The University of Chitral and IMSciences Hold Business Idea Workshop

Department of Management Sciences and International Relations Office (IRO), University of Chitral organized a One-Week Workshop on “Business Idea Development” for the students of University of Chitral in collaboration with Academic Linkages and Exchange Program (ALEP) and Business Incubation Center (BIC) at the Institute of Management Sciences (IMSciences) Hayatabad, Peshawar. The workshop was from February 10 to 14, 2020. This intensive and One-Week long workshop consisted of different practical modules e.g. business model development, market research, HR for startups, Finance and Accounting systems for startups, etc. The program also included meetings with local startups from Peshawar where the students had the opportunity to understand the challenges and problems for entrepreneurs in the context of KPK and how young entrepreneurs are solving local problems with innovation, value and creating job opportunities. In addition, the students from the University of Chitral had exposure visits to National Incubation Center (NIC) and Durshal KPIT Board where they were briefed about how the government is providing technical and financial support to startups and how they are groomed to be business leaders. NIC Manager, Mr. Bilal Farooq personally gave a valuable session on how local startups can help Chitral create economic activities and uplift society. Students from the University of Chitral met those Chitrali students who were engaged in different entrepreneurial activities in IMSciences and shared their experiences to encourage and guide their fellow Chitralies. 

Later the next day, students had the privilege to visit the Institute of Peace and Conflict Studies, University of Peshawar and had an inspiration session with renowned Chitrali personality, Prof. Dr. Jameel Ahmed Chitrali. Dr. Jameel shared his life experience, provided guidance of immense value and extended his volunteer support. He also invited the students to a stage drama performance which the students happily accepted and attended.

Apart from academic sessions, workshops, meetings with startups and entrepreneurs, the students also visited different firms and organizations in Peshawar including Mashriq T.V. Students were given an exposure visit to the studio and guided how a media organization works and how leaders make quick decisions on sensitive matters. Mr. Mehmood Jan Baber, Director Mashriq TV, personally led the whole session and answered questions from the students. The CEO of Mashriq TV, Mr. Sayyed Fayaz Ali Shah announced paid internships for the students of the University of Chitral. Finally, the workshop and exposure visit ended with a certificate ceremony at the Institute of Management Sciences and certificates were distributed among the students. Deputy Direct IMSciences, Dr. Iftikhar Amin, Coordinator ALEP, Mr. Sikandar Tangi, Manager BIC and Chairman Department of Management Sciences, Mr. Mansoor Ullah Baig and other prominent faculty members from IMSciences were present at the occasion. Dr. Ifikhar Amin presented a special shield to Mr. Mansoor Ullah Baig and thanked his efforts in developing the Chitrali Youth toward entrepreneurship. While addressing the participants, Dr. Iftikhar Amin vowed to continue their volunteer support to the University of Chitral and extend these training and workshops and research. Mr. Mansoor Ullah Baig thanked Dr. Mohsin Khan, Director IMSciences, Dr. Usman Ghani, Joint Director IMSciences, Dr. Iftikhar Amin, Deputy Director IMSciences, Mr. Sikandar Tangi, Coordinator ALEP IMSciences and Mr. Ahsan Zia, Manager BIC IMSciences for organizing such a valuable workshop and their great hospitality.

Narrated by: Prof. Zahoor Ul Haq Danish