Author: Arshad Yousafzai

The 6th meeting of the Senate of Sindh Madressatul Islam University (SMIU) was held at SMIU’s Senate Hall on Tuesday chaired by Provincial Minister for Universities and Boards Muhammad Ismail Rahoo.

Vice-Chancellor SMIU Dr Mujeeb Sahrai and other members of the Senate including Dr A.Q. Mughal, Mr Shahzad Mahmood, Dr Jamshed Adil Halepota, Prof Dr Muhammad Malook Rind, Mr Asif Hussain Samo, Ms Quratulain Nazeer Ahmed, Mr Muhammad Naeem Ahmed, Mr Mushtaq Muhammad Gopang, Register Mr Ghulam Mustafa Shaikh, deans, chairpersons, heads of various sections and faculty members of SMIU attended the meeting.

The minutes and actions taken on the decisions of 5th Senate meeting were confirmed. A resolution was passed on the Annual Budget Estimated for the fiscal year of 2022-23 and the revised budget of the fiscal year of 2021-22.

The Vice-Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai informed the Senate that government of Sindh has allocated Rs.292 million as a Grant-in-aid for the fiscal year of 2022-23. In this regard, the vice chancellor lauded the role of Chief Minister Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, Minster for Universities and Boards Mohammad Ismail Rahoo, Secretary Universities and Boards Muhammad Mureed Rahimoon and other officials of Sindh Government for their support. Adding to it, he said SMIU is needed more funds as it is an expanding university, which had planned to launch different development projects.

He also informed the Senate that SMIU is bearing expenditure of about 90 million rupees of SMIU’s Model School annually. Hence, to get separate budget for the SMIU Model School, the matter is with the provincial department of education and literacy. The vice chancellor hoped that the SMIU will be given separate budget for its School in the next fiscal year of 2023-24.

Rahoo said that he shall take efforts to get the matter resolved, because he conserved an important part of SMIU. The report of construction of two buildings i.e. I.T. Tower and SMIU Model Schools’ building in the city campus was presented and it was said that these buildings were constructed from SMIU’s own reserved funds. Similarly, the Senate was informed about the construction work of the Malir Campus and said that now its work has been spedized as compared to the years of Covid-19.

The Senate was informed that since the last two years, SMIU has progressed a lot in the field of research. Seven research journals are being published and out of them two have received Y- category from the HEC Pakistan. Thus, it was decided that financial assistance for research work will be sought from national and international organizations.

Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai informed the Senate that SMIU is going to organise a mega research event titled 1st Global Research Congress on 8th and 9th March 2023, that will boost the research culture in the country.

In the Senate it was decided that study visits for students within the country and abroad will be started at amid to give them exposure of the world. Some members raised questions on the leadership program initiated by the former management of the university, and in their response it was decided that a committee will be formed to look into the matter.

The Senate members lauded role of Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai playing for progress and development of SMIU.

Minister Mohammad Ismail Rahoo also gave his observations in the meeting and appreciated the services of Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai. He said SMIU being a historic educational institution is on the priority of the Government of Sindh, and he personally takes keen interest in its development. In the Senate meeting Fatiha was performed for victims of earthquake in Türkiye and Syria.

Meanwhile Rahoo attended oath taking ceremony organised by Directorate of Students Affairs for newly elected office bearers of SMIU’s nine students’ societies at the Sir Shahnawaz Bhutto Auditorium of the varsity. The Minister along with Vice Chancellor Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai and Senate Member Mr. A.Q. Mughal administered the oath. He also distributed certificates among the former office bearers of the Students’ Societies and their patrons.

Thereafter, in his address Mr. Muhammad Ismail Rahoo said students’ societies are essential for students’ growth as leader. Also, they provide various opportunities to their fellow students to exhibit their creative talent. But they shouldn’t compromise on their basic aim of acquiring education at the university.

Dr. Mujeeb Sahrai, Vice Chancellor SMIU congratulated the office bearers of the Student Council and said that their all activities should be for development and progress of the university. He praised their role in organising most meaningful events for learning and training of students.

