January-March 2021

Pakistan’sPakistan’s ITIT ProsPros CapableCapable ofof ContributingContributing toto NationalNational Development:Development: PresidentPresident AlviAlvi 10 Seerat Counters Hate Speech through Deciisiive Actiion 2 HEC Teams Visit Universities for Performance Evaluation 9 Another 75 Pakistanis to Pursue PhD in Queen Mary University of London 12 HEC,, NPB Collllaborate for Enhanciing Academiia’’s Rolle iin Polliice Reforms 15 8 HEC’s New PhD & Undergraduate Policies to Produce Quality Graduates content 13 16 Years of HEC-USAID Need-based News & Views (January-March 2021) Scholarship Programme ‘Women Empowerment Part of HEC’s 14 Agenda’

News & Views is published after every 15 NTC to Formulate Recommendations for National Education Policy three months. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without 16 NAHE holds Roundtable Discussions on prior written permission of the publisher. Faculty Development 17 NAHE Capacity Enhancement Session The views expressed by authors in the for IPFP Fellows articles are their sole responsibility and 18 NAHE Organises E-Office Training for not of HEC. The Commission would like Employees to thank all the institutions and 19 Riphah holds 5th Int’l Conference on individuals who contributed information Islamic Business and photographs for this Magazine. 20 COMSATS Develop Incinerator to Handle Hospital Waste

20 COMSATS, CMYK Sign MoU for Collaborative Research

21 SSUET to Support HASWA in Producing Low-Cost Prosthetic Limbs

Aayesha Ikram Editor 21 Webinar on Assessment in Online Education Graphic Designer Raja Ahmad Nadeem 22 Ziauddin University Develops 3D Virtual Dissection Table Syed Muhammad Ittifaq Reporter 22 Steps, Policies Needed to Safeguard Global Environmental Commons

Higher Education Commission, HEC-UN Webinar Series Seerat Counters Hate Speech through Decisive Action

Expressions of Extremists Don’t Define any Nation: President Arif Alvi Education to End Hate Speech, Intolerance, Bigotry Rising around the World: Chairman Education Key to Promote Inclusivity in Multi-faith Societies: Executive Director Need for Building Resilience against Online, Offline Hate Speech: UN Special Adviser

The expressions of extremists Education Commission (HEC), inclusive, and empathetic anywhere in the world must Pakistan. The introductory communities in Pakistan not be taken as a specimen or webinars continued for three through tools like active and an impression to define or days to cover six sessions on continuous intersectional understand a particular topics like Seerat of the last participations, dialogue, and nation. Prophet Hadhrat Muhammad, collaboration. It was linked to peace be upon him (PBUH), the implementation of the Plan This was stated by President of minorities, and the role of of Action for religious leaders Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi while youth in combating hate and actors to prevent inaugurating the series of speech. incitement to violence that webinars entitled, “Nurturing could lead to atrocity crimes Peaceful, Respectful and Twenty four speakers from and the UN Strategy and Plan Inclusive Societies in Pakistan: three continents, i.e., Asia, of Action on Hate Speech. Seerat Counters Hate Speech America, and Europe, including through Decisive Action”, representatives of minorities It also aimed to contribute to jointly organised by the United and youth, expressed their achieving the Sustainable Nations Office on Genocide views during the sessions. Development Goals (SDGs), in Prevention and the particular SDG16 on building Responsibility to Protect The series of webinars aimed peaceful, inclusive and just (OSAPG) and the Higher at encouraging peaceful, societies.

2 Dr. Alvi said it was incumbent Minorities have Equal Stake in & Love for Pakistan: Speakers on all of us to present the true The minorities of Pakistan love the country as much as the Muslim principles of Islam that counter majority does, and they have the equal stake in the vision of all kinds of religious, ethnic Pakistan, said the speakers during the second day of a series of and gender hatred, webinars entitled, “Nurturing Peaceful, Respectful and Inclusive marginalisation, discrimination, Societies in Pakistan: Seerat Counters Hate Speech through and inequality. He said that Decisive Action”. Arabs had a patriarchal society wherein slavery was common, Representatives of different Pakistani minorities, including yet the Last Prophet Hadhrat Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, Kalashas, Parsi and Baha’i Muhammad (PBUH) communities addressed the webinars, jointly organised by the encouraged people to break Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and the United the chains of slavery. Nations Office on Genocide Prevention and the Responsibility to Protect. He maintained that the Last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) Dr. Amineh Hoti, former Project Director Seerat Chairs, HEC, taught and emphasised on moderated the webinars. She stressed the need for promoting forgiveness, putting empathy and respect for each other. She said the majority must compensation a secondary and include and respect the minorities, adding that the majority and vengeance a last resort in case minorities must joint hands to fight hate speech and all the of any confrontation. negative and discriminative attitudes and behaviours to marginalise specific groups of people. She emphasised measures He said that the Last Prophet to ensure justice and inclusivity in the society of Pakistan. Hadhrat Muhammad (PBUH) laid emphasis on adopting a Dr. Simona Cruciani, Political Affairs Officer at the UN Office on just approach in financial Genocide Prevention, shared the definition of hate speech, saying that there was no international legal definition of hate speech, affairs to set up an and the characterization of what is ‘hateful’ is controversial and economically just society. He disputed. mentioned that the father of the Pakistani nation, In the context of the UN document, the UN Strategy and Plan of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, was Action on Hate Speech, the term hate speech is understood as also a staunch advocate of any kind of communication in speech, writing or behaviour, that unity and peaceful attacks or uses pejorative or discriminatory language with coexistence. reference to a person or a group on the basis of who they are, in other words, based on their religion, ethnicity, nationality, race, The President said that making colour, descent, gender or other identity factor. Pakistan a model of the State of Madinah, as envisioned by This is often rooted in, and generates intolerance and hatred and, the Prime Minister of Pakistan in certain contexts, can be demeaning and divisive. She reiterated Imran Khan, was the final goal. that the UN was committed to countering hate speech globally with the cooperation of its partners. She said that the UN He underlined that lack of Secretary-General was very much concerned about the ‘tsunami communication generated of hate speech’, especially the online trends of spreading hatred phobias among individuals, during the pandemic. states, and nations, yet cooperative and peaceful She said that the UN was struggling to foster an environment of discussions, as enshrined in the tolerance towards diversity, social cohesion, and dialogue wherein UN Charter, were the key to freedom of opinion and human rights were honoured. The UN address these phobias. He was closely working with the victim groups to cope with

