February 7, 2023 – Newswire Pakistan

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023

Signing of Memorandum of Understanding between Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad and Strategic Studies Center for Armed Forces of Arab Republic of Egypt

Islamabad, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):At the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Tariq Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan; Colonel Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Planning, Nasir Higher Military Academy, Egypt; Brigadier Mohamed Saad and Colonel Mahmoud Hassan of the Egyptian Defense Attaché Office; Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Pakistani Embassy in Egypt; Ambassador Khalid Mehmood, Chairman Board of Governors, ISSI and Ms. Amina Khan, Director, Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa were also present.

Director Center for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa, Ms. Amina Khan, in her introductory remarks, said that the signing of the MoU is a reflection of the warmth of both sides and the desire to expand the scope of mutual dialogue. He hoped that this MoU would help to further promote the relations between Pakistan and Egypt, through such institutional linkages, cooperation between the two sides for mutual research and discussion on issues of mutual interest will be promoted.

Welcoming the conclusion of the MoU, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Sohail Mehmood said that ISSI values its relationship with Nasir Higher Military Academy. The two institutions had interacted in the past and this MoU formalized the institutional linkages between the two parties and laid the framework for building a mutual partnership in the future.

He added that the relations between Pakistan and Egypt are strongly bound by history, common faith and a common approach on regional and international issues. It was also in line with Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” initiative. He added that Pakistan attaches great importance to its partnership with Egypt, which has historically played an important role in the region. Ambassador Sohail also referred to the historic agreement to establish ‘loss and loss’ funds at COP27 in Sharm El Sheikh where Egypt’s role and support as host was invaluable.

Major General Tariq Mohammad Hilal, director of the Strategic Studies Center in the Armed Forces of Egypt, said that Pakistan and Egypt are very important countries in the region and friendly relations between these countries are of great importance.

The two countries have a long history of solidarity. He said that the entire team of Nasir Higher Academy is looking forward to a fruitful partnership with ISSI and this mutual cooperation will be beneficial for both countries. This MoU reflects the willingness of both sides to work together to meet the challenges faced by both countries.

The Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, Dr. Tariq Dahroug, believed that Pakistan and Egypt are two important countries and have a lot of potential that needs to be explored. The Egyptian Embassy has crossed important milestones to enhance relations and create new links between researchers from both Pakistan and Egypt. He said that this MoU is a reflection of the untapped potential of research-based cooperation between the two countries.

Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan in Egypt, appreciated the work of ISSI and said that this MoU with Nasir Higher Academy will bring both Pakistan and Egypt together through academic links in areas of mutual interest. It will be helpful to bring it closer. He highlighted various aspects of bilateral relations between Pakistan and Egypt and hoped that this MoU would lay a solid foundation for future cooperation.

Chairman of Planning, Nasir Higher Military Academy, Egypt, and Colonel Mukhtar Ahmed said that the MoU will help to create diverse linkages and cooperation between the two institutions and facilitate regional and international cooperation. This will enable both parties to achieve better interaction and fruitful cooperation. Chairman ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mehmood expressed his views on Pakistan-Egypt relations in historical and contemporary context and added that the think tank dialogue between ISSI and Strategic Studies Center, will enhance Pakistan-Egypt relations.

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/

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023

SMIU Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai visits Turkish Consulate General

Karachi, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) visited Turkish Consulate General in Karachi on Tuesday, where he met with Turkish Consul General Mr. Cemal Sangu. During the meeting with Mr. Cemal Sangu, Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai expressed deep sorrows on heavy loss of human lives in earthquake in Turkiye and said Turkiye is our brethren country, hence we consider loss of human lives in Turkiye as ours.

Dr. Sahrai said Pakistan, especially Sindh Madressatul Islam University has historical relations with Turkiye as Turkish government had given titles of “Effendi,” and “Bey” to the founder of SMI Khan Bahadur Hassan ally in 19th century on his friendly relations with Turkiye and for his services in the field of education. That is why, the said natural catastrophe in Turkiye has also jolted people of Pakistan. Dr. Sahrai also wrote his views in the condolence book kept at Consulate General.

For more information, contact:
Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU)
Aiwan-e-Tijarat Road, Karachi-74000, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-99217501-3
Fax: +92-21-99217504
Email: info@smiu.edu.pk
Website: www.smiu.edu.pk

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023

Signed an MoU with Strategic Studies Center for Armed Forces of the Arab Republic of Egypt

Islamabad, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):An MoU signing took place between the Institute of Strategic Studies Islamabad (ISSI) and the Strategic Studies Center (SCC), Nasser Higher Military Academy, Egypt, which was facilitated by the Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA). The ISSI was represented by its Director General, Ambassador Sohail Mahmood and SCC by its Director, Major General Tarek Mohamed Hilal.

The MoU signing ceremony was also attended by H.E. Dr. Tarek Dahroug, Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan; Col. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman of Planning, Nasser Higher Military Academy, Egypt; Brig. Mohamad Saad and Col. Mahmoud Hassan of the Egyptian Defence Attache Office; Dr. Raza Shahid, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan in Egypt; Ambassador Khalid Mahmood, Chairman Board of Governors (BOG), ISSI and Ms Amina Khan, Director, Centre for Afghanistan, Middle East and Africa (CAMEA).