Dr. Asif Ali Wagan, Director Students’ Affairs presented a welcome address and thanked the minister and vice chancellor for their support. Ms. Zonaira Jalali, Manager Students’ Affairs conducted the program. Deans, chairperson, officials and students attended the program.

Related: SMIU holds graduation ceremony of its Cohort

A seven-member delegation of the five leading Russian universities from different parts of Russia visited the University of Karachi (UoK) on Wednesday.

They met the UoK Vice-Chancellor Professor Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi at the VC Secretariat and discussed the proposals of initiating cooperation and bilateral programs for the faculty members and the students of both countries.

The visiting delegate comprising of Iana Grigoreva, Head of the International Department, and Irina Karpeeva, Expert of the International Department from Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Rustem Chanshev of Kazan Federal University, Aleksandra Shevchenko, Head of the International Department, and Nikita Sirotenko, Expert of Admission Department from Saint Petersburg State University of Industrial Technologies and Design, SPbSUITD, Natalia Kovaleva, Head of Academic Mobility Department, Ural Federal University, and Konstantin Vinogradov, Head of International Projects Department, Russian State Agrarian University – Moscow Timiryazev Agricultural Academy (RSAU – MTAA named after K.A. Timiryazev) briefed the UoK VC Prof Dr Khalid Iraqi, deans of various faculties, and members of the student’s advisory council about the programs and degrees offered in the Russian universities in detail.

Meanwhile, the UoK Students’ Advisor Dr Syed Asim Ali briefed the visiting delegation about the history of the University of Karachi and teaching and research activities conducted on the campus.

The visiting delegation and the UoK administration agreed that by establishing a good working relationship the UoK and Russian varsities could initiate various joint academic programs and would be able to provide facilities to their faculty and students.

They also discussed and agreed to launch faculty and student exchange programs, joint research publications, and co-supervising research work and publications at different departments of the UoK and Russian varsities.

The UoK and the Russian universities believe that multiple joint programs could be launched to facilitate scholars, students, and faculty of both countries. They also discussed plans for online participation in seminars and workshops.

Related: UoK holds conference on saline resource management

The Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA) and the Auditor General of Pakistan (AGP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) marking a landmark agreement between the two organisations.

The key focus areas under the MOU include joint initiatives to strengthen the capacity building of public sector finance professionals and to support the Public Financial Management (PFM) transformation in Pakistan. AGP and ACCA will also collaborate on specialised training opportunities, including cyber security, data analytics and ERP, which will be delivered through ACCA’s global accountancy partnerships and international academic network.

At the MoU signing ceremony, ACCA President, Joseph Owolabi, also presented ACCA’s Approved Employer accreditation to the Auditor General of Pakistan, recognising AGP’s high standards of staff training and development. ACCA’s Approved Employer status will ensure AGP has access to ACCA’s globally sought-after talent with the right skills, ethics and competencies to drive AGP’s vision of a model supreme audit institution adding value to national resources.

Speaking at the occasion, the Auditor General of Pakistan, Muhammad Ajmal Gondal, stated: ‘I congratulate DAGP and ACCA on the signing of this MoU.  This memorandum will cement the on-going collaboration between AGP and ACCA on various initiatives thus far. The MoU lays down the guiding principles of varied initiatives including capacity building to benefit the public sector in serving the nation by promoting accountability, transparency and good governance in the management and use of public resources.’This MoU with ACCA will go a long way to further the Government’s vision of public sector transformation (in particular, public financial management) and professionalisation of public sector audit and accountancy professionals.’

ACCA president, Joseph Owolabi,commented: ‘We’re delighted to formalise our partnership with DAGP through this MoU aimed at promoting professionalisation of public sector finance professionals in Pakistan. This is key to empowering public servants for effective public financial management, improving fiscal transparency and enhancing public trust. I’d also like to take this opportunity to congratulate DAGP on their Approved Employer accreditation, which is a recongition of their highest levels of employee support. I’m certain the cooperation between ACCA and AGP will bring positive change.’

Assad Hameed Khan, head of ACCA Pakistan, commented that this partnership will also support in the acceleration of Government’s efforts to modernise PFM, improve delivery of essential public services and garner public trust. The mutual cooperation will not only help upskill public sector finance professionals, but also to spotlight their professional role towards sustainable and inclusive economic development.

