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LUMS Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2021

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LUMS Celebrates the Graduating Class of 2021

LAHORE –  LUMS hosted an online convocation ceremony to honour the Class of 2021 on July 3. The ceremony was streamed via Facebook Live. His Excellency, the President of Pakistan and Chancellor, LUMS, Dr. Arif Alvi, joined the University’s senior leadership, including Founding Pro Chancellor, Syed Babar Ali; Rector, Mr. Shahid Hussain; Pro Chancellor, Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Arshad Ahmad to congratulate 1,281 graduating students. The keynote speaker at the ceremony was Ms. Faiza J. Saeed, Presiding Partner at the prestigious USA law firm, Cravath, Swaine & Moore in the USA who delivered an inspiring address to the graduates.

Dr. Alvi praised the graduating class for their perseverance, and urged them to serve their community while they pursue their careers. “I encourage all the graduates today to start giving back to society; by the knowledge you have gained here, and through your active involvement in each sector of the economy for the country’s holistic growth,” he said. He also appreciated the University’s role in facilitating the nation’s progress, and referred to it as an ‘icon of merit’, whose principles can become a guiding light for other educational institutions. Dr. Alvi also acknowledged LUMS’ funding initiatives to support bright students, including those from remote areas of the country, to provide access to quality education.

Founding Pro Chancellor, Syed Babar Ali wished all graduating students the best of luck and encouraged them to keep supporting their alma mater as a way of giving back to the society, “No private university can survive on its own. It needs to be supported both by advice and especially by finances from its alumni, who as a result of their studies, benefitted from LUMS.”

Pro Chancellor Mr. Abdul Razak Dawood encouraged the graduates to cherish the values that they gained at LUMS, and not only work for their own success but also for the progress of their fellow citizens. “Our hopes are that you will always follow the hard work you have learnt at LUMS to face the challenges that come your way, and during the whole process, please do not forget your alma mater,” he said.

In his remarks during the ceremony, Dr. Arshad Ahmad congratulated the graduates for their achievements and stressed on the importance of making meaningful contributions to society while embodying empathy and authenticity. He added, “You already hold the hallmarks of a LUMS graduate which are merit, integrity and respect. And your enduring advantage is this, you have developed the ability of thinking holistically and to use your intellectual gifts and your values-based education to further generate a new vision for Pakistan.”

In her keynote speech, Ms. Faiza J. Saeed urged the Class of 2021 to savour their accomplishments and encouraged them to take the path less travelled, “Depending on wherever you decide to go from here, or the profession you pursue, please find yourself a rarity. If you do, remember that every room you are in, is changed merely by your presence and that is a powerful tool.”

She further stated, “Progress happens as societies and institutions evolve and become more tolerant and more inclusive, giving more individuals the opportunity to develop, express and contribute through their talents. That is the ethos that defines LUMS and it is a gift that each of you takes away from your time here.”

The Class of 2021 also shared some memories of their time spent at LUMS, and the overarching impact it had on their lives. Ms. Zainab Imran, a graduate of the Electrical Engineering class, reflected on her experience and said, “During my time at LUMS, I had the honour of interacting and working with some of the most accomplished and inspiring members of the faculty, who encouraged me to shatter the glass ceiling day after day. Today, I stand proud of my achievements so far, and I look forward to the future with an unwavering drive to strive for more.”

During the ceremony, the winners of the inaugural Vice Chancellor’s Awards for Teaching Excellence were also recognised. Dr. Zubair Khalid, Dr. Ali Raza, Ms. Angbeen Mirza, Dr. Muhammad Tariq, and Dr. Momin Ayub Uppal, received the award for their contributions to significantly enhance the quality of their students’ learning experiences.

Additionally, for the first time in LUMS’ history, six faculty members were honoured with the title of Professor Emeritus: Dr. Ehsan Ul Haque, Dr. Syed Zahoor Hassan, Dr. Jamshed Hasan Khan, Dr. Anjum Nasim, Dr. Arif Zaman and Dr. Anwar Khurshid. These professors have a longstanding history with LUMS, and have played pivotal roles in shaping the institution to what it has become today.

The ceremony, with 1,100 live views during the Facebook broadcast, and 83,602 views afterwards, culminated with graduates of the five schools at LUMS receiving their awards, medals and degrees. The conferral of degrees was followed by an unplugged performance by singer, Mr. Ali Sethi who charmed the audience with his rendition of famous ghazals.

To watch the full ceremony, please click here.

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LGHS MUN concludes after three successful days of the event: Read for details

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LAHORE – The LGHS MUN finally concluded after 3 successful days, with delegates belonging to several different schools. The committee UNICEF hosted the most delegates from several different schools and colleges. The LGHS MUN took place from 7th November to 9th November, every day, delegates met in their respective committees. Some formed alliances, while others went on the offensive but showed remarkable signs of diplomacy, further raising the standards of the MUN.  

Model United Nations, MUN, is a form of roleplay in which students guise as delegates and represent their country in a type of UN conference and engage in debates related to climate change or International security.

The main objective of an MUN is to bolster the public speaking abilities of students and provide them with an experience in preparing for future conferences, drafting paperwork, and creating policies. The MUN also benefits students by developing their leadership skills, research experiences, and problem-solving abilities.

The LGHS MUN aimed at giving students the most benefits possible of participating in an MUN, as the management continued to emphasize learning through this MUN, even after many delegates suffered from defeat. Many were new to the concept of MUN, but soon after attending LGHS MUN, many got a useful experience for the future, as LGHS MUN served as a kickstart for many talented students who wished to continue their journey as delegates of an MUN.

