Category: Education

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir)

She Loves Tech, a global startup and tech competition dedicated to empowering women entrepreneurs, has returned for its 7th consecutive year in Lahore. Presented by CIRCLE Women Association, a women-led startup, and generously supported by HBL, this year’s event also features a collaboration with COLABS.

In a nation where female entrepreneurs make up just one percent of the entrepreneurial landscape, She Loves Tech Pakistan stands as a beacon of change. It proudly ranked among the top 10 rounds globally with the highest number of applications in 2022, out of 70+ participating countries, showcasing its immense impact.

Sadaffe Abid, Founder of CIRCLE Women, passionately expressed her motivation for bringing this competition to Pakistan, stating, “Supporting women entrepreneurs is not merely an option; it is a vital necessity of our time. By bridging the gender gap in entrepreneurship, we unlock the untapped potential and creativity of our women, addressing the challenges of our era. Embracing women in their entrepreneurial endeavors transcends business creation; it builds resilience, uplifts families, empowers generations, and cultivates vibrant communities.”

She Loves Tech plays a pivotal role in nurturing young startups and transforming their innovative concepts into tangible realities. It notably offers substantial prize funding of up to $100,000, connecting female entrepreneurs with a network of over 50 ecosystem partners, inspirational role models, and mentors, while enhancing their capabilities through specialized curriculum. The ultimate winner from Pakistan earns a coveted spot at the She Loves Tech Global Finale and Conference in Singapore.

Dr. Sarah Alam, Founder of Tibbi.pk and Winner of She Loves Tech Pakistan 2022, shared her journey, saying, “She Loves Tech made me realize that I’m not alone as a woman entrepreneur. It has given me a community that I can call my own and rely on whenever need be. The guidance provided at the boot camp and by the mentors were monumental in shaping us towards our win.”

She Loves Tech Pakistan extended its reach this year, encompassing local rounds in Islamabad, Karachi, Lahore, Multan, Faisalabad, Sukkur, Quetta, Hyderabad, and Gilgit, among the 15 participating cities. Through dedicated outreach efforts, the She Loves Tech Pakistan team ventured into six of these cities, holding rounds on the ground and connecting with startups in person. The aim? To reach and empower 25,000 young women across Pakistan, offering engaging pitches, enlightening panel discussions, inspiring talks, digital boot camps, and workshops tailored to their unique needs.

Building upon the successes of the She Loves Tech Multan and Faisalabad rounds, the She Loves Tech Lahore Round promised an even grander spectacle. This event wasn’t just about presentations; it was a platform for forging connections, gaining insights, and propelling entrepreneurial journeys. Under the patronage of Ms. Sumaira Samad, Secretary Women Development Punjab, and with an esteemed panel of judges, including Neha Idrees, Umer Shahzad, Anam Sadiq, Faria Shahid, and Maryam Khan, the event showcased the remarkable keynote speaker, Shehlale Javed Khan, Head of Relationship Management Central HBL. A thought-provoking panel discussion was led by Javeria Fahad, Myra Qureshi, and Samina Amjad.

The chief guest of the event was Ms. Sumaira Samad, Secretary Women Development Punjab. The judges were Neha Idrees Strategy Lead  COLABS, Umer Shahzad General Manager Khudi Ventures, Anam Sadiq, Co-Founder EDKASA, Faria Shahid, Head Affluent Segments- HBL and Maryam Khan, Vice president SAWDF. The keynote speaker for the event was Shehlale Javed Khan, Head of Relationship Management Central HBL. The panel discussion was held by Javeria Fahad – Head of Global Marketing Systems Limited, Myra Qureshi – Co Founder Co Natural and Samina Amjad – Head Arfa Karim Foundation.

This event was attended by esteemed media and guests including Dean of Computer Sciences Dr. Asif Moh Owais Rana – Consultant LGU and KCW Nosheen Anwar Azeem -Team Leader Corporate Commercial & Investment

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  The students of The Noorani Foundation – Akhuwat School, a not for profit, in Faisalabad have set a remarkable milestone, achieving outstanding results in the 9th-grade board exams.

Performing high above the results of all well-established private schools in Faisalabad, 48 students of the school appeared in the Board Exams, with a hundred percent pass rate, and 42 students scoring grade A+, and 6 students scoring grade A.

Indeed, this academic success is a validation that The Noorani Foundation’s innovative approach of building low cost boarding schools is yielding superior results. The Noorani Foundation was established in 2019 to not only bridge the education gap in Pakistan, particularly for the most marginalized communities, but to transform the students through the education and mentoring that can only be provided at a boarding school.

