Senator Sarmad Ali’s initiative; Hameed Haroon’s enthralling session enlivens APNS Talks

By Syed Khalid Mahmood

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

First thing first. The All Pakistan Newspapers Society (APNS), since their inception in 1953, has had a reputation of being an active entity. The latest initiative of inviting media icons for sharing their thoughts and experiences with fellow members, a brainchild of Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, their incredible President, seems to be another masterstroke. 

The series of APNS Talks is here to stay. Hameed Haroon, the erstwhile Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the Dawn Media Group, one of the largest media houses of the country, was the guest of honour on April 29. 

It was a warm afternoon on a working day. Yet, the majority of seats, looking like more than 100 in number, were occupied in the meeting hall of Hotel Pearl Continental, Karachi, by the time the clock ticked 4 pm. 

Senator Dr Sarmad Ali, President, APNS, and Managing Director, Jang Media Group, set the tone with a lively welcome address in which recalled his brief stint with Daily Star, a proud publication of the Dawn Group of Newspapers, owned by the Haroon family. 

He spoke about the launch of the APNS Talks, a series aimed to enlighten the media fraternity by engaging them with the icons. 

He disclosed that Mujeeb-ur-Rahman Shami, a veteran journalist, was invited to share his views and opinions during the inaugural edition of the APNS Talks which was held in Lahore. He described Hameed Haroon, alongwith Mir Shakil-ur-Rahman, as his mentors. 

“I have known Hameed Haroon since debuting at Daily Star in Lahore way back in 1982. We have worked together at the APNS for a very long time. I have served as the APNS Secretary during quite a few tenures when he was our President. It has always been a privilege and honour, working with him,” Senator Dr Sarmad Ali acknowledged. 

An impressive short documentary about the life of Hameed Haroon, produced by a couple of leading advertising agencies, was screened before inviting him for taking his position on the stage, alongwith journalist Mazhar Abbas, who was the moderator. 

The audience was charmed by the versatility of Hameed Haroon and he was in complete command of the situation while narrating the tales, many of which were being heard for the first time. 

As usual, he spoke his heart out on different burning issues but, more than once, chose to avoid sharing the full truth. 

Light was shed on various aspects of Daily Star but he did not deem it proper to state clearly the reasons which had led to its abrupt closure, despite being one of the leading evening newspapers of the country. Neither did he like to reveal the full story that had ultimately led to en bloc resignation of the staffers of Herald in 1988. 

Hameed Haroon was spot on in recollecting, however, that, despite their differences in opinion, he did not lose contact with the rebellion group of Herald which mobilized their resources to bring out a powerful newsmagazine by the name of Newsline. 

He was in fact believed to have attended the launch ceremony of Newsline in 1989, although the magazine was brought out to compete directly with his group’s Herald. 

Dr Seema Mughal regards KVTC a heaven on earth

By Iqbal Jamil

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

A delegation from Greenwich University visited the Karachi Vocational Training Centre (KVTC) to review its facilities and programs aimed at empowering differently abled individuals through vocational training. 

The delegation was led by Vice Chancellor, Dr Seema Mughal, and included Pro Vice Chancellor, Dr Naveed Mughal, Research Professor Dr A. Q. Mughal, Dean Faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities Dr. Naazir Mehmood, Advisor to the Vice Chancellor Ali Saeed, Director Academics Aliza Moiz, Director International Linkages Nazir Ahmed Khudabux, Director Office of Diversity Eesha Ali, and Head of Theatre and Cultural Arts Zainab Yusuf. 

Welcoming the delegation, the KVTC President, Senator Abdul Haseeb Khan, informed that the centre currently provided training to 172 students with different disabilities under the supervision of professional instructors. 

He disclosed that several students have gone on to secure permanent employment at the center after completing their training. 

During the visit, Dr Seema Mughal praised the institution’s efforts in equipping differently abled individuals with practical skills, enabling them to lead lives marked by dignity, independence, and purpose. 

After touring the facility, she described the KVTC as a heaven on earth, highlighting the quality and impact of its programmes. 

The KVTC also showcased its in-house initiatives, including Khudee and Jiddat, besides other projects. Jiddat empowers differently abled individuals through skill development, which features high-quality apparel and home accessories. 

Another standout feature is the Khudee Bakery and Café, recognized as Pakistan’s first café operated by differently abled individuals, providing both training and employment opportunities. 

The visit concluded with discussions on potential collaboration and continued support for initiatives promoting inclusive education and vocational empowerment.

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.