LAHORE: Punjab Minister for Higher Education Mansoor Qadir on Monday called for innovative solutions to combat smog.

He was addressing the three-day fourth International Conference on “Emerging trends in earth and environmental sciences.”

The event was organised by the Punjab University College of Earth and Environmental Sciences (CEES) and attended by a diverse group, including Minister of State on Tourism Sayed Wasi Shah, CEES Principal Prof Dr Sajid Rashid, delegates from Germany, Canada, Colombia, and Pakistan, along with researchers, experts, faculty members, and a large number of students.

Mr Qadir highlighted the importance of collaboration between academia and industry to overcome the environmental challenges of the present era.

He emphasised the need for innovative approaches to tackle the pervasive issue of smog that has severe implications for the environment and public health.

Minister of State on Tourism Sayed Wasi Shah addressed the conference, drawing attention to the impact of climate change on the environment, water resources, biodiversity, and ecosystems.

CEES Principal Prof Dr Sajid Rashid Ahmad expressed hope that the ideas generated during the conference would foster more sustainable and harmonious relationships between humanity and the environment.

He underscored the harmful effects of smog on the health of pregnant women and unborn babies, emphasising the collective responsibility to secure the future for the next generations.

Throughout the conference, various experts presented their insights on crucial environmental issues.

Dr Mathias Liess highlighted ecosystem security, while Dr Kimberly and others focused on smog eradication strategies.

Dr Mumtaz Cheema, Dr Ian Sutherland, and Dr Sonja Knutson emphasised the importance of agricultural and environmental protection.

ACADEMIC COUNCIL: Punjab University Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood chaired an Academic Council meeting at Al-Razi Hall.

The council adopted PhD, post-graduate, undergraduate, and anti-plagiarism policies of the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan.

The meeting also decided to continue the associate degree programme in affiliated colleges, both annually and under the semester system. The newly-elected members of the Academic Council were congratulated, with hopes for their contributions to the university’s development.

The council also approved new programmes based on the recommendations of the board of studies and faculty boards of various departments.

MOOT: A two-day international conference on “Recent Advances in Mathematics” started at the main campus of University of Education (UE) in Township on Monday.

The conference was organised by the UE Department of Mathematics in which national and international researchers are participating, both physically and online. As many as 100 research papers will be presented during the conference.

Published in Dawn, December 5th, 2023