UNIVERSITY RANKING

FOR 2014 UNIVERSITY RANKING

FOR 2014

SAARC States Agree to Boost Collaboration in Higher Education

SAARC States Agree to Boost SAARC States Agree to Boost Collaboration in Higher EducationCollaboration in Higher Education

Social Scientists Pledge to Provide Research-based Solutions to Prevailing Problems

NDU and FUUAST Clinch Allama Iqbal Shields

Social Scientists Pledge to Provide Research-based Solutions to Prevailing Problems

NDU and FUUAST Clinch Allama Iqbal Shields

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May/June 2015

Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

Sartaj Aziz Terms Improvement in Quality at All Levels of Education Essential

Minister Sees Immense Progress in Pakistan's Higher Education Sector

Table of Contents

Graphic Designer

Raja Ahmad Nadeem

Reporter

Waseem Khaliqdad

Editor

Aayesha Ikram

Publisher:

Higher EducationCommission, Pakistan

News & Views is published after every two months. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written permission of the publisher.

The views expressed by authors in the articles is their sole responsibility and not of HEC. The Commission would like to thank all the institutions and individuals who contributed information and photographs for this Magazine.

5Role of Higher Education Sector Vital to Achieve CPEC Objectives, says Ahsan Iqbal

TESP Holds Post-training Session for Foreign

Trainees

University Rankings for 2014 Announced

Chairman HEC Meets Vice Chancellors of

Sindh Universities

th17 All Pakistan Inter University Declamation

Contest

Vcs Vow to Ensure Quality Education

Observations Raised by Transparency

International on PM's Laptop Scheme

Resolved

3-Day Capacity Building Programme for

Doctoral Provision at HEC

Young Artists Paid Tribute at BNU School

Show

IIUI Gets Advanced Electronic Labs

Isra-BSU Int'l Moot on Entrepreneurship

President Chairs PIEAS Convocation 2015

SZABIST Signs MoU with British Council

French Govt Awards UAF VC for Services in

Edu, Research

PAF-KIET Awards Degrees to 592 Students

560 Bahria University Students Awarded

Degrees

62

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Sartaj Aziz Terms Improvement in Quality at All Levels of Education Essential

Social Scientists Pledge to Provide Research-based Solutions to Social Problems

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News & Views

inception of the Higher Education Commission. He shared the Government’s Fee reimbursement schemes for students of less developed areas as well as technological readiness through provision of laptops for 100000 students nationwide and Youth

Internship programme. He dwelt on the comprehensive Vision 2025 for economic and social development aims to focus on the goal for achieving knowledge economy.

After thorough deliberations, the meeting decided that the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan will prepare a draft Agreement on Cooperation in the area of Higher Education for circulation among the Member States through the SAARC Secretariat by the end of October 2015 for views/comments. The Agreement is recommended to be

education that is quality of primary and secondary education.

Improvement in quality at all levels of education is essential or there would be a mismatch. He also highlighted the progress made since the

thThe 10 Meeting of the Committee of Heads of University Grants Commission/ Equivalent Bodies of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) Member States was recently inaugurated by Mr. Sartaj Aziz, Adviser to Prime Minister on Foreign Affairs. Addressing the gathering, Mr. Sartaj Aziz, welcomed delegates from Afghanistan, India, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, Maldives and Sri Lanka, to Pakistan. He congratulated HEC for its untiring efforts for successfully arranging the event under the umbrella of SAARC. He said Pakistan as a founding member of SAARC is committed to the principles and objectives enshrined in SAARC's principal charter, its social charter and its development goals.

He said over the years Pakistan has contributed to the efforts and took major steps to advance SAARC ideals and objectives.

He highlighted the overall assessment in the field of education and literacy and pointed out that higher education cannot be isolated from the preceding levels of

Pakistan was selected as Chair of the Committee. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC, took the charge as Chairperson of the Committee University Grants Commission/ Equivalent Bodies.

Appreciating the outgoing chairperson, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed expressed his pleasure at hosting the event in Pakistan and said that for countries to develop investment in education was a basic requirement. He stressed that the SAARC countries faced similar challenges and collaborations and cooperation in research and development could prove beneficial to all. He said, "it is necessary to use this forum and use education diplomacy to achieve the results of the Millennium Development Goals that have yet to be achieved.” He shared plans to make the Committee a forum that would show tangible results in the field of higher education.

Pakistan Assumes the Chair

Custodians of Education in SAARC States Agree to Boost Collaboration in Higher Education Sector

Sartaj Aziz Terms Improvement in Quality at All Levels of Education Essential

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News & Views

finalized and signed during the th19 SAARC Summit in Pakistan.

The Agreement would focus on the integrated regional approach in spearheading the common objective of socio-economic and leadership development through promoting higher education. It was agreed that each Member State will develop their National Qualification Framework and align this with an assessment and accreditation mechanism with a view to ensure access to quality higher education. It was also recommended that to promote the culture of quality higher education in Member States, it is necessary to establish the SAARC Quality Assurance Network. Furthermore, the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan will develop a standard document on semester/credit hours and assessment mechanism by December 2015 and circulate it through SAARC Secretariat for comments.

