Tag: Habib University

Karachi, December 10, 2021 (PPI-OT):The latest episode of Habib University’s “Breaking the Story” reflects on the 6th Yohsin Lecture “Bullet Dodged or Merely Delayed: Reflections on the Future of Democracy, Nuclear Proliferation and the Looming Environmental Catastrophe in a Post-Trumpian World”, delivered by the renowned intellectual and learned scholar, Dr. Noam Chomsky and debates on the issues of, “Declining Global Democracy, Governance and Public Disengagement”. The Podcast was conducted on Friday, October 08, 2021.

The panel comprised Mr. Owais Tohid, senior print and broadcast journalist, Mr. Raza Rumi, an anchor, journalist, editor, policy expert and writer and Ms. Asma Shirazi, a Pakistani journalist, anchor and political commentator. The podcast was hosted by Ms. Aqsa Junejo, Assistant Director Marketing and Communication, Habib University along with Mr. Zulqurnain Ul Haq, Lecturer, Habib University.

This episode highlighted issues such as restrictions on freedom of speech, scarcity of credible information, biasedness of media, polarity of wealth, use of social media platforms and educating and equipping youth for the future. The episode also discussed the significance, impact and role of media in establishing democracy and highlighted the issues that were being faced by the media in doing so.

With 24 years of journalistic experience, Mr. Owais Tohid, who has headed three of Pakistan’s private television channels, agreed that Media and Democracy go hand in hand media is one of the strongest mediums that can help retain democracy. Mr. Tohid put the importance of asking questions as the fundamental attribute to enable one to understand the world around them and exercise individual agency. This also resonates well with the youth in Pakistan who will be at the forefront of shaping Pakistan’s future.

He explained that it is a mix and match of different factors that have led to the “backsliding” of Democracy. “Media alone cannot stand against that tide, neither can media absorb it all”. Mr. Tohid discussed the struggles of media and media personnel in the past, which helped democracy prevail. He stated, “The struggle now is not unified but individual.”

On a question about dissemination of information, he said, “Censorship of media is now state-owned as well as corporate-owned. The transition of state-owned media to corporate-owned media has led to the media being biased and controlled.”

Mr. Raza Rumi, along with Pakistan, discussed the condition of democracy in United States, Europe and Turkey. He provided valuable analysis on how false narrative can be used as a powerful tool by influential groups to dictate and even alter the political outcomes and associations of consumers of media. On the question on public disengagement and role of media Mr. Rumi said, “Credible information is people’s right and not a favour. They cannot take the right decision unless provided credible information.”

While discussing about inequality of power and wealth, Mr. Rumi highlighted the issue of wealth concentration in a few hands, which has proven to be a significant hindrance to democracy. “The disparity of wealth in the West at the moment is far more than what it was back in the start of the 20th century. Democracy cannot prevail when wealth is distributed in such a manner and such is the case in Pakistan as well,” he explained.

He appreciated the efforts of Mr. Tohid and Ms. Shirazi, who have always stood their ground, fought for truth and faced defiance and powerful opposition in doing so. Ms. Shirazi highlighted how the shadows of fascism and authoritarianism are taking the garb of legality and constitutionalism and hovering over democracy around the world today are the biggest threats to democratic manifestation one can imagine.

When asked about the current state of democracy, Ms. Shirazi said, “It is not only Pakistan facing a declining democracy, rather, this is a global phenomenon. Democracy depends on many factors which include; free media, freedom of expression, human rights and its protection, these are all pillars of democracy, which have been weakened. The biggest barrier in the way of democracy is fascism and authoritarianism, which now is prevailing throughout the world.”

The panel agreed that backsliding of democracy is evident and is not only a national issue but a global dilemma. Discussing the importance of social media platforms and how the platforms are being used by general public to express their view points, the panellists deemed social media platforms as the leading means of public engagement of this era. They said that the new generation are far more self-aware and are adept at leveraging social media to organize around issues critical to them. It would take a while to grasp the concept of meaningful engagement but it is now up to the new generation to develop and take the country forward.

