Category: Education

Inspiring Child Calligraphy Exhibition received appreciation.

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Lahore (Qasim Ali)

An inspirational child calligraphy exhibition curated by renowned calligrapher Zahid Mayo is receiving appreciation in the city. The art pieces displayed in the exhibition were prepared by young students in one month workshop and exhibition was held at Aangun- Center for Learning and Culture. Distinguished guest Iqbal Salahuddin, inaugurated the exhibition and felicitated the young artists with well-deserved awards.

Zahid Mayo, an acclaimed calligrapher and mentor, took the helm in guiding a month-long calligraphy workshop during the month of July, nurturing and honing the artistic skills of these talented young minds. Under Mayo’s expert guidance, the children explored the art of calligraphy, delving into various styles, techniques, and tools to express their creativity.

“Art has the power to unleash the potential of young minds, and it has been an absolute pleasure to mentor these young artists in the art of calligraphy,” said Zahid Mayo. “Through this exhibition, we aim to showcase the brilliant journey these children have embarked upon, and the immense talent they possess.”

During the workshop, the young artists had the unique opportunity to interact with the esteemed calligrapher, Irfan Ahmed Qureshi, who joined as a guest speaker. Irfan Ahmed Qureshi shared his wisdom and insights about the significance of calligraphy, inspiring the young minds to delve deeper into the world of this ancient art form.

“We believe that art education is essential in shaping well-rounded individuals, and it is heartening to see the impact of the calligraphy workshop on these young artists,” remarked Shoaib Iqbal, the founder of The Little Art.

“We are grateful to Zahid Mayo and Irfan Ahmed Qureshi for their invaluable contribution in nurturing the creative spirit of these children.”

The exhibition is a testament to The Little Art’s commitment to providing a nurturing space for young artists to flourish and showcasing their artistic endeavors to a wider audience. Parents, teachers, art enthusiasts, and the wider community were warmly invited to attend this captivating exhibition and support these budding young artists.

Finance professionals suggest rebound in confidence has stalled, but no downturn imminent

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

The latest economic conditions survey from ACCA and IMA of accountants and CFOs across the globe suggests that the sharp rebound in global confidence in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ended

Ongoing aggressive interest rate hikes by central banks, and China’s weaker than expected economic recovery, have likely weighed on confidence, offsetting any benefit from receding fears of a global banking crisis and falling inflation.

There is no evidence that a global recession is on the cards though. Sentiment at the global level remains around its long-term average, as do the key New orders, Capital expenditure, and Employment indices.

There were some notable regional trends. Confidence fell sharply in Asia-Pacific and the export-sensitive Western Europe. But confidence in North America actually rose for the fourth consecutive quarter, with gains in the New orders, Capital expenditure, and Employment indices. This would suggest that the U.S. economy may continue to defy predictions of a recession.

It is somewhat surprising that the aggressive monetary tightening has not had a material impact on the GECS “Fear’’ indices which reflect respondents’ concerns that customers and/or suppliers may go out of business. Both these indices continue to improve (see chart below), which suggests little concern about the impact of higher interest rates, recession risks, or the growing number of bankruptcies.

Of course, it may just be a case of calm before the storm, as the lagged effect of tighter monetary policy works its way through the global economy and financial system. Indeed, our indices measuring global problems accessing finance and securing prompt payment both deteriorated in 2Q, although neither looks particularly worrying yet by historical standards. Meanwhile, the percentage of global respondents concerned about increased costs declined slightly again, although it remains very elevated by historical standards, suggesting that central banks may have more work to do.

Rashid Khan, ACCA’s campaign manager in Pakistan, said: ‘The second quarter economic conditions survey from ACCA and IMA of accountants and CFOs across the globe suggests that the sharp rebound in global confidence in the aftermath of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has ended. There is little evidence that a global recession is on the cards though. From Pakistan’s perspective, the sharp decline in confidence in the important Western European and Asia-Pacific markets is of some concern. However, the resilience of the US economy, its largest single export market, is a key positive. Going forward, external developments will remain very important for the Pakistani economy, both through the trade and financial channels.