HEC will also design/develop a commonly shared website of the Committee of the Heads of University Grants Commissions/Equivalent Bodies of SAARC Member States, where all links relevant to Higher Education from the Member States will be available for proper dissemination of information, and the link of this website will also be available on SAARC Secretariat website. It was also decided to consider developing

Engr. Baleegh-ur-Rehman, Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, said that the government accords great importance to quality education, adding that the Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan has brought about immense development in country's higher education sector during the last decade. He expressed these views while speaking at the closing

thceremony of the two-day 10 Meeting of the Committee of Heads of University Grants Commission/Equivalent Bodies of SAARC States. He said "in terms of collaboration, we need to do a lot of work. The Government of Pakistan will provide every possible support to this Forum for achieving the set targets," adding that the education diplomacy is very important

to bridge gaps among South Asian nations. He informed the guests that the Government of Pakistan has almost doubled the budget for higher education sector during the last couple of years. "Due to effective policies of HEC, the quality of teaching has risen considerably and the number of PhDs from local as well as foreign universities has gone up, in addition to remarkable development of physical and technological infrastructure." He stressed collaborative research among academics and researchers of the SAARC States. "Since all of us share many common things, there is a big room for applied collaborative research in many areas, so we need to come up with indigenous solutions to our local problems."

Minister Sees Immense Progress in Pakistan's Higher Education Sector

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a mechanism for collaborative research programme among institutions of higher learning in the Member States, addressing the common issues like energy, water, environment, natural disasters, etc. in coordination with the SAARC Regional Centres in the Member States. It was also agreed that Higher Education Commission of Pakistan will design SAARC Education and Research Network (SERN) for sharing published data in the South Asian region by December 2015. To organize SAARC Universities Vice Chancellors Meeting, the Committee also welcomed the offer of Pakistan to host this Meeting. The Committee also recommended that to accelerate the process of implementation of the proposals and decisions taken in the meetings, and to make

the system more organized, involvement of respective Ministry of Foreign/External Affairs, Ministry of Education/Higher Education and the SAARC Secretariat will be encouraged. Earlier in the meeting Mr. Y. K. A Rohan Aijith , Director SAARC

Secretariat, shared the message of Mr. Arjan Bahadur Thapar, Secretary General SAARC. He presented the brief history of the meetings of the Committee of Heads of University Grants Commission/Equivalent Bodies of SAARC Member States.

Mr. Tshewang Tandin, Director General, Department of Adult and Higher Education, Ministry of Education, Bhutan

Dr. Muhammad Mohabbat Khan, Member UGC, Bangladesh

Prof. Hamidullah Amin, President of Private Universities, Ministry of Higher Education, Afghanistan

Ms. Fatimath Amira, Director General, Ministry of Education, Republic of Maldives

Dr. Parashar Prasad Koirala, Chairman UGC, Government of Nepal

Prof. Ved Prakash, Chairman UGC, Government of India

Prof. Mohan De Silva, Chairman UGC, Sri Lanka

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Pakistan

Delegates from SAARC States

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Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms, has stressed the important role of academicians and researchers for implementation of targets set under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as well as the Vision 2025.

He was addressing the concluding ceremony of the National Workshop organized by Higher Education Commission (HEC) to develop strategy for achieving objectives of CPEC at Islamabad recently.

The participants of the workshop included Vice Chancellors, senior academicians and researchers from higher learning institutions across the country. The aim of the workshop was to identify and deliberate role of country’s universities in strategizing the implementation of various projects of CPEC.

China-Pak Economic Corridor

Role of Higher Education Sector Vital to Achieve Project Objectives: Ahsan Iqbal

Complementing the HEC for holding the much-needed brainstorming session, he said that CPEC is collective enterprise of the whole nation. “There is no way the Government could achieve these targets unless all sections of the society play their defined roles and the contribution of academicians and researchers is of paramount importance.”

The Minister said that CPEC has changed Pakistan’s image altogether globally. “This is a real change that a country synonymous with terrorism has attracted such a huge investment and is being regarded as a safe haven for Chinese investment,” he said.

He stressed the importance of positive thinking and invited all sections of the society to unite for development and prosperity of the whole nation. “History of nations shows that progress cannot be achieved without democratic stability, strategic economic vision and positive thinking.”

Mr. Ahsan urged the universities to ensure transfer of technology by enhancing linkage with industry, and provide hands-on experience to students and researchers by exposing them to currently on-going projects. He also underlined the significance of promoting entrepreneurship among students, empowering SMEs and turning focus towards technical subjects alongside soft subjects.

Earlier, in his keynote address, Engr. Muhammad Asghar explained the major objectives of CPEC. He gave an overview of China-Pakistan relations in the historic perspective as well as increasing significance

of strategic collaboration between the two countries, especially after 9/11 incidents.

He quoted the Chinese President as saying during his recent visit, “China and Pakistan will build a community

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of common destiny to set an example of harmonious relations between friendly neighbours. China and Pakistan will align economic and trade strategies so as to deepen economic interdependence.”

The Rector said that the main concept and expected outcome of CPEC include people-to-people and cultural exchanges to promote inter civilization dialogue, and coordination of diplomatic strategies to build a harmonious neighborhood, energy projects, infrastructure projects, joint research centres, fiber optics cable, oil and gas pipelines, cooperation in print and electronic media, etc.

The participants were divided into six groups with different topics. These included

Logistics, Transportation and Infrastructure Development including Rail, Road, Ports, Airports, ICT, etc;

Political, Social and Cultural Challenges; Skills

and Future Employment

Generation; Agriculture, Environment, Climate Change and Food Security; Economic Stability, Prosperity, and Increased International Trade and Investment through Knowledge Inputs; and Energy and Water Security.

Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Executive Director HEC

assured the Minister that the higher education leaders are committed to achieve goals set in CPEC and Vision 2025. He said that CPEC is a great opportunity to come out of numerous crisis plaguing Pakistan.

Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Adviser (Research and Development) formally welcomed the participants and the chief guest.

He appreciated their active involvement in the group discussions and told the Minister that after

thoroughly deliberating proposals put forward by six groups, a comprehensive document will be prepared and submitted to Planning Commission for effective implementation of different projects as well as defining role of universities and researchers in achieving objectives of CPEC and Vision 2025.

China-Pak economic corridor: This is a real change that a country synonymous with terrorism has attracted such a huge investment and is being regarded as a safe haven for Chinese investment.

A post-training event was recently held at HEC, Islamabad, for trainees who had visited AIT Bangkok and Australia.

Mr Asad Khan, Programme Coordinator TESP, briefed the participants about TESP and its capacity building initiatives for HEIs. He said that 67 participants from different HEIs have received foreign

TESP Holds Post-Training Session for Foreign Trainees

trainings in three different thematic areas. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairperson HEC, directed participants to share

their newly acquired skills and knowledge with their colleagues to bring a positive change in their institutions.

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Ahmed, Adviser Quality Assurance, Dr. Tariq Mehmood, Adviser R&D and Mr. Ahmad Yahya Khan, DG (Statistics) were also present on the occasion. Ranking criteria for 2014 has been modified and improved in the light of previous practice and feedback received from stakeholders.

This year the higher education institutes have been ranked Overall and then divided into six catergories which are (i) General, (ii) Engineering and Technology, (iii) Business Education, (iv) Agriculture and Veterinary, (v) Medical, (vi) Arts and Design.

Only HEC recognized universities are included in the current ranking. However universities established after June 2009 and those offering Distance Learning Programmes are not included in the selection in order to

University Ranking for 2014 Announced

provide them time to adopt all criterial and enhance research ability and capacity.

Category wise Quaid-i-Azam stands at the top in the General Category, with National University of Science and Technology (NUST) in Engineering, Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi takes the lead amongst Business Education, with University of Agriculture Faisalabad in Agricultural field, Aga Khan University (AKU) in Medical Sciences and National College of Arts (NCA) in Arts and Design.

Criteria parameters considered in the comprehensive process include Quality Assurance, Teaching Quality, Research, Finance and Facilities, Social Integration/Community Development. The ranking results are based on the data shared by universities relevant to the given standards.

Overall Ranking for HEIs 2014

Rank University Name Normalized Score

1 Quaid-e-Azam University, Islamabad 100.000

2 University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 98.448

3 University of the Punjab, Lahore 93.351

4 COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad 87.773

5 Aga Khan University 82.690

6 National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 82.118

7 University of Karachi, Karachi 78.146

8 Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad 77.835

9 University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore 76.480

10 University of Health Sciences, Lahore 72.272

QUA, NUST, NCA, IBA, UAF, AKU Top Various Categories

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University Rankings for the year 2014 were announced by the Higher Education Commission at the HEC Secretariat recently.

Making the announcement, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC said that University Rankings is a global practice followed to achieve interational as well as national competitiveness in education, research and innovation. “For students and parents they help provide guidelines in selection of universities according to their select disciplines.”

Overall, Quaid-i- Azam University, Islamabad is ranked first followed by University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) with University of the Punjab, Lahore at the third position.

Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Executive Director HEC, Dr. Qasim Jan, renowned educationist, Dr. Iftikhar

Rank University Name Normalized Score

1 Quaid Azam University, Islamabad 100.000

-e-

2

COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad 95.512

3

University of the Punjab, Lahore

91.273

4

University of Karachi, Karachi

74.297

5

University of Peshawar, Peshawar

69.613

6

Iqra University, Karachi

67.278

7 Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS), Lahore 66.574

8 Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan 65.322

9 Government College University, Faisalabad 64.887

10 Government College University, Lahore 60.826

General Category

Engineering Category

Rank University NameNormalized

Score

1 National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad 100.000

2 Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS), Islamabad 99.938

3 University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore 74.251

4 Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Topi

73.959

5 University of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar

69.542

6 Institute of Space Technology, Islamabad

69.459

7 Air University, Islamabad

59.560

8 Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro

57.427

9 NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi

54.611

10 University of Engineering and Technology Taxila

51.391

11 Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Sciences and Technology, Nawabshah

45.871

12 Balochistan University of Information Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Quetta

44.945

13 Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi

43.150

14 Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi 41.156

15 Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology, Khuzdar 40.390

16 Sarhad University of Science and Information Technology, Peshawar 40.221

17 CECOS University of Information Technology and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar 39.550

Arts CategoryRank University Name Normalized Score

1 National College of Arts, Lahore (NCA) 100.00

2 Indus Valley School of Art and Architecture, Karachi 94.62

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Business CategoryRank University Name Normalized

Score

1

Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi

100.000

2

Lahore School of Economics, Lahore

95.826

3

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST), Karachi 87.999

4

Sukkur Institute of Business Administration, Sukkur 81.292

5

Institute of Management Science, Peshawar (IMS)

79.857

6

Institute of Business Management, Karachi

78.060

7

University of Central Punjab, Lahore

73.403

8

The Superior College, Lahore

67.866

9 Institute of Business & Technology, Karachi 60.990

10 Greenwich University, Karachi 59.672

11 The GIFT University, Gujranwala 52.009

12 Dadabhoy Institute of Higher Education, Karachi 35.414

13 Textile Institute of Pakistan, Karachi 33.667

14 KASB (Khadim Ali Shah Bukhari) Institute of Technology, Karachi 24.975

15 Institute of Management Sciences, Lahore 23.778

Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences CategoryRank University Name Normalized Score

