MoU signed to set up Lincoln Corner at IT University

LAHORE

Information Technology University (ITU) and the US Embassy in Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday that establishes a partnership between the university and the US Consulate General in Lahore to build Lincoln Corner on the university’s campus. 

ITU Vice Chancellor Dr Umar Saif and Deputy Chief of Mission for the American Embassy in Pakistan Jonathan Pratt signed the MoU. 

“Lincoln Corner is a great opportunity to build bridges and increase mutual understanding between Pakistan and the United States,” said Dr Umar Saif.

Lincoln Corners are partnerships between the Embassy and Consulates of the United States of America and selected institutions in Pakistan.

Located within universities, public libraries, and other institutions, Lincoln Corners are platforms for providing information about the United States, English language learning, Education USA, cultural programmes and alumni activities.

Jonathan Pratt said: “Lincoln Corner will host academic programmes, speakers from the United States, and English language activities and cultural events like the Ari Roland Jazz Quartet’s that recently performed at the University.”

Later, Dr Saif gave Pratt a tour of the Plan9 incubator and PlanX accelerator facilities, which are projects of the Punjab Information Technology Board (PITB) and are housed at ITU. 

DCM Pratt also met Plan9 entrepreneurs selected to travel to Austin, Texas as part of ATX+PAK, a project that connects Plan9/PlanX with the City of Austin to develop partnerships in support of entrepreneurial activities. This project, which is funded by the US Consulate General through a $500,000 grant, will help connect the vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and the creative community in Austin’s startup scene to those in emerging startup communities in Pakistan.

Twenty-eight entrepreneurs will travel to Austin for the ATX+PAK: Launch sessions which will occur at least twice per year in concert with incubation cycles at Plan9/ PlanX.

The participants will receive one-on-one coaching as well as group training and development from leading entrepreneurship experts and mentor investors tailored to their specific business needs.

Sri Lankan delegation: A delegation from Sri Lanka comprising senior Buddhist priests, politicians, academicians and officials paid a visit to Punjab University (PU) here on Tuesday. 

An interactive meeting was arranged at Al Raazi Hall of Undergraduate Block in which PU Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Mujahid Kamran, senior most Buddhist priest Dr Ittapahans Dhammalankara Maba Nayake, delegation’s leader and Speaker of Sri Lankan parliament Karu Jayasuria, Pakistan’s Deputy High Commissioner in Sri Lanka Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan, PU deans and heads of various departments were present. 

Dr Mujahid Kamran gave a detailed briefing on Punjab University and said that Buddhism was a religion of peace and Pakistan and Sri Lanka were enjoying good relations. He said Pakistan’s Embassy in Sri Lanka was also working efficiently. 

Sri Lankan Speaker Mr Jayasuria said that it was a matter of pleasure that Sri Lankan students were studying at Punjab University and serving their homeland after completing their education. He said Pakistan had helped Sri Lankan in fighting terrorism and relations between both the countries were strengthening. He said we wanted to cement our relations in education sector as well. 

Deputy High Commissioner Dr Sarfaraz Ahmed Khan said Pakistan and Sri Lanka had supported each other with no terms and conditions attached.

He said Pakistani Embassy was creating awareness in Sri Lanka regarding Pakistan’s culture, tourism and sacred Buddhist places in our country.

He said relations between the two countries must also be enhanced in the education sector. Later, Dr Mujahid Kamran also presented souvenirs to the guests.