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AIOU holds 78th BASR meeting


Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) held the 78th meeting of its Board of Advanced Studies and Research (BASR) under the chairmanship of the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood. During the meeting, a total of 33 PhD research synopses and 61 MS/MPhil research topics were presented for approval.

On the first day of the two-day meeting, 19 PhD synopses and 13 MS/MPhil research topics from the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies were reviewed. The participants appreciated the quality, academic depth and critical approach reflected in the scholars’ research work and commended their efforts.

The meeting was attended by the University’s Deans, senior professors, faculty members and the Vice Chancellor of Women University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Prof. Dr Aneela Kamal who participated as an external expert. The agenda of the meeting was presented by the Director BASR, Prof. Dr Zafar Iqbal Lillah.

Addressing the participants, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Nasir Mahmood directed all four faculties to
ensure that every stage of PhD research is completed within the prescribed timeline so that research proposals are presented within six months after the completion of coursework.

He emphasized that quality research and its timely completion are essential to strengthening the standards of higher education.

The Vice Chancellor also paid tribute to the services of the former Director BASR, Prof. Dr Irshad Ahmad Arshad, acknowledging his significant role in establishing a strong administrative foundation for the Board.

He expressed confidence that the newly appointed Director BASR, Prof. Dr Zafar Iqbal Lillah would continue this legacy by further enhancing the Board’s performance, research activities and administrative efficiency.

On the second day of the meeting, 14 MS/MPhil research topics from the Faculty of Arabic and Islamic Studies, 2 from the Faculty of Education, 24 from the Faculty of Sciences and 22 from the Faculty of Social Sciences will be presented for approval.

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Gilani reaffirms Pakistan’s unwavering solidarity with people of IIOJK


Islamabad: Chairman of the Senate, Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani, reaffirmed Pakistan’s unwavering, principled, and historic commitment to the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).



In his special message on Youm-e-Istehsal, he said that India’s unilateral and illegal actions of 5 August 2019 constituted a flagrant violation of the United Nations Security Council resolutions, international law, and universally accepted principles of human rights.



The Chairman Senate said that Youm-e-Istehsal serves as a solemn reminder of the continued suffering, sacrifices, and resilience of the people of IIOJK. It also calls upon the conscience of the international community to acknowledge the grave injustices being perpetrated in the occupied territory and to fulfill its responsibility towards ensuring justice and lasting peace.



He observed that, in the years following the events of 5 August 2019, India has intensified measures aimed at altering the demographic composition of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir, undermining its distinct identity, suppressing the legitimate political leadership, restricting fundamental freedoms, and committing widespread human rights violations.



He emphasised that no amount of coercion, repression, or state oppression can extinguish the legitimate aspirations of the Kashmiri people for freedom, dignity, and the realisation of their internationally recognised right to self-determination.



Gilani reiterated that Pakistan will continue to extend its unwavering moral, political, and diplomatic support to the people of IIOJK in their just struggle.



He stressed that the Kashmir dispute can only be resolved through a peaceful settlement in accordance with the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and the aspirations of the Kashmiri people, enabling them to freely determine their own future.



Such a just resolution, he said, is indispensable for ensuring durable peace, security, and prosperity in South Asia.



The Chairman Senate called upon the United Nations, the international community, global human rights organizations, and all influential international institutions to take notice of the continuing human rights violations, illegal actions, and atrocities being committed against the people in the occupied valley of Jammu and Kashmir.



He urged them to play an effective role in ensuring India’s compliance with international law, its human rights obligations, and the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions.



On this occasion, the Chairman Senate reaffirmed that the people of Pakistan stand shoulder to shoulder with their Kashmiri brothers and sisters and will continue to support their legitimate, just, and inalienable right to self-determination until its realization.



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FCCI, PBA strengthen trade ties ahead of Korea business conference


Faisalabad: Pakistan Business Association (PBA) Korea Advisory Board Member Muhammad Asghar Bangi briefed President Faisalabad Chamber of Commerce and Industry (FCCI) Farooq Yousaf Sheikh on Tuesday about an upcoming business conference in South Korea for promoting trade, investment and direct business linkages between Pakistani and Korean entrepreneurs.



