Category: news

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Children’s day is celebrated worldwide on 20th November!
To partake in celebrating our community’s little ones, the College of Speech Language and Hearing Sciences in collaboration with Speech and Hearing Association of Pakistan carried out activities at three different places.

Our faculty members Fatima Yousuf, Rabbiah Sohail and Sonia Shah visited the Kiran Foundation and carried out an awareness session for it’s teachers. They talked about speech and language disorders, red flags that children may present with in class, and how to identify and refer to kids who may need speech therapy. They also highlighted the need for inclusive education here in Pakistan and discussed the factors that make up an inclusive setting.

Our first year students later accompanied faculty members Fatima Yousuf, Samreen Zubair, Mehek Altaf and Taleah Tariq to Sirat ul Jannah orphanage. They engaged the children in games including passing the pillow and origami. It was time well spent, the visitors felt inspired by how spirited the little ones are, the children enjoyed fully, and received goodie bags as tokens of appreciation.

Our last stop was the paediatric ward at Ziauddin University Hospital. Fatima Yousuf and Hafeez Punjani took goodie bags for the children admitted there to help make their day a little better.

Children deserve to be celebrated, all day, every day!

Happy Children’s Day!

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The Department of Molecular Medicine and Department of Research conducted a hands-on workshop on the Fundamentals and Applications of Cell Culture on 9^th and 10^th November, 2021. The aim of the workshop was to equip the participants with basic cell culture techniques including harvesting, sub culturing, seeding, cryopreservation and cytotoxicity assays. The participants represented over 5 reputed organizations including Dow University of Health Sciences, SZABIST, University of Karachi and Defense Science and Technology Organization (DESTO).

The program commenced with the recitation from Holy Quran. Dr. Yamna Khurshid welcomed the participants and highlighted the significance of cell culture in the research and pharmaceutical industry. The keynote lecture emphasizing the clinical applications of cell culture was delivered by Executive Director Research, Prof. Dr. Talat Mirza. The Program Coordinator, Dr. Rehan Imad followed forward to give the participants a basic understanding of the terminologies and techniques used in cell culture. The participants were then provided hands-on experience in sub-culturing, plating and reagent preparations by Dr. Rehan Imad, Dr. Abdul Hameed and Dr. Yamna Khurshid. A thought provoking and extremely worthy lecture on fundamentals and utilization of cell culture in designing research projects was conducted by Dr. Shamim Mushtaq.

On day second, Dr. Rehan Imad further broadened the understanding of the participants on the preparation of compounds/drugs and dilutions. He also conducted hands on sessions on drug treatment and MTT assay. Dr. Yamna Khurshid proceeded further and delivered a lecture on In-vitro cytotoxicity and cell viability assay followed by Dr. Abdul Hameed enlightening lecture on primary cell culture modules in advanced research. The participants shared that they gained new insight and valuable knowledge which will help them in designing and developing their research projects. The certificates were distributed among the participants after taking the quiz.

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The workshop on Research Methodology was organized by the Registrar office through the Department of Research in collaboration with the Directorate of Educational Development (DED) and Office of Research, Innovation & Commercialization (ORIC) from 2^nd to 5^th November, 2021. This workshop has been designed to promote the professional development of the faculty with capacity building in research, enhanced productivity and to improve university ranking. The multidisciplinary participants represented over 10 departments of ZU including College of Eastern Medicine, Human Nutrition & Dietetics, Biotechnology, Gynecology & Obstetrics, ZFOP, ZCOMS, ZCON, ZH, Medical and Dental Colleges.

The program started with the greatest name of Allah and welcome address by Dr. Yamna Khurshid. The keynote lecture highlighting the significance of the workshop and research process was delivered by Executive Director Research, Dr. Talat Mirza. The first two days of the workshop were dedicated to qualitative & quantitative research, literature search, endnote and scientific writing including synopsis, thesis and manuscript and facilitated by Dr. Talat Mirza, Dr. Fauzia Shamim, Dr. Syeda Rakhshanda, Dr. Saeeda Baig, Dr. Shamim Mushtaq, Dr. Rehan Imad, Dr. Farah Ahmed and Mr. Shiraz Khurshid.

On day third, the first session was conducted by Dr. Iram Khursheed underpinning the important characteristics of educational research and types of researches on the basis of application in education. The educational research methods were further enhanced by Dr. Syeda Rakhshanda. Dr. Farah Ahmed and Dr. S. Hasan Danish followed forward to explain the available statistical methods and their utilization using SPSS.

The fourth day was devoted and conducted by Dr. Zulfiqar Umrani, Director ORIC and his team, Engr. Arbaz Adil and Ms. Ambreen Muzammil. They provided adequate knowledge about the ZU research & innovation ecosystem, research for impact, linkages & outreach and grant writing. The honorable Vice Chancellor, Dr. Irfan Hyder delivered an intellectually stimulating and thought provoking lecture promoting and advocating research culture in ZU. The workshop ended on an energizing and motivating session by an invited speaker Dr. Bilal Ahmed, ORIC Director at SZABIST.

