Aziz Memon facilitates polio workshop for Ulema at Multan

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Pakistan National Polio Plus Committee organized an Ulema Workshop in Multan on April 26, aimed at strengthening community support for polio eradication efforts across Pakistan. 

The workshop was facilitated by the National Chair, Aziz Memon, and the event was graced by distinguished guests, which included EOC Coordinator Punjab, Rana Adeel, Dr. Abdinasir Team Lead, WHO Punjab, and Fatima Farz Team Lead, UNICEF Punjab, Director General Health South Punjab, Additional Secretary Health, Chief Executive Officer Health South Punjab, PDG Masrur Sheik, AG Nosherwan Khalil and Project Manager Asher Ali.

A large number of local Rotarians, who have remained alive to the situation by their engagement in activities aimed at eliminating polio, were also present on the occasion. 

The workshop was attended by 45 religious leaders of all sects while Father Iftikhar represented Christian communities. 

The workshop underscored the vital role of religious leaders and community influencers in supporting vaccination campaigns and advancing the goal of a polio-free Pakistan. 

In his welcome speech, Aziz Memon, National Chair, Pakistan National Polio Plus Committee, expressed the hope that polio could indeed be eliminated with the continued and consistent efforts from all the stakeholders.

Greenwich University to host International Conference on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Greenwich University, in collaboration with the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC), will host an international conference on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) its Karachi campus on April 25. 

The high-profile event is expected to go beyond a conventional academic gathering, offering a comprehensive examination of Pakistan’s social fabric. 

The organizers revealed that the initiative aims to reposition the country’s diversity as a strategic national asset rather than a perceived challenge. 

The conference will bring together leading scholars, practitioners, academicians, and thought leaders to deliberate on key issues, exchange best practices, and explore innovative strategies for fostering inclusive and equitable environments across various sectors. 

A series of thematic sessions will be held to promote meaningful dialogue and knowledge-sharing at both national and international levels. 

Key areas of discussion include socio-cultural cohesion and nation-building, systems of equity, access and justice, inclusive participation and institutional practices, inter-generational justice, and the re-imagining of DEI in Pakistan. 

The conference will also address critical topics such as human rights, interfaith harmony, minority rights, and issues concerning gender minorities in the country. 

On the sidelines of the event, the Greenwich University will sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the National Vocational and Technical Training Commission (NAVTTC) to enhance collaboration in vocational training and capacity-building initiatives.

HANDS to organize Farmers Assembly on Climate Justice

By Dr Beenish Khalid 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

HANDS Welfare Foundation will organize an event by the name of Farmers’ Assembly on Climate Justice: Amplifying Community Voices and Holding Polluters Accountable at the Arts Council of Pakistan, Karachi, on April 15. It’s scheduled to get underway at 10.30 am. 

“Climate justice emphasizes accountability, equity, and protection of affected communities. In this context, HANDS, in collaboration with Medico International and the European Center for Constitutional and Human Rights, Germany, is implementing the Climate Litigation in German Courts initiative,” Anis Danish, a spokesman of the foundation informed PNFS. 

“Notably, climate-affected farmers from Sindh have initiated a climate justice case in Germany, highlighting the impacts of the 2022 floods and raising accountability concerns of major global emitters,” he added. 

The organizers have invited members of the civil society and social groups to take part in the event, in order to create greater awareness about the issue.

KIET Convocation set for April 20

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The 23rd Convocation of the Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology (KIET) is set to be held at the Karachi Expo Centre on April 20 in which the Governor of Sindh, Nehal Hashmi, will be the chief guest. 

According to the information shared by the KIET official, Prof Dr Sajida Parveen, the proceedings of the upcoming Convocation will commence at 6 pm on April 20 at the Halls 5 and 6 of the Karachi Expo Centre. 

As in the past, a large turnout of dignitaries is expected in the KIET Convocation to be attended by its Chancellor, President, faculty and staff as the graduating students will be presented degrees while medals will be awarded to the position holders. 

