The Pakistan Microfinance Network and Ziauddin University have signed a Memorandum of Understanding, initiating the PMN Academic Linkages Program at the prestigious university. In the MoU, PMN agrees to share microfinance data and opportunities with Ziauddin University students, where they will be informed of projects, internships and job vacancies at all PMN member organizations. ZU will reciprocate by informing PMN of applicants for jobs and projects and allow microfinance material to be displayed and distributed on the campus.
The MoU was signed by Syed Mohsin Ahmed, CEO of PMN and Muhammad Yousaf, Registrar of ZU, marking the beginning of a collaborative relationship between the two organizations. The Academic Linkages Initiative by PMN is part of the Network’s capacity building objective. Since its inception, capacity building has been one of the Network’s primary concerns, taking into account both the training and non-training needs of its members. Building academic linkages will allow PMN to draw quality human resource and build knowledge platforms through contributions from both the practitioner and academic realms.
The two organizations will also encourage an exchange of dialogue and information by facilitating research forums and participating at lectures and conferences arranged by others. ZU will coordinate with PMN in inviting guest speakers on microfinance related subjects to the campus. PMN collaborates with practitioners to collate and compile discourse on microfinance, adaptable across business programs in the country. Inserting a body of knowledge at the level of the academic institution will translate into a healthier turn out of interns, employees, researchers and instructors for the industry in the future while increasing options for the students and faculty.
PMN is an association of 50 retail microfinance providers (MFPs) and represent over 99% of the microfinance market in Pakistan. It is positioned to engage with and facilitate the stakeholders in the industry and focuses on serving as an information hub, promoting an enabling environment and building capacity of stakeholders.
The Ziauddin University, Karachi, was given the Charter as Ziauddin University vide ‘The Ziauddin University’ (Amendment ACT 2003) on December 13th, 2005. It initially started growing in the field of medical sciences but as time went by the university proved itself to be one of the most diverse institutions. ZU is currently offering degrees in Medicine, Pharmacy, Bio-Medical Engineering, Allied Health Sciences, Media and Communications, Physical Therapy, Nursing, Dentistry and Speech, Language and Hearing Sciences. The University plans to introduce programmes in Audiology, Law, Business Administration and Fine Arts in near future to become a full-fledged institution that educates the youth of Pakistan and promotes the vision of Sir Dr. Ziauddin Ahmad.
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