LAHORE :Punjab University Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Zafar Moeen Nasir has urged the scientists to help society and people benefit from the inventions taking place at the universities. He was addressing the first three-day international meeting of scientists “Science and Society" organised by PU's Centre for High Energy Physics (CHEP) here on Thursday. CHEP Director Dr Bilal Masud, faculty members, scientists and students were also present. Dr Zafar Moeen Nasir said that PU was taking several scientific initiatives which would contribute to the development of urban and rural economy. He said PU would take lead in socio-economic development of Pakistan. He said, "The poor nation is spending a huge money on us to make us scientists and now it is our responsibility to pay the poor people back through inventions which could boost their socio-economic condition." He said PU would organise a science fair soon and the youth and society would also be engaged in it. Dr Bilal said this was a great opportunity for the scientists and students to interact with the scientists of other disciplines. He said the meeting would be helpful in resolving national issues. Meanwhile, the PU VC laid the foundation stone of a dedicated building for Institute of Islamic Studies (IIS) beside Sheikh Zayed Islamic Centre (SZIC). The earth-breaking ceremony was held at SZIC, New Campus. Faculty of Islamic Studies dean Prof Dr Tahira Basharat, Institute of Islamic Studies Director Prof Dr Saad Siddiqui, SZIC Director Prof Dr Muhammad Ejaz, Academic Staff Association (ASA) President Javed Sami, faculty members and a large number of students were also present. Addressing the event, Dr Zafar Moeen Nasir said that there were misconceptions about Islam in the west, adding that the Institute of Islamic Studies would initiate research projects to remove such misconceptions. He said, "We would send a message of peace and our scholars would present true image of Islam." He said Islam instructs its followers to take special care of human rights. He said Islam is the best religion. He said comparative religion studies would also be promoted at the institute. He said realising the importance of research in Islamic studies, the PU administration had promised some months back to provide separate building for IIS and construction work would start very soon. Dr Tahira Basharat said that for the first time in the history of IIS’s, which is the oldest institute of Islamic studies in Pakistan, it was going to have its own building. She thanked the PU VC for extending all-out support. Prof Dr Saad Siddiqui said that IIS teachers had contributed their one month salary for the construction of new building while Rs 10 million were allocated from the institute’s funds for the purpose. Human resources: Planning & Development Department Chairman Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan has said the initiative of the project "Logical Framework Analysis (LFA)" has been taken to improve the human resources in the province. Addressing a training workshop jointly organised by the Punjab Directorate General Monitoring and Evaluation, P&D Department, in collaboration with UNICEF and DFID on “Logical Framework Analysis (LFA)” here on Thursday, he said that the session would help the professionals and policy makers to accomplish their work in a symmetric and structured way. The P&D chairman lauded the continuous support of DFID. P&D Infrastructure Development and CPEC Adviser Dr Zahir Shah and DFID Statistical Advisor Andy Murray were also present. Dr Zahir Shah praised the new dimension of LFA in P&D. He stressed to improve the planning stage which ultimately helped achieve the policy decision. He appreciated Andy Murray for his valuable contribution. Dr Zahir Shah suggested engaging DFID in further consultation and recommended youth exchange programme between Pakistan and the United Kingdom. KEMU VC: Punjab Governor/Chancellor has appointed Prof Dr Sultan Ayoub Meo as Vice-Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, Lahore, for a period of four years with immediate effect. Punjab Governor/Chancellor also approved that Prof Dr Sultan Ayoub Meo shall remain on probation for four months from the date he assumes office of Vice-Chancellor of King Edward Medical University, Lahore. The Specialised Healthcare and Medical Education (SHC&ME) Department has issued a notification in this regard.