Jonathan Ashworth, Chief Economist at ACCA, said: “The survey aligned with my sense of how things are developing in the global economy, with some loss in momentum through 2Q. Things don’t look particularly alarming though, and a global recession does not look imminent. By region, things aren’t looking that great in Asia-Pacific and Western Europe. Chinese policymakers may need to increase policy stimulus, while the ECB and BoE might want to tread carefully with monetary tightening. In contrast, the U.S. economy is looking pretty resilient, suggesting the Fed may be able to carry off the much talked about soft landing”.

Dr. Susie Duong, Director of Research at IMA, said: “Looking at the change in the GECS Confidence Indices over the year, one notable factor is the resilience of North America. With a stronger than expected growth of the U.S. economy in 2023 Q2, it suggests that an imminent recession for the U.S. does not seem likely this year, although Asia and Europe could increasingly become a drag if growth decelerates significantly there. The robustness of the global ‘fear’ indices is also unexpected. However, it’s less clear that will still be the case at the turn of the year.”

AKU partners with Gilgit-Baltistan government to develop teacher capacity

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Karachi (Muhammad Yasir) 

Aga Khan University (AKU) and the Government of Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) have signed an agreement to improve the quality of teaching practices in GB schools. The agreement was signed under the guidance of AKU’s President Dr Sulaiman Shahabuddin.

The project, titled “Education Fellows: A Pilot Project on Hiring of Education Fellows and Improving Quality of Pedagogy in Gilgit-Baltistan,” will be implemented by Aga Khan University’s Institute for Educational Development (AKU-IED) in collaboration with a consortium comprising Karakorum International University (KIU), Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) and Knowledge Platform (KP). All through, the consortium will work in close collaboration with the Directorate of Education, Government of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The project will focus on selecting and preparing 1,000 new teachers at the primary, middle, and secondary school levels in government schools. It will provide education in pedagogy, foundations of education, classroom management, learners and learning theories, game-based teaching, community engagement and educational technology.

“We are excited to partner with the School Education Department, Government of GB on this important project,” said Professor Anjum Halai, Regional Vice-Provost at AKU. “It has the potential to make a significant impact on the quality of education in GB, and we are proud to be working with our partners to ensure its success.”

During his remarks, Mr Mohyuddin Ahmad Wani, Chief Secretary GB, assured all partners of the GB government’s commitment to enhancing the status of education in the region. “This project is a key part of our strategy to improve the quality of pedagogy in our schools, and we are confident that it will be a success,” he said.

“The programme shows the recognition of teachers at the centre of quality education. The ultimate aim is to help every student have a flourishing life through independence of thought, creative expression and quest for social justice,” noted Dr Farid Panjwani, the Dean of AKU-IED. Representatives from LUMS, KP and KIU also spoke to highlight various aspects of the project and the way it is likely to impact student outcomes.

About the Aga Khan University Institute for Educational Development, Pakistan
AKU-IED was established in 1993, with the mission to develop teachers’ capacity to teach with progressive pedagogies and student-centred approaches at early childhood, primary and secondary levels, and to enhance the status of the teaching profession in Pakistan and beyond. Since its inception, the institute has managed to train more than 54,000 teachers, work with 11,000+ schools and reached out to 20 million students. Recently, the AKU-IED led efforts that resulted in the approval of a teaching license policy by the Sindh government. www.aku.edu/iedpk

Becoming a value-adding CFO takes integrative thinking, says new ACCA guide

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Chief financial officers (CFOs) have an immense responsibility and career-defining challenge in helping their organizations navigate complex multi-dimensional problems.

Businesses and other organizations face significant challenges in introducing sustainability into their business models and strategies. They also face increased sustainability reporting and assurance requirements. Their processes and systems will need to be updated and transformed to manage these.

These challenges arise against a backdrop of limited financial resources as well as human and natural resources. The long-term survival and success of business can no longer be assured with a narrow focus on financial return alone.

Today’s CFOs and senior business professionals require a combination of skills, behaviours and mindset, described as ‘integrative-thinking capabilities’, according to ACCA’s latest research ‘Integrative thinking: the guide to becoming a value-adding CFO’.

