UVAS holds seminar on Punjab Civil Defense Resilience Corps initiatives

By Dr Ansab Ali – Lahore, Pakistan

LAHORE: The Emergency Response Committee of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) Lahore, in collaboration with the Punjab Civil Defense Resilience Corps (PCDRC) of the Home Department Punjab, organised a seminar on the initiatives of the PCDRC at the university’s City Campus.

UVAS Vice-Chancellor Meritorious Prof Dr Muhammad Younus (DLA.I, T.I) presided over the seminar, while Additional Secretary Home Department Punjab Ms Asma Ijaz Cheema attended as the Guest of Honour.

Director PCDRC Tasneem Ali Khan, Emeritus Prof Dr Muhammad Ashraf, Dean Faculty of Veterinary Science Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Durrani, Director Students Affairs Dr Muhammad Asad Muhammad Ali, faculty members, students and officials of the Civil Defense Resilience Corps were also present.

Addressing the seminar, Asma Ijaz Cheema highlighted that serving humanity is the fundamental purpose of mankind. She said Punjab Civil Defense is equipped to meet modern-day challenges and plays a vital role in rescuing people during natural disasters such as floods and earthquakes.
She added that food and essential supplies are now being delivered through drones to areas inaccessible to humans. Cheema urged UVAS students to register as volunteers and support Civil Defense efforts, praising the university’s administration for hosting the seminar.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof Dr Muhammad Younus commended the humanitarian services of the PCDRC. He said UVAS stands ready to fully cooperate with Civil Defense initiatives.
He emphasized that UVAS students possess immense potential and, when motivated, can excel in welfare and relief efforts. “Islam teaches us to serve humanity, and the best form of worship is helping those in distress,” he added.
Dr Younus said education must shape students into respectful and peaceful members of society who contribute positively to national development.

PCDRC Director Tasneem Ali Khan said trained personnel from the Corps have saved millions of lives during natural disasters. She shared that 264,000 volunteers skilled in various fields have been registered across Punjab to strengthen Civil Defense operations.

Prof Dr Aneela Zameer Durrani informed participants that UVAS is actively running multiple community engagement projects, including the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), which works for animal welfare.
She noted that UVAS has consistently provided relief during floods and earthquakes, with students actively participating in rescue and welfare missions. She added that UVAS students will soon receive further training from Civil Defense Punjab to enhance their role in future relief efforts.