The KIET is a project of the Pakistan Education Foundation (PEF) and it has recently developed a campus with state-of-the-art facilities in Ahsanabad, near Super Highway. 

Meanwhile, further details about its 23rd Convocation will be unveiled by the KIET functionaries in a media briefing at the Karachi Press Club on April 15.

Greenwich University to host International Psychological Conference on April 15

By Iqbal Jamil

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Greenwich University, with the collaboration of the Sindh Higher Education Commission, will be holding day-long 16th International Pakistan Psychological Association Conference at its campus in Karachi on April 15. 

The conference aims to bring together scholars, practitioners, and students to discuss the theme ‘Harnessing Collective Action for Social Change: Integrating Psychological Science, Policy, Practice, and Community Well Being.’ 

The scientific sessions at the conference aim to create an academic platform at Greenwich University for scholarly dialogue, research dissemination, and professional networking. 

The Head of Department of Social Sciences and Education, Greenwich University, and focal person of the conference, Dr Ambreen Atiq, informed that the sessions will provide an opportunity for faculty, researchers, practitioners, and students to engage in contemporary psychological discourse focusing on social change, mental health, policy integration, and community well-being. 

Dr Ambreen Atiq further added that this initiative will also strengthen academic collaboration between Greenwich University and Pakistan Psychological Association while promoting research culture among students.

Greenwich University’s VC lauds Sindh Governor’s philanthropic initiatives

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Vice Chancellor of Greenwich University, Dr Seema Moghal, paid glowing tribute to the philanthropic efforts of Kamran Khan Tessori during an Iftar-dinner reception held at the Governor House, Karachi. 

Addressing a large gathering at the event, Dr Seema Moghal felt honoured to acknowledge the Governor’s remarkable contributions to social welfare and education. 

“Your selfless dedication to the welfare of our community is truly inspiring. Your tireless work in supporting IT education and various social causes has made a tangible difference in the lives of countless individuals. Your commitment to serving the people stands as a shining example of leadership and compassion,” she declared.  

Dr Seema Moghal described the ongoing public Iftar initiative at the Governor House as a historic milestone. 

She noted that for the past four years, Iftar-dinner has been served to all those desiring to attend, an unprecedented step that has transformed the Governor House into what she termed an ‘Awami Governor House’ whose gates remained open and accessible to the general public. 

In his address, Governor Kamran Tessori commended Dr Seema Moghal for her leadership and dedication to providing quality education to the youth through Greenwich University. 

He praised the institution’s role in empowering young people with knowledge and skills essential for national development. 

The event concluded with Dr Seema Moghal announcing the names of the winners of a lucky draw for Umrah, adding a celebratory note to the evening’s proceedings.

Greenwich University hosts HEC training on academic quality

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Greenwich University recently organized a comprehensive capacity-building session in collaboration with a team from the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Islamabad. 

The HEC was represented by Dr. Abaidullah Anwar, Dr. Agha Raza and Wajid Ali. The training, titled ‘Together Towards Academic Quality & Excellence’ focused on strengthening institutional practices in line with HEC Quality Assurance Percepts, Standards, and PSG-2023 Guidelines. 

The interactive workshop brought together faculty members, academic leaders, and quality assurance professionals to enhance understanding of national higher education quality benchmarks. 

The participants engaged in discussions on outcome-based education, documentation standards, programme evaluation, and continuous improvement mechanisms essential for institutional effectiveness. 

The HEC resource team provided practical guidance on implementing PSG-2023 frameworks, aligning academic processes with quality standards, and developing evidence-based practices to support accreditation and institutional performance. 

The university leadership appreciated the initiative, noting that such engagements play a vital role in promoting a culture of quality, accountability, and academic excellence across departments. 

The training also created a platform for professional dialogue, collaboration, and knowledge sharing among academic stakeholders. 

The Greenwich University reaffirmed its commitment to continuously improving teaching, learning, and governance practices in accordance with national higher education priorities and international best practices.