.:.GC University Lahore

There will be no class work (Semester Break) For B.A/B.Sc (Hons), Session 2007-2011 from 14-07-2008 to 31-08-2008. the classes for this session will commence from 1st September 2008. however, all other sessions/programmes will continue as per schedule.

The GC University Lahore today organized a joint post budget seminar in collaboration with the Beaconhouse National University Lahore (BNU), Lahore University of Management and Sciences (LUMS) and Lahore School of Economics (LSE). Eminent economist from the four educational institutions participated in the seminar.

Prof. Dr Khalid Aftab Vice Chancellor GC University, Lahore in his opening address explained the emerging economic challenges facing Pakistan and underscored the need to cut the fiscal deficit which has increased to 7% of the GDP during the last fiscal year. He highlighted the significance of such forums in promoting discussion and dialogue on key economic issues and challenges. He said that it is for the first time that the public and private universities joined hands in holding the seminar of national importance and subsequently this will lead to greater cooperation between the institutions.

Sartaj Aziz, Vice Chancellor Beaconhouse National University while expressing his views on the occasion said that overall it was a good budget because the government has started giving attention to the key sector of agriculture which was ignored over the last many years. He said, �Sustainable growth of economy depends on external and internal factors. The government is facing challenges as the oil prices were below $100 per barrel in 1999 and it was now $135 per barrel. He said government would have to synchronise policies, priorities and institutions in to cope with current economic challenges. He urged the government to boost the agriculture sector to help the nation come out of the worst food crisis.

Dr. Hafiz A. Pasha Dean of Department of Economics BNU said that during the last five years, the cost of running the government in Pakistan has increased manifold. Over the last three years, if the government has taxed the expanding businesses and sectors of the economy it could have collected Rs 300 billion which constitutes one third of the size of the total revenues. He further said that over the last seven years, a period of so called prosperity, our total outlay on social safety nets was quite dismal point 01 percent of the GDP. He said that Pakistan needs a big structural change if it wants to realize the goal of economic prosperity. He appreciated the speakers for highlighting the long term and the short term problems facing the economy.

Ali Cheema, Chairman Department of Economics LUMS talked about Pakistan�s key macroeconomic developments and structural changes that have taken place over the years. He said that the state of Pakistan has a very weak fiscal compact and there is a lack of dynamism in manufacturing sector which leads to lackluster performance of exports in the economy.

Dr. Akmal Hussain (BNU) talked about measures taken to reduce poverty. He said that poverty has emerged as the biggest problem of the country as more than 57 million people are living below the poverty line. He underscored the need for better institutional structures especially for the small and medium sized farmers who have the potential to overcome the challenge of low productivity.

Dr Perver Tahir Mahbub-ul-Haq Professor of Economics (GCU) talked about sectoral growth strategies and highlighted the significance of the services sector which has emerged as the biggest contributor to economic growth in recent years.

Dr Aisha Ghaus Pasha from BNU underlined the fiscal priorities to deal with the challenge of burgeoning fiscal deficit in Pakistan. She predicted that the budget would deprive WAPDA of 34 percent subsidy, KESC of 30 percent, 20 percent deficit of for oil and refineries. She said, �It means the subsidy on petroleum will go down from Rs 300 billion to Rs 140 billion, causing an increase in price by Rs 14 per litre�.

Dr Asad Saeed (Applied Economic Research Centre Karachi), Dr Naved Hamid (LSE) also spoke on the occasion. Asif Saeed (GCU) conducted the proceeding of the seminar.

The GCU Theatre Summer Camp focuses on refining the students� ability to perform on stage with special emphasis on acting skills, voice and speech development, production, props and lighting. It will increase their confidence level, sharpen their intellect and polish their skills.

Last date for submission of forms in the Registrar�s Office is 12 July, 2008.

Interview will be held in the Fazal-e-Hussain Reading Room Main Building of GCU on 15 July, 2008 at 11:00 am

The list of selected candidates will be displayed at the Registrar�s Office on 16 July, 2008 at 11:00 am.

Minimum Qualification: Students awaiting O� Level/Matric, FA/FSc/A Level or BA results are encouraged to apply.

