Senator Dr Sarmad Ali conferred doctorate degree by Greenwich University

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, one of the icons of the media industry, was conferred doctorate degree by Greenwich University, in recognition of his exceptional track record, during the 17th Convocation of the institution held at the Sindh Governor House in Karachi on January 17. 

On the occasion, honorary degrees, Honoris Causa, were also awarded to Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Zafar Masud, and Jerjees Seja for services in their respective fields. The Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, was the chief guest in the ceremony which was declared open by the Chancellor of Greenwich University, Dr Seema Mughal. 

Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, Managing Director, Jang Media Group, was lavishly praised by the fellow high-achievers in advertising and marketing arena like Senator Javed Jabbar, Numan Nabi Ahmed and Ahmed Kapadia. 

Having headed the marketing arm of Jang Group, the leaders in newspaper and media sector in Pakistan, with distinction for over three decades, he has also played a pivotal role in energizing the print as well as electronic media in general. 

He is currently the President of the All-Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), besides being the Chair of Library Committee at the Senate of Pakistan. He has been instrumental in the successful takeoff of the Karachi Festival of Books and Libraries (KFBL) and remains committed to play his part in launching similar events in Lahore and Islamabad, besides other cities, later this year.

Greenwich University celebrates 17th Convocation at Governor House

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Greenwich University, living upto its big reputation, organized its 17th Convocation with usual grace and enthusiasm at the Sindh Governor House in Karachi on January 17. 

As many as 501 degrees were awarded on the occasion which included 362 undergraduates, 82 graduates and 57 post graduates in various disciplines. 

Gold medals were presented to 35 students in recognition of their outstanding performance in front of the dignitaries, diplomats and, most importantly, their parents. 

On the occasion, honorary degrees, Honoris Causa, were conferred to the eminent quartet of Senator Sarmad Ali, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, Zafar Masud, and Jerjees Seja for their monumental contributions in their respective fields while gold medals were also given to the Consul Generals of various countries. 

The Governor of Sindh, Kamran Khan Tessori, was the chief guest of the evening. His inspirational speech, also touching social practices, was warmly applauded by the audience. 

He congratulated the graduating students and urged them to work proactively to launch their careers on solid footing. 

He appreciated the efforts of Greenwich University in promoting academic excellence, building leadership skills, and preparing students for the challenges of the modern world. 

The Chancellor of Greenwich University, Dr Seema Mughal, in her address, observed that the university, for nearly four decades since the establishment in 1987, has remained committed to education by continuously evolving, adapting, and serving generations of students. 

She highlighted that the university has carried out extensive work in sustainable development across social, economic, and environmental domains at national, regional, and global levels. 

Dr Seema Mughal further remarked that behind every graduate standing there were years of patience, sacrifice, prayers, and unconditional support from their parents, whose fundamental role in shaping the success of their children merited recognition. 

The theme of the convocation ‘Fasal-e-Gul’ symbolized renewal and growth, as it aims to rejuvenate a positive image of our beloved country among the youth. 

Fireworks followed the declaration of closure of the Convocation 2026 by the Chancellor and the graduating students celebrated the dream moment of their life in a befitting manner.

It was a day to remember for everyone present on the occasion because the event was so nicely held at the lawns of the historic Governor House in the most pleasant of weather conditions. 

Greenwich University gearing up for convocation on January 17

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Greenwich University, having emerged as one of the leading educational institutions of the country in the private sector, is set to organize its 17th Convocation at the Sindh Governor House on January 17. 

The details about the upcoming event, besides sharing an overview of the progress made by the university over the years, were unveiled in a media briefing by Seema Mughal, Chancellor, Greenwich University, at the campus on January 10. 

She appreciated the presence of a large contingent of media at the presser, and extended them the invitation to attend and cover the convocation at the Governor House. 

The Convocation 2026 follows the theme of ‘Fasl-e-Gul’ as it intends to rejuvenate the positive image of the beloved country amongst the youth in particular. 

Elaborating upon the programme, she Chancellor revealed that the Greenwich University’s Convocation 2026 was expected to witness over 500 successful scholars at the undergraduate, graduate, and postgraduate levels, phasing into their professional lives. 