Report author Sharon Machado, head of sustainable business at ACCA said ‘CFOs and professionals who are ultimately accountable for well-informed decision making must be integrative in their own thinking. They need to consider the balance across the resources and meeting of differing stakeholder needs. Often, this will be in the face of incomplete, complex, uncertain or ambiguous information. CFOs need to act without being able to reliably predict the outcomes. In a fast-changing world, the organisation’s purpose and strategy may need to change, either incrementally, or sometimes, fundamentally.’

What are the integrative-thinking capabilities required by CFOs?

This guide explains the CFO’s five must-have integrative-thinking capabilities, and details how they are required for impact in navigating complex multi-dimensional problems, which are also explained.

  • Continually becoming – constantly evolving through nurturing personal capabilities.
  • Empathising – understanding other viewpoints and perspectives.
  • Exploring – searching out unfamiliar territory.
  • Co-creating – seizing the opportunities that arise from collaborating with others.
  • Empowering – enabling colleagues and stakeholders to take actions.

The guide also outlines development needed for integrative thinking by providing insight on six approaches professionals should take to develop their integrative-thinking capabilities.

Raymond Jack, CFO of ACCA, commented: ‘This guide is both a call to action and a support to all finance professionals as they embrace complicated problems, and add broader than financial value to their organisations, society and the planet. It will help CFOs of today and of the future serve their purpose better.’

Being a successful CFO is not a static end-state. Continual learning, reflection and engagement with other people, are key to being the CFO that the organisation and the world needs.

 

Punjabi Book on Sikh Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia launched in LHR.

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Eminent scholars & academicians highlighted the important aspects of legend Sikh warrior’s life.

Lahore (Qasim Ali)

To commemorate the 300th birth year celebration of brave son of the soil and Punjabi ruler of 18th century Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia, an insightful book was launched in a literary evening held at Adbi bethak Punjabi Complex on sunday evening. Arranged by Thaap in collaboration with the Sardar Jaiteg Singh Anant from Hardarshan memorial international trust Canada and Canadian Ramgarhia Society the program was attended by eminent Punjabi scholars, academicians, and leading figures from different walks of the life.

Entitled “Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia” book is originally written by distinguished Punjabi scholar Prof. PrithiPal Singh Kapur in Gurumukhi whereas Prof. Ashiq Raheel has translated it in Shahmukhi for Pakistani readers. Published by Sanjh publications, books is a sincere account of life history of prominent Sikh Sardar of Ramgarhia Dynasty of 18th Century. Speakers talked about the important aspects of Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia’s life in their brief talks.

Dr. Naveed Shahzad from Punjab University presided the evening, whereas Dr. Nadeela Rehman and Dr. Mehboob Hussain were chief guests. Principal Govt. Islamia College Railway Road, Prof. Ibad Nabeel Shad hosted the evening.  He welcomed all the participants on behalf of Sardar Jaiteg Singh Anant from Hardarshan Memorial International Trust and Canadian Ramgarhia society.

The evening commenced with the presentation of the research paper. Noted researcher Iqbal Qaiser paid rich tribute to the Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia for his bravery in front of the invaders and highlighted significant features of his personality with references from folk poetry of baba Bhullay Shah. Prof. Akhtar Hussain Sandhu talked about the personality traits of legend Sikh Ruler. He narrated interested incidents of Sardar Jassa Singhs Ramgarhia’s life, ideology, tolerance, and love for humanity beyond the religious borders.

Dr. Nabeela Rehman shared that there is a dire need to revisit the history. She opined that this book presents befitting tribute to Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia by revealing his life, struggle, and important encounters of his era, which were being forgotten in history. She appreciated the harwork and efforts of Sardar Jaiteg Singh Annant for publication of the book in Shahmukhi.

Professor Sajida Haider Vandal asked the researchers to shed more light on Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia’s life besides just being the warrior general. Researchers should bring forth other aspects of his life, such as his style of architecture, patronage of art, and philosophical aspects.

Prof. Pervez Vandal paid glowing tribute to Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia Sikh general and architect of modern Lahore Bhai Ram Singh in his talk. He requested that promotion of Punjabi language and creating mass awareness about its glorious culture is our shared responsibility, and concrete measures are need of the hour in this regard.