Mr. Rumi on explaining the causes of public disengagement said, “Every nation in the world allows campus politics, it is only in Pakistan where campus politics is condemned.” He added, “All the political parties alike, have been in denial and unable to play their part in boosting and supporting democracy.”

Mr. Tohid seconded his opinion and said, “Student unions should be opened, political involvement of the students can be denied, but their political thinking should not be capped.” Ms. Shirazi strongly stressed over the fact that speaking up and standing up for one self is very essential, saying, “Having the right to speak up is what matters the most, be it wrong, be it right, one should at least have the freedom of speech.”

The podcast concluded with hope for the future of journalism and democracy when the attention was directed towards Maria Ressa and Dmitri Muratov, who got a Nobel Prize for Journalism on the same day as the podcast. Mr. Tohid, optimistic for the future said, “Perhaps there is still hope for Journalism, this is the first time in my life, I have seen a journalist being awarded a Nobel Prize.”

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, November 24, 2021 (PPI-OT):Habib University held its Second Annual Fundraising Gala titled “Creating Opportunities for a Better Tomorrow”, at the Marriott Marquis, Houston on November 20, 2021, to re-galvanize the support of the Pakistani diaspora in Houston for Habib University at a time when higher education is still reeling from the effects of the pandemic.

The First Annual Gala was held in Houston, Texas in March 2019. Due to worldwide restrictions in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Gala could not take place in 2020. The event exhibited the resolve and conviction of Pakistani diaspora for the cause and demonstrated their confidence in the potential of the nation and its youth.

In his keynote address, legendary humourist and satirist, Anwar Maqsood, spoke about the wonders of obtaining a high-quality education in the comforts of your own country. “I have always believed that if we are to see our nation prosper, we have to ensure that our youth are provided the opportunity to attain the world class education like that provided by Habib University.”

Mr. Wasif A. Rizvi, during his presentation, explained the impact of Habib University and its mission of providing talented students access to attaining a world-class education. He thanked the Houston community for their generous support to higher education. “Habib University is a historic higher education institution outside the United States that is making world-class liberal arts education accessible for all through the unmatched, generous support of its Mohsineen.

He went on to emphasize the importance of building committed communities of supporters, “We, at Habib, are bringing the communities together to create opportunities for the promising youth of Pakistan and cultivate thoughtful leaders for a better tomorrow, one step at a time”.

Alluding to the historic crossroads that Pakistan was at, Mr. Usman Dhanani, Vice President, The Dhanani Group, who was the host of the evening, said that higher education in a country like Pakistan could create history. Mr. Shoukat Dhanani, CEO, The Dhanani Group and Member, Board of Governors, Habib University acknowledged the importance of being close to your homeland and advocating for a cause that could shape higher education in Pakistan.

As the guests at the gala turned out in overwhelming numbers, it was delightful to see Habib University’s mission achieving monumental support. Dr. Asim Shah remarked, “We are really overwhelmed by the support given by the Houston community, and we will work towards supporting higher education because that is the only way we can change society and the future of Pakistan.”

The Annual Gala is a prominent fundraiser that brings supporters of Habib University together and their faith in the institution. The event marked more opportunities to come towards creating a fulfilling future for the youth of Pakistan.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, November 12, 2021 (PPI-OT):The newly appointed US Consul General to Karachi, Mr. Mark Stroh, paid a maiden visit to Habib University on November 5, 2021. The US Consul General was accompanied by Deputy Cultural Affairs Officer, Keome Rowe, Deputy Consul General, Matthew Ference, and Cultural Affairs Officer, John Rhatigan, and was received by President Wasif Rizvi and Dr. Aamir Hasan, Interim Vice President Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty.

Mr. Mark Stroh assumed role as US Consul General in August and is a career member of the United States Senior Foreign Service. He has most recently served in Washington, D.C as the Managing Director for International Media in the Bureau of Global Public Affairs. He was Executive Secretariat Staff in Washington and a Director for Strategic Communications and Assistant Press Secretary and Deputy Spokesman of the National Security Council. He has also served as acting director of the Press Office in the Bureau of Public Affairs and worked as a journalist for a number of publications.