1 University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 100.0002

University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, Lahore

78.6683

PMAS Arid Agriculture University Rawalpindi

64.3554

The University of Agricultural, Peshawar

59.0615

Sindh Agriculture University, Tando Jam

49.617

6

Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences, Lasbela 27.619

Medical CategoryRank University Name Normalized Score

1 Aga Khan University 100.000

2 University of Health Sciences, Lahore 87.623

3 Dow University of Health Sciences, Karachi 64.553

4 Khyber Medical University, Peshawar 63.321

5 Riphah International University, Islamabad

60.468

6 Isra University, Hyderabad 57.025

7 King Edward Medical University, Lahore

55.072

8 Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences, Jamshoro 53.609

9 Ziauddin University, Karachi 53.443

10 Gandhara University, Peshawar 51.963

11 Shaheed Mohtarma Benzair Bhutto Medical University, Larkana 34.930

12 Baqai Medical University 32.311

13 Sindh Institute of Medical Sciences, Karachi 29.249

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Int'l Social Sciences Conference Concludes at HEC

Social Scientists Pledge to Provide Research-based Solutions to Prevailing Problems

study the society in Pakistan, forging a common research agenda to meet contemporary social, economic, political, cultural and environmental challenges and identify solutions, examining latest methodological tools, conceptual paradigms and techniques to address the challenging research issues facing Pakistan.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed also announced on the occasion

ththat the 4 Social Sciences Conference will be hosted by the National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) in collaboration with HEC and that its schedule will be announced soon. He appreciated the efforts of Conference's core committee especially Dr. Nilofer Shaikh, Dr. Adnan Sarwar and Mr. Fida Hussain for successfully organizing the two-day event.

The Chairman HEC said that HEC has been endeavoring to promote and intensify research in Social Sciences. “We have

The conference entitled “State and Society of Pakistan: Challenges and Opportunities” concluded with a pledge by the academicians and researchers working in different fields of social sciences to focus on research of high-quality and having direct relevance with socio-economic challenges faced by the Pakistani society.

Dr. Rasul Jan, Vice Chancellor, University of Peshawar, Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Executive Director HEC, Dr. Nilofer Shaikh, Chairperson, HEC's Committee on Social Sciences and Humanities, Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Member (HRD) HEC, Dr. Adnan Sarwar, Dean, Social Sciences, University of Peshawar and Mr. Fida Hussain, Director General HEC were also present on the occasion.

The participants of the conference, involving social scientists from within and outside the country, agreed to develop and promoting a multi-disciplinary approach to

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission has announced to double the funding under HEC's Thematic Reserach Grants Programme, which is aimed to address the contemporary issues of the country.

While addressing the audience during concluding ceremony of

rdthe two-day 3 International Social Sciences Conference held at HEC Secretariat, the Chairman HEC said that the research scholars who have theoretical, conceptual, methodological and policy orientation background may apply for grants under the Programme.

The research projects may belong to any of the Social Sciences and Humanities disciplines or may be inter-disciplinary in nature. Groups or individual researchers from public and private sector universities can submit their proposals against different themes.

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set-up a dedicated Social Sciences section at HEC to identify realities of diverse social and human issues which Pakistan is facing. Thematic Research Grants Programme, whose third phase has been launched, is specifically designed to address contemporary issues of the country."

Further, the Chairman said that the scholars and researchers of Social Sciences and Humanities, who have theoretical, conceptual, methodological and policy orientation background, have been invited for grants. “Their research projects may belong to any Social Sciences and Humanities discipline or may be interdisciplinary as well as multidisciplinary in nature. Groups or individual researchers/scholars from public as well as private sector universities and degree awarding institutions can submit their proposals,” he said.

The Chairman further said that the Committee for Development of Social Sciences and Humanities in Pakistan (CDSSHP), established by HEC, has been tasked to deliberate upon and identify the problems and recommend immediate, short-term as well as long-term measures to make Social Sciences education vibrant, dynamic and attuned to the present and future needs of Pakistan.

The Chairman revealed that Pakistan had gained membership of the Asian Social Sciences Association (ASSA) and Pakistan will host the Association's first meeting in October this year. He also highlighted HEC's plan to establish Social Sciences Research Council, Pakistan.

“The aim of all these initiatives is to identify indigenous needs and priorities to address issues of national importance, enhance

inter-disciplinary and multi-disciplinary research

and link Social Sciences for providing solutions to issues that face us. The ultimate aim would be to advice the Government on National Social Policy for more concerted work in the field”, he said.

The Conference recommended that HEC should make sure that the Social Sciences conference

becomes an annual event organized on a regular basis. The future conferences should have a special session for MPhil/PhD students in which they are trained in methodology, etc, and prominent scholars who will attend the conference may guide the students in their research work. Social Sciences Committee and Conference should have their dedicated webpages, medium of presentation during the conference should include Urdu.

It was further suggested that grants should be given for establishing centres of excellence in language, folklore, Islamic studies, ethnics, philosophies and futuristics. All the Social Sciences faculties should have at least one research journal for dissemination of research done by students and faculty. One time grant should be given to all HEC recognized journals for establishing regular offices of the journals. Incentives should be given to revise the journals that are currently discontinued for financial or other reasons.

