Category: Islamabad

Islamabad: The Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI) hosted a thought-provoking policy clinic titled "Survival of the Greenest" led by Dr. Amir Lebdioui from Oxford University.

The event shed light on the urgent need for green economic transitions in the face of escalating climate change challenges, particularly for vulnerable nations like Pakistan, said a press release issued here on Wednesday.

Dr. Sajid Amin Javed, Deputy Executive Director SDPI, shared reflections on the institute's journey in fostering impactful policy discussions. He underscored SDPI's commitment to advancing climate resilience and sustainable development initiatives in Pakistan.

Dr. Amir Lebdioui, the keynote speaker, drew inspiration from Charles Darwin's Survival of the Fittest, reimagining the concept to emphasize the survival of economies that embrace green transitions. 'It's not only species but economies that are in a race for survival, driven by technological advancements and climate imperatives,' he stated.

Dr. Lebdioui highlighted the disproportionate impact of climate change on developing nations like Pakistan, which contribute minimally to global emissions yet face severe penalties, including economic losses, increased borrowing costs, and disrupted supply chains. He presented the 1970s decline of Nauru, once a wealthy island nation, as a cautionary tale of unsustainable resource dependence.

'Green transitions are not just environmental necessities but acts of macroeconomic resilience,' he emphasized. The discussion outlined three primary avenues for sustainable economic transformation namely Green Windows for Industrialization: Large-scale adoption of low-carbon technologies to drive industrial growth, Energy Transitions: Leveraging energy innovation as a cornerstone of the Fourth Industrial Revolution and Environmental Upgrading: Embedding green practices within supply chains to enhance productivity and sustainability.

Dr. Lebdioui critiqued global economic distortions, noting how industrialized nations dominate renewable energy investments despite developing countries' greater potential due to lower costs. 'The global north's green protectionism limits opportunities for industrial decarbonization in nations like Pakistan,' he observed. He also stressed that effective green transitions hinge on skills development rather than resource availability.

The keynote underscored the need for tailored green industrial policies aligned with local realities. Inter-ministerial coordination and private sector inclusion were identified as critical enablers of successful transitions. 'Green policies must evolve and adapt to future outcomes rather than imitate models from elsewhere,' Dr. Lebdioui advised.

In an era defined by intersecting crises, industrial policy offers a strategic tool to manage transitions, according to Dr. Lebdioui. However, he lamented the global failure to prioritize climate commitments, pointing out the disparity in funding mobilized for wars versus environmental resilience.

Islamabad: Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) has offered over 80 educational programs for overseas Pakistanis and international students in its admissions for the Semester Spring 2025.

These programs include Matriculation, FA, I.Com, Associate Degrees in Arts, Commerce, and Education, BS programs, B.Ed programs of 1.5, 2.5, and 4 years, and Diploma Programs in 12 disciplines.

The university is offering these educational programs to international students through an online management system.

All academic activities, from admissions to examinations, will be conducted online. For monitoring online examinations, MS Teams or a monitoring application approved by the authorities will be used.

The last date for admissions is February 10. Students can apply online through the link http: //fmbp.aiou.edu.pk.

It is noteworthy that to facilitate international students, Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr. Nasir Mahmood has activated and empowered the International Collaboration and Exchange Office at the university.

This office maintains continuous contact with international students, provides them with extensive guidance, and arranges orientation sessions for new international enrollees.

While discussing international admissions, the Vice-Chancellor stated, "It is a matter of pride for us that 1,007 students from 37 countries have already enrolled, and we aim to increase this number to 5,000 within the next five years."

Overseas Pakistanis and international students can contact the International Collaboration and Exchange Office for further details via email at [email protected] or phone at +92519572495.

Islamabad: Federal Minister for Housing and Works, Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, underscored the critical role of Sufi teachings in fostering peace, harmony, and brotherhood during the launch of Kalyam Kooch-i-Ishq, a book celebrating the life and teachings of Hazrat Mian Fazluddin Kalyami.

The ceremony, held at the Pakistan Academy of Letters, marked the 133rd death anniversary of the revered mystic.

The book, co-authored by Syed Ahmad Iqbal Tirmazi and Iftikhar Ahmad Hafiz Qadri, explores the biography and discourses of Hazrat Mian Fazluddin Kalyami, a spiritual disciple of Hazrat Baba Fariduddin Ganjshakar.