Related: ACCA’s PLC 2023 Lahore emphasizes on sustainable thinking

“To bring about real change, there needs to be a shift in the general environment at home and work”, says Dr Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor of Ziauddin University. She was sharing her views in the 17^th Interactive series on ZU Dialogues, titled “The Power of Gender Diversity in Shaping a Progressive Pakistan” at Ziauddin University  (ZU).

The purpose of this dialogue session was to promote greater representation and inclusion of individuals of all genders in various fields and industries, raise awareness about the importance of gender diversity, and create a more equitable and just society where individuals of all genders have equal access to opportunities and resources.

While discussing the reasons behind the gender gap in the ZU Dialogue Dr. Nida said that the reason why the gender gap is not prevalent in our leadership roles is that we are committed to equal opportunities and do not discriminate. It sets the tone for the entire organization. The students of Ziauddin University mostly come from enlightened backgrounds where they understand the significance of women’s empowerment. We and most other universities have harassment policies in place, and we manage such cases when they arise. However, giving an open voice to victims and making them literate to come to the workplace is different from dealing with the work environment.

Barrister Shahida Jamil, former federal minister objected to the title of the session by saying, “The Power of Gender Diversity in Shaping Progressive, Pakistan”. Firstly, I would like to clarify that the goal of Pakistan’s creation was to have a separate homeland where discrimination would not exist. Therefore, when we discuss gender diversity, it is with the aim of creating a more equitable society where discrimination does not occur”.

“Secondly, I would like to highlight that Pakistan faces some unique challenges when it comes to implementing gender diversity, particularly in rural areas where there are different cultural norms and values. However, despite these challenges, we have made significant progress in recent years, such as in 2001 when we set a benchmark of having 33 percent women in parliament. This led to a rise in the number of women in leadership positions at the local level, and more women’s voices being heard in the assembly. It is essential not only to have representation but also to empower women to make their voices heard” she continued.

Addressing a larger issue, which is the lack of understanding of these issues by political parties themselves Mahtab Akbar Rashidi a Politician said, “many parties are hereditary and lack true democracy, which can hinder progress in advancing women’s rights. It is essential to look to leaders like Benazir Bhutto, who fought tirelessly for women’s rights and challenged societal norms. While our religion grants women equal rights, societal cultures and traditions can often prevent progress”.

“Additionally, it is disheartening to see women being each other’s worst enemies and not supporting each other. Despite these challenges, progress has been made, such as raising the age of marriage to 18 years old. Change can only come from within oneself, and social media can be a powerful tool for creating awareness and change. However, it is essential to promote this change without forcing or pressuring women, as this can be counterproductive to the goal of achieving gender equality” she added.

During the dialogue session Ameena Saiyid, founder of Adab Festival added her opinion by saying, “It is imperative that women are formally brought into the workforce, including those who work from home and are not officially recognized, such as those who do embroidery, stitching, and garment work alongside their household duties. This issue is not unique to Pakistan but rather a global one, with only 5 percent of women holding senior management positions despite 40 percent of all women in the world working”.

“From a social standpoint, it is crucial that women not only have opportunities but also receive equal pay, promotions, and chances to grow. Fortunately, women are now portrayed as strong characters in advertisements and dramas, promoting gender diversity, which is a positive step. The economy of Pakistan will also drive change as both men and women need to work and earn money”, she concluded.

In his concluding remarks on this occasion of the 17^th interactive series of ZU Dialogue, Vice-Chancellor of Ziauddin university Prof. Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder said that when we talk about social change, social diversity, and social justice, we must be prepared to consider a range of perspectives and ideas. Only through this process of engagement can we begin to move towards creating a more just and equitable society for all.

Related: ZU holds dialogues on Mainstreaming Gender Inclusiveness in our Society

The first Girls Judo Championship has started under the auspices of Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam as 120 girls players from 16 Universities of the country are participating in the event.