3 stated that hate speech should stigmatization, discrimination, have no standing in Pakistan. and targeting of specific “We need to make sure that groups, she revealed. the laws isolating communities must be condemned.” In his remarks, Dr. Safdar Ali Shah said that Pakistan was a Highlighting the role of media, land of diversity, as its people he stressed the need for accepted, respected, and judiciously handling the embraced the existence of ‘weapons of misinformation’ diverse religious and ethnic and communicating to the communities. “The soil of world that Pakistan was a Pakistan inherited diversity.” peaceful country, and the Muslims around the world He shed light on the ancient were peaceful. civilizations homed by the land of Pakistan, including Mehr In his remarks, Chairman HEC Garh, Indus Valley Civilization, Tariq Banuri stressed the need and Gandhara Civilization. for promoting education to give an end to hate speech, He said that Sikhism flourished intolerance, and bigotry rising in the presence of Islam and around the world. He said that Hinduism in the united India, the waves of extremism could while four relics of Buddha be stemmed by adopting the were also found in the soil of true teachings of the Last Pakistan. Prophet (PBUH). Regarding Taxila, a significant archaeological city in Punjab, Mentioning the Prime he said that the city witnessed Minister’s vision about making many cultures prospering and expanding. He said that Sufi saints Pakistan the State of Madinah, of the land promoted the philosophy of humanism. he quoted him as saying that: “If people know the true Addressing the webinar, Mr. Isphanyar Bhandara, a former history of Islam, they would Member of Parliament, who represented the Parsi community of not only recognise it, but will Pakistan, said that the minorities of Pakistan decided at the time also embrace it.” of independence in 1947 to become Pakistanis by choice. He said that the minorities had equal stake in Pakistan and they equally The Chairman underlined that loved the country. He said that Muhammad Ali Jinnah, firmly the teachings of Holy Prophet believed in religious tolerance, diversity, and acceptance of all brought about a massive religions. transformation in the society that led to subsequent Mr. Bhandara said there were some people, who had gone astray measures like establishment of and fueled discrimination between the majority and minorities, Baitul Hikmah, also known as yet it was “never too late” for them rectify. He underlined a few the Grand Library of Baghdad. factors that caused the segregation and discrimination, including the geopolitical situation of the region and deficiencies in the He shared with the participants school education system. that HEC introduced new programmes in the He emphasised that the Government must take practical undergraduate education measures to create awareness about the importance of minorities

4 policy to bring together the and their contribution to the development of Pakistan. He true history and civilization of proposed to the Government to increase job quota, in addition to the Islamic society. The new increasing seats in the legislature, for the minorities. policy is inclined towards promoting greater interaction He stressed the need for naming roads and highways after and engagement between a minority leaders to acknowledge their services to the country. The teacher and a student on the teachers must be trained and the curricula must be reviewed to pattern of Sufi episteme. promote religious tolerance and respect for minorities, he emphasised. He explained that this concept was based on the practice of He noted that media had a very powerful role in the society, so the past, when students from the media houses should be mandated to give some time to all over the world would flock educate about people about various religions, portraying positive to the learned people, like picture of the minority groups. “I firmly believe that protecting Sufis. and accepting minorities will help project a good of image of Pakistan.” Executive Director HEC Dr. Shaista Sohail highlighted the Representing the Christians, Dr. Sara Safdar, former Dean at significance of the webinars on Peshawar University, highlighted the role of Christian community the teachings in the Seerat of in the development of Pakistan, the rights of minorities, and the the Last Prophet (PBUH) challenges being faced by the minorities. She said the Christian regarding hate speech, community had a great contribution to the foundation of unsophisticated behaviours, Pakistan, as it fully supported Mr. Jinnah at the time of his words and gestures, and struggle for an independent homeland. “Special attention must inconsiderate, selfish and be paid to address the gaps in protection of minorities’ rights.” unkind attitudes. She added that steps must be taken to facilitate dialogues between the Government and minorities so that the minorities She said that Islam gives due were enabled to express themselves. She also underlined the respect to the life and property importance of unbiased media reporting to promote interfaith of every human being, men harmony. and women alike, and it preached that the conflicts can Major Harchan Singh from the Sikh community shared a be addressed by forging presentation on the philosophy of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, the forgiveness and forbearance. fostering of Sikhism in Pakistan, his love for Pakistan, and the The Victory of Makkah was a Kartarpur Corridor as a bridge of peace. He said that the Guru of perfect precedent of Sikhism was strongly against all the artificially created divisions forgiveness and tolerance, she and discrimination. He quoted the Guru as saying: “caste of a affirmed. person is based on what he does.”

The Executive Director said He said that a significant part of the Sikh history was linked to that the Seerat disapproved of places located in Pakistan, including historical Gurdwaras, the behaviours inciting people associated with different events of Guru Nanak’s life. He said that to hatred for others. There is a there were around 20,000 Sikhs scattered across Pakistan. strong need for adopting the manners and etiquettes, He said that he inherited patriotism and nationalism from his taught by the Last Prophet father. He also highlighted the importance of opening the (PBUH), nationally and globally Kartarpur Corridor to the Sikhs living in India who could now to ensure peace and interfaith easily offer pilgrimage to Nankana Sahib, the birthplace of Baba harmony. She also mentioned Guru Nanak.

5 different remarkable Dr. Seema Nake, who represented Baha’i community, a staunch developments from the life of advocate of interfaith harmony, said that one must treat others the Last Prophet (PBUH), like the way one wanted oneself to be treated. She said that Pakistani the Hilful Fudul (the Alliance of youth had great abilities and they could play a positive role in Excellence), the Mawakhat-e- combatting hate speech and discriminative segregation and Madinah (the brotherhood isolation. She emphasised that the well-being of mankind was among the Muslims of unattainable until unity was firmly established. Madinah), and the Treaty of Hudaybiyya as an example of She said that the human beings were duty bound to build the the steps taken for peaceful essential relationship that were binding them as one family. She coexistence. hoped that the discussions in the webinars would find expression in action. She also presented a few recommendations to make She said that Quaid-e-Azam the HEC-UN efforts more productive, like steps to engage all the Muhammad Ali Jinnah also concerned, including youth, in a dialogue process for the cause. had the vision to promote “We have to reflect on moral character development and spiritual peaceful coexistence and empowerment of every child in Pakistan.” She asserted that communal harmony, assuring diversity could become a means for social development in the minorities of their rights. Pakistan.