Second chief guest of the evening, Dr. Mehboob Hussain discussed the various historical references presented in the book and paid his heartfelt tribute to Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia in his remarks. President of the evening Dr. Naveed Shahzad appreciated the accuracy of the contents of the book while giving credit to the writer, Prof. Prithihal Singh Kapur for his thorough research. He mentioned that writing truth is the foremost responsibility, and this book gets success in this test.

The evening concluded with the award distribution ceremony. Hardarshan Memorial International Trust Canada and Canadian Ramgarhia Society presented lifetime achievement awards to Prof. Ashiq Raheel and Iqbal Qaiser for their outstanding works for promotion of Punjabi language and other literary works and memorial awards were presented to professor Akhtar Hussain Sandhu and Qasim Ali for significant works in their respective fields.

During the ceremony, host Dr. Ibad announced on the behalf of Mr. Surinder Singh Jabbal, public relations officer of Canadian Ramgarhia Society that an award of 3 lakhs PKR would be given to one Pakistani student for completing the MPhil or PHD degree on Sardar Jassa Singh Ramgarhia whereas 50 thousands PKR will be given to the supervisor of the research thesis too.

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VICPAK Expands Educational Consulting Services with New Karachi Office

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VICPAK, a leading overseas educational consultant, is excited to announce the launch of its new office in Karachi. With a strong reputation and a decade of experience in providing comprehensive educational services, VICPAK is dedicated to facilitating students in their pursuit of high-quality education opportunities abroad.

Established in 2009, VICPAK has been instrumental in assisting numerous students in gaining access to prestigious educational institutions across the globe. Recognized by a wide range of overseas educational institutions, VICPAK has successfully placed students in reputable universities and colleges, enabling them to achieve their academic and career aspirations.

The mission of VICPAK is to provide students with convenient access to top-tier education overseas while simplifying their living and working prospects in their dream destination country. By bridging the gap between advanced education and students, VICPAK leverages its extensive network with foreign universities and colleges to create invaluable opportunities for aspiring students.

The expansion of VICPAK with the launch of its new Karachi office demonstrates the organization’s commitment to serving students in Pakistan and facilitating their international education journey. The Karachi office will offer a comprehensive range of services, including personalized counseling, university selection guidance, application assistance, visa support, and pre-departure guidance.

“We are thrilled to establish our presence in Karachi and extend our services to students in this vibrant city,” said a spokesperson at VICPAK.

“With our experienced team of educational consultants and strong partnerships with renowned educational institutions, we are confident that our Karachi office will be a valuable resource for students seeking to pursue their education abroad.”

VICPAK understands the significance of making informed decisions when it comes to international education. The organization’s dedicated team of professionals will provide personalized guidance and support to students, helping them choose the most suitable educational institutions and programs based on their individual goals, interests, and academic qualifications.

As VICPAK launches its Karachi office, it invites students and their families to visit the new location to explore the diverse educational opportunities available worldwide. The office will be a hub of information, resources, and expertise, ensuring that students receive comprehensive assistance throughout their educational journey.

Students of Summer Youth Exchange Program celebrated French National Day at Kinnaird College for Women.