The feedback provided by the participants was highly encouraging and positive for the coverage of all important and generic subject areas of research in minimum time. The participants appreciated the efforts of the organizers. They shared that such workshops are effective and valuable for faculty development and need to be promoted further for more specialized areas.

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8^th Interactive Series of ZU Dialogues

Ziauddin University presents 8^th interactive series of “ZU Dialogues” on Pink Ribbon Day

 “Give Hope, Save Lives”

Ziauddin University organized the 8th interactive series of “ZU DIALOGUES”, titled “Give Hope, Save Lives” on Pink Ribbon Day to mark Breast Cancer Awareness month.

Purpose of this activity was to spread words on breast cancer awareness and to inform young girls and women about the importance of attending breast cancer screenings and detecting breast cancer in early stages.

The ZU Dialogues was attended by Dr. Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor, Ziauddin University; Dr. Nida Wahid Bashir, Consultant Breast & General Surgeon, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital; Dr. Zubia Masood, Consultant Breast & General Surgeon, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital; and Dr. Reena Kumani Sunil, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital.

“Breast cancer is curable if detected early, yet many women lose their lives to this. This is because they are scared to discuss it and don’t have the proper knowledge of how to deal with such health issues. They are unable to differentiate the morality part of it and the medically necessary part of it. This disease, if detected easily, has a very good survival rate. Lack of access to healthcare Is there even in our urban population”, said Dr. Nida Hussain, Pro-Chancellor of Ziauddin University.

“One of the reasons why it is a taboo is because the word breast is a taboo” explained Dr. Nida Husain as she discussed that although the incident and mortality rate is so high in Pakistan, yet everyone is scared to discuss it. Daughters, girls, if they feel a lump or anything in any of their private parts or any part of their body in fact, they are very hesitant to tell even their own parents, their own siblings”, she further added.

Dr. Nida Wahid Bashir, Consultant Breast & General Surgeon, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital while answering the question about how fast breast cancer can spread, she said that every woman should know how her breasts normally look and feel, so she can recognize any changes that may occur. Cancer is not caused by a single agent. It is the loss of ability to control a body to control the growth of a cell group. While knowing what to look for is important, a woman should still get her regular mammograms and clinical breast exams, as these tests can help detect breast cancer before she even has symptoms.

During the session she emphasized on the need to know about breast cancer in pregnant women, she said “pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is defined as breast cancer diagnosed during pregnancy or in the first postpartum year. It affects approximately 1 in 3000 pregnant women and is the second most common malignancy affecting pregnancy. The average age of women with PABC is 32 to 38 years. This is one of the most aggressive cancers that you can have – cancer that develops during pregnancy because due to hormonal influences, cancer behaves very aggressively”.

Dr. Reena Kumari Sunil, Consultant Medical Oncologists, Dr Ziauddin Hospital also shed light on pregnancy augmenting breast cancer and said that Incidents of pregnancy associated with breast cancer are increasing and might be because of delayed childbearing.

“Certain risk factors are lifestyle-related, including the use of birth control pills, hormone therapy after menopause, having children, drinking alcohol, being overweight or obese, and not being physically active. Having one or several risk factors does not mean a woman will develop breast cancer. “Only 5% of breast cancers are due to genetics. If you have family history, you should get genetic testing done as you are at a higher risk of getting cancer,” Dr. Reena further added.

“The main risk factors for breast cancer include being a woman and getting older (most breast cancers are found in women ages 40 and older). Uncontrollable factors that may increase risk include personal/family history, race, breast density and menstrual period history”, said Dr. Zubia Masood, Consultant Breast & General Surgeon, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital. She was talking about risk factors in breast cancer.

“The 40-cut mark is more for the screening purpose. Different countries run different screening programs based on the prevalence of the disease. However, you can get breast cancer in early ages too based on genetics and family history. So, you should get screened at an early age, a mammogram is not the only option, there are other ways to screen it”, highlighted Dr. Zubia Masood.

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Bidding Farewell to Ms. Martha D’ Silva

The Faculty of Health Sciences is bidding farewell to Ms. Martha who has decided to retire after her long service to ZU. We are very appreciative of all the hard work Ms. Martha has put in over the past years. She will be thoroughly missed by the students for her warm personality. We are grateful for her valuable contribution and excellent service and wish her the best.

We would also like to welcome Ms. Neda Qasim to the Ziauddin University team. She is replacing Ms. Martha in her role as the Manager (Dean’s Office). With a Masters in International Marketing from the UK, she brings with her vast experience of working in multiple industries. We are glad to have her as part of ZU and look forward to working with her.

