Greenwich University holds orientation of spring batch

By Iqbal Jamil

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The orientation ceremony of the spring batch of 2026 was held at the Greenwich University, Karachi, recently. It was attended by the students, parents, and faculty. 

Addressing the orientation ceremony, the Dean of Management Sciences and Information Services, Dr Muhammad Shaiq, welcoming the students, reminded them having entered a vibrant university and community. 

“As the Dean, I am thrilled to see you embark on this exciting journey. I welcome you on board. You are about to experience a transformative time, academically, personally, and professionally,” he declared. 

“Our university is a hub of innovation, diversity, and growth. You will engage with world-class faculty, explore cutting-edge research, and connect with peers from diverse backgrounds” Dr Muhammad Shaiq added. 

“As you navigate these next few years, be bold, take risks, and explore your passions. Get involved in clubs, volunteer, and build relationships that'll last a lifetime. Our faculty and staff are here to support you, don't hesitate to reach out. Let's make the most of this journey together,” he advised. 

 The Dean faculty of Liberal Arts and Humanities, Dr Naazir Mahmood, while moderating a session with the alumni, remarked that they nurtured leadership qualities among students by providing an academic environment embedded with a faculty of international standards. 

“When moving along, you will face challenges, but don't be afraid to seek help and guidance. You will grow, learn, and evolve in ways you can't imagine. And when you look back, you will realize that it was worth it,” he opined. 

Dr Naazir Mahmood urged the students to avail the state of the art facilities being provided by the university.

The Greenwich University, it may be mentioned here, has emerged as one of the top universities of the country with ever-growing presence of its alumni who have been serving the most prestigious organisations in various fields all over the country.

Greenwich University, ARY Digital join hands to revitalize media education

By Dr Beenish Khalid

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Greenwich University and ARY Digital Network have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at fostering the growth of media education in Pakistan and strengthening collaboration between academia and the media industry. 

The MoU was formally signed by the Vice Chancellor of Greenwich University, Dr Seema Mughal, and the President & CEO of ARY Digital Network and ARY Group, Salman Iqbal, in a ceremony held at the university campus in DHA, Karachi, on February 14. 

Both the heads of their respective organizations spoke briefly on the occasion, before signing the MoU. They highlighted the growing significance of media and the need to keep pace with the changing times to prepare the students for meeting the challenges. 

Under the agreement, both institutions have agreed to establish a groundbreaking academic–industry partnership to launch Pakistan’s first co-branded media studies institution. 

The initiative is designed to set a new benchmark for media education in the country by integrating academic excellence with real-world industry exposure. As part of the collaboration, the two organizations will establish the ARY School of Media Studies, a dedicated academic school to be housed within the premises of Greenwich University. 

The school will offer undergraduate and graduate programs developed through joint collaboration, ensuring that curricula remain aligned with evolving industry standards and practices. One of the key highlights of the MoU is the introduction of an exclusive, high-value internship programme designed and executed by ARY Digital Network. 

The programme will provide enrolled students with hands-on training opportunities for three consecutive summer terms. Each year, a minimum of 15 students will be selected to participate in the internship, enabling them to gain practical experience within one of Pakistan’s leading media networks. 

The agreement also ensures academic autonomy, as Greenwich University retains the right to collaborate with other media organizations for initiatives outside the direct scope of the ARY School of Media Studies. In order to ensure effective implementation, a joint coordination committee will be formed. The committee will oversee planning, execution, and evaluation of all activities outlined in the MoU, ensuring the partnership achieves its intended goals. 

This strategic collaboration marks a significant step toward bridging the gap between media education and industry practice in Pakistan, offering students enhanced opportunities for professional development and career advancement.

Creativity meets couture at Greenwich University’s fashion design project display

By Iqbal Jamil 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Creativity and craftsmanship took centre stage at the Greenwich University, Karachi, as the Department of Fashion Design showcased the final submission jury of its graduating students. 

The display, held at the university’s Fashion Design department, celebrated innovative design thinking and skillful execution by students enrolled in the Textile Surface Design course. 

The exhibition featured concept-driven fashion garments and accessories that reinterpreted creative embroidery techniques through diverse themes and contemporary aesthetics. 

Senator Bushra Butt, Chairperson of the Standing Committee on Education and Professional Training, attended the event as the chief guest. She visited the exhibition and closely observed the students’ work, appreciating their originality, storytelling approach, and modern interpretation of textile surface design. 

 Addressing the occasion, Senator Bushra Butt praised the students for their outstanding creative efforts and for introducing fresh ideas in the field of textile and fashion design. 

She expressed admiration for the overall quality of the display, noting that the projects reflected international standards and aligned well with modern-day industry requirements. 

The event marked a significant milestone for the students, highlighting Greenwich University’s commitment to fostering innovation, creativity, and professional excellence in fashion education.