For capacity building, internship of students should be started in the disciplines of Social Sciences, which will enhance the professional skills of the graduates. Quality should be ensured in the process of student intake (enrolment) at the universities, instead of enrolling students for merely financial reasons.

HEC has been endeavoring to promote and intensify research in Social Sciences. We have set up a dedicated Social Sciences Section at HEC to identify realities of diverse human and social issues which Pakistan is facing. Thematic Research Grants Programme, the third phase of which has been launched, is specif ically designed to address contemporary issues of the country.

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Chairman HEC Meets Vice Chancellors of Sindh Universities

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission of Pakistan presided a meeting of all the Vice Chancellors of Universities and Heads of Degree Awarding Institutes Sindh in Karachi. Some 37 Vice Chancellors from Public and Private Sector were present at the occasion.

While informing that HEC is liaising with the Government of Pakistan for securing maximum possible funding for HE Sector for FY 2015-16 and supplementary grant of Rs2.80 billion during the CFY 2014-15, the Chairman HEC stressed that the most crucial issue we face today is quality of governance in the Universities. Financial control and management systems, functions and operations of the statutory bodies of the Universities and institution of quality control and improvement mechanisms are a few crucial areas that deserve attention of the University leaders today.

The Government of Pakistan is fully committed to supporting the Higher Education Sector which is evident from the all-time high funding during FY 2014-15 and inclusion of 55 new development projects in PSDP 2014-15 besides numerous

initiatives of the Government of Pakistan such as PM Fee Reimbursement Programme, PM Laptop Scheme, establishment of a university or its sub-campus in each District of the country to being

higher education to the doorstep of the masses, Smart and fully IT enabled Universities, Split PhD Scholarship Schemes for non-PhD faculty, etc. It is the responsibility of each of us to set high standards of performance and delivery.

The Chairman stressed the need for instituting zero tolerance to plagiarism, promoting moral and ethical behaviour, establishing strong financial control and management systems, observance of rules and standards in granting affiliations and opening of sub-campuses under PPP (Public Private Partnerships), observing entrance requirements into MS/MPhil programmes,

exercising all possible vigilance and putting into place necessary mechanisms to curb the menace of fake degrees, greater participation of PhD students in IRSIP (International Research Support Initiative Programme) to boost quality of indigenously earned PhD degrees, and working with the community and local organizations to

The most crucial issue we face today is quality of governance in universities. Financial control and management systems, functions and operations of the statutory bodies of the Universities and institution of quality control and improvement mechanisms are a few crucial areas that deserve attention of the University leaders today.

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HEC, PAEC to Collaborate in Various Fields of Science and Technology

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will extend all out support to the Pakistan Atomic Energy Commission (PAEC) through universities to develop research groups and clusters in various sectors, said Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC during his meeting with Mr. Mohammad Naeem, Chairman PAEC during the latter's visit to the HEC Secretariat recently.

The core purpose of the meeting was to join hands to develop R&D priorities at national level and to build synergy between the two apex organizations in the country.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed shared HEC's significant investments towards developing institutional facilities, introduction of new disciplines in market based technologies, development of human resource including faculty, improvement in research facilities and various linkages with local and foreign universities. He also dwelt on HEC's activities for capacity building of researchers and support to universities in promotion of research as well as commercialization of research. This was Chairman PAEC's first visit to HEC after assuming

play an effective role in societal development. Prof. Dr. Masood Hameed Khan, Vice Chancellor, Dow University of Heath Sciences, Karachi appreciated the efforts of HEC to gather all the Vice Chancellors of the province and interacting with them directly. Dr. Abida Taherani, Vice Chancellor, University of Sindh, Jamshoro requested the HEC that new campuses should be opened only where capacity exists. She also highlighted the need setting up more Engineering Universities in the country.

Dr. Faizullah Abbasi, Vice Chancellor, Dawood University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi opined that old and experienced universities should support in building capacity of new universities. Dr. Talib Kareem, Rector, Institute of Business Management, Karachi highlighted the issues faced by Private universities in the province. He suggested that there should be only one entity

for accreditation. At present universities in Sindh are facing difficulties in securing accreditation with many agencies. Dr. Pirzada Qasim Raza Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor, Ziauddin University, Karachi appreciated the efforts of the Chairman. He suggested that regular meetings with the Vice Chancellors may be held.

Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, President, SZABIST expressed resolve of the Universities to curb all kinds of plagiarism and instituting policy of no compromise on quality. She emphasized that HEC's administrative action on fake degrees is fully supported; HEC should be strengthened, its autonomy be preserved and protected and its national role in prescribing and ensuring compliance of national standards as a regulatory authority for Higher Education needs to continue in national interest.

the charge in April this year. He expressed his appreciation of HEC's role in developing human resource of the country and promoting research culture in Pakistan through its various research and development initiatives.

He was of the view that PAEC can share its human resource and R&D facilities to scientists working in various science and technology fields in order to guide Pakistan on the path of prosperity. Research should reflect its effect in application and stressed the need to encourage priority fields in which applied research could present tangible result that would benefit socio economic needs, he said.

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The fourteenth council meeting of the National Business Education Accreditation Council (NBEAC) was recently held at Higher Education Commission, Islamabad.

Prof. Dr. Hasan Sohaib Murad, Chairman NBEAC, presided over the meeting.