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Ziauddin University presents 7^th interactive series of “ZU Dialogues”

“Pakistan Media Development Authority: Protection or control of the media industry”

Ziauddin University organized the 7th interactive series of “ZU Dialogues”, titled “Pakistan Media Development Authority: Protection or control of the media industry”.

The aim behind this online dialogue session was to get opinions and analysis of the experts about the Pakistan Media Development Authority (PMDA) which has been described in the ordinance as “an independent, efficient, effective and transparent” authority which will regulate all forms of media, including digital media.

The ZU Dialogue was attended by Senator (R) Mr. Javed Jabbar, Former Federal Minister for Information & Broadcasting; Mr. Mazhar Abbas, Senior Journalists and Analyst; Mr. Zarrar Khuhro, Current Affairs Commentator and Analyst; Dr. Huma Baqai, International Relations Expert and Political Analyst; and moderated by Syed Muaz Shah, Director, The Center for Human Rights, Faculty of Law, Ziauddin University.

Former senator and information minister Javed Jabbar said the subject under discussion was currently the centre of attention.

“We have a convergence between the political opposition and all segments of the media. Ironically, there are truths on both sides of the controversy. There is truth in what the government is doing. Never before in human history have the content of all media come together into a single medium, which is the smartphone. Side by side, you have the content of print, radio, cinema, TV, social media … all broiling and churning a single medium.

“What happens within that, you have authentic, reliable journalism. You also have quasi-journalism, and you have outright disinformation and fake news. This has never happened before. How do you deal with it? It’s a global dilemma. [Pakistani] government shares the same dilemma with the US and China. In the US, Twitter had to ban president Donald Trump because he’s creating falsehoods. On the other hand, China refuses to allow platforms such as Google and Facebook.”

Mr Jabbar said where he empathises with journalists is vis-à-vis the fact that in the past 20 years about 70 journalists have tragically lost their lives to unnatural and violent ways. And no one has been found and punished. Some journalists have been deprived of their jobs, too. “But it is also true that media in Pakistan have very high levels of freedom of expression.”

He argued that the only way forward is to have a dialogue. And we need to have with regard to the media the following three aspects: self-regulation, social regulation and state regulation.

Journalist Mazhar Abbas said, “If you go through the statement of the speaker of the National Assembly regarding who ordered the staff to lock the press gallery [you’ll notice that] the speaker said he ordered

the staff after consultation with the parliamentary reporters. The Parliamentary Reporters Association said there was no dialogue, categorically denying that they were consulted by the speaker.”

Mr Abbas then talked about the definition of fake news that’s being extensively discussed. He concluded his remarks by saying that if the PMDA is established it will be a disaster for critical voices.

Journalist Zarrar Khuhro said he’d like to give credit to the government. “They have certainly built a consensus, and it is a 100 per cent against the PMDA. That is a rare achievement. It seems where [government] needs a scalpel they use a hammer, and where they need a hammer, they use a bulldozer. When you start doing something in this manner, you may have the greatest law, [but] I’m not going to believe you, simply because of the way you’re doing it.

“They talk about fake news as if it’s some kind of an epidemic in Pakistan. I assure you it is not. The number one source of fake news in Pakistan is the government. What was 35 punctures? Shehbaz Sharif has taken millions of dollars in commission from a Chinese company? Then you have the aviation minister blatantly speaking falsehoods in the National Assembly, etc.”

Political analyst Dr Huma Baqai said when she worked for PTV during Gen Musharraf’s tenure she never received any phone call from Islamabad or PM House. She also worked with the PPP and Nawaz Sharif and oftentimes they shut down her programme. “I don’t think distinctions such as these are ‘democratic norms’ and these are ‘military norms’ exist with the way the media function today. The time that we are living in is called the post-truth construct. It entered the dictionaries in 2016 but much before that it was politically clichéd.

“The people who take high moral ground that they’re working for private media and they’re independent, no one is independent. They cater to the needs of commodification, they cater to the needs of commercialisation.

—END—

Amir Shahzad

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Ziauddin University is organising two parallel sessions at the 9th Annual International Conference on Sustainable Development (ICSD).  “Research for Impact: An Inclusive and Sustainable Planet.”
Dates: 20 & 21 September 2021

The first session “SDG Learnings from COVID-19 for Science-Informed Decision-Making” whose moderators are:
Dr. Nida Hussain
(Pro-Chancellor, Ziauddin University)
Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Umrani
(Director ORIC, Ziauddin University)

The second session “SDG6 Implementation in LMICs and How National Water Policies Can Accelerate Progress” whose moderators are:
Engr. Faria Aslam Uqaili
(Hisaar Foundation)

Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Umrani
(Director ORIC, Ziauddin University)

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