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VC Dr. Razia Sultana Leads Successful International Conference on Innovation
TP REPORT
Mardan: Women University Mardan successfully concluded its three-day international conference titled “The Future Reimagined: Innovation through Science, Social Science and Global Collaboration (FutureCon-2026)”, bringing together academicians, researchers, policymakers, and students from across Pakistan and abroad to deliberate on contemporary global challenges and future-oriented solutions.
The conference was organized in collaboration with COMSTECH, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Science and Technology Information Centre (PASTIC), Bank of Khyber, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, and other partner institutions. The event featured research paper presentations, keynote addresses, and academic discussions focusing on innovation, multidisciplinary research, and global cooperation.
Addressing the concluding session, Vice Chancellor Professor Dr. Razia Sultana emphasized the importance of global academic collaboration and the need to strengthen linkages with national and international academic and research institutions for organizing such scholarly forums. She announced that Women University Mardan is working on the establishment of a Center of Excellence in Artificial Intelligence and a Center of Art and Design to promote innovation, creativity, and research excellence. She further informed that the university plans to organize another international conference in collaboration with other universities in June 2026 at the Baragali Summer Campus, University of Peshawar.
During the concluding session, Dr. Farhat Jabeen, Dr. Sattar (Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan), and Dr. Hikmat Afridi, Director Academics, APSCS Sialkot, shared their views on the two-day multidisciplinary academic engagements and appreciated the conference for providing an effective platform for intellectual exchange and interdisciplinary dialogue.
The conference was graced by Commissioner Mardan, Mr. Muhammad Javed Marwat, as the Chief Guest, while Professor Dr. Qibla Ayaz attended as the Guest of Honour. In his address, Dr. Qibla Ayaz highlighted the relevance of the conference theme “The Future Reimagined”, stating that artificial intelligence cannot be ignored and must be responsibly adopted for the betterment of society. He likened the transformative impact of AI to the invention of the printing press and stressed the need for reimagining the future to achieve sustainable progress. He emphasized that reimagination is deeply linked with human intellect and innovation, and encouraged the younger generation to play an active role in shaping the future.
In his remarks, Commissioner Mardan Mr. Muhammad Javed Marwat appreciated the successful organization of the conference and highlighted the significance of its thoughtfully constructed theme, encompassing the future reimagined, innovation through science and social science, and global collaboration. He stressed that applied sciences alone are insufficient without social sciences, as societal development depends on communication, collaboration, and interconnectedness. He further emphasized the importance of skill-based and technical education, noting that the lack of skilled labor limits economic opportunities. He commended the Vice Chancellor and the organizing team for their efforts.
As part of the closing ceremony, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) were signed with Press Club Mardan and GC University Faisalabad (College of Allied Health Professionals) to enhance academic collaboration, research partnerships, and media engagement.
The conference concluded with a vote of thanks by Dr. Hina Jabeen, followed by the distribution of shields and certificates among the participants and organizers, marking the successful completion of the international academic event.
National
Major Political Shift in GB as Top Leaders Join Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party
TP Report
ISLAMABAD: Former Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan, Ex Chief Minister, former Leader of the Opposition and several ex Ministers along with other prominent political leaders have formally announced their decision to join the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party (IPP). This announcement was made during a Press Conference held at the residence of IPP President & Federal Minister for Communications Abdul Aleem Khan. Those who joined IPP include former Governor of Gilgit-Baltistan Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon, former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan, former Leader of the Opposition Captain Shafi, former Ministers Fateh Ullah Khan, Shamas Ullah Haq, Haji Shah Baig and Dilshad Bano. Khan Akbar Khan, Maulana Sultan Raees and Eemaan Shah also included in those who announced their inclusion in the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party. On this occasion, IPP President & Federal Minister Abdul Aleem Khan along with his colleagues warmly welcomed them and presented party flag on their joining IPP.
Addressing the Press Conference, Abdul Aleem Khan expressed best wishes towards the newly inducted leaders and stated that the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party is formally entering the political arena of Gilgit-Baltistan for the first time. He emphasized that the people of the region deserve equal opportunities for development, prosperity and employment. He added that Gilgit-Baltistan is rich in immense natural resources and tourism potential which if properly developed could generate billions of dollars in foreign exchange and transform the region into the “Switzerland of Pakistan.” He reiterated the Party’s commitment to prioritizing employment opportunities for youth and improving the economic conditions of the local population. Abdul Aleem Khan further stated that the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party will run a vigorous election campaign in Gilgit-Baltistan and present its manifesto before the masses. He clarified that the Party’s objective is not merely political participation but to bring practical change to the destiny of the region through concrete measures. The party leadership reaffirmed its commitment that public welfare, particularly the sustainable development of Gilgit-Baltistan will remain its top priority and that every possible effort will be made to honor the public’s trust.
On this occasion, leaders of the like-minded group from Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf who joined IPP including former Governor Raja Jalal Hussain Maqpoon and former Chief Minister Haji Gulbar Khan expressed full confidence in the leadership of Abdul Aleem Khan. They stated that the Istehkam-e-Pakistan Party is playing an effective role for the progress and stability of the country and is committed to the genuine representation of the people of Gilgit-Baltistan. Minister of State and senior IPP leader Aun Chaudhry, Parliamentary Secretary Gul Asghar Baghur, IPP Punjab President Rana Nazir Ahmed Khan, General Secretary & MPA Shoaib Siddiqui along with other central and provincial leaders were also present on the occasion.