The Chairman NBEAC welcomed the Council members and briefed them regarding the recent advancements of NBEAC. The Chairman reported the Accreditation Peer Review Visits of business schools and

thNBEAC 14 Council Meeting,Accreditation Award

Ceremony Held

Accreditation Guidance Visits to the newly registered universities.

All the participants confirmed the decisions

thtaken in the 13 Council meeting. The NBEAC Budget 2015-16 was also presented before the council members for approval.

An accreditation award ceremony was also organized by the NBEAC team. Various members were invited from the six accreditation awarded universities visited by the Accreditation Inspection Committee.

Higher Education Commission (HEC) has approved 20 research projects worth Rs. 75.5 million from amongst 129 research proposals received under the Social Sciences Thematic Research Grant in its effort to promote and enhance research culture in the field.

The five themes include: security challenges in Pakistan; Pakistani society: tradition and change; balancing global and local needs; geo-political economy; education policy, leadership and management

stfor the 21 century; and governance and development. The approved grants will be released to the concerned universities/DAIs after fulfillment of formalities.

HEC Okays 20 Social Sciences Projects

Ali Jan Awan from Department of Civil Engineering and Ali Arshad from Department of Electrical Engineering have recently participated in Harvard World MUN Conference, Seoul, South Korea.

The University of Lahore is one of the few universities

Students Represent UoL in World MUN Conference having representation in Harvard World Model United Nations Conference.

Harvard World MUN is the most internationally diverse college-level Model UN conference. The World MUN was founded in 1991 by several Harvard students who were looking to create a

different Model United Nations experience.

Every year around 2,500 college students from over 80 countries attend World MUN in different locations. Past locations include Mexico, Switzerland, China, Brazil, Egypt, Taiwan ROC, Singapore, Canada, and Belgium.

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th17 All Pakistan Inter University Declamation Contest

NDU and Federal Urdu University Karachi Clinch English and Urdu Allama Iqbal Shields

objectives are to promote communication skills and critical thinking among the students.

In the English category, first prize was awarded to Khushal Khan of National Defence University, Islamabad followed by Kiran Abbas of University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila while third prize was awarded to Mehtab Alvi, of Lahore College for Women University Lahore. Shahzadi Kanwal of Federal Urdu

University,Karachi bagged first prize, while Yasser Rashid from the University of Punjab got second position and the third prize was won by Muhammad Ayub of Gomal University

The annual contest was organized at three levels. In the first round it was held at the university level wherein students from all the departments of public and private sector universities and constituent colleges took part.

In the second round, winners of first round competed at Regional level which was held at Karachi, Lahore, Quetta, Peshawar and Islamabad. Winners of the Regional level had the privilege to compete at the National Level which was the final round for the award of Allama Iqbal Shield.

Cash prizes of Rs. 60,000, 50,000 and 40,000 were

st nd rdawarded to the 1 , 2 and 3 position holders respectively in both categories (Urdu and English).

In his welcome address, Mr. Fida Hussain, DG Academics (HEC) , said declamation contest is a part of HEC's initiatives to promote co-curricular activities at university/DAI campuses. Its

National Defence University Islamabad and Federal Urdu University of Arts, Sciences and

thTechnology won the 17 All Pakistan Inter-University Declamation “Allama Iqbal Shield”.

The annual contest was organised by Higher Education Commission (HEC). Justice (R) Nasira Javaid Iqbal was the chief guest on the occasion.

Congratulating the students she appreciated their zeal and vigour in sharing their thoughts on the chosen topics. She encouraged them to channelize their energy to bring positive change in society. She expressed her pleasure to be among the youth and hear their thoughts on burning challenges that afflict Pakistani society.

She also appreciated HEC's contribution in raising the standard of higher education and presenting various opportunities for higher studies within the country and overseas.

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16

Commission Lauds Government Support for HECThe Commission, governing

thbody of the HEC, held its 30 meeting recently.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC shared the successes in the current fiscal year and informed the members that HEC had completed all its targets set forth with Rs. 63 billion budgetary outlay.

An additional Rs. 10 billion had been released will greatly help early completion of pending projects that had suffered slashed funds. The Chairman appreciated the Government's support.

The Board gave approval for the National Technology Council Bylaws. The meeting reviewed the recommendations of the HEC Selection Board for appointment of Executive Director.

Meanwhile, HEC may re-advertise for selection of an appropriate local or international testing service provider. After deliberations it was agreed that degrees of University of East would be validated till January 1, 2011 as per the Commission's decision

thtaken in the 24 meeting held on November 30, 2010.

Belarus Minister Appreciates HEC, Offers

Student Exchange Programme

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) is making a concerted effort to enhance quality of higher education in the country. This was stated by Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman (HEC) during a visit of Dr. Michael A. Zhuravkov, Minister of Education Republic of Belarus to HEC recently.

The visiting Minister showed keen interest in setting up an Education Commission on the HEC model in his own country.

He informed the gathering that Belarus has a strong base in medical, agro farming industry, physics, astronomy, space sciences and robotics and was ready to extend cooperation with Pakistani scientists. The Republic has 45 State and nine private higher education institutions, where over 40 percent of the faculty possesses a doctoral degree.

The Minister said that in the index of level of education,

thBelarus stands 50 among 187

countries. The visiting Minister extended an offer to begin summer student exchange programmes.

Earlier Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed shared with the visitor steps taken by Pakistan in investing towards developing institutional facilities, introducing new disciplines in market based technologies, developing human resource including faculty, improving research facilities and creating linkages with local and foreign universities and promoting university- industry interaction amongst other projects.