“We are immensely proud of our students’ academic performance in the recent board exams. This success showcases the potential that exists within every child, waiting simply to be nurtured and given equal opportunity. 

At The Noorani Foundation, recognizing the crucial role education plays in empowering individuals and uplifting communities is at the very heart of what we do. By providing quality education and holistic development opportunities, we aim not only to empower individual students but also to break the cycle of poverty and inequality.” said Mr. Tasneem Noorani, Founder of The Noorani Foundation. 

The Noorani Foundation was founded on the principles of equity, compassion, and education. Inspired by the Akhuwat Foundation‘s philosophy of interest-free microfinance, The Noorani Foundation provides high-quality education to children who lack access due to financial constraints by providing almost 100% scholarships to all students and covering all their room and board expenses. What started as a small initiative has evolved into a full-fledged educational institution, providing a model that can be scaled and replicated throughout the country.

Indeed, the recent success of The Noorani Foundation Akhuwat School’s 9th-grade students in the board exams stands as a testament to the effectiveness of the Foundation’s approach. The Noorani Foundation is currently building a second branch of the school in Swabi, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

In a significant step towards fostering innovation and development in the field of technology, NED University and Systems Limited have officially signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU). This strategic collaboration aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, paving the way for a seamless exchange of knowledge and expertise.

Ms. Naureen Anwar, SVP – Special Projects at Systems Limited, and Mr. Ghazanfar Hussain, Registrar – NED University, inked the MOU, solidifying the commitment to mutual growth and advancement.

With a comprehensive approach to nurturing talent and fostering innovation, the MOU covers various facets that contribute to holistic development. These include enriching the computer science faculty with the latest technology trends, enhancing curriculum offerings to align with industry needs, facilitating cooperative education initiatives, providing internship placements for students, and organizing industrial visits to expose students to real-world applications.

Dr. Saad Ahmed Qazi, Dean of the Faculty of Electrical and Computer Engineering, NED, Dr. Ali Ismail, Chairperson of Computer Systems Engineering, NED, Dr. Mubashir Khan, Chairperson of Computer Science, NED, Dr. Shehnila Zardari, Chairperson of Software Engineering, NED, Dr. Amir Qureshi, Director of Industrial Liaison, NED, Ms. Maryam Bashir, AVP – HR, Systems Limited Mr. Yasir Abbas Merchant, Deputy Manager of RDI & Academia Linkages, Systems Limited and Dr. Danish ur Rehman Khan, Technical Assistant to the Vice Chancellor attended this ceremony.

Dr. Sarosh Lodi, Vice-Chancellor, NED University shared his view at this occasion, “This collaboration between NED University and Systems Limited is a testament to our commitment to shaping visionary tech leaders. Through this partnership, we’re bridging academia and industry to empower our students with knowledge and skills that will drive innovation and progress. The various avenues covered in the MOU, including enriching our faculty with the latest tech trends, enhancing curriculum offerings, facilitating cooperative education, internships, and industrial visits, ensure a comprehensive approach to nurturing holistic development.”

On this momentous occasion, Ms. Naureen Anwar, SVP – Special Projects, Systems Limited stated, “We are thrilled to embark on this transformative journey alongside NED University. As technology continues to reshape industries, this collaboration will empower students to not only embrace innovation but also contribute meaningfully to it. We believe that by nurturing the academic and practical aspects of learning, we can collectively shape a future that thrives on knowledge and progress.”

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)   AAA Associates, a leading real estate organization of Pakistan, and the Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi, country’s prestigious higher education institution have partnered  to establish a Scholarship Endowment fund. With an aim to advance the institute’s financial assistance program for its deserving students, the AAA Associates Scholarship Endowment will benefit deserving students in perpetuity.

Executive Director, IBA Karachi, Dr. S. Akbar Zaidi and Managing Director, AAA Associates, Mr. Shahzad Ali Kiani signed the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) at the Institute of Business Administration in Karachi. Under this MOU, the latter will provide financial support to set up an endowment fund which will benefit students in posterity. Other members gracing the event included Mr. Wajid Riaz, General Manager, AAA Associates, Ms. Malahat Awan, Director Alumni Affairs and Resource Mobilization, IBA Karachi, and Mr. Moeid Sultan, Director Finance, IBA Karachi.

Mr. Shahzad shared AAA Associates’ resolve towards building a brighter future for our country by investing in education. Dr. S Akbar Zaidi appreciated AAA Associates for its initiative and for supporting IBA Karachi in its mission of providing quality education to all the students regardless of their financial backgrounds.

To ensure inclusivity, the IBA, through its financial assistance program supports approximately 30% of its student body every year.

