BAHAWALPUR: Federal Minister for Education and Professional Training Muhammad Balighur Rehman on Monday inaugurated art and craft exhibition organised by Bahawalpur Arts Council at Rashadia Hall.

According to Resident Director Syed Abid Rizvi, a number of items prepared by local artisans were displayed at the exhibition.

Speaking on the occasion, the minister appreciated the [displayed] crafts and said the government had taken a number of steps to encourage local artisans to earn their livelihood.

He said both the federal and Punjab governments had trained thousands of male and female students in different skills so that they might be self-sufficient in their earnings.

The minister took a round of the various stalls and distributed certificates among the artisan.

SEMINAR: The Islamia University Bahawalpur (IUB) in collaboration with the Punjab Higher Education Department and Provincial Disaster Management Authority organised a seminar on national disaster awareness.

The faculty and students were briefed about floods, earthquakes and droughts as the common disasters. The speakers also spoke about the concepts of vulnerability, risk reduction strategies and the capacity building process of the community.

Humanity, neutrality, impartiality and independence were of prime importance for responding to disasters.

The role of various stakeholders, international and national organisations, NGOs and local community based organisations was also highlighted by the resource person in this regard.

Published in Dawn, November 21st, 2017