HEC has been spearheading research in universities which has led to creation and growth of indigenous knowledge in all academic fields, the Chairman added. He also offered faculty exchange programme, exchange of researchers and research collaborations amongst the two countries in fields of mutual industrial interest as well in agriculture.

News & Views

17

th17 Vice Chancellors Committee Meeting

VCs Vow to Ensure Quality Education

Chancellors of public sector universities are of the opinion that recent changes in laws governing universities are an attempt to usurp their autonomy albeit the argument was ostensibly to improve governance…the changes will be a death knell for higher education in the country.”

However they appreciated the Federal Government, Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Finance Minister, Mr. Ishaq Dar and Chairman HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed for increased funding and its smooth release within each financial quarter.

After detailed deliberations the Vice Chancellors agreed the need to curtail MS and PhD programmes at sub campuses and allow them only to offer undergraduate programmes after ensuring strict compliance with HEC prescribed eligibility criteria.

The HEC has issued multiple warnings to educational institutions to follow the criteria set for them.

Earlier the Chairman also informed the gathering that the HEC has received an additional Rs. 7 billion development grant for completion of projects that were pending due to lack of funds in previous years and Rs. 3 billion recurring grant to facilitate operational expenses.

Through these additional funds over 80 projects would be completed by the end of the year. The VCs thanked the Chairman for all his effort for obtaining the additional funding.

The meeting also reviewed the Public-Private Partnership model which is a contractual agreement framed between public and private sector partners due to variances witnessed as well as causing quality issues.

Many heads expressed their reservations at the model. However after deliberations it was decided that a committee of selected VCs would review and report back to the forum for further decisions.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Higher Education Commission (HEC), issued an impassioned appeal to Vice Chancellors to pay heed to governance issues that beset their universities as well as ensure quality education at the Sub Campuses that have been set up.

“There is no doubt regarding the need to increase access but not at the cost of quality, ” he said while addressing the

th17 Vice Chancellors' Committee meeting held in Islamabad recently where over 65 vice chancellors of public sector universities were present. In his address he also pointed out that many of their woes were due to governance issues and needed serious attention urgently.

Vice Chancellors were united in their demand for review for autonomy of their universities after different provinces have amended laws that govern their universities. The head of leading educational universities passed a resolution saying, “We the Vice

Chairman

News & Views

18

HEC, British Council Collaborate for Citizenship Education Programme

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) of Pakistan in collaboration with the British Council organized a Programme Development Workshop for university staff to initiate Active Citizens Programme in Pakistani universities and degree awarding institutions. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC was chief guest in the opening ceremony.

The workshop was attended by

30 focal teams for the Active

Citizens programme from 13

public universities of KPK, Azad

Jammu and Kashmir, Islamabad

and Gilgit-Baltistan regions.

The workshop was facilitated

by trainers from British Council

and The Citizenship

Foundation, UK.

The Chairman said that through this programme, the institutional support, linkages and the academic platform will facilitate community engagement based on robust theoretical knowledge, inter-cultural dialogue between participating students, engage local policy makers and influencers for a stronger understanding of local issues and encourage students to implement community based solutions. “Students will be mentored by local experts and influencers in order to not only respond to local challenges and generate social value through their contribution but also identify economic value for

themselves by building entrepreneurial streak within these solutions.”

Mr. Jim Booth, Director Programmes, British Council said in his opening speech that “Active Citizens is British Council's programme to build the capacity of young people as leaders, influencers and active citizens within their communities developing their skills in leadership, communication, advocacy, citizenship, proposal writing, social action project delivery, fund-raising, entrepreneurship, partnership and network building,” he said.

“It gives us great pleasure to share that this programme has started in all institutions of higher learning for under-graduate students as a compulsory course where students will be attending a certain number of hours in classroom and in community to find solutions for local social issues”, he added.

The collaboration aims to provide over 100,000 young students from 100 universities by 2018 the platform to engage in social action in their local communities to address social issues and highlight their role as community leaders at local, regional and national level as well as launch the national platform for advocacy for young people on crucial social issues.

Mr. Fida Hussain, Director General (Academics) HEC said, “This partnership is a natural fit with Higher Education Commission of Pakistan’s long-term objectives to facilitate universities in developing strong relationships with their local community as well as with industry and organizations employing their graduates. We hope that this partnership plays a pivotal role in strengthening these relationships and producing long lasting social impact.”

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19

Indian High Commissioner Calls on Chairman HECDr. T.C.A. Raghavan, India, called on Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC) recently to discuss South Asian University (SAU) activities. The High Commissioner invited the Chairman to attend the first-ever convocation of SAU.

South Asian University is an international university established in New Delhi by the eight member nations of South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) viz. Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. SAU started its operations from the academic year 2010.

The University now offers postgraduate and doctoral programmes in various disciplines that include Development Economics, Computer Science, Biotechnology, Mathematics, Sociology, International Relations and Law. It will ultimately have 11 postgraduate faculties and a faculty of undergraduate studies. SAU attracts students from all the member nations and its degrees are recognised by all the eight SAARC countries.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed discussed issues pertaining to higher education sector and visa policy of SAU

the High Commissioner of

students. Direct exchange of information between universities and research centres of both countries was also discussed as well as promotion of academic cooperation between universities in SAARC countries.

The Chairman HEC informed the High Commissioner that Pakistan has ratified the Agreement for establishment of South Asian University. It was also informed that HEC is organizing Tenth Meeting of the heads of University Grants Commissions/Equivalent Bodies at Islamabad.