The players are from Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Peshawar, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, the University of Management and Science Technology Lahore, Lahore Garrison University Lahore, University of Lucki Marwat, University of Veterinary Sciences Lahore, Punjab University Lahore, University of Veterinary Sciences Lahore, Superior University Lahore, Khawaja Farid Nawaz University Rahim Yar Khan, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Lahore College for Women University Lahore, Mehran University Jamshoro, Karachi University, Sir Syed University Karachi and the University of Lahore are competing for the title of champion 2022-23.

On the first day, in the 40 kg category, Rida Ashraf of Punjab University won the medal by defeating Umma Habiba of Lahore College for Women University (LCWU), Rida Ashraf of Lahore College for Women won the second position in the same category and she got the silver medal by getting the position while Azra of Khawaja Fareed University (KFUEIT) Rahim Yar Khan won the bronze medal and got the third position.

In the 44Kg weight category, Kainat of Garrison University, Lahore won the gold medal by defeating Jawaria Shakeel of Punjab University, Saira of Lahore  University of Management Sciences (LUMS) took the third position and won the brown medal.

In the 48Kg category, Mehroz Gul of Garrison University, Lahore won the gold medal by securing the first position, while Aqsa Khalid of Punjab University secured the silver medal by securing the second position.

In the open category, Monisha Ali of Lahore Garrison University (LGU) won the gold medal by securing the first position, while Noor Saba of Punjab University (PU) secured the silver medal by securing the second position. Fatima of Veterinary University Lahore (UVAS) won the third position and bronze medal, while the competition between the teams continued.

While addressing the opening ceremony, Vice-Chancellor of SAU Dr Fateh Marri said that the women of Sindh have become ‘not a fragile gender, but an iron gender’, who can now change the traditions, He said that the university will provide them more opportunities for healthy activities, and The number of girls in the university is increasing rapidly, to whom SAU will provide more sports opportunities.

Dr Salim Raza Samo, Vice-Chancellor of Quaid e Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST) Nawabshah said that through these kinds of activities, students of the country’s universities will be aware of each other in academic and social fields.

Dr Tayyaba Zareef, Vice-Chancellor of Government College University, Hyderabad (GCUH) said that it is a positive thing that female students from 16 universities of Pakistan have gathered at the SAU at the same time for sports competitions.

Dr Farooq Mateen, Vice-Chancellor of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (SBBUVAS) Sakrand said that Sindh Agriculture University has encouraged girls through sports competitions.

Dr Tahmina Mangan, Vice-Chancellor of Begum Nusrat Bhutto Women University (BNBWU) Sukkur said that I am happy that my university has become a center for gender equality.

On this occasion, Director Sports Anwar Hussain Khanzada informed the guests about the championship.

Related: SAU started research on indigenous vegetables

Cambridge International has held Cambridge Principals Forums in Karachi, Lahore and Islamabad for educators in Pakistan this month for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic. More than 509 leaders and educators from 411 Cambridge schools came together at the events in three cities to discuss the theme ‘Ready for the World’.

Dr Mark Winterbottom, Professor of Education at the Faculty of Education, University of Cambridge delivered the keynote session on “Positive classrooms, positive students: creating a positive learning environment”. Participants discussed key topics such as creating student and teaching autonomy, how it helps students in developing world-ready skills and how it encourages teachers to create a positive learning environment for students in classrooms.

The keynote was followed by an informative panel discussion titled “Building Better Futures: developing world-ready skills in students”. The diverse panels in all three cities included education thought leaders, industry experts as well as students from top universities who shared their perspectives on the skills students need to develop to navigate future challenges, and how education can help develop these skills.

“As our world rapidly changes, we must equip our students with essential skills that transcend academic achievements and prepare them for real-life experiences,” said, Uzma Yousuf, Country Director, Pakistan at Cambridge International. “By instilling these skills early on in a student’s education journey, we are empowering them to traverse and solve the challenges of the future with confidence and resilience. Now, more than ever, we must prioritise the development of these skills in our students”, she added.