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Lahore (Qasim Ali)
The students of the Summer Youth Exchange Program from Kinnaird College for Women commemorated the French National Day in a vibrant and culturally rich event. The celebration was graced by esteemed personalities, including Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan, Former Minister for Youth Affairs and Higher Education, Rizwan Anwar, Global Youth Ambassador of the United Nations, and Ms. Maha Jamil, Director of the Centre for Learning and Cultural Development. The event saw enthusiastic participation from students who shared their experiences and reflections on their time spent in France.
The Summer Youth Exchange Program, organized with the aim of fostering cultural exchange and understanding, proved to be an enriching experience for the participating students. With the French National Day students had the opportunity to embrace and showcase the cultural diversity they had imbibed during their stay in France.
Rana Mashood Ahmed Khan expressed his support for such exchange programs and their positive impact on the participants. He emphasized that exposure to different cultures and societies not only broadens the horizons of the young minds but also helps in building bridges between nations.
Dr. Rukhsana David, Principal of Kinnaird College for Women, extended her warmest congratulations to the French friends and colleagues on their National Day. She expressed deep appreciation for the collaboration that made the Summer Youth Exchange Program a resounding success. Dr. David emphasized the value of cultural exchange and its contribution to nurturing the students’ personal growth and development.
In her address, Dr. David highlighted the profound impact of the program on the participating students. She acknowledged that the invaluable learning experiences gained during their time in France would undoubtedly serve as a solid foundation for their future endeavors. Dr. David encouraged the students to cherish the connections they made and to continue fostering global understanding and cooperation in their future pursuits.
Rizwan Anwar, a Global Youth Ambassador of the United Nations, shared his thoughts on the importance of global cooperation and understanding among the youth. He encouraged the students to take their experiences forward and actively participate in creating a more inclusive and harmonious world.
Ms. Maha Jamil, Director of the Centre for Learning and Cultural Development, highlighted the significance of such programs in promoting intercultural dialogue and cooperation. She emphasized that exposure to different cultures fosters open-mindedness and tolerance, which are crucial for building a peaceful and prosperous global community.
During the event, students took center stage to share anecdotes of their time in France. They spoke passionately about the friendships they formed, the cultural exchanges they experienced, and the valuable lessons they learned during their stay. The students praised France for its rich history, art, and traditions, all of which contributed to their personal growth and broadened their global perspectives.
The event at Kinnaird College for Women was a testament to the success and importance of such exchange programs. The celebration of French National Day served as a reminder that embracing diversity and learning from different cultures are the cornerstones of a harmonious and interconnected world.
The event was organized by Kinnaird Centre for Learning and Cultural Development , Kinanird College for Women.

Accountancy and finance professionals must drive the journey towards social equity, says ACCA report

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)

Accountancy and finance professionals are at the forefront of the transition to a sustainable future according to the latest research by ACCA (the Association of Chartered Certified Accountants). Finance professionals from around the world shared their views, resulting in our new report Accounting for Society’s Values.

Organisations need to transition to a sustainable future that embraces the economic, environmental and social aspects in combination. Society faces long-term challenges from social injustice, with stakeholders and regulators increasingly focusing on the social implications of the actions of organisations. That’s why defining and measuring the return to society by an organisation’s activities is becoming as important as the financial objectives themselves.

The accountancy and finance profession needs to see this as an opportunity to define its future role and put the social agenda at the core of the profession.

Three key messages from this report:

1. The profession’s future embraces sustainability through social equity and protecting the environment.

2. Measuring the social agenda is difficult, but we must act.

3. There is a strong business imperative to embed this agenda into strategy now.

Helen Brand OBE, ACCA chief executive commented: ‘The social agenda is a broad one and requires organisations to act now. Without the valued and proactive input of the accountancy and finance profession, the goal of reaching sustainability for all organisations will be unattainable. The profession has an opportunity to play its full part in enabling the just transition, not least the social aspect – one that it cannot afford to shirk.’

Assad Hameed Khan, head of ACCA Pakistan, said: ‘Whilst the emphasis for many organisations may have become focused on the environmental aspects of a just transition it is important to ensure that nobody is left behind. The social agenda is a vital element of the transition and whilst it may present challenges in readily measuring progress this cannot be an excuse for a lack of action. Accountancy and finance professionals need to be at the forefront on ensuring that their organisations measure and report performance in this area if we are to be a just society.’

Daraz Pakistan Empowers Students’ Futures

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Donates 200 Laptops to Government Schools, Opening Doors to Digital Learning.

Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)  Daraz Pakistan has announced the donation of 200 refurbished laptops to government schools in Okara, a testament to Daraz’s dedication to supporting education and ensuring that students have access to essential technology resources.

The donation aims to provide students enrolled in 8 schools in Okara with refurbished laptops, enabling them to thrive in today’s learning environments. Recognizing the importance of assisting the most vulnerable groups in society, this donation will be benefiting 3600 students.

This donation will help create a more equal educational landscape by granting children access to computers. The laptops will facilitate innovative online learning experiences both inside and outside the classroom, breaking down barriers and ensuring equitable solutions. Daraz acknowledges that digital literacy is a prerequisite for most jobs today, and by providing students with personal devices, they will be better prepared for their future careers.