Upfront sent a team under the leadership of Editor-in-Chief, Haris Sarfraz Ali, and CEO Mohtasim Kamran to cover the LGHS MUN and met with the management to discuss the MUN. The management of the MUN was hopeful that they had done their best to host the best MUN they could’ve possibly hosted.

The event president, Ms. Sameen, was initially worried about the low number of delegates participating in the MUN; however, the Vice-president and other members backed her up, and soon after, a great number of delegates registered for the LGHS MUN. After having a fruitful discussion with the EC members, the Upfront team met with the Media team of the LGHS MUN, who were seen putting their utmost dedication into the event.

The committee with the most delegates in the MUN was UNICEF. The Upfront team approached one of the delegates whose name is not being mentioned, and asked about the veto power of the permanent members of the United Nations in order to test the preparedness of the delegate to answer quick questions. The delegate, however, gave a calm and composed response and added that the veto power should exist, but the way it is used should be changed, as the permanent members are often seen as biased towards a friendly nation, according to the delegate, which hinders the ability of the committee to pass useful resolutions to benefit the world.

The delegates’ response was quick and witty, signaling that he had done research before the MUN.

The MUN first kicked off with a qawwali night on Day One and committee sessions, along with Jummah break. The delegates seemingly had a positive mood from Day One. The last day, Day Three, ended after a formal dinner arranged by the LGHS MUN’s management. The Upfront’s team was successful in covering the event, highlighting Upfront’s commitment to Stay Ahead and Stay Upfront.

For further details, do visit the official Instagram handle of Upfront.

 

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Riphah University hosts 6th international conference on lifestyle medicine 2025 in Islamabad

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ISLAMABAD — The 6th International Conference on Lifestyle Medicine (ICLM 2025) commenced at the Highland Country Club & Resort, Islamabad, marking a significant milestone in Pakistan’s journey toward a preventive, compassionate, and sustainable healthcare system.

Jointly organized by the Pakistan Association of Lifestyle Medicine (PALM) and the Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine (RILM), the three-day international summit revolves around the theme “Turning the Tide on Non-Communicable Diseases – A Whole-Person Approach.”

The conference brings together national and international thought leaders, physicians, researchers, and policymakers dedicated to transforming health systems through evidence-based lifestyle interventions that prevent, treat, and even reverse non-communicable diseases (NCDs)—the leading cause of global mortality.

The inaugural ceremony was graced by Syed Mustafa Kamal, Federal Minister for National Health Services, Regulations & Coordination, and Dr. Rizwan Taj, President, Pakistan Medical & Dental Council (PMDC), alongside senior representatives from the World Health Organization (WHO), academia, and medical institutions across the region.

“Lifestyle Medicine is not an alternative—it is the foundation of sustainable healthcare,” said Dr. Beth Frates, Chair of the Riphah Institute of Lifestyle Medicine and a global pioneer in the field. “Through science, compassion, and collaboration, we can redesign healthcare to help people live longer, healthier, and more purposeful lives.”

Highlighting the growing commitment to preventive health, Federal Minister Syed Mustafa Kamal shared that the philosophy of Lifestyle Medicine deeply resonates with him. “We must move from a ‘sick care’ system to a ‘health care’ approach. Lifestyle Medicine offers a clear path forward to build a healthier nation,” he emphasized.

Reflecting its “whole-person” philosophy, ICLM 2025 integrates science with wellbeing—offering plant-based meals, meditation and mindfulness sessions, and discussions on digital health, sleep, and behavioral change. The program includes plenary talks, workshops, and research presentations focused on nutrition, movement, emotional resilience, and social connection as the pillars of a healthier society.

Delegates from the United States, United Kingdom, UAE, and across Pakistan are collaborating on research, training, and advocacy initiatives to strengthen preventive medicine and medical education across South Asia. The event will conclude with the “Islamabad Declaration”—a set of recommendations to integrate Lifestyle Medicine into primary healthcare, policy, and medical curricula nationwide.

A special Gala Dinner and Retreat will celebrate community, empathy, and the shared vision of advancing the social and emotional dimensions of wellbeing.

“ICLM 2025 is not just a conference—it’s a movement toward a more compassionate, community-centered model of healthcare,” said Dr.Shagufta Feroz , Director of RILM. “We hope every attendee leaves inspired to become an agent of change in their own communities.”

With PALM leading advocacy, training, and education, and RILM pioneering clinical integration and academic innovation, Pakistan continues to emerge as a regional hub for Lifestyle Medicine—redefining health as not merely the absence of disease, but the presence of vitality, purpose, and connection.

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Healthcare University at Nawaz Sharif IT City Established in collaboration with NovaCare and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (UK)

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LAHORE – The Punjab Central Business District Development Authority (PCBDDA), also known as Central Business District Punjab (CBD Punjab), has issued an official clarification in response to reports concerning Imperial College London’s involvement in a development project at CBD NSIT.

In its statement, CBD Punjab clarified that the upcoming Healthcare University and Affiliated Medical College at CBD NSIT is a joint initiative between NovaCare and Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (UK)—an independent institution within the UK’s National Health Service (NHS).

The authority affirmed that the project is progressing as planned under the NovaCare–ICHT partnership, reinforcing CBD Punjab’s commitment to creating a state-of-the-art hub for medical education, research, and healthcare innovation in Lahore.

The statement further highlighted that the initiative is being developed under the direct supervision of Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust (UK), ensuring adherence to international standards of excellence in healthcare and academic development.

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