Launch of Documentary "Wabaa Aur Baqaa: Surviving the Pandemic" at FATA University

The Friedrich Ebert Stiftung Pakistan Office in collaboration with the FATA University, held screening of documentary “Wabaa Aur Baqaa: Surviving the Pandemic.”

In her introductory remarks, Sidra Saeed, Program Advisor FES Pakistan, introduced work of FES in Pakistan and objectives behind making the documentary.

The screening session was followed by a panel discussion with Dr. Shahjehan Syed, Arieb Azhar, Farzana Ali, Dr. Wajid Mehmood and Wagma Feroz (moderated by Sidra Saeed).

The panelists highlighted the effects of COVID-19 on different sectors of society, especially the daily wagers. During pandemic, incidents of domestic violence increased and mostly women lost their jobs. Furthermore, the transition to online mean of education unraveled challenges in remote areas lacking connectivity infrastructure. There was a mutual consensus among panelists that there are lessons yet to be learned for future to mitigate the impact of any similar natural calamity.

In his keynote address, Prof. Muhammad Jahanzeb Khan, Vice Chancellor, FATA University appreciated FES Pakistan for reaching out and providing a unique opportunity to students, to learn about the impact of COVID-19 on the socio-political landscape of Pakistan. He was of the view that despite challenges of COVID-19, it helped the education sector to evolve to become technology oriented.

The discussion was followed by the Q/A session with audience.