Zeeshan Khan, Regional Corporate IT Head, Daraz, expressed his enthusiasm about the donation, stating, “This contribution will assist many disadvantaged families in the country. Our aim is to offer children the necessary tools to access equal educational opportunities. With new avenues for participation in innovative online learning experiences, these laptops will uphold our commitment to removing barriers and providing equitable solutions.”

Daraz’s donation to government schools in Okara aligns with its company-wide commitment to bridge the digital divide and invest in connectivity, technology, digital literacy, and education solutions. The company recognizes that students require access to technology to realize their full potential and is proud to support competency-based and career exploration opportunities, thus contributing to the future development of Pakistan.

Muhammad Zeeshan Hanif, the Deputy Commissioner of Okara, expressed his appreciation for Daraz’s efforts, stating, ‘We understand that students need access to technology to unlock their full potential. We are proud to support Daraz in advancing competency-based education and career exploration opportunities, thus playing a role in building the future of Pakistan.’

Shoaib Iqbal Syed, Commissioner, Sahiwal shared ‘Public-private partnerships are a very effective way to help uplift the marginalized in the society and create new opportunities for their future. We appreciate this initiative by Daraz, which will benefit hundreds of students in the region, and equip them with digital literacy.’

Daraz Pakistan remains dedicated to leveraging its resources to empower students and promote equal access to education across the country. With initiatives like this, the company continues to make a positive impact and inspire others to invest in the educational development of Pakistan’s youth.

Kinnaird College delegation participated in UNESCO Conference on Women in Science held at the UNESCO Headquarters.

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Pakistan (Muhammad Yasir)
A distinguished delegation from Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, Pakistan, participated in the UNESCO Conference on Women in Science held at the UNESCO Headquarters in Paris. Led by Rizwan Anwar, the Global Youth Ambassador of the United Nations, jointly with Ms. Maha Jamil, Global Youth Advocate of the UN, the delegation brought together exceptional young minds committed to driving positive change in the field of science.
The UNESCO Conference on Women in Science aimed to address the critical issue of gender imbalance in scientific fields and explore strategies to enhance women’s participation for a better future and sustainable development. Under the theme “Empowering Women in Science,” the conference provided a platform for fruitful discussions and knowledge exchange among international experts, scientists, policymakers, and young leaders.
The Kinnaird College for Women delegation made a remarkable impact at the conference, emphasizing the significance of empowering women and girls in scientific endeavors. Mr. Hamza Ali, Mr. Usman Niamat, Ms. Fatima Shahid, Ms. Fizza Shehbaz, Maryam Javid, Sabah Sohail, and Ms. Momina Shehbaz represented the vibrant youth of Pakistan and effectively conveyed their views and aspirations for gender equality in the sciences.
Rizwan Anwar, Global Youth Ambassador of United Nations , stated, “We believe that equal participation of women in science is not only a matter of gender equality but also crucial for addressing global challenges and achieving sustainable development. Through increased representation, diverse perspectives, and equal opportunities, we can unlock the full potential of women in science and foster innovation for a better future.”
The delegation actively engaged in panel discussions, workshops, and networking sessions, sharing inspiring success stories, highlighting the barriers faced by women in science, and proposing actionable strategies to create an inclusive environment. Their presence and contributions resonated with participants from around the world, igniting meaningful conversations on advancing gender equity in scientific research, education, and professional opportunities.
Ms. Maha Jamil, Global Youth Advocate of the UN, expressed her appreciation for the delegation’s commitment, stating, “The active participation of these young leaders from Kinnaird College for Women reinforces the importance of youth voices in shaping policies and actions. Their unwavering dedication to promoting women’s involvement in science serves as an inspiration to all young people striving to make a positive impact on society.”
The delegation from Kinnaird College for Women to UNESCO Conference on Women in Science get an exposure with a renewed sense of purpose and a strengthened commitment to promoting inclusivity and diversity in the scientific community. They are determined to implement the insights gained during the conference and collaborate with local and international stakeholders to bridge the gender gap in science and pave the way for a brighter and more equitable future.