The event drew a distinguished audience, including former president of the Islamic International University, Sahibzada Dr. Sajid ur Rehman, who presided over the session, and Professor Dr. Abdul Aziz Sahir, Dean of Social Sciences at Allama Iqbal Open University, as the guest of honor.

Professor Dr. Najeeba Arif, President of the Pakistan Academy of Letters, also graced the occasion alongside other prominent academics and scholars.

Addressing the gathering, Minister Pirzada lauded the authors for their contribution to Sufi literature, emphasizing the timeless relevance of mystics in shaping Islamic teachings and spreading the values of humility, tolerance, and love.

"The teachings of Hazrat Mian Fazluddin Kalyami remain a beacon of hope and inspiration, especially in today's fractured world," the minister remarked.

He called for preserving and promoting Sufi literature to bridge divides and instill harmony among communities.

Dr. Sajid ur Rehman elaborated on Hazrat Mian Kalyami's spiritual guidance, highlighting his role in inspiring generations through his devotion and wisdom.

"His teachings continue to offer guidance to seekers of truth, even more than a century after his passing," he stated.

Professor Abdul Aziz Sahir praised the authors for shedding light on the life of the great mystic, calling the book a vital effort to preserve the spiritual heritage of the region.

Similarly, Professor Najeeba Arif highlighted Hazrat Mian Kalyami's miraculous abilities and profound understanding of Islamic mysticism.

Sahibzada Professor Rashad Masood Kalyami commended the authors for narrating the Sufi's emphasis on introspection, self-reflection, and inner purification, central to the Sabriya branch of the Chishti Order to which he belonged.

The ceremony concluded with a unanimous call to ensure Sufi teachings reach younger generations to promote values of compassion and humanity in an era of uncertainty and despair.

Islamabad: Deputy Prime Minister/ Foreign Minister Senator Mohammad Ishaq Dar on Wednesday chaired a meeting of the preparatory committee for the international conference on 'Girls' education in Muslim communities: challenges and opportunities," to be hosted by Pakistan from 11-12 January.

The meeting was attended by the Minister Youth Affairs Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan, Secretary Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Secretary Ministry of Information and Broadcasting, Chairman CDA, and other senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Federal Education and Professional Training, Foreign Office Spokesperson said in a press release.

The committee reviewed the preparations for the conference, which would feature a comprehensive agenda, including discussions on barriers to girls' education; the social and economic benefits of girls education; and innovative approaches to advancing education equity.

Islamabad: The University of Haripur on Wednesday successfully concluded the month-long National Outreach Programme for Faculty, a landmark initiative organized in collaboration with the National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE-HEC).

The program aimed to develop faculty members into Trainers of Trainers (TOT), empowering them with modern teaching, research, and leadership skills to drive academic excellence across the country, said a press release.

Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum, Executive Director HEC, was chief guest in the closing ceremony, which was attended by the Vice Chancellor, Deans, Directors, and faculty members. Addressing the gathering, Dr. Zia Ul-Qayyum commended the University of Haripur for its dedication in fostering faculty development and emphasized the significance of continuous professional training in advancing the quality of higher education.

The Executive Director lauded NAHE's coordination and strategic execution of the programme, highlighting its pivotal role in ensuring the program's success. He praised NAHE's team for their tireless efforts in designing and implementing training modules that align with international best practices and cater to the unique needs of Pakistani academia.

He assured participants that HEC, through NAHE, remains committed for supporting such initiatives that contribute to academic innovation and institutional growth.

The programme, facilitated by NAHE-approved resource persons, provided targeted training to 30 faculty members, including 16 Assistant Professors and 14 Lecturers from diverse disciplines. The diverse cohort included nine female participants, reflecting a commitment to inclusivity in higher education. Participants gained expertise in innovative teaching methodologies, research skills, leadership, and technology integration-key areas for fostering a modern and dynamic academic environment.

Dr. Shafiq Ur Rahman, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Haripur, extended his gratitude to NAHE, HEC, and all stakeholders for their invaluable contributions. He acknowledged the efforts of Dr Aziz Ullah, Director HRDC, and the Program Coordinator Tahir Abbas Zaidi for their dedication to the programme's success.

During the ceremony, participants shared positive feedback, emphasizing the programme's transformative impact on their professional growth. To symbolize growth and sustainability, Dr. Zia-Ul-Qayyum, alongside the Vice Chancellor and other officials, planted a tree on the university campus.