On this occasion, UN Special Syed Gul Kalasha, a representative of Kalasha community, Adviser Ms. Alice Wairimu depicted the history of Kalash, and said that the community had Nderitu emphasised that the been living in Kalash, Chirtal, for the past 3000 years. She said United Nations was committed that the majority of Muslims living over there loved and respected them. “We can perform our rituals and follow our to using education as a tool to customs and traditions in peace and harmony.” counter hate speech.

She said that hate speech never eliminated hate, rather love and “Education highlights compassion brought peace and harmony in the region. She difference between good and stressed the need for teaching of tolerance towards religions bad, right and wrong, and true from schools. “The madrassahs, schools and media can play an and false.” She said that important role to eliminating hatred in the society,” she promotion of quality education concluded, while laying emphasis on practical steps. and establishment of peace, justice and strong institutions Pushpa Kumari, a representative of Hindu community, said that were among the UNDP’s the white colour in the Pakistani flag depicted the diversity and Sustainable Development the rights of minorities. She said that the Hindus celebrated Holi, Goals (SDGs). Diwali, and Eid, together with their country fellows without any hurdles. None of the SDGs to establish inclusive and resilient societies She urged that the people must be sensitised about the basic by 2030 can be achieved human rights and the constitutional rights through curricula. She without promotion of said that the customs and cultures of diverse communities education, she affirmed. She needed to be promoted, as this would help promoting peaceful also acknowledged the world’s coexistence. “We have to show the world that the Pakistanis, overall response to COVID-19. whichever religion and ethnicity they belong to, are a one nation.” She said that the past decade witnessed an increase in access A Buddhist by religion, Rajkumari Troya Roy Khisa, highlighted to education, however there salient aspects of Buddhism, saying that non-violence was the was still a lot to be done in this highest moral virtue. She said that the Government of Pakistan

6 direction. She appreciated the was always supportive of Buddhist tourism, adding that the Government of Pakistan for its Buddhist sites reflected the rich cultural heritage of Pakistan. commitment to achieve the goal of ensuring free and She said that Buddhism preached its followers to avoid creating compulsory education for all, sufferings and problems for others. She affirmed that everyone as per the Constitution of was responsible for his or her deeds, as every action brought Pakistan. results. “Let’s try to live in harmony and help humanity to live together.” She observed that the governments around the world Youth on Peaceful Coexistence, Harmony had a strong role in combating A session of the webinar assembled Pakistani youth from various the increased exclusion and backgrounds, including Rohananiyyih Nabilzadeh, Nadine stigmatisation of communities Murtaza, Anjum Malik and Maliha Javed Khan. The young and groups, especially on the speakers shed light on different aspects of life amidst social media platforms. multiculturalism.

She emphasised that the Nabilzadeh said that youth had majority and the minority need a great potential and talent to join hands to wipe out hate that needed to be channelised. speech and fulfil the She said that the youth must responsibility to protect the aspire for spiritual and marginalised segments of intellectual growth. “Service to societies. She also highlighted humanity is the service to the role of Pakistani youth in God.” She emphasised practical elimination of discrimination measures for attaining peace. by capitalising education. Nadine Murtaza dilated on her Dr. Asad Zaman, former Vice initiative of ‘Schooling Pakistan’ Chancellor Pakistan Institute of that was aimed at educating Development Economics, Dr. people by inculcating the Ayesha Rafique, faculty importance of extensive study member of Fatima Jinnah instead of sticking to textbooks. She said that children must be Women University, and Dr. equipped with the right tools to address the challenges they Aayesha Leghari, author of might face. Creativity, Dr. Amineh Hoti, former Project Director for Ms. Anjum Malik underscored the significance of countering hate Seerat Chairs, HEC, and Dr. speech through effective use of digital means. She said that hate Simona Cruciani, Political speech affected every member of society at different levels and Affairs Officer at the UN Office ways. She stressed formulation of an intersectional strategy to on Genocide Prevention and involve in interfaith dialogue for harmony. Youth must be made the Responsibility to Protect, stakeholders for peace, she concluded. also spoke on the occasion. Maliha Khan highlighted the role of technology in reaching out to The UN and the HEC aim to wide audience to educate them about the need for mutual follow these webinars in a few harmony for a peaceful soceity. She appreciated the HEC’s efforts, months with another set of and the initiatives of various other entities to keep the continuity sessions giving more time to of learning intact in the COVID pandemic. She thought that the speakers in order to allow content taught at schools, colleges and universities played as a supportive in-depth impact. key message to advocate inclusivity.

7 HEC’s New PhD & Undergraduate Policies to Produce Quality Graduates

The new Undergraduate Education Policy 2020 media persons that the professional accreditation and the PhD Policy are aimed to protect students’ councils are being strengthened to improve the right to acquire quality education and to increase quality of disciplinary education. “Our intention is the value of higher education degrees nationally to improve the quality of our graduates and the and internationally. confidence of employers in the worth of our degrees.” This was stated by Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) Mr. Tariq Banuri while Regarding the structure of undergraduate addressing a news conference. education, he said that the two-year BA/BSc and MA/MSc programmes have been phased out to The Chairman said that there was a mismatch shift towards four-year BS programmes, and the between the education system and the industry Associate Degree programme, a credit-based needs, which rightly raised concerns pertaining to system, has replaced the two-year BA/BSc a lack of marketable skills in the graduates degree, however the students who want to produced by Pakistani universities. continue their studies can have a bridge to the four-year BS programme. He said that the Undergraduate Education Policy 2020 has been formulated to address these Elaborating the new PhD Policy, Mr. Banuri said concerns, adding that the policy will promote that it has been upgraded in line with the practical competence and general education international best practices and is applicable skills in addition to the traditional focus on from 1st January, 2021. He said that the BS discipline-based curriculum”. "To promote graduates can now directly take admission in practical competency of students, the universities PhD programmes and in a different discipline if will ensure that their graduates acquire a nine- universities find them ‘prepared’ and ‘committed’. week internship in addition to going through an extracurricular training before obtaining The Chairman explained that preparedness degrees.” means that the students have enough knowledge, competence, and previous academic Mr. Banuri said that the universities must be training enabling them to succeed in a PhD committed to produce qualified graduates, programme. “The universities will also assess the whose overall level of knowledge and applicants’ commitment to the discipline,” he competence is up to the mark. He informed the added.

