Latest News

Oxford launches new Pakistan programme

Published

3 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.

Latest News

The BCCI has confirmed that Pakistan’s name will be on India’s jersey during the Champions Trophy.

Published

3 hours ago

Farwa

On Wednesday, the BCCI confirmed that Pakistan’s name would be put on India’s shirt.

According to Indian media, India’s shirt would incorporate the Champions Trophy emblem, which has been approved by the ICC. The Indian team will adhere to the International Cricket Council’s mega-event criteria.

The BCCI has underlined that the Indian squad will respect the ICC’s norms.

It is worth noting that the Champions Trophy begins on February 19.

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) urged the ICC to severely enforce the BCCI’s policies.

Entertainment

Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen’s tight relationship has sparked rumours!

Published

3 hours ago

Farwa

Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen, co-stars of the famous drama series ‘Meem Se Mohabbat,’ have piqued the public’s interest with their blossoming off-screen chemistry.

The drama has received accolades for its upbeat atmosphere, interesting storyline, and outstanding supporting cast.

Ahad’s mother made a special gesture.

Ahad’s mother, Samra Raza Mir, recently made a sincere gesture for Dananeer, which fuelled the rumours. She made Dananeer’s favourite ‘Dumba Karahi’ using her mother’s secret recipe.

Dananeer

Dananeer expressed her delight on social media, posting a picture of the dish and thanking the person for their considerate gesture.

Ahad’s family has been actively involved in his career and projects, with his father, Asif Raza Mir, also playing a role in ‘Meem Se Mohabbat.’ The family’s close bond with Dananeer also clear, as they previously celebrated her graduation together.

Fan Reactions

Since his divorce, Ahad Raza Mir has lived a low-key personal life. Fans, on the other hand, have been eager to speculate about a possible romance between the two co-stars, citing their developing friendship and family participation as evidence of a budding relationship.

Here’s what the fans said:

“Is Had’s mother cooking for Dananeer?” This is becoming intriguing!”

“They look so good together in the drama; maybe there’s something more?”
“Ahad deserves happiness after everything, and Dananeer seems like a sweet person.”

While the speculations are mainly based on fan observations, the bond between Ahad Raza Mir and Dananeer Mobeen continues to pique their followers’ interest.

Latest News

Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq chairs the session.

Published

3 hours ago

Farwa

The National Assembly has resumed its session in the Parliament House, chaired by Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq.

Speaking on the floor of the House, Parliamentary Secretary Dr Darshan stated that the government has approved two projects for Bani Gala and the surrounding districts in the current fiscal year.

He stated that the initiatives to build a sewerage system in Bani Gala will cost 46.881 million rupees. He stated that suitable safety equipment are being provided to sanitation personnel in the ICT sewerage division to preserve their lives.