Director CAMEA, Ms. Amina Khan, while giving her introductory remarks, stated that signing of MoU was a reflection of warmth and desire on both sides to expand the scope of bilateral interaction. She hoped that the MoU would help further the relationship between Pakistan and Egypt, through such institutional linkages between both sides for collaborative research and dialogue on issues of mutual interest.

Welcoming the conclusion of the MoU, Director General ISSI, and Ambassador Sohail Mahmood said that ISSI highly valued its relationship with the Nasser Higher Military Academy. The two institutes had interacted in the past and this MoU formalized the institutional linkages between both sides and laid the framework for building a collaborative partnership in the future. He added that Pakistan-Egypt relations were firmly anchored in history, common faith and convergent perspectives on regional and international issues.

This was also in line with Pakistan’s “Engage Africa” initiative. He added that Pakistan accords high importance to its partnership with Egypt, which had historically played a pivotal role in the region. Ambassador Sohail also referred to the historic agreement on establishment of the ‘Loss and Damage’ Funds at the COP27 in Sharm-el-Sheikh where, as the host, Egypt’s role and support was invaluable.

A closer and stronger Pakistan-Egypt relationship was of vital importance in these times of global flux and uncertainty, he said, adding that it would continue to grow as the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations this year. Director Strategic Studies Centre in the Armed Forces of Egypt, Major General Tarek Mohamed Hilal, said that Pakistan and Egypt are very important countries in the region and friendly ties between these countries are of utmost significance.

Both countries have a long-standing history of solidarity. He said that the entire team at the Nasser Higher Academy looks forward to a fruitful partnership with ISSI and this mutual cooperation will be beneficial for both countries. This MoU reflects both sides’ keenness to work together to counter the challenges faced by the two countries.

Ambassador of Egypt to Pakistan, H.E. Dr. Tarek Dahroug, was of the view that Pakistan and Egypt are two important countries and there is a lot of potential that needs to be explored. The Egyptian Embassy has undertaken important milestones to enhance the relationship and create new linkages between researchers of both Pakistan and Egypt. He said that this MoU is a reflection of the untapped potential of research oriented cooperation between both countries.

Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of Pakistan in Egypt, Dr Raza Shahid, appreciated ISSI’s work and said that this MoU with Nasser Higher Academy will be instrumental in bringing both Pakistan and Egypt closer together through academic linkages in areas of mutual interest. He highlighted the various facets of the bilateral relationship between Pakistan and Egypt and hoped that this MoU will lay a solid basis for future cooperation.

Chairman of Planning, Nasser Higher Military Academy, Egypt, Col. Mukhtar Ahmed, said this MoU will help to produce diverse linkages and cooperation between the two institutions and facilitate collaboration at regional and international levels. It will enable the two sides to achieve better interaction and fruitful cooperation.

Chairman ISSI, Ambassador Khalid Mahmood shared his thoughts on Pakistan-Egypt relations in the historic and contemporary perspective and added that think-tank interaction, such as the one between the ISSI and SCC, was essential for enhancing Pakistan-Egypt ties.

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023

AKUH starts clinical trial on new cancer treatment

Karachi, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):The Aga Khan University Hospital, Nairobi (AKUH, N) has launched a first in Africa cancer drug clinical trial to investigate the effectiveness of a new treatment that blocks the activity of a gene mutation responsible for the cause of cancer in affected patients. AKUH, N is the only site selected in Africa for the testing of this new treatment.

The study follows the approval of a similar drug to treat lung cancer by the USA’s Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2021. The gene in question is the KRAS gene, explains Prof Mansoor Saleh, the Director of the Aga Khan University’s Cancer Center and the Hospital’s Clinical Research Unit (CRU):

“The KRAS gene is what we call a housekeeping gene, present in all cells of the body and is responsible for growth and survival of normal cells. In normal conditions, the KRAS gene gets activated when parts of the human body grow and becomes functionally active.

After that, KRAS goes into the in-active state. Sometimes, however, KRAS activation becomes uncontrolled resulting in uncontrolled growth, which then leads in some cases to cancer. In about 30% of cancer tumours, the KRAS gene is mutated and goes into uncontrolled activation state making it a cancer causing gene or an oncogene. The KRAS G12C Oncogene is a mutated KRAS gene, which is reportedly responsible for the development of lung cancer, colon cancers and some other human cancers.”

Scientists have recently developed inhibitor molecules that block the activation of the KRAS G12C oncogene. This inhibitor molecule has the potential to block the cancer causing property of KRAS G12C.

“The Cancer Center at the Aga Khan University Hospital recently embarked on a clinical trial to test the anti-Tumor property of GDC 6036, an experimental treatment that blocks the activation of the KRAS G12C oncogene in human tumours.

The pill developed by Roche Pharmaceuticals is intended to block the function of KRAS G12C and thereby stop the uncontrolled cell growth and division of the cancer in those patients,” added Prof Saleh.