8 Apart from the admission criteria, the PhD a larger number of credit hours compared to students will have to go through a thorough those who have previously completed MS/MPhil evaluation before they complete their studies. degrees. Likewise, the teaching and mentoring system has also been reorganised on the pattern of ancient The policy requires the scholars to study 50 per Sufi episteme, so that students may better cent of courses in the university that covers two benefit from their teachers and mentors. years in residence, so that the students can

There was a mismatch between the education system and the industry needs, which rightly raised concerns pertaining to a lack of marketable skills in the graduates produced by Pakistani universities. The Undergraduate Education Policy 2020 has been formulated to address these concerns. The policy will promote practical competence and general education skills, in addition to the traditional focus on discipline-based curriculum.

He said that the universities may choose to have closely interact with their supervisors. The BS or MS/MPhil as the minimum criteria for Chairman informed the media that the two admissions, however, the minimum requirement policies were formulated after thorough for admission in PhD programmes is a BS degree. deliberations and consultations with the relevant If the PhD students come directly from BS stakeholders including Vice Chancellors, programmes, they may be required to complete professors, and educationists. HEC Teams Visit Universities for Performance Evaluation

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has Resources, Academic Programmes and Curricula, successfully concluded evaluation visits of three Public Disclosure & Transparency, Assessment HEC recognised higher education institutions and Quality Assurance and Student Support through Institutional Performance Evaluation (IPE) Services. Likewise, in PGPR, an institution or a and Postgraduate Programme Review (PGPR). university is reviewed to check whether or not it is implementing HEC minimum criteria for The universities evaluated by Quality Assurance launching MS/MPhil and PhD programmes. Agency (QAA), HEC during three days visits included University of Gujrat, University of Lakki The purpose of these evaluations is to bring Marwat and Shaheed Mohtarma Benazir Bhutto improvement in higher education sector so that Medical University, Larkana. HEC will conduct ultimate objective of quality could be achieved. evaluation of 15 institutions/universities by June These evaluations are conducted by engaging 2021. IPE is a holistic review of an institution or a peers from other universities including Vice university, in which its overall performance is Chancellors/Rectors and academia not below evaluated on the basis of 11 IPE standards, which Associate Professors as well as Directors of are Mission Statement and Goals, Planning and Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs). This Evaluation, Organisation and Governance, endeavour will definitely help to improve the Integrity, Faculty, Students, Institutional state of quality in higher education institutions.

9 PERN hosts 51st APAN meeting Pakistan’s IT Pros Capable of Contributing to National Development: President Alvi

President Dr. Arif Alvi has said that Pakistan is on the path of rapid growth of e-commerce, tele-health, and e-finance, and is moving towards a robust digital economy.

He said this while addressing the inauguration ceremony of the five-day 51st Asia-Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) meeting virtually hosted by Pakistan Education and Research Network (PERN).

Pakistan hosted the APAN meeting for the first time. registered rapid growth. as serving companies abroad. APAN meetings are organied Pakistan has achieved a tele- And there is still a tremendous twice a year where its members density of 83 percent, with need for a large number of IT and other interested almost 176 million cellular graduates in the country.” participants come together in phone users out of a total working groups, workshops, population of 220 million. The President observed that technology sessions, situation arising out of committees and plenary At the same time, the number pandemic has strengthened sessions to demonstrate and of broadband subscribers had the IT-based communication discuss advances in technology risen to 93 million, while through different platforms. and applications, research informational exports have Because of the level of collaboration, knowledge increased by 35 per cent each institutional commitment, discovery and sharing for a year in the last three years. Pakistani universities were able better future. very quickly to turn to digital Dr. Alvi appreciated the means and distance learning The President said that contribution of the Higher modes of information delivery. Information and Education Commission (HEC) Communications Technologies in the promotion of ICTs in the HEC has provided students (ICTs) had already spread to country. with access to over 60,000 every social and economic books and other digital sector, but the Covid-19 Pakistan has over 300,000 material. Besides enabling pandemic has made them even English speaking IT them to continue their more essential. professionals, 13 software educational activities during development parks, and more the pandemic, it also helped To respond to this challenge, than 20,000 IT engineers and equip students with skills and Pakistan has a comprehensive graduates. “Pakistani IT knowledge necessary to keep liberalization policy for the professionals and graduates pace with the world in the era development of ICTs. As a have the potential to work for of Artificial Intelligence, Block- result, all indicators have country’s development as well chain technology, software

10 including establishment of PERN, smart classrooms, wide access to digital libraries, and rapid adoption of Learning Management System (LMS). “PERN has enabled Pakistan to rise to the challenge posed by the pandemic.”

He said that PERN has not only connected Pakistani universities with each other, it had also provided them with connectivity across the Asia- Pacific region. Efforts are now technology, and cloud partner of APAN, as the two underway to connect colleges computing. He hoped that the entities were learning from across the country. HEC-APAN collaboration will each other’s experiences to grow further in all strategic move forward during the In his welcome address, Chair areas, including commerce, information age, and especially APAN, Prof. Jilong Wang communication, and in the situation caused by reiterated the Network’s vision education. pandemic. for development of Asia-Pacific region. He said that APAN is As people are able, more than He hoped that the 51st APAN promoting and facilitating before, to communicate, meeting will come up with a network-enabled research and exchange knowledge and to proactive agenda for education activities, including exchange financial information, education. “We will learn research collaboration, so this will improve the together and move forward, knowledge discovery and country’s economy in many while not only dealing with sharing, tele-health and natural ways. these challenges but also disaster mitigation. prospering amidst them.” Mr. Chairman HEC Tariq Banuri Banuri highlighted HEC’s ICT- It is pertinent to mention here said that HEC is a proud based research initiatives, that PERN links all universities and other academic and research organisations, and provides access to researchers to a fully integrated communication system, including accessibility to the global research and education networks through physical Trans Eurasia Information Network (TEIN) connectivity and community driven Asia Pacific Advanced Network (APAN) membership.

These networks have become a key driver for promotion and facilitation of network-enabled research and education activities.

11 Another 75 Pakistanis to Pursue PhD in Queen Mary University of London The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) have signed a Memorandum of Agreement for 75 HEC scholars to pursue their PhD degrees from QMUL in the next five years.

