PPAF, University of Wah Collaborate to Empower Marginalised Communities
— November 15, 2024
ISLAMABAD (AIA) The Pakistan Poverty Alleviation Fund (PPAF) and the University of Wah (UW) have forged a strategic partnership to advance research and innovation for poverty alleviation and sustainable development in Pakistan. The collaboration was formalised on Friday with the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) by Nadir Gul Barech, CEO of PPAF, and Prof. Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Dean of Management Sciences at UW.
This partnership aims to bridge the gap between academia and industry, combining PPAF’s on-ground expertise with UW’s academic resources to tackle critical socio-economic challenges. As part of the agreement, UW students and faculty will contribute research to PPAF’s initiatives, while students will gain hands-on experience through internships and fieldwork at PPAF’s Islamabad office. The two institutions will also collaborate on innovative projects, joint research, training programmes, and dialogues at conferences and roundtables to promote sustainable development.
Nadir Gul Barech emphasised the importance of this partnership in addressing poverty and inequality. “By pooling our resources and expertise, we aim to create sustainable, community-driven solutions that empower underprivileged communities. This collaboration will bring fresh academic insights and foster the next generation of change-makers dedicated to socio-economic progress in Pakistan,” he said. Barech reiterated PPAF’s commitment to partnering with institutions like UW to drive impactful change in marginalised communities.
Prof. Shahzad lauded the initiative, expressing enthusiasm for UW’s students and faculty to contribute to national development through this meaningful collaboration. He noted that the partnership aligns with UW’s mission to drive socio-economic progress through research and innovation.
This agreement reflects the shared vision of PPAF and UW to foster sustainable development, empower un