LAHORE: (Tuesday, October 5, 2021): Punjab University Department of Development Communication (DDC) and Department of Social Welfare & Bait ul Mal (SW&BM;) Punjab have signed a memorandum of understanding to develop effective communication strategies for the betterment of the common man and bring positive change in society. In this regard, an agreement was signed at Punjab University here on Tuesday. Punjab Minister for Social Welfare Syed Yawar Abbas Bukhari, Vice Chancellor Prof Niaz Ahmad, Pro Vice Chancellor Prof Dr Saleem Mazhar, Dean Faculty of Information and Media Studies Prof Dr Khalid Mahmood, Secretary SW&BM;Hassan Iqbal, DG Bait ul Mal Shahid Niaz, DDC Chairperson Dr Ayesha Ashfaq, Director External Linkages Dr Sobia Khuram, Department of Digital Media Chairperson Dr Savera Shami, SB&WM;Director Programs Mrs Zaib Waseem, Head of Public Affairs and Govt Relations FrieslandCampina Engro Pakistan Saira Iftikhar, Head of Regular Affairs Angro Pakistan Dr Muhammad Nasir, Assistant Professor Mr Fahad Mahmmod, Dr Shazia Ismail Toor and others participated in the ceremony. In his address, the minister said that the government will benefit from the expertise of PU faculty members for the welfare of society. He said that the government was making efforts for skill and educational development of transgender. He said that the ministry had received funds, a site had been allocated and development work would start soon for this purpose. He said that the government had ensured a transparent mechanism for usage of public funds for their welfare. The minister said that SW&BM;would provide merit and need based scholarships to the students of DCC. Mr Abbas said that a gold medal would also be awarded to the topper student of DDC every year. He said that SW&BM;will sponsor workshops and training programs and will help provide job opportunities to the DDC students. PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmad said that the administration was funding and encouraging those research projects which aimed at resolving social issues being faced by the country. He appreciated the efforts of Dr Ayesha Ashfaq for playing her role in solving social issues. SW&BM;Secretary Hassan Iqbal said that the department would develop a system to get appropriate feedback after completion of joint projects to improve further. Dr Ayesha Ashfaq said that the DDC would provide research support to SW&BM;and help design communication strategies. She said that DDC teachers would help the Social Welfare Training Institute for capacity building in terms of effective communication, language and literacy, usage of ICTs and developing effective media campaigns. She said that the DDC would provide at least 20 volunteers to actively participate in community activities. She thanked PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmad for his encouragement and support. Later, PU VC Prof Niaz Ahmad presented souvenirs to the distinguished guests.