In this connection, the British Council Pakistan organised a virtual signing ceremony. Executive Director, HEC, Dr. Shaista Sohail and Vice Similarly, a good number of She appreciated the role of Principal, International HEC scholars are studying in QMUL administration for Education, QMUL, Prof. Colin diverse fields of social science offering generous tuition Grant signed the agreement. who are expected to waiver to HEC selected contribute towards the scholars through this HEC and QMUL have been co- improvement of social agreement. She also funding PhD scholars since constructs of our society. recognised the efforts of 2016, as the two sides signed QMUL team led by Prof. Grant, the first Memorandum of Now as part of the new and comprised Ms. Flora Agreement in September 2016 agreement, 75 more scholars McKay, PhD Recruitment to nurture a collaborative will be selected in different Manager, QMUL, Dr. Dr Felicity partnership to provide high fields of studies to pursue their Shelley, PhD Recruitment quality research training to PhDs from QUML. Manager, Partnerships and Pakistani PhD students at Sponsor Relations Manager, QMUL. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. QMUL, and Ms. Sarah Pervez, Shaista appreciated the Head of Higher Education and Under the first agreement, 35 QMUL’s cooperation and Skills, British Council for their scholars have proceeded for support to Pakistani scholars. contribution towards the pursuing doctoral degrees in She hoped that the bilateral collaboration between HEC various fields. About half of cooperation will pave the way and QMUL. these scholars opted fields of for achieving a larger national Engineering and Technology goal of human development. She also congratulated HEC which is much needed field in “There is no medium better team led by Dr. Hassan Jalil Pakistan. than the education to improve Shah, Advisor Human Resource perceptions about each other.” Development, HEC, Ms. Another group of scholars are She said that Pakistani scholars Aayesha Ikram, Director pursuing higher education in are fortunate enough to have General, Human Resource the field of biological sciences the opportunity to study at Development, HEC, and Dr. which will help to improve the QMUL, as such opportunities Arshad Bashir, Project Director, research culture in the field of enhanced educational as well Overseas Scholarships, HEC, for biological sciences in Pakistan. as cultural experiences. success of the project.

12 Prof. Grant gave a and Pakistani scholars in QMUL for the entire globe. In comprehensive overview of enriching intellectual and his remarks, Country Head, QMUL and its unique academic research environment at British Council, Mr. Amir and research credentials. QMUL. He also showcased the Ramzan highlighted the role of During his presentation, he great achievements British Council in collaboration acknowledged the role of HEC accomplished by alumni of between HEC and QMUL.

16 Years of HEC-USAID Need-based Scholarship Programme

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), mission for provision of quality, affordable and Pakistan and the US Agency for International accessible tertiary education to the youth.” He Development (USAID) celebrated the hoped that the level of cooperation with USAID 16th anniversary of Merit and Needs-Based in higher education sector will continue. He Scholarship Programme (MNBSP), which is assured the USAID that HEC will diligently administered in partnership with the United continue to play its part in supporting all such States Government. future endeavours. He wished the MNBSP alumni and scholarship recipients success in their study In this connection, a virtual interactive session as well as professional endeavours. was held with the MNBSP scholarship recipients, in which the HEC and USAID also recognised the In her remarks, Mission Director USAID Julie academic and professional achievements of the Koenen observed that: “Individuals make programme beneficiaries. healthier, more economically advantageous life choices and are more likely to engage in their Under the MNBSP, over 5,300 scholarships have communities when they have access to the so far been awarded to students since the quality education.” She said that the partnership inception of this programme in 2004. More than with HEC for the past 16 years through the half of the scholarships have been awarded to flagship MNBSP has opened opportunities for female students. The programme also trained financially deserving students. She mentioned over 400 financial aid staff from these partner that 53% scholarships are awarded to females, institutions. thus increasing confidence and employability of young people from low-income settings. The MNBSP awards scholarships to study agriculture, engineering, medical sciences, and “I would also like to thank the leadership of social sciences. Recipients are eligible to study at Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, for its 30 private and public partner universities across dedication and efforts in implementing the the country. programme successfully for the past 16 years.”

Addressing the participants, Chairman HEC Tariq The event also contained short remarks by six Banuri said that the HEC’s vision and resultant scholarship recipients, who described the endeavours are aimed to boost a trained and challenges, as well as their personal and skilled human resource and to unleash the professional achievements. The event also creative potential of Pakistani youth for included discussion on several themes, including developing a knowledge-based economy. the challenges and opportunities of women’s education in Pakistan, particularly in rural areas; “I am pleased to share that USAID has been our the importance of education in women’s partner in achieving our goals. Most importantly, empowerment; and the USAID’s role in the programme is in consonance with the HEC’s supporting higher education in Pakistan.

13 HEC, USAID Celebrate International Women’s Day ‘Women Empowerment Part of HEC’s Agenda’

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan hand in glove with HEC to contribute to women is committed to creating a conducive and enabling empowerment through educational endeavours. environment for women to acquire higher education and garner their full potential, as In his remarks, Director Offices of Education, women education and empowerment leads to a USAID, Mr. Mark Sorensen highlighted the prosperous nation. importance of women empowerment in development of a country. He said that the USAID This was stated by Executive Director HEC, Dr. Merit and Needs-based Scholarship Programme Shaista Sohail while addressing a virtual ceremony was aimed to educate and empower the organised on the occasion of International marginalised women of less-developed areas of Women’s Day to celebrate achievements of female Pakistan. He said that Pakistan needed more beneficiaries of HEC-USAID Merit and Needs- female engineers, entrepreneurs, doctors, teachers, based Scholarships and motivate young women to scientists, and professional experts. acquire higher education. Students and alumni from different partner universities of Adviser Human Resource Development, HEC Dr. participated in the online interactive session. Hassan Jalil Shah said that the USAID programme Alumni of the programme shared their provided scholarships for meritorious, but achievements, experiences, and future plans to financially disadvantaged, students since 2004. inspire the women of less-developed areas to Under the programme’s first phase, 1,807 acquire higher education. scholarships were given in fields of Agriculture and Business. He added that second phase of the In partnership with HEC, the USAID is offering programme was launched in 2013 at a total scholarships to financially disadvantaged students estimated cost of US$23.1 million. He said that 570 to study in 30 partner universities across Pakistan, scholarships were awarded to students from where 50% of the scholarships are reserved for different less-developed areas of Sindh, as the female students. programme opened doors to talented students from across Pakistan. He added that the USAID Dr. Shaista said that women empowerment and also organised capacity building workshops to gender equality were also a part of the HEC’s equip students for future challenges. agenda, adding that the Higher Education Vision 2025 also envisaged educated and empowered USAID Director for Sindh and Balochistan Mr. Jim women. She stated that HEC was encouraging Parys stressed the need for efforts to ensure female students, researchers and faculty members women’s economic and social independence. He in availing its scholarship and research grants. She appreciated the HEC administration for underlined that HEC followed a zero tolerance collaborating with the USAID in implementing its policy against women harassment at higher MNBS programme. This is a major development, education institutions. She said that the USAID was contributing to a ‘Roshan Pakistan’, he remarked.