Ziauddin University Collaborates with East River and Activ78 to Launch the Second Batch of ZEAL – Future Enablement Program.

Lahore (Muhammad Yasir) Ziauddin University, in partnership with East River and Activ78, is excited to announce the inauguration of the second batch of their esteemed ZEAL – Future Enablement Program. The inauguration is set to take place at Ziauddin University’s Clifton Campus, 6th Floor Hall, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm on Saturday, 26th August 2023.

The ZEAL – Future Enablement Program aims to cultivate and hone the skills of the next generation of digital marketing enthusiasts. Upon completion, students will be adept with the latest tools, techniques, and strategies prevalent in today’s fast-paced digital landscape. Mr. Faizan Syed, CEO of East River, and Mr. Saadi Ghouse, Director Media at Activ78, are scheduled to address the attendees at the inauguration. Their insights and industry experience are bound to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of what to expect and how to make the most of this unique learning opportunity.

“The digital realm is ever-evolving, and we need passionate individuals who are well-versed with the changing dynamics. This program aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical industry requirements,” says Faizan Syed. Saadi Ghouse adds, “The blend of academic insight from Ziauddin University and practical experience from East River and Activ78 ensures that the ZEAL program stands out as a beacon for aspiring digital marketers.”

As the name suggests, the ZEAL program is not just about learning; it’s about fostering enthusiasm, passion, and zeal among the students.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The “IBA Orientation Gala 2022 (OGala ’23)” was organized by the Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi’s Office of Student Affairs (OSA) from 16^th to 19^th August 2023 to welcome the new incoming batch of 2023. This is the first time in IBA’s history that a four-day orientation has been organized, which was attended by the parents of the new students as well. Around 1600 people including the new students and parents, faculty, staff and alumni attended the event. 

Welcoming the new students at the IBA Karachi, Dr. S Akbar Zaidi said, “Welcome to a new world, one full of excitement, curiosity, and joy. The best four years of your life lie in front of you – make the most of this opportunity. While you study and learn, don’t forget to enjoy yourself! Fortunately, at the IBA, there are far too many extracurricular activities to distract students from their studies.”

Shedding light on the purpose of the event, Dean Student Affairs, Ms. Maheen Ghauri shared, “The aim of the OGala is to welcome you all to the IBA community, where you will explore both the Main and City campuses through campus tours, meet with faculty and staff from all three Schools, discover student support services and resources, engage in fun games and activities, and witness the entrepreneurial spirit of the IBA community through iShop, iVenture and IBAzaar.”

Orientation sessions were conducted by the School of Business Studies (SBS), School of Mathematics and Computer Science (SMCS), and School of Economics and Social Sciences (SESS) where Professor & Dean SBS, Dr. Abdullah Z. Sheikh, Professor and Dean SMCS, Dr. Shakeel Ahmed Khoja, and Professor and Dean of SESS, Dr. Asma Hyder, along with their respective chairpersons, briefed students about their academic programs and courses.

Meet and Greet sessions were also organized by all three Schools, where deans, faculty, and program directors met with their respective new students and parents.

The IBA Center for Entrepreneurial Development (CED) collaborated with the OSA at the OGala ‘23 and organized the iVenture, iShop launch – iShop is a student-owned IBA merchandise shop and iVenture is an exhibition space for students to showcase and promote their businesses. An IBA zaar was also organized at the City Campus where 55 exhibits including eco-friendly initiatives, tech, fashion, health, and beauty startups were set up.

Students enjoyed a range of activities on all four days, participating in games such as scavenger hunt, squid game, bingo, zorb ball, soap soccer, and more, as well as the open mic event which gave an amazing opportunity for students to showcase their talent.

The IBA OGala was co-sponsored by Pepsi Pakistan, Tapal Tea, Omore Pakistan, Shan Foods, Dipitt, and Hilal Foods.

The OGala ‘23 concluded with a Qawwali by Majid Ali Sabri and his group. The IBA students and staff had an engaging and diverse experience and look forward to their future at the IBA.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

In a major boost to the quality of education in government schools in Gilgit-Baltistan (GB), the Chief Secretary’s Office has launched a capacity building programme for 300 government science teachers. The programme is funded by the Federal Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education Islamabad (FBISE) and is being facilitated by the Aga Khan University-Institute for Educational Development’s Professional Development Centre North (AKU-IED PDCN) headed by Dr Mola Dad Shafa.

The programme aims to improve the content knowledge and pedagogical skills of science teachers, which will ultimately lead to improved student learning outcomes. The training will cover a range of topics, including: the latest science curriculum, effective teaching methods, assessment and evaluation, classroom management and professional development.

