
PESHAWAR





ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP): Pakistan Bait-ul-Mal (PBM) has extended its financial support to underprivileged students in eleven additional public sector universities across Balochistan.
During a momentous Ceremony held here at PBM’s headquarters, Managing Director PBM, Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt validated the MoUs along with the Vice Chancellor University of Balochistan, Prof. Dr. Zahoor Ahmed, VC Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Dr. Rubina Mushtaq, VC BUITEMS, Prof. Dr. Hafeez, VC University of Turbat Prof. Dr. Gul Hasan, VC Lasbella University of Agriculture and Marine Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abdul Malik Tareen, VC Balochistan UET, Engr. Prof. Dr. Maqsood Ahmad, VC University of Loralai Prof. Dr. Ehsanullah Kakar, VC Bolan University of Medical and Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Shabir Ahmed, VC Mir Chakkar Khan Rind University Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Ali Baloch, VC University of Gawad Prof. Dr. Abdul Razzaq Sabir and VC University of Makran Prof. Dr. Mumtaz Baloch.
On the occasion, PBM’s Director General (Projects) Prof. Dr. Zeeshan Danish illuminated the organization’s social delivery mechanism specifically educational stipend initiative. PBM’s IT Director Kashif Nadeem updated the participants regarding the digital integrated management system that facilitates the applicants and provides online application-tracking features. The signing ceremony was also attended by Principal Secretary of Governor Balochistan Kaleem Ullah, Director, Pro-Vice Chancellors and faculty members of the universities, senior officials of PBM and Governor House Balochistan.
Speaking at the ceremony, Managing Director PBM Senator Capt. Shaheen Khalid Butt emphasized the importance of education for the socio-economic development of Balochistan. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to empowering the youth of this province.
By supporting talented and needy students, we are investing in the future leaders, innovators, and professionals who will play a crucial role in shaping Balochistan’s progress,” he said. The Managing Director outlined the federal government’s dedication to uplifting the vulnerable segments of Balochistan.
The MoU aims to create sustained educational opportunities for deserving students who face financial challenges in their academic journey, ensuring that no capable student is deprived of higher education due to economic barriers. Along with the educational stipends, mentoring programs, and academic development initiatives will also be promoted under this partnership.
SUKKUR, Dec 11 (APP): The Career Development Center of Sukkur IBA University organized the Alumni Homecoming at the Main Campus, an evening that brought together generations of graduates for a memorable celebration of shared history, success, and lifelong connections.
Vice Chancellor (VC), Sukkur IBA University Prof Asif Sheikh graced the event as Chief Guest and was received by Director CDC, Qazi Abdul Wahid, and Manager Alumni Affairs, Mr. Bilal Ahmed Shaikh.
Welcoming the returning graduates, Qazi Abdul Wahid, himself a distinguished member of the first graduating batch, paid tribute to the visionary leadership of Late Prof. Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui and Prof Dr Asif Ahmed Shaikh, who were honored with a heartfelt standing ovation.
He fondly shared nostalgic memories that rekindled the spirit of the early years. The first batch presented the Vice Chancellor with the traditional Ajrak & Sindhi Topi, symbolizing respect and gratitude.
In his closing address, Prof. Dr. Asif Ahmed Shaikh expressed deep affection for the alumni community, calling them “the pride and heart of the university,” and reaffirmed his resolve to carry forward the legacy of the late Prof. Nisar Ahmed Siddiqui through knowledge sharing, mentorship, and consistent alumni engagement. He highlighted the university’s aspiration to feature in the Times Higher Education Rankings and secure AACSB accreditation while staying committed to socio-economic upliftment.
He emphasized strengthening alumni connectivity through digital platforms and future conventions, honored late faculty including Dr. Ajmal Sawand, and underscored education as the most powerful tool for ending social conflict. Reflecting on his remaining tenure, he reiterated Sukkur IBA University’s dedication to national integration through initiatives like NTHP and new academic programs that enable underprivileged students from remote regions to access quality education.
He praised institutional milestones AACSB accreditation, successful MDCAT testing, flagship festivals, and community outreach and credited faculty, officers, and alumni for their efforts. He urged alumni to stay actively involved through mentorship and guest lectures and concluded with an emotional call to safeguard national unity, strengthen institutions, and secure a prosperous future for Pakistan’s young generation.
Alumni from various cohorts reflected on their journeys from Sukkur IBA University classrooms to successful careers, expressing gratitude for their alma mater’s transformative role. Adding to the evening’s charm, Pakistan’s first ventriloquist, Mr. Faraz Sarwar, entertained the audience, while distinguished alumni received souvenirs and Ajrak in celebration of Sindhi Culture Day.Earlier, nostalgic classroom sessions by Prof. Dr. Niaz Ahmed Bhutto and Dr. Jamshed Ansari, a campus tour, and informal meet-and-greet helped alumni reconnect with the university spirit. The night concluded with a grand dinner, soulful performances by Sufi folk artists from Bhit Shah, the vibrant “Indus Celebration” by Darosh Ahmed, heartfelt renditions by Sarwar Siraj, Shamroz, and Arsalan Shaikh, and a warm bonfire where alumni sang, laughed, and reminisced in a memorable jamming session.
ISLAMABAD, Dec 11 (APP): Chairman of the Prime Minister’s Youth Programme (PMYP) Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan led Pakistan’s national observance of International Volunteer Day at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Auditorium here Thursday, where he announced major youth-focused initiatives, outlined the government’s roadmap for strengthening volunteerism, and explained how young Pakistanis will drive a more sustainable and resilient future.
The event brought together policymakers, development experts, UN partners, and volunteers from across the country.
The celebration, themed “Creating a Sustainable World Through Volunteering,” opened with registrations, recitations and the national anthem. Sabiha Shaheen, Executive Director of Bargad, welcomed the guests and highlighted Bargad’s youth engagement efforts and its collaboration with VSO under the ACTIVE program.
VSO Country Representative Ms. Seher Afsheen emphasized the growing importance of volunteerism especially ahead of the UN-declared Year of Volunteerism 2026 and announced the launch of the ACTIVE Extension in Pakistan.
Rana Mashhood’s address set the tone for the event, offering clear direction on the future of youth-driven volunteerism in Pakistan. Calling volunteerism a national force for healing and unity, he reaffirmed that PMYP’s four pillars like Education, Engagement, Environment, and Employment form the country’s most effective youth development framework.
He announced that the AI-powered Digital Youth Hub was now operational, helping young people make informed education and career decisions. He further revealed that the National Volunteer Corps, a flagship PMYP initiative, would be officially launched in February 2026, expanding structured and impactful volunteer opportunities nationwide.
Rana Mashhood also initiated a capacity-building program for 20,000 volunteers, marking a significant investment in strengthening Pakistan’s community service landscape.
Recalling earlier achievements, he highlighted Punjab’s volunteer-led dengue awareness campaign credited with limiting fatalities to 108 as a powerful reminder of the impact of youth-driven service.
A plenary session on “Building a Resilient Pakistan: How to Engage Volunteers for a Sustainable and Resilient Future” followed, featuring speakers including Ejaz Karim, Shahzad Murtaza, Parvez Abbasi, Uzma Yaqoob, Umal Baneen and Andleeb Aslam. Their perspectives underscored how volunteerism fosters preparedness, employability, gender inclusion, and community resilience.
TED-style talks by Hussain and Sarwat added emotional depth, sharing personal stories of transformation through volunteering.
The event concluded with a closing note by Muntaha, Executive Member NYVN, followed by group photos and a networking lunch, reaffirming a shared national commitment to empowering youth and strengthening Pakistan through service.