1,446 Graduates Receive Degrees as IoBM Hosts 26th Annual Convocation

The Institute of Business Management (IoBM), Karachi, held its 26th Convocation at its campus on Saturday, December 09, 2023. 1,446 graduates from more than 40 disciplines including Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. were conferred degrees at the ceremony this year that was attended by senior representatives from IoBM, graduating students, their parents, and faculty.

The welcome address was given by the Chancellor of IoBM, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad while the keynote address was delivered by Mr. Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh, CEO, Saudi Pak Industrial and Agricultural Investment Company who is an IoBM alumnus from the first-ever batch to graduate from the varsity. Mr. Talib S. Karim, President IoBM, presented a progress report on behalf of the varsity at the event.

Guiding the graduates with his extensive knowledge and experience, Mr. Bashir Janmohammad stressed the need for intellectual minds to trust in their country and dedicate their efforts toward contributing to the betterment of the nation.

The students who were part of the graduating batch this year received their degrees in a diverse range of disciplines that encompass commerce, finance, data sciences, and entrepreneurship along with numerous others.

22 gold medals were also awarded to the highest achievers within their respective programs. Among the graduates, 872 were awarded Bachelor’s, 527 received Master’s, and 33 students got their MS/M.Phil. degrees. 47 students received merit certificates while 14 individuals were also conferred with PhD degrees at the ceremony.

Presenting a progress report for the institution, the President of IoBM, Mr. Talib S. Karim highlighted how his father’s passion project has turned into one of the leading educational entities in the country. He noted: “Of the many achievements of IoBM, the Shahjehan Syed Karim Incubation Centre (SSKIC) established in November 2020, requires a notable mention. The center has made good progress and incubated 20 Tech-enabled startups over the last two years and received more than PKR 6 million in external funding from HEC and the Private Sector.” He also highlighted IoBM’s robust endowment fund, the emphasis that the institution lays on research through the Office of Research, Innovation, and Commercialization (ORIC) as well as the focus beyond academics and on extracurricular activities.

Furthermore, Dinah Kamal Hamidi, the Valedictorian for the year, in her speech reminisced on the memories and learning she had accumulated over the years. She reminded her batchmates how, from asking themselves what they wanted to be when they grew up, to this day, “all grown up”, a new journey awaited them. She stressed not to forget “how exceptional we are! And just what all we are capable of!”

The Keynote Speaker, Rizwan Ahmed Sheikh lauded the graduates, imparting key learnings for them by saying: “I will leave you with my secret to success in life that is summarized by four acronyms, D, C, B, and A. These stand for Dream, Create, Believe, and Achieve. Stick to the principles of discipline, consistency, and hard work as these are the elements that will lead you to fulfill your biggest ambitions.

SOURCE: PRO PAKISTANI

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Winter Vacations Announced for Private Schools and Colleges in Islamabad

The Private Educational Institutions Regulatory Authority (PEIRA) has announced the schedule of winter vacations for all Private Educational Institutions (PEIs) in Islamabad.

According to the notification, all private schools and colleges of Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) shall remain closed from December 25 till December 29.

The notification further added that all the PEIs will resume educational activities from the first week of January 2024.

Earlier, the provincial governments of Sindh and Punjab had also announced the schedule of winter vacations.

According to the notifications, winter holidays will commence from December 18 till January 1 across Punjab, while students across Sindh will enjoy holidays from December 22 to December 31.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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HEC Selects Hundreds of Sri Lankan Students for Scholarships in Pakistan

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan held a pre-departure orientation session and award ceremony for 321 Sri Lankan students selected to study in Pakistan under “Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students.” The students will now fulfill their documentation requirements to fly to Pakistan to join their universities.

Dr. Premajayantha extended his gratitude to the Government of Pakistan for the invaluable support for capacity building of Sri Lankan students, faculty, and government officials. He emphasised that progress under Pak-Sri Lanka bilateral ties is a source of strength and great significance for the whole South Asian region.

The Minister congratulated the students and termed the opportunity to study in top Pakistani universities as a big achievement. He highlighted the importance of acquiring education in a foreign country, which he said not only elevates qualification but also provides a lifetime experience.

In her welcome address, Ms. Aayesha Ikram enlightened the audience about the scholarship project. She said that it is bringing people of the two countries closer. She advised the Sri Lankan students to follow their educational goals, learn about the diverse Pakistani culture, and carry out networking for their growth and take full advantage of the opportunity. She said that that Sri Lankan students studying in Pakistan are ambassadors of Sri Lanka in Pakistan, adding that the same students will play the role of Pakistani ambassadors in Sri Lanka once they complete their studies.

