A webinar on "Ramadan in the time of COVID-19" was here held on Tuesday under the auspices of Disease Awareness and Prevention Society of Government College University Lahore.

Eminent laparoscopic surgeon and motivational speaker Dr. Javaid Iqbal, Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi and clinical nutritionist Dr. Arooj Gillani addressed the webinar attended online by a large number of faculty members and students.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Javed Iqbal laid a stress on changing lifestyles and eating habits, saying that public health during the pandemic doesn't only require medical facilities, but also calls for changing their lifestyles and social behaviors including dietary habits.

We've been destroying our eating habits for the last forty years, but the COVID-19 has realized us about importance of homemade healthy eating and active lifestyle to boost our immunity against the diseases, Dr. Javed Iqbal

He also called upon the youth to stay positive in life, saying when you think good, your body's defenses work better. He also shared stories of people who converted lockdown into opportunity and set up successful online businesses.

Prof. Dr. Asghar Zaidi shared the journey of shifting from conventional to online mode of teaching at GCU in a very short period of time; revising 1600 courses, changing assessment methodology and training teachers. He said GCU teachers deserved special appreciation as many faculty members and their families suffered from COVID19 but they continued teaching and did not compromise on students' learning. He also said that Pakistani universities cannot shy away from e-learning, it is the need of the hour and the government needs to make heavy investments to improve internet connectivity and online teaching systems.

Dr. Arooj talked about the importance of fasting and adopting healthy eating habits in Sehr and Iftar.

The webinar was followed by a question answer session.