BNU Hosts Landmark Policy Conference to Launch 2024 Action-Oriented Policy Notes The conference brought together leading policymakers, academics, and public intellectuals, with Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, as the Chief Guest. He appreciated BNU’s initiative and its alignment with the government’s development vision. A special keynote was delivered by Mr. Mudassir Sheikha, CEO of Careem, who spoke about the transformative potential of Pakistan’s IT sector. The second session featured dynamic discussions on political reconciliation, boosting exports, regional connectivity, and investment in education. Moderated by Dr. Zainab, the session included contributions from Javed Jabbar, Imrana Tiwana, Dr. Nizamuddin, Mr. Kashif Noor, Mr. Tariq Ikram, and Mr. Haroon Sharif. Ms. Humaira from the Ministry of Planning also provided valuable insights. The session was followed by a powerful concluding address by Mr. Khurram Dastgir, former Minister for Foreign Affairs, who offered a candid reflection on policy-making gaps and institutional bottlenecks in Pakistan. In his remarks, BNU Vice Chancellor Dr. Moeed Yusuf reiterated the university’s commitment to providing meaningful policy input. The Director of BCPR highlighted the importance of involving youth in national policy processes. The conference stands as a testament to BNU’s efforts to bridge the gap between academic research and practical policy implementation.
Diversity Talks: Faizi Shares Her Journey of Resilience and Advocacy During the session, Faizi shared her personal experiences of navigating institutional discrimination, social stigma, and policy gaps that hinder transgender inclusion. She highlighted the urgent need for education, employment opportunities, and legislative reforms to create a more equitable society, emphasizing the role of advocacy and allyship in driving systemic change. She also addressed misconceptions about the 2018 Transgender Persons Act, the historical marginalization of transgender individuals, and the importance of inclusivity in education and employment. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A, where Faizi emphasized the role of academic institutions and policymakers in fostering inclusion. The discussion reinforced BNU’s commitment to diversity, meaningful dialogue, and supporting marginalized communities, inspiring students and faculty to take an active role in promoting inclusivity and social justice.
A Conversation with Mr. Ashis Ray on His Book on the History of the Subcontinent Mr. Ray’s discussion delved into the Indian independence movement under Subhas Chandra Bose and the Indian National Army (INA) trials, which significantly influenced British perceptions of Indian self-rule. His insights provided a compelling narrative on how the court-martial of INA soldiers became a turning point in the struggle for independence, reshaping colonial policies and accelerating decolonization. The session encouraged a dynamic exchange of perspectives, incorporating viewpoints from both India and Pakistan to offer a more comprehensive understanding of this transformative period in history. Attendees engaged in a thought-provoking dialogue on the shared history of the subcontinent, deepening their appreciation of the historical forces that shaped its modern political landscape.
BCPR Hosts ‘Diversity Talks’ with Mr. Toseef Aslam on Overcoming Challenges During the session, Mr. Toseef emphasized the crucial role of family and friends in empowering differently-abled individuals to unlock their true potential. He urged students to focus on abilities rather than limitations, reinforcing his message with the impactful statement, “Do not dis my ability.” He concluded the session by recommending motivational books and films, encouraging students to seek inspiration and develop a mindset of resilience and inclusivity.