A similar gene blocker recently received FDA approval specifically for use in patients with lung cancer who carry the KRAS G12C mutation. AKUH, N is the only site in Africa studying the effect of this gene blocker on tumours other than lung cancer that also share this KRAS G12C mutation.

“When detected early, surgery, conventional chemotherapies and radiation therapy can be successful and curative. However, when conventional therapy fails, the outcome is often bleak. This gene blocking therapy is the first such precision oncology treatment on a patient with metastatic colon cancer, whose tumour carries the KRAS G12C mutation,” added Prof Saleh.

The first patient in the African continent on this trial is a Ugandan national who is currently receiving this experimental therapy. While commenting on the trial, AKUH, N’s CEO Rashid Khalani noted that it is in line with the hospital’s commitment to increase the participation of Africa in global cancer trials.

“As a University Hospital we have a mandate to contribute to the development of effective and relevant treatments. We are therefore very delighted to be participating in this trial that we believe is going to develop therapies that are relevant to the African population,” said Mr Khalani. Cancer is the third leading cause of death in Kenya, with the World Health Organisation estimating that there are over 40,000 new cases and over 28,000 cancer-related deaths every year.

“To deal with the cancer menace, we must increase the research on the disease, invest more in public awareness and more importantly train more specialists to take care of the increasing number of cancer patients. That is why last year we launched a new fellowship in Medical Oncology, as part of our efforts to increase the number of cancer specialists in the region,” said Mr Khalani.

AKUH,N established its Clinical Research Unit in 2020 to spearhead clinical trials in the region and form the cornerstone of cancer research in East and Central Africa. This was informed by the need to develop treatments that are more effective in the African population since most of the drugs used for treatments are tested in western countries with limited participation of the African population.

“Research has found that there are genetic differences between the African population and the rest of the world. This means that we have to study novel treatments on our population for they may respond differently or have more or less toxicity than patients from the West. This is exactly the reason why we at Aga Khan University have made the conduct of clinical trials and the establishment of the clinical research unit our mandate,” explained Prof Saleh. CRU is currently involved in several clinical trials. Previously it has completed clinical trials for Covid-19 vaccine and the use of Tocilizumub to treat critically ill Covid-19 patients.

For more information, contact:
Marketing and Communications,
The Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH)
Stadium Road, P.O. Box 3500, Karachi – 74800, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-111-911-911
Email: akuh.information@aku.edu
Website: https://hospitals.aku.edu/pakistan/

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023

On the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day 2023, an Arts Exhibition is on at Hakara Art Gallery, IUB

Bahawalpur, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):College of Art and Design Islamia University Bahawalpur Exhibition of works of art made by students on the occasion of Kashmir Solidarity Day is going on president. Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Mann and Secretary Bahawalpur Gymkhana Malik Ejaz Nazim visited Hakara Art Gallery today.

The exhibition shows human rights violations and atrocities on the social and societal conditions of oppressed Kashmiris. President Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry said that the exhibition of works of art on the situation in Kashmir by the students of Islamia University Bahawalpur is a welcome act. Malik Ijaz Nazim also appreciated the creativity of the students. Principal College of Art and Design Maria Ansari, Farjad Faiz and Abir Haider were present on this occasion.

For more information, contact:
The Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB)
University Chowk, Gulshan Colony, Bahawalpur,
Punjab – 63100, Pakistan
Tel: +92-62-9250235
Fax: +92-62-9250335
E-mail: info@iub.edu.pk
Website: https://www.iub.edu.pk/

February 7, 2023February 8, 2023

A large-scale trade fair will be organized on the occasion of the 18th International Cholistan Jeep Rally, VC IUB

Bahawalpur, February 07, 2023 (PPI-OT):Vice Chancellor Islamia University Bahawalpur Engineer Professor Dr. Athar Mehboob has said that Bahawalpur Trade Fair will be organized on a large scale with the cooperation of Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry and district administration on the occasion of 18th International Pocket Rally.

The Vice-Chancellor expressed this on the sidelines of a meeting with District Officers and officials of Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry on the arrangements for Bahawalpur Trade Fair.

On this occasion, President Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Chaudhry Zulfiqar Ali Mann, Additional Commissioner Revenue Haq Nawaz, Additional Commissioner President Muhammad Faisal Atta, Additional Commissioner Aamir Nawaz Khachi, Assistant Commissioner Muhammad Tayyab, Assistant Commissioner City Anam Fatima, Secretary Bahawalpur Gymkhana. Malik Ejaz Nazim and other officers were also present.

He paid tribute to Commissioner Bahawalpur Raja Jahangir Anwar for the Rohi Mela and other excellent arrangements on the occasion of organizing the pocket rally and said that the Chief Minister The arrival of Punjab Syed Mohsin Raza Naqvi in the pocket rally will be an encouraging step for the promotion of tourism in this region.

Bahawalpur Sir Mai is taking initiatives to promote tourism and the students of the university actively participate in the pocket rally and make this event a success. On this occasion, focal person Professor Dr. Asif Naveed Ranjha, Director Press Media and Publications Shehzad Ahmed Khalid and Bahawalpur Chamber of Commerce and Industry Secretary Abir Haider gave a briefing on the important issues related to pocket rally.