Cambridge is breaking new ground in education once again. At the recent Principals Forum, they made an exciting announcement of launching an Early Years curriculum specifically designed for children aged 3 to 6. Developed by experts and based on cutting-edge research, this internationally benchmarked curriculum will give young learners a solid foundation to build on as they progress through their education journey. By mastering essential skills at an early age, students will be better equipped to tackle challenges and thrive in all aspects of their lives, from school to work and beyond. Cambridge is committed to setting the bar high for education, and this new Early Years curriculum is no exception!

Cambridge is not just about earning qualifications; it’s about developing skills that will serve students for a lifetime. The Cambridge philosophy was also supported by leaders from universities and other industries at a panel discussion at the event. The panellists unanimously agreed that by combining a structured learning process with extracurricular activities, schools can create a holistic environment that fosters growth, creativity, and innovation. The panellists also emphasised that apart from enabling students to learn knowledge and skills, the learning process should also enable students to discover their full potential and to unlock a world of possibilities!

Highlighting the importance of such events, one participant noted, “By gathering at events like this, we have the opportunity to share our experiences and perspectives, and to learn from one another about how we can best prepare our students for success in the real world.”

Cambridge Principals Forums are annual events that allow school leaders to come together, exchange best practices and interact with the Cambridge International team, as well as learn more about Cambridge’s work for schools in Pakistan and what to expect in the future. As part of this year’s events, the British Council also updated schools on their work to deliver examinations to students in Pakistan.

Related: Ahsan Iqbal visits St John’s Innovation Centre at Cambridge

Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi and the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to launch the IBA OGDCL Talent Hunt Program for creating opportunities for students in marginalized communities. The program will be a joint initiative between the IBA and OGDCL, aimed at providing quality education, financial assistance, and mentoring to deserving students belonging from the selected districts* of Pakistan.

The program will target students from underprivileged backgrounds, with a focus on those who are financially disadvantaged and lack access to quality education.

The OGDCLTHP program will be a fully funded scholarship scheme that aims to provide education to deserving students in various fields, including business, social sciences, mathematics, and computer science. The program will offer financial assistance to cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other academic expenses.

In addition to financial support, the program will also offer mentorship and career guidance to students. This will be done through a network of industry experts and senior professionals who will mentor the students, helping them to develop their skills and make informed decisions about their careers.

Dr. S Akbar Zaidi, Executive Director IBA, expressed that the IBA was delighted to partner with OGDCL to launch the IBA OGDCL Talent Hunt Program and said, “This initiative is a reflection of our commitment to promoting quality education and providing equal opportunities to students from marginalized communities. We believe that by investing in these students, we can help create a better future for them and Pakistan.”

Mr. Zia Salahuddin, Executive Director of OGDCL, also expressed his enthusiasm for the program and stated that “Empowering local communities and transforming lives is the core aim of Corporate Social Responsibility at OGDCL”.

The program is expected to have a significant impact on the lives of students from marginalized communities, providing them with the opportunity to achieve their dreams and contribute to the development of the country.

Related: IBA Karachi and SID partnered under the CLICK project

Ziauddin University, East River Digital, Z2C Limited, and Activ8 launched a 12-week innovative digital training “ZEAL Future Enablement Program” at Ziauddin University (ZU).

The purpose of this program is to create a pool of talented digital resources at the management or project trainee level. The program will enable up to 50 participants to develop critical skills in digital media planning, social media, Google Ads, business communication, branding, and search engine optimization.

The ZEAL program will be delivered by expert trainers from East River Digital, Z2C, and Activ8, with additional support from Ziauddin University. Classes will be conducted every Saturday till 19th May 2023 at both Ziauddin University Clifton and North sites.

At the launch ceremony of the ZEAL Future Enablement Program, the Pro-chancellor of Ziauddin University, Dr. Nida Hussain expressed her pleasure to attendees, “we are pleased to partner with East River Digital, Z2C Limited, and Activ8 to provide our students with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience and develop critical skills in digital media, we believe that this program will equip the next generation of digital leaders with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed in their careers.”

“Participants will benefit from the extensive knowledge and expertise of the trainers as they receive training in critical areas of digital marketing, which will enable them to excel in their respective fields”, she further added.