14 NTC to Formulate Recommendations for National Education Policy

The National Technology Council (NTC) has Addressing the meeting, Chairman NTC Mr. decided to formulate recommendations Gillani said that a joint committee of the Ministry regarding technology education and associated of Federal Education & Professional Training, skills for assimilation in the upcoming national Higher Education Commission (HEC), and NTC education policy. was developing a career path for creation of job opportunities for Engineering Technologists in This was decided in a virtual meeting of NTC, the country. headed by Chairman NTC Mr. Imtiaz Hussain Gillani. A large number of Vice Chancellors, The technology education experts highlighted Rectors, and technology experts attended the the importance of technical education, stressing meeting. the need for integration of the NTC proposals in the national education policy being formulated It was decided that a meeting will be held at the by the Ministry of Federal Education and University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Professional Training. In view of the Taxila soon, with Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice- government's deep interest in technology Chancellor National Skills University (NSU), education and the emerging global demands, in the chair to formulate the they stressed that technology and skill education recommendations. must be on top of the government’s agenda. HEC, NPB Collaborate for Enhancing Academia’s Role in Police Reforms The Higher Education Commission (HEC), well as solve real world problems through Pakistan and the National Police Bureau (NPB) carefully designed and properly implemented have agreed to enhance cooperation between research activities. police organisations and country’s higher education institutions and encouraging Under this collaboration, inter alia, universities academia to play a proactive role in extending will be encouraged to approach NPB for joint meaningful guidance for reforms through workshops, seminars, focused group discussions, relevant research. competitions, and involvement of student volunteers for community work. In this connection, a Letter of Intent (LoI) was signed by Dr. Shaista Sohail, Executive Director HEC will incorporate the contents related to HEC and Dr. Syed Ejaz Hussain, Director General public safety, frequently applied police laws, NPB, Ministry of Interior, Islamabad. criminal procedure and fundamental constitutional rights in one of the mandatory Police reforms and involvement of academia for General Education courses that HEC is informed policy decisions has emerged as a top developing for undergraduate students. priority in the Government’s commitment for strengthening police institutions. Through this Similarly, NPB will offer unpaid internships to LoI, HEC and NPB intend to facilitate students, whenever and wherever possible. It will collaboration in research projects between also provide access to crime data regarding researchers and the law enforcement agencies research to MPhil and PhD scholars, subject to associated with NPB, so as to harness the necessary protections with respect to privacy research potential of academic institutions as and confidentiality. 15 NAHE holds Roundtable Discussions on Faculty Development

NAHE organised the first of a series of capacity building, institution-level capacity workshops entitled, “Collaboration for Excellence enhancement and empowering higher education – A Roundtable on Developing Linkages for institutions to self-regulate and deliver quality Faculty Development in Higher Education”. The learning for faculty. series of these workshops was one of multiple NAHE endeavours to facilitate capacity building Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences, Shaheed of faculty in HEIs. Benazir Bhutto University Dr. Tayyaba Zarif emphasised the need to contextualise trainings Representatives of 17 faculty development units to ensure that they fulfilled the needs of and departments of higher education institutions universities to address their specific needs.

During the events, participants were able to debate and discuss urgent faculty development needs unique to their contexts, potential collaborations between public and private sector universities and the role NAHE can play to contribute to the professional development of their faculties. from all provinces, ICT and Gilgit-Baltistan Vice Chancellor, Karakoram International attended the workshop. In view of the necessary University Dr. Attaullah Shah pointed out the COVID-19 safety measures, some participants urgent need for equipping faculty with joined the workshop in person, while the technological and teaching skills in this new majority joined it virtually. context of online learning including the need to train faculty on effectively conducting During the event, participants were able to assessments beyond final and midterm exams. debate and discuss urgent faculty development needs in Pakistan, as well as avenues for Chief Executive, Advance HE in UK Alison collaboration and support with NAHE in the Johns shared an international context of future. capacity building institutions which was debated by the participants. Welcoming the participants, Rector NAHE, Dr. Shaheen Sardar Ali shed light on the importance Provincial Workshop/Roundtable of collaboration for excellence in teaching and The first provincial workshop/roundtable was learning in the higher education sector. She said held to identify faculty development needs in that it was very important to seek the views of . NAHE stakeholders, the academia overall, in order to make the Academy's work more Representatives from universities including effective. She asserted that NAHE would help those from the Quality Enhancement Cells in provide a platform for faculty development units universities across the province were in across the country in addition to working attendance including Buner, Karak, Malakand, together with them to bridge gaps. “The Haripur, Peshawar and former FATA. pandemic has its costs but also provides an opportunity to improve and innovate.” During the event, participants were able to debate and discuss urgent faculty Vice Provost Dr. Anjum development needs unique to their contexts, Halai said that NAHE could provide support in potential collaborations between public and three key areas, including individual-level private sector universities and the role NAHE

16 can play to contribute to the professional Pakhtunkhwa. Sharing of resources, identifying development of their faculties. strengths and all that public and private institutions can offer to each other under the Dr. Shaheen Sardar Ali, Rector NAHE, thanked the guidance of NAHE were possibilities discussed. participants for making the trip to Peshawar and taking time to participate in these challenging Over the next few months, members of the NAHE times. She identified both challenges and team will travel to , Lahore, and Sargodha opportunities identified in the national higher to conduct additional roundtables and hopefully education landscape as a result of COVID-19. include representatives from all provinces and regions of Pakistan. Universities were able to share their varying experiences of capacity building in their NAHE is established as a stand-alone, respective institutions. Teaching philosophy and autonomous institution operating under the methodology, online capability and research auspices of HEC to improve the quality of mentorship were among the most common teaching, research, and governance in Higher problems in capacity identified by the Education Institutions (HEIs) across Pakistan. universities. However, there was a great spirit of collaboration and a willingness to create a This series of workshops is one of the multiple community of practice to improve the quality of ongoing NAHE endeavors to facilitate capacity learning available in HEIs across Khyber building of faculty in HEIs. NAHE Capacity Enhancement Session for IPFP Fellows

NAHE held a capacity enhancement session continuing professional development approach “Reflective Practice in Teaching and Learning” adopted by NAHE. Fellows were given mini- for Fellows of the Interim Placement of Fresh workshops on reflective practice, teaching, PhDs Programme (IPFP). Over 200 IPFP Fellows student-centered learning, and learner- from higher education institutions across engagement in online classes. Pakistan attended the virtual workshop. During the event, fellows shared their unique As the IPFP Fellows go through their placements experiences of working through a pandemic and at universities and institutions across Pakistan, navigating courses online. They also participated NAHE intends to touch base with them, refresh in learning activities and reflective sessions with parts of their learning through the National Dr. Shazia Awan (NAHE/Dalhousie University) Faculty Development Programme and assess and Dr. Sana Waheed (NUST). effectiveness of this Programme. One of the NFDP graduates reflected on how To this end, NAHE collaborated with members of she relied on WhatsApp to conduct classes and NFDP 2020 instructional team to conduct this learning activities and keep her students session and draw reflections on the NFDP with engaged. Fellows shared their stories of successfully placed IPFP fellows. creativity and dedication.