The Vice Chancellor GC University Lahore Prof. Dr. Khalid Aftab has congratulated newly elected Chief Minister of Punjab Mian Shahbaz Sharif. It is pertinent to mention here that Mian Shahbaz Sharif had been a distinguished Old Ravian and had been associated with the then Government College during his college studies. The Vice Chancellor hoped that the province of Punjab would flourish on fast track progress and prosperity under his visionary and dynamic leadership.

Sponsor A Cancer Patient Program offers you the unique opportunity of sponsoring an individual of your choice currently undergoing treatment at the SKMCH & RC. Click Here for more details.

GC University Lahore, Department of Geography, is conducting a Refresher Course on Digital Cartography. The course has been designed to introduce professionals and academics to the basic concepts and principals of Digital Cartography and the GIS through a series of lecturers and laboratory exercises. Since GIS is currently being used in many different fields of study (Biology, Geology, Ecology, Geography, Mountain Studies, Archeology, Urban and Regional Planning etc. It would help professionals to manage and analyze their baseline data more effectively. Participants will have the scope of using GIS software for applications in their related fields such as; Natural Resource Management, Civil Engineering, Agriculture and Information System etc. All this will be discussed through mini projects presentations and hands on laboratory exercises on the world renowned GIS software.

A major objective of course is to introduce the participants the essential elements of the Geographic Information System. The course will review the development and history of GIS and demonstrate present applications of the technology. A secondary objective is to stimulate internet in GIS activities that play a vital role in modern development and cartography.

27 May, 2008

Event: SOLO SHOW OF WOOD CUT PRINTS BY MAHBOOB ALI
WHEN:	Tuesday, 27 May, 2008
TIME:	03:00 PM
WHERE:	Minhas Art Gallery GCU Lahore
WHO:	Distinguished Old Ravians and President of Chamber of Commerce Lahore Muhammad Ali Mian will be Chief Guest
CONTACT:	Chairperson Fine Arts Department GC University Lahore UAN #: 111-000-010 Ext: 331

24 May, 2008

Event: CONDOLENCE REFERENCE TO COMMEMORATE LATE DR. M.H. BOKHARI AND DR. KIYANI
WHEN:	Saturday, 24th May 2008
TIME:	10:00 AM
WHERE:	Department of Botany, GCU Lahore
WHO:	Prof. Dr. Khalid Hamid Sheikh Former Vice Chancellor Punjab University, Dr. Amin U. Khan Dean of Science and Technology GCU Dr. Ikram ul Haq and Director, Institute of Biotechnology GCU
CONTACT:	Chairperson Department of Botany GC University Lahore UAN: 111 000 010/EXT 257

23 May, 2008

Event: Annual concert of heritage
WHEN:	Friday, 23 May, 2008
TIME:	04:00 PM
WHERE:	Bokhari Auditorium
WHO:	GCU Music Society Members will perform.
CONTACT:	Mr. Tariq Farani Programme Officer (Music) GC University Lahore UAN #: 111-000-010 Ext: 250
Note: The entry is restricted only for GCU Students

15 May, 2008

Event: LECTURE ON SELF-CENSORSHIP ON MEDIA
WHEN:	Thursday, 15^th May, 2008
TIME:	10:00 AM
WHERE:	Fazl-i-Hussain Reading Room
WHO:	Prof. Dr. Mehdi Hasan Head of Department School of Media & Communication, BNU Lahore (Key Speaker) Prof. Dr. Sohail Ahmed Khan, Dean of Languages, Islamic and Oriental Learning GCU (Chief Guest)
CONTACT:	President The Young Journalists Society GCU Lahore	Mr. Muhammad Iqbal Anjum In-Charge Mass Communication Department GCU Lahore

14 May, 2008

Event: Discussion on "Is Performing Art in GCU a Powerful Medium of Education?"
WHEN:	Wednesday,14th May, 2008
TIME:	01:00 PM
WHERE:	Music Society Room Bokhari Auditorium GCU
WHO:	Representatives of the University Societies will speak on the topic.
CONTACT:	Ms. Rubina Murtaza Lecturer (Education) In-Charge GCU Education Society	Mr. Tariq Farani In-Charge Nazir Ahmed Music Society (NAMS)

05 May, 2008

Event: GCU Quiz Competition
WHEN:	Monday,05th May, 2008
TIME:	01:00 PM
WHERE:	Fazal-i-Husain Reading Room