Transformation is continuous, not at one time. Every change delivers value for today and facilitates the changes to come. Success requires strategy and a roadmap for implementation. In the current downturn, the price of acquiring users is increasing rapidly, and hitting targets with shrinking teams, and budget cuts are getting more and more difficult. The ZEAL Future Enablement Program aims to help executives leverage analytics to beat the odds and improve user acquisition KPIs.

“Launching a training academy has been a passion project of mine because it can change the destiny of our country. By training and enabling our talent to serve global markets we create a new set of digital marketing resources that can serve the world from Pakistan and bring much needed foreign investment in this country”, said Faizan S. Syed, the CEO of East River, in his keynote speech.

“Having partners like Ziauddin University, Brainchild and Z2C will ensure this program has true long term impact and value creation”, he continued.

During the event, attendees can look forward to speeches from key stakeholders, a panel discussion featuring program trainers and alumni, and a tour of Ziauddin University. This event promises to be an engaging experience that will offer attendees the chance to learn more about the program, its highly qualified trainers, and the academy itself; it was an opportunity for individuals to gain a comprehensive understanding of the program and its benefits.

“As technology pushes deeper into the business, the business pushes deeper into technology,” said Raihan Merchant, CEO of Z2C Limited, the venture accelerator that supports Activ8. “All businesses and executives need to be upskilled in digital marketing and creative strategy in order to improve the effectiveness of customer lifetime value initiatives. To take Pakistan to the next level, we need to increase the quality and quantity of talent that will shift the country to a services industry model.”

As the advertising expenditure within Pakistan declines steadily year-on-year, advertising agencies have begun to pivot towards an expert model for their services. This has included training existing talent to work on global brands in the MENA and APAC region, through large consultancies and advertising agencies. In Pakistan, Activ8 is one such example, serving advertisers in the MENA region through it’s relationship with the Publicis Groupe. The exposure to regional megabrands and their campaigns represents tremendous learning opportunities and growth for work placement abroad.

“Executives worldwide need training on platforms and tools that make their roles easier,” said Saadi Gouse, the director of digital transformation at Publicis Groupe in Pakistan. “The data-literate executive will replace the executive that refuses to upskill & adapt. The most significant disruption data and AI create is eliminating the walls between technology and business. They are becoming indistinguishable. Companies must adapt by making technical and non-technical roles indistinguishable.”

Related: Ziauddin University holds panel discussion on gender diversity

Hamdard University in its 25th Convocation held on Saturday confer 1212 degrees to the graduates comprising of 22 candidates who have qualified to be awarded PhDs, 29 M.Phils., 75 Master’s degree, and 1086 Bachelor degrees.

Of these, 27 meritorious students will be awarded with Hamdard University Gold medals and 8 with Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said Medals.

Addressing the 25th Convocation, Chancellor Hamdard University Sadia Rashid said that Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said, was a hardworking physician, educationist, philanthropist and visionary, was also a patriot and tried to be a good Muslim and human being. He would certainly never forget that the very first word spoken by Allah to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) through the Gabriel, was: ‘Iqra!’ – Read.

She requested the gathering to raise their hands and keep few moments of silent prayer for brothers and sisters of Turkey and Syria who are suffering from that tragic devastation. She said that this is a memorable milestone for the teachers and the parents. “We are grateful for entrusting their precious children to us. You can now join our Alumni of over 32,000, around the world, hopefully contributing to society at different levels, in positive ways”.

In his welcome address HU VC Prof Dr Syed Shabib ul Hassan said that we are celebrating the Silver Jubilee of the University’s Convocation, this institution itself is almost 32 years old. As I reflect for a moment on past history, these three decades are a reflection on the dedication and determination of every single person within the University’s community who have contributed since its establishment in 1991. I am forever grateful to the leadership of Hamdard, my student community, alumni and colleagues who followed the vision and mission of the Founder-Chancellor Shaheed Hakim Mohammed Said and made this University what it is today.

We are truly privileged to have with us, the honorable Consul General of Japan, H.E. Mr ODAGIRI Toshio on this auspicious occasion. Sir, your presence has made this convocation ceremony more meaningful for the graduates, and every one of us. I would also like to welcome the team of University of Essex, UK here today and hopeful that our relationship will bear fruitful results for students in both countries.