Upon his arrival, Mr. Mark Stroh was taken to the Yohsin Wall, located near the main entrance of the University. The Wall displays the motto of Habib University, Yohsin, which translates to thoughtful self-cultivation, which is further broken down into five components – excellence, passion, respect, beauty and service. He was told how students are encouraged to ingrain each of these traits into everything they do while at university and beyond.

During the tour, Mr. Mark Stroh was shown the scale model of the state-of-the-art campus located near the entrance. President Rizvi explained how the award winning architectural design of the campus catered to the low height requirements of the nearby airport and maximized students’ learning experience.

At the Wall of Mohsineen, which honours the founding community and donors of Habib University, President Rizvi pointed out that Habib University was in collaboration with some of the leading universities in the United States such as University of California, Berkeley, University of Michigan and Texas A and M and had introduced the liberal arts and sciences model of higher education to Pakistan.

The tour of the main campus included stops at the student center, the library, recreational facilities and Habib’s own green space, the Zen Garden. During the official briefing, Mr. Mark Stroh was briefed about how Habib University is a one-of-its-kind community owned institution, which enjoyed support locally as well as from the Pakistani diaspora in Houston. He was apprised of the University’s mission of providing high-merit students irrespective of their socio-economic or educational backgrounds access to a world-class education.

Mr. Mark Stroh was appreciative of Habib’s efforts while stressing the importance of an interdisciplinary approach and the need for liberal arts education in a developing country such as Pakistan. Towards the end of the visit, the US Consul General and his delegation were thanked for coming to the university to better understand its philosophy and mission.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, November 12, 2021 (PPI-OT):For their outstanding and sustained service to furthering scholarship, excellence in teaching, and commitment to the strategic mission and vision of Habib University, seven faculty members have been appointed to senior ranks in their respective programs.

In Integrated Sciences and Mathematics (iSciM) Dr. Sameena Shah Zaman has been appointed Associate Professor, while Mr. Yousuf Kerai has been appointed Senior Lecturer with a joint appointment in the Comparative Humanities program. Dr. Sameena Shah Zaman, is one of first two female faculty members appointed to the rank of Associate Professor at Habib University. She is a physicist who is committed to exploring new pedagogical methods to put student learning at the heart of teaching.

Mr. Yousuf Kerai is currently the only faculty member who is teaching in two programs across both schools. Mr. Kerai’s talent in music and teaching in math has made him a favourite among students. He has developed interdisciplinary courses at Habib University and has led the start of the University’s popular orchestra.

“It is always endearing to know that one is valued at an institution and that there are opportunities to grow and progress. However, being promoted to a Senior Lecturer position with a joint appointment to the Comparative Humanities Program and Integrated Sciences and Mathematics sends a clear message that Habib University truly values its commitment to interdisciplinary learning,” said Mr. Kerai.

Dr. Saleha Raza has been appointed Associate Professor for the Computer Science program. With almost six years of association with the Computer Science program, Dr. Raza has been a role model for females looking to start a career in the STEM field.

Speaking about the pursuit of excellence in her teaching, she said, “Being an Associate Professor at Habib University has been an important milestone to achieve for which I am greatly thankful to Allah Almighty. While celebrating, I feel more conscious now to pursue excellence and have a profound impact on my students and on the community at large.”

There have been three appointments in the Electrical and Computer Engineering program. Dr. Ishtiaq Makda and Dr. Muhammad Moiz Anis have been appointed Associate Professor, while Mr. Tariq Mumtaz has been appointed Lecturer II.

Dr. Moiz said, “The core of my endeavors as an individual would continue to revolve around giving back to the community and investing in the future-building of our generations to come. Dr. Anis has led the DSSE Public Lecture Series for two years – organizing over 40 lectures, both in-person and online. His commitment to focusing his teaching on student learning and understanding has been appreciated by reviewers.

Dr. Makda thanked the review committee for recognizing his hard work, saying, “I am delighted that my hard work was analyzed and recognized by Habib University’s rigorous promotion process. I feel proud as I am associated with one-of-a-kind academic institution in Pakistan.”