During his visit to FCCI, Bangi informed the FCCI President that the conference would be held on August 18 in South Korea and it would feature Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings between Korean companies and Pakistani delegates to explore trade and investment opportunities. He said that around 280 business personalities were expected to participate in the conference while 39 sponsors were supporting the event.



He said that all delegates would attend the conference on self-financing basis whereas the association would provide two official dinners and local transportation. Accommodation, however, would not be covered even at the conference venue hotel, he added.



He said that Embassy of Pakistan in South Korea was extending cooperation for successful organization of the conference. He further informed that Pakistan Business Association (PBA) Korea had already signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with three chambers of commerce and additional information regarding the event could be obtained from association’s media coordinator Dr. Muhammad Sabir.



Welcoming the visiting delegation, FCCI President Farooq Yousaf Sheikh highlighted Faisalabad’s pivotal role in Pakistan’s economy. He said that Faisalabad chamber had more than 22, 000 members representing 128 industrial and trade sectors, making it one of largest business representative bodies of the country.



He said that Faisalabad ranked second in Pakistan in tax contributions and remained backbone of the national economy. The city accounted for nearly 67 percent of total textile exports of the country, he added.



Referring to the proposed business delegation to South Korea, Farooq Yousaf Sheikh stressed the importance of defining clear objectives well before the visit to ensure meaningful outcomes and maximize trade and investment opportunities for both countries.



Later, the FCCI President presented an honorary shield to Muhammad Asghar Bangi in recognition of his efforts to promote Pakistan-Korea business cooperation. FCCI Vice President Engineer Asim Munir was also present on the occasion.



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Bus overturns in Pattoki, three persons injured


Pattoki: Three people, including the driver, were injured as a private factory bus overturned while trying to avoid a motorcycle on a road here on Tuesday, the official sources said.



The bus was carrying factory workers from Hanjray Kalan to Manga Mandi when the driver lost control while attempting to avoid a motorcyclist that suddenly came in front of the vehicle on the Pattoki-Hanjra Megha Road, they added.



The injured were taken to a nearby hospital by local residents before emergency services arrived, they said.



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DQCB meeting directs intensified crackdown on fake medicines, quackery


Attock: Additional Deputy Commissioner (General), Anil Saeed on Tuesday directed intensified crackdown on the manufacture and sale of counterfeit medicines, unregistered drugs and illegal medical practice in the district.



The directives were issued during a meeting of the District Quality Control Board (DQCB) chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (General) Anil Saeed.



The meeting was attended by the Drug Controller, representatives of the Health Department, police, district administration and other relevant departments.



The meeting reviewed measures being taken to curb the production and sale of counterfeit, substandard and unregistered medicines, ongoing operations against quackery, and the district’s medicine distribution system.



The board was briefed on enforcement actions already taken, ongoing operations and future plans.



Saeed instructed authorities to take strict legal action against the elements involved in the manufacture, sale and distribution of fake medicines, adding the Punjab government considered access to safe and quality medicines a top priority and would not tolerate negligence in the sector.



He also directed officials to step up action against unqualified medical practitioners, adding illegal practice posed a serious risk to public health.



The additional deputy commissioner instructed drug inspectors to ensure that antibiotics and other prescription-only medicines are sold only against valid prescriptions issued by registered medical practitioners. He also ordered regular inspections of pharmacies and medical stores, with immediate legal action against violators.



The participants at the meeting pledged to strengthen enforcement operations against counterfeit medicines, quackery and the illegal sale of medicines across the district.



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PCA hosts programmes in solidarity with Kashmiris


Rawalpindi: The Punjab Council of the Arts (PCA), Rawalpindi, observed Youm-e-Istehsal on Tuesday through a series of cultural programmes to express solidarity with the people of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK).



The programmes, which commenced at 9:00 a. m. , include a documentary film screening, speech competition, tableau presentation, Kashmiri song competition, and a photographic exhibition highlighting the plight and resilience of the Kashmiri people.



A solidarity rally is also being held to reaffirm support for the people of IIOJK. Director, Punjab Council of the Arts Rawalpindi, Muhammad Shakoor said the activities were aimed at highlighting the Kashmir issue through cultural initiatives and paying tribute to the sacrifices of the Kashmiri people.



Citizens, students, artists and members of civil society are participating in the events to express their solidarity with the people of Kashmir.