Allama Muhammad Iqbal Scholarships for Sri Lankan Students project is a component of the Pak-Sri Lanka Higher Education Cooperation Programme. Under this project, 351 Sri Lankan students are currently studying in different disciplines at various levels in Pakistani universities.

The newly selected students will also pursue their studies in the fields of Medicine, Engineering and Technology, Management, Allied Health Sciences, Agriculture and Veterinary Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts and Humanities.

Sri Lankan Minister of Education Dr. Susil Premajayantha was chief guest in the award ceremony. High Commissioner of Pakistan to Sri Lanka Maj. Gen. (R) Umar Farooq Burki, Director General (Scholarships) HEC Ms. Aayesha Ikram, Project Director HEC Mr. Jehanzeb Khan, many Sri Lankan Ministers, Vice Chancellors, senior armed forces officials, Buddhist Monks, alumni of the project, and scholarship awardees with their family members attended the event.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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PMDC Stops Medical Colleges from Demanding Next Year’s Annual Fee

The Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMandDC) has directed all the medical and dental colleges across the country not to demand next year’s (session) annual fee from students in advance.

The directive was issued on Thursday by the PMandDC. It added that the “tuition fee is due and payable by a student on promotion to the next year, after having passed their professional exam.”

The council made it clear that no student can be forced to pay the fee before being promoted to the next year i.eafter results are officially announced. Colleges have been allowed to generate a fee challan for the fee payable for the next year in advance before the student’s professional exam’s result and promotion to the next year.

However, they have been ordered against imposing delayed payment charges or any other penalty, including the right of the student to sit in the professional exam.

Additionally, medical and dental colleges have been authorized to permit students to pay fees on a monthly basis if the colleges decide to start classes for next year and grant provisional access to students before the exam results are announced. Such a payment arrangement can continue until the announcement of the results, the PMandDC stated.

Students have been advised to file a complaint with the PMandDC in case any college makes a demand which is against the directions. Colleges have been warned that strict action will be taken against them under the relevant provision of the PMandDC Act, 2022.

Source: Pro Pakistani

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Punjab University Introduces New High Yielding Triple Gene Cotton Variety

The Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) at Punjab University Lahore has unveiled a new triple gene cotton variety CKC-05.

The variety was developed under the leadership of Professor Dr. Idrees Ahmad and Professor Dr. Tayyeb Hasnain and reportedly possesses attributes essential for high yields.

The CKC-05 variety is equipped to combat various bollworms, including the pink bollworm, a challenge traditionally demanding costly control measures.

The Punjab Seed Council has granted approval for the general cultivation of this new variety, marking a historic achievement for Punjab University scientists in advancing cotton production and fortifying Pakistan’s economic foundation.

The CKC technology incorporates two Bt genes (CEMB-Cry1Ac+Cry2A) and one glyphosate resistance gene (CEMB-GTG). This technological breakthrough not only empowers farmers to increase income by reducing insecticide sprays but also helps save costs on hoeing.

CKC varieties, such as CKC-1, CKC-3, CKC-5, and CKC-6, developed using this technology, have covered a substantial portion of the total cotton cultivation area this year, contributing significantly to effective bollworm and weed control and reinstating Pakistan’s self-sufficiency in cotton production.

Recognizing the economic significance of this technology, Punjab Minister of Agriculture Commerce and Industry SM Tanveer, along with PU Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Khalid Mehmood, visited CEMB laboratories engaged in agricultural biotechnology applications.

They commended the scientific team for introducing another valuable triple gene variety for the benefit of Pakistan’s farming community.

Minister Tanveer underscored the crucial role of scientists in national development and encouraged continued support for research projects. Professor Dr. Khalid Mehmood emphasized the need for encouragement and funding for projects of national interest, expressing confidence in CEMB’s ability to address biotechnology-related challenges in agriculture and health.

Director CEMB Professor Dr. Moaz ur Rahman provided insights into various ongoing research projects in agriculture and health, reaffirming CEMB’s commitment to actively contribute to overcoming the country’s challenges in these domains.

Source: Pro Pakistani

CDA Orders Schools to Provide Building Stability and Fire Safety Certificates

The Capital Development Authority (CDA) has decided to take action against non-conforming uses of buildings for schools in the federal capital. A public notice has been issued by CDA Building Control Section, which states that such buildings have to submit Building Stability Certificate and Fire Safety Certificate. The notice also asked such schools to remove additional violations

According to the CDA, it has come to the notice of the Authority that a large number of all types of buildings within the ICT limits of Islamabad i.e., Commercial, Industrial, Institutional, Residential, etc. have been put to non-conforming use for operating schools in buildings which is a violation of CDA Ordinance 1960 and Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations-2020.

