KARACHI: Iqra University (IU) held its first annual HR symposium on Tuesday at its main campus in Karachi.

The event attracted more than 150 HR professionals.

It included speakers and panellists from leading business groups of the country, says a press release.

Dr Wasim Qazi, the vicechancellor of IU, said: `Here at Iqra University, we realise the hypercompetitive nature of the modern business environment.That is why we have launched this symposium so that HR professionals across industries can interact and network with their peers. It offers a forum for the Pakistani HR industry to discuss best practices and the right organisational tools for continued success.

A panel discussion followed on the topic `Synergy Building strong bridges` The panellists examined some of the challenges and opportunities that the Pakistani industry has indeveloping teams in the workforce.

The symposium featured two keynotes speeches.

Aamina Siddiqi, talent and organisation manager at Unilever, spoke about the role of change and stress management for the modern workforce. Ali Raza Abidi, head of training and management development division, Bank Al-Habib Limited, spoke on how companies can best implement and analyse their training and development effectiveness.