I’m proud of you all, because despite all of the challenges and struggles, as you may recall, you are all pandemic survivors. Especially relevant to your time here at Hamdard University, we faced a lot of uncertainties together. We transformed to an environment we had never imagined before. From classroom learning to ZOOM, from physical examination to on-line, and now, as I see you all gathered here today, it is evident that we all have succeeded together.

Related: Shura Hamdard paid tribute to Dr Abdul Qadeer Khan

Dr Mohammad Ajmal Khan Institute of Sustainable Halophyte Utilization of the University of Karachi (UoK) in collaboration with Salim Habib University (SHU) and the Nuclear Institute of Agriculture (NIA) Tandojam organized a three-day international conference on saline resource management in the context of global climate changes at the local hotel.

The event is being funded by the Sindh Higher Education Commission (SHEC), and aimed of the conference is to gather people working in plant sciences, environmentalists, crop breeders, microbiologists, biochemists, and biotechnologists to discuss the issues and their possible outcomes.

During the inaugural session, the UoK Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood Iraqi, and the Vice-Chancellor SHU Prof Dr Shakeel Ahmad Khan, spoke about the importance of saline resource management with particular reference to global climate change.

Experts from around the world gave their presentations in technical sessions. Prof Dr John Chessman, from the University of Illinois, USA during his keynote address, outlined the element of food security and stressed that food is the sovereign right of people. He emphasized following participatory plant breeding where the farmer has the feeling of ownership throughout the process and thereby its adaptability and acceptability.

Prof Dr Wang Sen from China emphasized about plantation of non-woody species to fight against climate change and the role of the belt and road project in Gwadar, Balochistan. He discussed the potential of grafting Chinese Jujubi with Pakistani Jujubi plants for high yield and fruit quality.

Prof Dr Jin-Lin Zang presented a talk on the lignin biosynthesis gene introduced into arabidopsis thaliana the model plant and its role in increasing the salt tolerance of the plants under salt stress conditions. Lignin accumulation appears to improve ion balance by blocking sodium uptake and selectively absorbing potassium by over-expression of the laccase gene in arabidopsis.

Emeritus Professor Dr Tim Flowers from Sussex University, UK, gave a presentation on the online database for salt tolerant plants or Halophytes, about the origins of e-Haloph along with James Aronson and about the economic uses of halophytes.

Dr Nuria Koteyeva from Komarov Botanical Institute, Russia presented the results of salinity experiments on the anatomical changes in plants particularly the salt glands that excrete excess salt from the leaf surface.

Dr Aldrie Aamir from Universiti Kebangsaan, Malaysia discussed the implications of mangrove loss on communities and their connectivity with adjacent habitats such as mudflats sea grass coral reefs. He stressed making recommendations for solid governance of mangrove resources including habitat management and conservation for carbon sequestration.

Dr Hasan-Uz-Zaman from Dhaka University, Bangladesh, talked about the role of different kinds of biostimulants in enhancing salt tolerance in plants with a considerable promise to increase the yield of crops.

Dr Irfan Ahmad from the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF), discourse the effect of salinity on the bamboo species, which are found in Pakistan. He suggested the commercial and usage of bamboo in the country.

Dr Habib-ur-Rehman Athar from Bahauddin Zakariya University (BZU), Multan, described the physiological and molecular mechanisms of salt tolerance in Canola varieties. He concluded that some varieties of canola are highly salt tolerant and can be cultivated in salt-affected lands of Pakistan.

Dr Muhammad Farrakh Nawaz from Karachi University informed the audience about the forest regeneration and carbon sequestration of forest trees. He said the natural regeneration of forest trees, particularly Albizia lebbeck, locally known as siris, is very slow. He suggested specific treatment of seeds to break their dormancy.

The Director KU MAK-ISHU Dr Salman Gulzar shared that the experts from different parts of the world emphasized the serious efforts to address the root causes of food insecurity in the context of climate change and to develop food and agricultural systems during the first two days of the event.

Related: UoK moot discusses biodiversity conservation issues