According to the public notice, the Capital Development Authority wants to ensure the safety and security of children, students and staff. It also wants to ensure soundness and stability of all school buildings with regard to structure and other safety measures.

According to CDA, it is compulsory for all schools in such buildings to take the structure stability certificate of the building duly signed by the CDA licensed Structural Engineer. The certificate should clearly mention that the building/structure is safe to cater to the loads of the number of students and staff of the school. The certification should also be supplemented by necessary tests. All schools in such buildings have been instructed to ensure fire safety measures and take Certificates regarding the provision of Fire Safety Equipment in accordance with the Building Code of Pakistan.

According to the CDA, the schools using such buildings should provide these certificates to Building Control Section (BCS) within two weeks otherwise the action will be initiated in accordance with the relevant clauses of the CDA Ordinance and Islamabad Capital Territory Building Control Regulations 2023. CDA has also asked these school buildings to remove the other building violations within two weeks.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Sarhad University Expands Its Horizons with the Launch of Islamabad Campus

Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar, is pleased to announce the establishment of its Islamabad Campus. The inauguration marks a significant milestone in the University’s journey towards providing high-quality education and accessible learning opportunities to students in the capital city and its neighboring areas.

Founded in 2001 and recognized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan (HEC), Sarhad University has consistently delivered on its promise of academic excellence. Its achievements span across disciplines like Engineering, Pharmacy, Computer Science, and Management. With 14 Convocations to date, the institution has empowered over 40,000 alumni, many of whom have made significant contributions globally.

The new campus will be home to a variety of academic departments, including Pharmacy, Physiotherapy, Education, Nursing, Management Science and Computing. Designed following international education standards, it promises a holistic academic and extracurricular experience.

“We are thrilled to announce the establishment of our Islamabad Campus. This move represents not just an expansion of our physical presence, but a commitment to bringing quality, affordable education to every corner of Pakistan. The dedication of Sarhad University’s management in this endeavor is commendable, and I am confident that our momentum will only grow from here,” commented Mr. Muhammad Riaz Karim, President of Sarhad University.

Adding to the sentiment, Prof. Dr. Salim-ur-Rehman, the Vice Chancellor of Sarhad University, stated, “The inauguration of the Islamabad Campus, backed by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan, is a monumental step for us. This campus is not just for Islamabad but serves as a beacon for the entire region. As we embark on this new chapter, I envision Sarhad University ascending to the ranks of Pakistan’s top universities in the near future.”

With a pledge to foster promising futures for students, Sarhad University’s programs emphasize developing critical, logical, and analytical thinkers. Celebrated for achievements in diverse disciplines like Engineering, Pharmacy, Computer Science, Management, Social Sciences, and Health Sciences, the institution has garnered commendable recognitions:

Engineering Programs: Accredited by the Pakistan Engineering Council.

Pharm-D Program: Endorsed by the Pharmacy Council of Pakistan.

Computer Science Program: Approved by the National Computing Education and Accreditation Council of HEC.

Business Administration Programs: Certified by the National Business Education Accreditation Council.

Education Programs: Recognized by the National Accreditation Council for Teacher Education.

Nursing Program: Validated by the Pakistan Nursing Council.

Allied Health Program: Endorsed by the HEC.

Join the Legacy: Fall 2023 Admissions

Admissions for diverse programs starting Fall 2023 are now open at https://admissions-isb.suit.edu.pk/.

To know more about the new campus and offerings, visit https://isb.suit.edu.pk/

Source: Pro Pakistani

Education Minister underlines need of character building of youth


Caretaker Minister for Federal Education Madad Ali Sindhi has stressed the need to increase efforts to inculcate Seerat-ul-Nabi (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) in youth and holding of conferences in this regard in universities.



He was talking to President of International Islamic University Professor Dr. Hathal Homoud Alotaibi who called on him in Islamabad on Monday.



The Minister said International Islamic University should take the lead on this and ensure that such institutions not only focus on academic education but also focus on character building.



The Minister was informed that the Imam-e-Kaabah Sheikh Mahir Al Muaiqly has been invited to Pakistan and that University will request him to grace the occasion of Seerat Ul Nabi (PBUM) conference as well.



Source: Radio Pakistan