TOBA TEK SINGH: The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), on Monday opened a two-day symposium titled ‘Frontiers in computational chemistry’ by the Department of Chemistry and Endowment Fund Secretariat.

UAF Vice-Chancellor Prof Dr Iqrar Ahmad Khan stressed the need to conduct quality research work in order to combat the different challenges and to produce manpower equipped with scientific knowledge.

It will open up an avenue of development and prosperity. He said the UAF was taking all possible steps to hone the skills of the students with the modern knowledge that would help them face the odds in the fields in a better way.

Dean Faculty of Sciences Dr Asghar Bajwa said computational chemistry has become an essential approach in nearly every area of the molecular sciences, including catalysis, biophysics, environmental sciences, and spectroscopy. The calculation can provide excellent insight at the atomic level into the mechanism, dynamics and processes and provide accurate molecular properties predictions.

Chairman Dr Ijaz Ahmad Bhatti said that computational chemistry is a branch of chemistry that uses computer simulation to solve complex chemical problems. It exploits methods of theoretical chemistry, incorporated into efficient computer programmes, to calculate the structures and the properties of molecules. He said that the symposium was meant to bring together researchers to promote an innovative, creative, and collaborative environment. He said that with computational chemistry, we can effectively solve the health, pharmaceutical and agriculture sectors.

FESCO: In view of the National Disaster Management Authority forecast for more than normal rainfall during the monsoon season and on Eidul Azha, Fesco Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Engr Bashir Ahmed assigned special duties to the operation staff and also issued orders not to leave the station.

Special duties have also been assigned to the employees of the construction directorate in all five-operation circles of Fesco.

Similarly, cranes of construction and the GSC Directorate will also perform the emergency operations while equipment of various types, including transformers trolleys and safety gadgets, have also been provided.

Distribution transformers are being balanced on an emergency basis under the supervision of the superintendent engineer of each circle to reduce the incidence of transformer malfunction and burning as in case of transformer malfunction, customers have to wait for supply to be restored. The staff have also been directed to carry out safety measures in power restoration works during rains.

The CEO urged the consumers to keep themselves and their children away from power poles and lines during rains. People should not tie sacrificial animals to or near electric poles, structures, towers and wires to protect them from electric shocks, he added.

Published in Dawn, July 5th, 2022