As many as 25 high achievers will receive Gold Medals for their outstanding academic and co-curricular performance. The gold medals, she added, have been sponsored by the industry. 

With conferment of Associate, Undergraduate, Graduate, M.Phil, and Ph.D. degrees, the Convocation will also honour the parents of graduates, the graduates for their achievements, and overall, the efforts of Greenwich fraternity in nurturing the Pakistani youth for the betterment of society. 

During the interactive session, Chancellor Seema Mughal, spoke about the significance of inculcating values among the students in order to make them better citizens. 

“The students will become more responsible, productive and compassionate when they are paid the due attention and taught these vital aspects by the teachers as well as parents,” she reckoned. 

Dr Naveed Mughal, Provost, Greenwich University, and Dr Rab Nawaz, Director, Quality Assurance, Greenwich University, also spoke on the occasion and highlighted the accomplishments of their institution in the recent past.

Public defence of PhD theses at Greenwich University on January 8

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The public defence of PhD theses will be held at the main campus of the Greenwich University in Karachi on January 8. It will feature doctoral candidates from the academic departments of economics, education and business administration. 

Four PhD scholars will be defending their thesis publicly at the department of economics while there will be three and two candidates at the departments of business administration and education respectively. 

The faculty members, researchers, students, academicians, and members of the general public have been cordially invited to attend this important academic event. The event reflects Greenwich University’s commitment to research excellence, transparency, and scholarly engagement. 

It may be recalled that the Greenwich University had started its cherished journey in 1987 with a mission to alleviate illiteracy from the country. It became an autonomous degree-awarding varsity in 1998 under the Act of Sindh Government. It is ranked among the top business universities in Pakistan with global outreach, making it an internationally acclaimed institution of higher-learning.

AKU awards micro-credentials, digital badges to first 100 learners

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University (AKU) has proudly celebrated a major milestone in its journey toward democratizing education as 100 learners graduate from its LEADS (Lifelong Learning, Education and Development of Skills) programme with digital badges and micro-credentials. 

Their success captures the heart of LEADS’ mission: creating opportunities for individuals to build practical, globally recognized skills that support personal growth, professional development and long-term empowerment. Built on AKU’s belief that quality learning should be within reach for everyone, LEADS is designed to overcome the barriers faced by individuals in remote, underserved or resource-limited contexts. Its flexible, virtual and self-paced model allows learners to engage with high-quality education wherever they are, using everyday devices and low-bandwidth internet. 

The 100 awardees represent this diversity, coming from different regions, backgrounds and life stages, yet united by their commitment to learning and self-improvement. Each micro-credential and digital badge awarded signifies dedication, effort and verified achievement.

Learners graduate only after meeting clear standards and assessments, ensuring that every credential carries credibility, relevance and value. These achievements enhance employability, build confidence and enable individuals to take meaningful steps toward improving their lives and contributing to their communities and the economy at large.

With courses developed by experts from within the region, LEADS ensures that learners see themselves, their realities, and their aspirations reflected in the curriculum. This approach not only strengthens relevance but also fosters confidence and belonging among diverse learners. Whether improving English skills, developing competencies in family medicine, early childhood development, mathematics, allied health sciences, or leadership, LEADS provides pathways that support workforce readiness and sustainable livelihoods. 

“At the Aga Khan University, we believe in empowering people from all walks of life, especially from the underserved communities in LMICs. The AKU-LEADS is one such groundbreaking programme that will meet the diverse educational needs of the youth and career professionals in such communities,” Dr Anjum Halai, Professor and Vice-Provost, AKU, remarked. 

“As we honour this first cohort of LEADS achievers, we also look ahead to expanding the programme, welcoming more learners, and continuing to transform lives through accessible and meaningful education.”

Aziz Memon acknowledges Japanese support for polio eradication

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Aziz Memon, Chair of the National Polio Plus Committee, and a former Trustee of the Rotary Foundation, has acknowledged the support of the Government of Japan as well as the Rotarians in the Land of the Rising Sun, for polio eradication efforts in Pakistan.