Commenting on his appointment, Mr. Mumtaz expressed his gratitude to the University, and said, “I am honoured to get this appointment. Thanks to Habib University and management to provide a vibrant working place to excel and grow.” Dr. Tariq Mumtaz has played an active role in the ECE Capstone Committee, which he has chaired for two years.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, November 12, 2021 (PPI-OT):Habib University held a combined Degree Distribution Ceremony for the Classes of 2020 and 2021 on campus grounds to celebrate the success of the two batches who despite the challenges of Covid-19 pandemic, did not waver from their academic pursuits. With strict Covid SOPs in place, this was the first large in-person gathering held at the campus after two years.

Conducting this ceremony was a natural extension of Habib University’s proactive approach during the pandemic. Habib University led the way, quickly and seamlessly shifting to online teaching and learning platforms. The entire Habib community had responded positively, especially the students, who faced the challenges with resilience and remained focused on their coursework. As a result, both batches timely graduated with virtual convocation ceremonies held in 2020 and 2021.

Every year, the convocation is a landmark celebratory event for the entire Habib community, as it climaxes the end of the students’ four-year academic journey. The Degree Distribution Ceremony saw students excitedly donning robes the second time to replenish getting their degrees in the warm presence of their friends and parents. Faculty members were also present to see their wards receive their degrees and wish them well in their future endeavors.

The ceremony was presided over by the President of Habib University, Mr. Wasif A. Rizvi, who advised the graduates to reflect on their self-cultivation at the University, “always reflect on what you were invited to cultivate within yourselves at Habib. Cure your cynicism with passion and khuloos,” he said.

On a note of encouragement, he advised the Class of 2020 and 2021 to challenge ugliness in life with beauty, destruction with grace, laziness and indifference with rigor and incompetence with excellence. He also advised them to tackle exploitation and greediness with goodness, generosity and service.

Dr. Aamir Hasan, Interim Vice President Academic Affairs and Dean of Faculty, spoke about the value of the ceremony in the company of the students’ mentors and loved ones, “Our gathering this evening [is] so very special. Not only does it provide you the opportunity to receive your degree in the presence of your faculty, who have facilitated you to reach to this point, it is also a time to share your success with your parents.” With the pandemic in recession, Habib University is hopeful of hosting an in-person Convocation in 2022.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk

Karachi, October 15, 2021 (PPI-OT):Habib University has adopted Stellic’s all-in-one degree management platform. Stellic, an integrated planning and advising platform that empowers students to seamlessly plan their semesters with the best-suited courses, will help Habib University students to visualize and design their own degree plan and ensure they complete their degree and graduate on time.

The integrated platform will help improve student experiences and efficiencies between them and their advisors, the Office of Academic Performance and the Registrar Office. The move is part of the University’s commitment to student-centricity and to encouraging students to participate in shaping their undergraduate journey.

Yasmeen Bano, Director, Student Success at the Office of Academic Performance, had this to say, “Stellic will allow HU students to build their degree plan, integrate activities outside the classroom with their learning plans, track progress and visualize the impact of their academic decisions for their graduation on an interface that resonates with their everyday life.

It will promote great connectivity among advisers, students, faculty, and management to ensure student success.” Faizan Hashmi, Senior Manager at the Registrar Office, added, “The platform also has a robust analytics module that allows the University’s senior management to effectively drill down into data related to student demographics, course demand, resource mobilization, and faculty requirements.”

Stellic’s degree planner will provide students the freedom to explore which major and minor they wish to opt for, plan and test different routes and determine what they need to fulfill requirements for various programs.

The comprehensive system also includes an audit for tracking progress. This will initiate an automated process of tracking, monitoring and reporting student progress to ensure students are best supported from the start of their academic journey through to completion.

The University aims to improve student advisor collaboration by removing request and approval processes through email and in-person meetings. Stellic further streamlines the process by providing a messaging channel for students to connect with advisors about their plans, allowing both parties to collaborate on the designed pathway simultaneously.

With access to these tools, advisors can deepen their relationship with students and have meaningful conversations on their academic future, interests and goals. The company ensures students and campus leaders get the most out of their academic journey. The management system is slated to be launched in November this year.

For more information, contact:
Habib University
Karachi, Pakistan
Tel: +92-21-34301051-55
Email: marketing@habib.edu.pk
Website: www.habib.edu.pk