It will be implemented in three phases, with the first phase already underway in the Gilgit district. The remaining two phases will be implemented in Skardu and Diamer districts.

“For more than three decades, AKU-IED has dedicated its efforts to enhancing the standard of education in Pakistan. Our extensive track record includes substantial engagement in the GB area, and we are proud of our contributions towards empowering educators and school administrators through capacity building initiatives,” said AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin.

“This programme is a major step towards improving the quality of education in government schools in Gilgit-Baltistan,” said the Chief Secretary, Mr Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani. “We are grateful to the FBISE for their generous funding and to AKU-IED PDCN for their expertise in delivering this programme.”

“We are excited to be a part of this important initiative,” said Dr Farid Panjwani, Professor and Dean of AKU-IED. “We believe that this programme will make a real difference in the lives of students in Gilgit-Baltistan and we are committed to providing teachers with the knowledge and skills they need to deliver high-quality science education.”

The capacity building programme for government science teachers is a major step towards improving the quality of education in Gilgit-Baltistan. Delivered by a team of experienced professionals, it will help to create a more skilled and knowledgeable workforce in the region.

Karachi (Muhammad Yasir)

Screening newborn babies for inherited metabolic disorders well before symptoms surface is crucial for early detection and timely treatment. The Aga Khan University Hospital on Monday, August 14, expanded its newborn screening process to include inherited metabolic disorders, marking the introduction of a powerful lab tool for the first time in a clinical setting in Pakistan.

Simply put, metabolic disorders refer to abnormal chemical reactions in the body which, for example, can disrupt a baby’s intellectual or physical growth and potential. Elsewhere in the developed world, newborn babies are put through mandatory screening for such disorders—but this has not been the case in Pakistan, until now. AKUH has already been screening newborn babies for two non-inherited disorders, but researchers and faculty from paediatrics, genetics and pathology at AKU identified the need for also investigating inherited disorders. If inherited metabolic disorders are not treated most of them result in death.

“From 14^th August, 2023 we have started screening for 12 inherited metabolic disorders,” said Associate Professor Dr Bushra Afroze, a clinical and biochemical geneticist who led the teams. This is in addition to the testing for hearing impairment and congenital heart disease and this development ramps up the potential for AKU researchers to assess the prevalence of disorders and disease burden in Pakistan. 

The decision to work on newborn screening by clinical, research and laboratory teams, began back in February, according to Chair of Paediatrics and Child Health Dr Fyezah Jehan. “Collectively, we made a decision to do what was morally, legally and ethically right,” she said. “We always want to provide hope rather than hopelessness [to families].” She thanked Dr Lena Jafri, Dr Salman Kirmani, Dr Azeema Jamil, Dr Ghulam Zainab and their colleagues for pushing this innovation through.

According to Dr Farhat Abbas, the CEO of AKUH and a renowned Urologist, the ease of use of this test as well as its innovation will greatly aid in early detection and potentially save lives. “When I was a resident,” he said, to add some historical perspective, “you needed a syringe to draw blood for a TSH test.”

AKU President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin said that such an effort exemplified a core strength of the University: the ability of AKU researchers, faculty and AKUH clinicians to identify a need, acquire the technology and capability and use this to impact the population at large.

Nurses, who play a crucial role, will conduct the test as a simple heel prick to collect a few drops of blood on a special piece of paper. The blood analysis is done through Liquid Chromatograph Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (LC-MS/MS), a powerful analytical technique. It identifies chemical properties of metabolite molecules in the blood and this is the first time LC-MS/MS is being done in a clinical setting in Pakistan.

It is recommended that parents speak to their doctor first to evaluate the reason for choosing this newborn screening and get it done in a hospital setting where the baby is born. It takes 5 days to get the result.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The Aga Khan University is aware of the ongoing conversation concerning the annual entry test conducted for its Medical College, Pakistan MBBS programme on Sunday, August 6, 2023. To uphold our commitment to fairness and academic excellence, the Aga Khan University has decided to redo the entrance test for the MBBS programme, 2023-2024 academic year. The revised entry test is scheduled to take place on Saturday, August 19, 2023.

Further details will be communicated to the candidates from the AKU Admissions Office. We would like to thank all of our applicants for their interest in our programmes and have taken this decision after careful consideration.

At Aga Khan University, we are dedicated to providing the highest standard of education to our students. It is our commitment to this singular focus that has earned us the trust of thousands of parents and students worldwide, making AKU their preferred choice for pursuing a successful career. Safeguarding their confidence and best interest remains at the core of our mission.

We wish all applicants good luck for the revised test.