The Department of Computer Arts at Fatima Jinnah Women University in Rawalpindi concluded the first two days of a three-day international interdisciplinary design conference that explored design futures through culture, technology and sustainability. Under the patronage of Prof. Dr. Sarwet Rasul and the leadership of Prof. Dr. Bushra Mirza, Vice Chancellor FJWU, academics and practitioners convened to share research, projects and policy-relevant ideas.
The opening session was chaired by Mr. Ahsan Taqveem, a digital and multimedia artist participating from Canada, with Dr. Qaiser Khan of Foundation University Islamabad as co-chair. Presenters included Ms. Nabiha Durrani, a PhD candidate at INTI International University, Malaysia and assistant professor at the Institute of Design & Visual Arts, Lahore College for Women University; Ms. Afshan Jamal from Fatima Jinnah Women University; and Ms. Sadaf Hammad, an art educationist and visual artist, who examined how cultural narratives and new media shape design futures.
The second session was led by Dr. Shafia Azam with Mr. Sajjad Gul, Content Head at PTV, as co-chair. Speakers such as Ms. Mehvish Muzaffar, a PhD research scholar, and Dr. Uzma Imtiaz, Associate Professor at FJWU, presented scholarly work alongside contributions from Ms. Darakhshan Batool, lecturer in the Computer Arts Department, Ms. Nuzhat Bashir of FJWU and Mr. Awrang Khan, an MPhil scholar from the University of Peshawar. Discussions highlighted sustainable design approaches, creative education and the role of technology in local contexts.
Organisers emphasised that the conference seeks to strengthen Pakistan’s presence in global design conversations by promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and by showcasing the leadership of women educators and designers. The sessions on days one and two set the tone for further debate on actionable strategies to advance design futures that respond to cultural realities and sustainability priorities.