The session was attended by Rector NAHE Dr. Dr. Sana Waheed assured fellows that the NFDP Shaheen Sardar Ali, Lead Consultant Fellowship has provided them with the tools they need to and Academic Leadership Programme, NAHE, deliver student-centered learnings in their work; Dr. Shazia Awan, and Assistant Professor Dr. she further advised them to take a look, consult Sana Waheed. Sessions like this are part of the their network of IPFP fellows and adapt.

17 Dr. Shazia Awan took the participants through as Assistant Professors against vacant TTS what it meant to be a reflective practitioner and (Tenure Track System) positions in public or how being one can help them think through the private universities. During the placement, the wider impact of their teaching practice. host universities are expected to advertise these positions and give equal opportunity to the IPFP In 2020, NAHE conducted a rigorous academic faculty for securing permanent positions in teaching course, the National Faculty BPS/TTS pay scales. The programme also As the IPFP Fellows go through their placements at universities and institutions across Pakistan, NAHE intends to touch base with them, refresh parts of their learning through the National Faculty Development Programme and assess effectiveness of this Programme.

Development Programme (NFDP), for almost supports universities in attracting emerging 500 freshly graduated PhDs. scholars, reducing search costs and providing necessary experience to potential candidates. The month-long course was designed to prepare NFDP Fellows for teaching and research NAHE is established as a stand-alone, duties required by their places of work under autonomous institution operating under the the Interim Placement of Fresh PhDs (IPFP) auspices of HEC to improve the quality of programme. teaching, research, and governance in Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) across Pakistan. The IPFP was launched in 2009 with the This series of workshops is one of multiple objective of providing opportunities for ongoing NAHE endeavors to facilitate capacity employment to selected fresh PhDs for one year building of faculty in HEIs. NAHE Organises E-Office Training for Employees

NAHE organised a hands-on training for e-office session. E-office is an electronic system of office to top-up virtual trainings provided on the and operational management which will help subject in conjunction with the National make functions more efficient and improve Information Technology Board (NITB). accountability at HEC. The programme is being implemented across various ministries in the HEC staff was now able to benefit from a government and has been approved by the practical training with onsite instructors to Federal Cabinet and the Nation e-Government answer questions and practically work through Council. problems respective employees were facing. The instructor was able to showcase unique Members from the Faculty Affairs Division were features of the e-office system, inclusive of trained in the first round, while other HEC databases of all government offices, ministries, divisions will receive similar top-up training in and officers. The potential benefits for this are the weeks to come. environmental as well as practical because with its proper utilization, there will be flexibility in Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Director General, where employees can work from. This will help Faculty Affairs appreciated NAHE for conducted support staff as services increasingly move this training as well as Mr. Saif ur Rehman from online and ensure efficiency, consistency, and NITB for conducting an interactive and effective transparency across the board.

18 Riphah holds 5th Int’l Conference on Islamic Business Speakers say the Islamic Financial Principles Can Contribute to Achieving SDGs

Riphah International University organised a financial inclusion. They observed that all the webinar entitled, “5th International Conference on activities in Islamic finance would result in Islamic Business (ICIB)” under the theme of genuine economic transactions through trade moving to social, ethical and responsible finance finance, leasing, partnership, securitisation vide by the Islamic banking and finance institutions asset-backed investment instruments, equity (IBFIs). take-ups and fund management. In that way, it could directly contribute to a stable socio- Renowned Islamic economists, financial experts, economic growth and shared prosperity, also researchers and jurists from prestigious acclaimed by the SDGs related 2030 agenda. institutions around the world made keynote addresses and presented papers on the need for The Value-Based Intermediation, the experts and potential of moving to social finance by the said, focused on entrepreneurial functions to IBFIs. support SMEs, micro businesses, financing projects of community welfare, self-governance The speakers noted that the prevailing banking for taking care of society’s welfare. They said and finance systems transferred the wealth to that the IBFIs might also explore the potential of the financial sector operating on interest and Fintech and Blockchain, also in line with the UN’s trading in absolute risk. In the backdrop of the SDGs, that could go long way in enhancing failure of the Millennium Development Goals financial and social inclusion. (MDGs), the United Nations moved to Value- Based Intermediation (VBI) and social finance The conference urged the Government of with Sustainable development goals (SDGs). Pakistan and the State Bank of Pakistan to transform the whole economy as required by the The UN’s 2030 agenda seeks to achieve 17 vital Constitution of Pakistan to interest free system. SDGs and 169 specific targets, encompassing the social, economic and environmental dimensions For this Riba case being discussed in the Shariat of development. The SDGs’ agenda for human Courts of Pakistan may be finally decided dignity, and ‘to leave no one behind’, is in line advising the State to Islamize the financial with the principles and objectives of system of Pakistan. It stressed the need for development from Islamic perspective. strengthening the link between finance and the real economy. The conference drew a number of conclusions and made recommendations for regulators and Among others, the speakers included Mr. Omar practitioners of Islamic banking and finance, Mustafa Ansari, Secretary General of AAOIFI policymakers and the states. The speakers said Bahrain, Dr. Zamir Iqbal, Vice President of Islamic that Islamic finance was a system that sought Development Bank (IDB) Jeddah, Dr. Mohammad fairness, equity, justice to all stakeholders, Akram Laldin, Executive Director of ISRA, disclosure and transparency, compassion and Malaysia, Dr. Kabir Hassan of the University of cooperation, even with the competing parties. New Orleans US; Dr. Mehmet Asutay, Director of Durham Centre for Islamic Economics and The Islamic finance principles could enhance Finance UK, Dr. Necdet Sensoy of the Istanbul resilience in financial system and positively Commerce University, and Prof. Dr. Toseef Azid contribute to achieving the SDGs, particularly for of Qasim University, Saudi Arabia.