Also the Founder President of the Pakistan Japan Business Forum (PJBF), Aziz Memon had a brief meeting with Akamatsu Shuichi, Japan's Ambassador to Pakistan, during the forum’s annual dinner held in Karachi on December 4. 

The dignitaries, upon arrival at the venue, were warmly welcomed by Murtaza Mandviwalla, who is currently the President of the PJBF. 

Japan's commitment to Pakistan's polio eradication efforts, as they announced a $3.5 million grant last month to procure vaccines and praising the dedication of the frontline workers in getting closer to a polio-free nation, has been appreciated.

These funds are expected to be used to procure more than 24 million doses of vaccines to support polio campaigns in 2026. Pakistan and Afghanistan only two countries globally yet to stop the transmission of poliovirus. Vaccines remain one of the most effective ways to protect children and communities.

Pakistan’s leaders unite to reimagine climate-resilient cities, communities

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University’s (AKU) Institute for Global Health and Development (IGHD) has brought together Pakistan’s leading architects, planners, public health experts, development specialists, and government representatives to address one of the country’s most pressing national challenges: how to redesign homes, neighbourhoods, and public systems to withstand intensifying climate pressures in both urban and rural settings. 

The dialogue unfolded at IGHD’s Annual Conference on Climate Change and the Built Environment, hosted in partnership with Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Pakistan, under the leadership of Professor Zulfiqar A. Bhutta, Founding Director of IGHD. This year’s theme, “Climate Change and the Built Environment: Promoting Resilience & Adaptation in Low-Income Settings,” set the stage for a day focused on evidence, solutions and innovative approaches. 

Underscoring the gravity of the issues being addressed at the conference, His Highness the Aga Khan, in a statement read at the event, emphasized that, “Climate change is one of the greatest threat multipliers of our era. Its impacts intensify disease, malnutrition, displacement, learning loss, and poverty. These burdens fall disproportionately upon women, children, older adults, and marginalized communities. Addressing them is not optional; it is imperative for equity, stability, and sustainable development.” 

His Highness further stressed that, “Progress in addressing climate change will depend on partnership,” and welcomed many of collaborators attending from across Pakistan, Europe, North America, and Southeast Asia. 

The inaugural session welcomed Chief Guest His Excellency Tariq Khan, High Commissioner of Canada to Pakistan, followed by a Special Message from Honourable Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Special Initiatives, Government of Pakistan, who joined the conference virtually. “Canada is helping countries like Pakistan confront climate-driven vulnerabilities,” said His Excellency Tariq Khan. 

“The ideas shared at this conference can help shape a more sustainable future for millions of people.” Delivering a special message via Zoom, Honourable Minister Professor Ahsan Iqbal highlighted the national urgency for climate adaptation. 

“Pakistan’s future will depend on how boldly we reimagine our cities, homes, and public institutions in the face of climate change. Building resilience is not optional, it is a national development priority. Conferences like this help translate research into policies that enable safer, more inclusive, and climate-adaptive environments for all Pakistanis.” 

The conference’s opening day featured keynote presentations by Professor Sajida Haider Vandal (THAAP), Christopher Burman and Joseph Augustine (UCL), and Dr Zahra Hussain (Laajverd), showcasing climate-smart architecture, indigenous design approaches, and community-led adaptation innovations. 

“Pakistan’s future will depend on how boldly we reimagine our cities, homes, and public institutions in the face of climate change,” said Chief Guest Professor Ahsan Iqbal, underscoring the national urgency for climate action. “Building resilience is not optional, it is a national development priority. Conferences like this help translate research into policies that enable safer, more inclusive, and climate-adaptive environments for all Pakistanis.” 

Addressing the audience, Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of AKU, reaffirmed the University’s commitment to advancing climate resilience, saying, “Climate change is reshaping every aspect of life in Pakistan. Our responsibility as a university is to help the country design smarter, safer, more resilient environments. AKU is committed to generating evidence, solutions, and partnerships that support climate adaptation at scale.” 

 The inaugural session concluded with reflections outlining a pathway for the remainder of the conference, which will explore rural adaptation models, climate-resilient health systems, indigenous solutions, community-led innovations, and a high-level national policy panel.