Department of Social Sciences and Humanities of Virtual University of Pakistan (VUP) arranged a webinar on “COVID-19: Challenges & Opportunities in Social Context” on Zoom at 11:00 am on 23rd June, 2020. The purpose of the webinar was to enlighten VUP colleagues regarding the expected challenges and opportunities of COVID-19 from the platform of Department of Social Sciences and Humanities, Virtual University of Pakistan. Chief Guest of this webinar was Mr. Naeem Tariq, Rector Virtual University of Pakistan. The program started with the name of Allah Almighty. In opening remarks, Prof. Dr. Najma Najam (Advisor Academics) identified and elaborated on the socio-psychological impact of COVID-19 around the globe. The talk also analysed why Covid-19 was a source of great fear and how would the individuals, social relations, and societies change after COVID -19. Mr. Naeem Tariq, Rector Virtual University of Pakistan, in his welcome address gave valuable advice to raise awareness about Coronavirus among the participants. Ms. Nadia Saleem, Assistant Professor, Department of Mass Communication, moderated the webinar. She was also the first presenter of this webinar She discussed how COVID -19 has changed social media engagements and how to use social media intelligently in this time of crisis. Ms. Sadia Jabeen, Lecturer Sociology, was the second speaker of this informative webinar; she threw light on the social impacts, challenges, and opportunities created by COVID-19 from sociological lens especially vis-avis economy and health. The third and the last speaker of the session was from the Department of Psychology, Ms. Asma Zafar (Lecturer). She talked about parenting children during COVID-19 while strengthening the relationship with our children.

After her talk, the speakers answered the questions raised by attendees. In the end, Mr. Naeem Tariq, Rector Virtual University of Pakistan, gave his closing remarks. He shared his valuable observations about this crisis situation which all are going through due to COVID-19. He focused on the individual responsibility to create social awareness and how this pandemic is creating opportunities for us. The webinar ended with the recommendation that each individual must commit to play their role in spreading awareness and positivity around people in this tough time.