19 COMSATS Develop Incinerator to Handle Hospital Waste

process is particulate matters, which are responsible for carrying carcinogenic compounds and toxic heavy metals. To handle such pollutants, the Environmental Technology Group at the Environmental Sciences Department, COMSATS University, Abbottabad campus, has designed and manufactured the incinerator with pollution control devices installed at Azam Memorial The COMSATS University, health issues including Hospital, Havellian. Abbottabad campus, has hepatitis, AIDS and other fatal developed Particulate Matter diseases. In this project, the main focus Emission Control System for area is to control emission of Hospital Waste Incineration Handling such hazardous condensable particulate Process, as the hospital waste waste by incineration can matters (CFM) and filterable has become a serious problem destroy all pathogens and particulate matter (FPM). Two due to inadequate disposal of reduce the toxicity of toxic treatment systems were medical waste in the compounds at high installed as water scrubber and developing countries. The temperature. One of the major fabric filter to control the CPM medical waste causes serious pollutant from incineration and FPM. COMSATS, CMYK Sign MoU for Collaborative Research

The Department of Chemical Engineering, development and a large-scale production of COMSATS University, Lahore campus, has signed different processes and products. The a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with collaboration envisages to benefit the society CMYK Research & Development, a chemical- with sustainable industrial growth and innovative based product manufacturing company in local products. The agreement will lead to Gujranwala. The purpose of the MoU is to development and commercialisation of different promote bilateral collaborative research on processes and products. 20 SSUET to Support HASWA in Producing Low-Cost Prosthetic Limbs

Sir Syed University of Engineering & Technology automatic prosthetic limb. SSUET strongly (SSUET) has joined hands with Healthcare and supports HASWA to help the poor.” Social Welfare Association (HASWA) to produce low-cost prosthetic limbs. On the occasion, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Vali Uddin said that SSUET aimed to work with other Under the bilateral agreement, the university will organisations and institutions on different provide technical and strategic support to projects in order to broaden its horizon. He HASWA to produce high quality, automatic and appreciated the SSUET faculty to carry forward low-cost limbs. the vision of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan in developing a society with healthy norms. In this connection, the SSUT held a session at the campus to demonstrate the automatic prosthetic Mr. Akbar Ismail, who represented HASWA, said limb so far developed in collaboration with that every human being had a right to a healthy HASWA. happy life. “HASWA provides free prosthetic artificial limbs and calipers to the needy and Addressing the session, Chancellor SSUET Jawaid deserving persons.” He informed that more than Anwar said that it was really a tear-jerking 18,000 people benefited from HASWA so far. experience to see a person with no limbs. However, prosthetic limbs may help such people Chairperson Biomedical Engineering a lot to restore their confidence and become Department, Engr. Dr. Sarmad Shams said that independent. “SSUET is working on the project SSUET’s technical team was working on to make to help the needy and deserving persons by the limbs, which are light, easily adjustable and joining hands with HASWA to develop a fully very easy to use. Indus University Webinar on Assessment in Online Education

The Indus University, Quality Enhancement Cell, Usmani, shed light on various assessment organised a webinar on “Assessment in Online techniques. He said that assessment was a Education” to deliberate on procedures and necessary element of learning and must not be techniques for formative and summative taken for granted. He also stressed the need for assessments. Managing Director, Quality faculty training to ensure effective online Assurance Agency, Higher Education assessment. Commission, Dr. Nadia Tahir was the keynote speaker. The seminar was attended by representatives of Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs) of 47 higher Dr. Nadia Tahir explained the challenges faced education institutions, including Institute of related to assessment in the online education Business Administration (IBA), Institute of during COVID-19. Business Management (IoBM), Dow University of Health Sciences, , Director Quality & Accreditation, Jinnah Sindh SZABIST (Karachi and Hyderabad Campus), and Medical University, Dr. Muhammad Abdul Wahid , to name a few.

21 Ziauddin University Develops 3D Virtual Dissection Table

MRI and CT scan can also be done with this virtual dissection table, he said. “We are introducing the new ways of teaching and learning by using such useful machines and technology in Ziauddin University.” He said that the Anatomage Table was the most technologically advanced 3D anatomy visualisation and virtual dissection tool and was being adopted by many of the world’s leading medical schools and institutions. He noted that the Anatomage Table combined with its renowned radiology software and clinical content The Department of Anatomy at Ziauddin distinguished it from any other imaging system. University has introduced Pakistan’s first ever 3D Virtual Dissection Table known as Anatomage. The Anatomage Table is the only fully segmented real human 3D anatomy system. Users can Chancellor Ziauddin University Dr. Asim Hussain visualise anatomy exactly as they would on a inaugurated the Anatomage Table and the newly fresh dead body. Individual structures are constructed Digital Anatomy Lab. reconstructed in accurate 3D, resulting in an unprecedented level of real accurate anatomy, Addressing the top management of Ziauddin dissectible in 3D. The table allows for exploration University, Dr. Asim Hussain said “it is for the very and learning of human anatomy beyond what first time in the history of Pakistan that a any cadaver could offer. university has introduced a 3D virtual dissection table. It will be taken to all the campuses of The Table allows students to interact with the Ziauddin University as well as hospitals to take young and well-preserved digital cadavers students towards technology-based learning. instead of aged and degenerated bodies.

‘Steps, Policies Needed to Safeguard Global Environmental Commons’

Vice Chair, Karachi Research Chair, Greenwich experiencing regressive patterns in climate University, Mr. Ali Jillani represented Pakistan at governance in the Asian Pacific region. Mr. Jillani the World Social Forum webinar on "Climate said that multilateral systems must protect the Change in South Asia; Way Forward for Equity inviolability of Global Environmental Commons and Justice Informed Governance.” (GECs) through stronger public sector commitment, appropriate policies e.g., Polluters Speakers from other countries like Bangladesh, Pay Act, Progressive Carbon Taxation, Removal of Sri Lanka, India and Nepal expressed their views Fossil subsidies, among others. on the way forward for climate governance with equity and justice. He stressed that retrogressive taxation regime should be enacted for corporations mainly They also discussed the Global Sustainable responsible for Greenhouse Gase emissions (like Development Report 2019, which highlighted Exxon and Shell) to finance developing countries the absence of data on over 60% of the requiring estimated $75 billion per year by 2030 environmental indicators, with several countries to cope with climate change.

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