Latest News

Oxford launches new Pakistan programme

Published

2 years ago

Farwa

The University of Oxford has launched the Oxford Pakistan Programme (OPP) — the first initiative of its kind through which a concerted effort is being made to generate momentum on various Pakistan-related activities at the varsity.

The OPP launched its constituent initiatives on Thursday at Lady Margaret Hall (LMH) — situated at the University of Oxford — where both ex-prime minister Benazir Bhutto and Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai studied for their undergraduate degrees.

The ceremony was attended by around 200 distinguished guests, including Malala, High Commissioner for Pakistan to UK Moazzam Ahmad Khan, MP Naz Shah, MP Yasmin Qureshi, and businessman Sohaib Abbasi, a statement from the programme read.

Meanwhile, senior academics and administrators from within the University of Oxford were also in attendance — including Professor Christine Gerrard (Principal of LMH), Helen Mountfield QC (Principal of Mansfield College), Dr Saira Sheikh (Academic Registrar), Dr Samina Khan (Director of Undergraduate Admissions & Outreach), Dr Nadia Pollini (Director of Graduate Admissions & Recruitment) and Liesl Elder (Chief Development Officer).

According to the statement, the OPP has three core objectives:

To address the underrepresentation of Pakistani and British Pakistani students at Oxford
To raise the academic profile of Pakistan and Pakistan-related areas of interest amongst Oxford’s faculty
To promote the global connectivity of Pakistani academic institutions by promoting academic exchange between them and Oxford

Dr Talha J Pirzada, a co-founder of the OPP, revealed that the programme has secured commitments of just under £1million over the next five years to fund various initiatives as part of the OPP, including a scholarship programme for graduate students at Oxford of Pakistani origin.

He explained that over 20 students from Pakistan each year are unable to take up graduate offers to study at Oxford due to a lack of funding, while there are only 13 undergraduate and 45 graduate students from Pakistan at the University, despite over 60% of Pakistan’s population of 220 million people being under the age of 30.

Dr Pirzada announced that the OPP would be offering up to three scholarships in its initial round, with the first set of OPP graduate scholars commencing study at LMH in October 2022, allowing these students to take advantage of Oxford’s world-class facilities and teaching programme, as well as its plethora of wider academic opportunities.

He also announced the launch of the OPP’s Visiting Fellow Programmes, including a programme developed in partnership with the Malala Fund, the Government of Sindh and non-profit Durbeen, to provide opportunities for Pakistani academics to take advantage of Oxford’s research facilities and global academic network.

Entertainment

UAE grants Aiman Khan a Golden Visa

Published

12 hours ago

Farwa

The actress Aiman Khan has notified her fans and followers that the United Arab Emirates has granted her a Golden Visa.

Renowned for her dramatic roles in plays like “Ghar Titli Ka Par,” “Meri Beti,” and “Ishq Tamasha,” Aiman Khan has been spotted putting more emphasis on her personal life with her spouse, fellow actress Muneeb Butt, and moving away from the entertainment industry recently.

Instagram users saw Aiman Khan post a photo of herself receiving the Golden Visa from UAE officials.

The actress was shown gratitude in the caption for the extraordinary hospitality and kind welcome she received from the Dubai government.

Aiman Khan is shown in the accompanying photo, probably when applying for a visa, looking smart in black among representatives from the United Arab Emirates.

Fascinatingly, Aiman Khan’s spouse, Muneeb Butt, previously uploaded a comparable Instagram picture revealing his triumphant Golden Visa acquisition.

Often taking his wife, Aiman Khan, along, Muneeb Butt travels to Dubai for business and pleasure. Even after their daughter Amal was born, the well-known couple continued to observe this habit.

Furthermore, Miral, their second daughter, made her first vacation outside of Pakistan when they recently took her to Dubai.

“Dubai holds a special place in my heart, from memorable vacations to productive work trips,” Muneeb Butt complimented in the description.

Education

Youth from North Waziristan are given an educational and recreational tour by the Pakistan Army.

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

Youth from North Waziristan set off on a three-day enjoyable and enlightening excursion as part of the Pakistan Army’s “Ilm Tolo Da Para” project.

The young participants in the trip had a great time touring some of Islamabad’s most notable sites, such as the magnificent Faisal Mosque, Ayub Park, Pakistan Museum of Natural History, Pakistan Monument Museum, Folk Heritage Museum, and the picturesque Lake View Park.

The Imam led an insightful workshop for the students at Faisal Mosque, exploring the mosque’s significance and its place in the history of the country.

The youth’s awareness of their country’s legacy was strengthened by their visits to the People’s Heritage and Pakistan Monument, which provided them with valuable insights into the sacrifices made during Pakistan’s founding.

As the eager young people engaged in exhilarating rides, games, and other leisure pursuits, Ayub National Park transformed into a playground where they made enduring memories.

The youth gave the Pakistan Army their sincere gratitude for organising this beneficial event that combined learning with leisure.

Latest News

Leading the Green Pakistan Initiative in Malam Jabba is the Pakistan Army.

Published

13 hours ago

Farwa

Around 20,000 trees have been actively planted at Malam Jabba by the Pakistan Army, which is spearheading the Green Pakistan initiative. Preserving the region’s natural beauty while increasing tourism is the goal of this coordinated endeavour.

The current initiative in Malam Jabba is being led by the Pakistan Army and is supported by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Forest Department, district administration, local communities, and students.

In March and April, the Pakistan Army’s Green Pakistan initiative saw massive tree planting in Bajaur, Mohmand, Khyber, Orakzai, Dir, and Chitral. The Army’s initiative in environmental preservation has garnered a great deal of public admiration.

This practical strategy will help Malam Jabba become a tourism destination and foster an environmentally conscious society, positioning it as a beacon of natural beauty.