSC Gymnasium Hall on Tuesday.

Earlier, Lahore defeated Multan by 25-10 in the first semi-final while Faisalabad thrashed Gujranwala by 35-23 in the 2nd semi-final. Gujranwala toppled Multan by 25-2 in the 3rd/4th position match.

Following are the results:

Basketball Girls event at NPSC Gymnasium Hall:

1st semi-final: Lahore bt Multan by 25-10

2nd semi-final Faisalabad bt Gujranwala by 35-23

Final: Lahore bt Faisalabad by 45-9

3rd/4th position match: Gujranwala bt Multan by 25-2.

Football

1st match: Multan beat Bahawalpur by 5-4 on penalties

2nd match: Lahore beat Gujranwala by 3-0

3rd match: Sargodha edged out Rawalpindi by 8-7 on penalties

4th match: Sahiwal beat DG Khan by 1-0.

Ju-Jitsu

Fighting 56kg:

1st. Abu Sufian (Gujranwala), 2nd. Sabir (Faisalabad), 3rd. M Taimoor (DG Khan), Pervaiz Ali (Gujrat)

Fighting 50kg:

1st. Zeeshan Ali (Faisalabad), 2nd. Amir Azam (Sahiwal), 3rd. Waleed (Lhr), Muaz Butt (Gujranwala)

Ne-Waza 69kg:

1st. Ammar Zafar (Lhr), 2nd. Saddam (GB), 3rd. Zark Ali (Multan), Rashid Mehmood (Pindi)

Ne-Waza 77kg:

1st. M Sufian (Gujrat), 2nd. Hamza (Pindi), Farhan (Lhr), 3rd. Abdullah Sh (Gujranwala)

Ne-Waza 85kg:

1st. Hamza (Gujranwala), 2nd. Zahidullah (Sargodha), 3rd. M Adnan (Fsb), Ali Haider (B’pur)

Duo

1st. Lahore, 2nd. Faisalabad, 3rd. Rawalpindi.

Kabaddi:

Faisalabad beat Multan by 47-34

Bahawalpur beat DG Khan by 37-28

Lahore beat Gujrat by 35-33

Gujranwala beat Sargodha bt 40-24

Roller sports:

400m: Mohsin (DG Khan), Shakir (Sargodha), Mudassar (Sahiwal)

Round event: Mohsin (DG Khan), Shahbaz (Lhr), M Rehan (Multan)

Stend event: Ibrar (Multan), Mudassar (Sahiwal), Shahbaz (Lhr)

100m: M Shakir (Sargodha), Rooh Muhammad (Multan), Jamshed (Sahiwal)

Zig-Zag event: Noman (Multan), Shakir (Sargodha), Jamshed (Sahiwal)

Taekwondo (male):

-46kg: M Zahid (B’pur), Kabeer Ali (Fsbd), Adeel Lucas (Lhr)

-50kg: Azizullah (Pindi), M Imran (Fsbd), Bilal Malik (Lhr)

-54kg: Aqib Mehmood (Multan), Ali Husnain (Gujranwala), Asad Ali (Lhr)

-80kg: Adil Khan (Pindi), Mesam Tawar (Multan), Maqarran Hussain (Lhr),

-87kg: M Salman (Fsbd), M Javed (Multan), Zulqarnain (B’pur)

+87kg: Qadeer Akram (Fsbd), Mujahid (Multan), Abdul Hafeez (B’pur)

Baseball:

Sahiwal beat Gujranwala 14-2

Multan beat Lahore 12-0

Faisalabad beat Sahiwal 14-8

Volleyball:

Match No 1: Gujrat bt Sargodha 3-1 (25-14, 25-22, 22-25, 25-19)

Match No 2: Bahawalpur beat Multan by 3-0 (25-12, 25-14, 25-9).

For more information, contact:
Sports Board Punjab
Government of the Punjab
National Hockey Stadium, Ferozepur Road, Lahore, Pakistan
Tel: +92-42-99232501, +92-42-99232502
E-mail: info@punjabsportsboard.com
Website: http://sportsboard.punjab.gov.pk