Ahmed Chinoy welcomes export incentives, industrial cost relief measures

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

Ahmed Chinoy, Chairman, Pakistan Cloth Merchants Association (PCMA), has welcomed the Prime Minister’s announcement of major relief measures for exporters and the industrial sector, terming them a timely and positive step towards strengthening the country’s export competitiveness and industrial growth. 

He appreciated the government’s decision to reduce the Export Refinance Scheme (ERS) rate by 300 basis points to 4.5% from 7.5%, stating that the move will significantly ease working capital constraints for exporters and improve their ability to compete in international markets. 

He also lauded the reduction of approximately PKR 4 per kWh in industrial electricity tariffs, along with a PKR 4.04 per unit cut in wheeling charges, noting that lower energy costs will provide much-needed relief to industries facing high input costs. 

“These measures send a strong pro-export and pro-industry signal. Reduced financing costs combined with lower energy tariffs will improve liquidity, reduce operational pressures, and enhance competitiveness across key sectors, particularly textiles and other energy-intensive industries,” Ahmed Chinoy observed. 

The PCMA Chairman further noted that the relief package was expected to support export growth, improve debt-servicing capacity for exporters, and contribute to more stable and sustainable industrial activity. While welcoming the announcement, he emphasized the importance of timely and transparent implementation guidelines to ensure that the benefits reach businesses efficiently and without delay. 

“The PCMA looks forward to continued engagement with the government to further strengthen the textile value chain and support sustainable export-led growth,” Ahmed Chinoy concluded.

AKU graduates over 400 students; installs Princess Zahra Aga Khan as Pro-Chancellor

By Abdul Qadir Qureshi 

(Pakistan News & Features Services)

The Aga Khan University (AKH) graduated 461 students from as many as 18 degree programmes at its 38th Convocation in Pakistan and formally installed Princess Zahra Aga Khan as the University’s first Pro-Chancellor. As Pro-Chancellor, Princess Zahra will guide AKU in its continuing efforts to improve quality of life. 

In his message, the AKU’s Chancellor, His Highness the Aga Khan, noted that the AKU and its graduates carry ‘both an extraordinary responsibility and an extraordinary opportunity: to create, to disseminate, and to apply knowledge in ways that improve the quality of human life.’ 

This year saw the graduation of the first cohort from the Institute for Educational Development’s Bachelor of Education programme. 

The programme offers a rigorous blend of academic and field-based learning that prepares graduates to teach effectively in diverse school contexts. 

“The University’s geographic expansion has seen AKU’s presence expand across Pakistan, into more cities and villages than ever before. From Karachi to Matiari, from Lahore to Gilgit, the University’s health care professionals, educators, and researchers are part of the fabric of people’s lives,” the AKU’s Pro-Chancellor, Princess Zahra Aga Khan, remarked. 

The AKU continues to address Pakistan’s critical development challenges through a commitment to access and excellence. With nearly 70 percent of the graduating class being women, the University is actively addressing the gender gap in a country where millions of girls remain out of school. 

Muhammad Taha Nasim thanked the AKU’s faculty, noting how they challenged graduates to ‘reach our highest standards while teaching us that excellence without empathy is empty.’ 

The AKU’s graduates are filling important workforce gaps. For example, in a country with a nurse-to-population ratio of just 5.2 per 10,000, the AKU alumni now hold high-level leadership positions in approximately 80 schools of nursing and midwifery. 

In 2025, the AKU secured more than USD$100 million in research funding, a sign that leading global institutions hold its research capabilities in high regard. Across AKU, 27 faculty members were ranked among the top two percent of scientists globally in a well-known study conducted by a researcher at Stanford University. 

“Pakistan’s young people are inclusive, comfortable across faiths and perspectives, and aware that a divided society cannot meet shared challenges. Digitally fluent, they see technology not as disruption but as opportunity to expand knowledge, build skills, and apply learning in practical ways,” Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin, President of the AKU, noted. 

 To ensure talented students with limited financial means are able to attend AKU, the University provides financial assistance, to a large portion of the student body. 

In the last academic year, the University provided assistance to 72 percent of students across all classes and programmes in Pakistan. Noorish Khan, Syeda Tasmiya Mohiuddin, Dr. Hamzah Jehanzeb, and Sara Karim Sadruddin received Best Graduate Awards in their respective undergraduate programmes in Dental Hygiene, Education, Medicine, and Nursing. 

Also present at the ceremony was Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Founding President of AKU and Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the University of Central Asia, a sister university of AKU within the Aga Khan Development Network. 

The University conferred Awards of Distinction upon several faculty and staff, recognizing their sustained contributions to innovation, research and leadership. 

Professor Emeritus Mushtaq Ahmed received the President’s Medal, one of AKU’s highest honours, in recognition of his extraordinary service as an eminent surgeon and academic leader.

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.