MUET Workshop on Embedded Systems, Applications

The first international workshop on Embedded Systems was recently organized at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology.

The workshop was sponsored by the HEC. Speakers said on the occasion that in the modern world there are systems and devices with unseen computer software and hardware, such as processing industries, digital television

sets, MP3 players, smart phones, power generation, and traffic lights. The embedded systems are key players in today's technological advancement.

This workshop was deemed vital to understand recent development in the area of embedded systems and strengthen skills nationwide to develop similar systems indigenously.

They said this workshop was organized to bring national and international researchers, scientists, and industry personals to present and exchange recent development in the areas of embedded systems. A speaker informed that next year they are expecting establishment of an Institute of Embedded System in Mehran UET for advancement of research and development in the same area.

News & Views

20

HEC, PEC Team Up to Strengthen Engineering Education

Administration and Coordination and Mr. Nasir Shah, Director Quality Assurance Agency were also present at the occasion.

The MoU aims to revamp and strengthen process of accreditation of programmes in Engineering Education offered in all Institutions of Higher Education in Pakistan and to develop criteria for recognition of programmes in Engineering Education at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, curriculum of programmes and criteria for appointment of faculty.

HEC will recognize only those programmes that are accredited by PEC at undergraduate and postgraduate level.

HEC has already signed MoUs with different Accreditation Councils including Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners (PCATP), Pakistan Bar Council (PBC), Pakistan Veterinary Medical Council (PVMC) and Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC).

It is pertinent to mention here that HEC had recently organized fifth meeting of country's Accreditation Councils to discuss how the process of accreditation could be revamped and strengthened keeping in view the expansion of higher education sector, and learning from international best practices in the accreditation process.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to collaborate for further strengthening of accreditation process for engineering education in the country.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC and Engr. Syed Abdul Qadir Shah, President PEC, signed the MoU. Dr. Mohammed Rafiq Baloch, Director General, Quality Assurance Agency, Mr. Awais Ahmad, Director General,

between Sukkur IBA and Higher Education Commission to foster the entrepreneurial culture in Pakistan with core focus on women entrepreneurship. Extensive marketing campaign was launched a month before the launch of training programme. With this Sukkur IBA becomes the first university out of 12 public institutions selected to implement SIYB in Pakistan. Mr. Nabeel Nisar, Assistant Professor, Sukkur IBA led the ToE as a lead trainer in coordination with Mr. FazliSubhan, Manager ORIC and Incubation, University of Malakand as co-trainer. Sixty two students and entrepreneurs including 32 female students participated in the training workshops.

As part of the Memorandum of Understanding signed with HEC, the Sukkur Institute of Business Administration, conducted Training of Entrepreneurs (ToE) for implementation of ILO’s Start and Improve Your Business Programme.

Three phases of SIYB; Generate Your Business Idea (GYB), Start Your Business and Improve Your

th thBusiness were conducted from 29 May to 12 June, 2015 at Sukkur IBA in coordination with the Centre for Entrepreneurial Leadership and Incubation, Marketing Society and Entrepreneurship society of Sukkur IBA. These trainings were conducted under the MoU signed

HEC, ILO Training Programme Held at Sukkur IBA

News & Views

21

Observations Raised by Transparency International on PM's Laptop Scheme Resolved

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has initiated the procurement process for the Prime Minister's Laptops Scheme (Phase-II) and some observations were raised by the Transparency International Pakistan in the procurement process.

Most of the observations had already been addressed earlier, however to settle remaining observations, a high level joint meeting of Project Steering Committee and Technical Committee was held at HEC Secretariat recently.

The representatives from National Accountability Bureau (NAB), Public Procurement Regulator Authority (PPRA) and Transparency International Pakistan (TIP) also attended the meeting. The meeting was

chaired by the Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC. Further Chief Coordinator and Coordinator for Fee reimbursement and provision of Laptops, also attended the meeting.

Members/representatives of both Steering and Technical Committees from Finance Division (Budget Wing), Planning Commission, Higher Education Department Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Education Department Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Ministry of IT, Punjab Information Technology Board, Department of Information, Science and Technology Sindh, along with Advisor Transparency International Pakistan were also present in the meeting. To seek trusted advisory support on the technical observations, Mr. Naveed Siraj, Country Manager,

Intel Pakistan was requested to attend the meeting so he along with Mr. Salman Ehsan, Enterprise Lead were also present at the occasion.

The Committee was apprised on the progress of the Project and also discussed all the observations raised by the Transparency International Pakistan, point wise and deliberated to reach to a conclusion favoring the scheme and in the best interest of the country.

During detailed discussion, different options were discussed and all the observations are addressed and stand resolved. The Higher Education Commission will now proceed with the execution of project as discussed and finalized during the meeting.

Dr. Saba Riaz has been awarded fellowship from The International Union of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology (IUBMB) under its Young Scientists Fellowship Programme. She has recently completed her PhD in Biochemistry from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad under HEC scholarship.

The fellowship has been awarded on the basis of research she conducted at the Department of Biochemistry of UAF. She has been invited by the

Scholar Receives IUBMB Fellowshiporganizers of IUBMB to present her work entitled "CPSF subunit gene expression in non-induced and fungus-induced tomato" in

rd23 IUBMB congress to be held in Brazil in August, 2015.

Outcome of the project is expected to have important implications for the control of gene expression in tomato to improve yields and varieties.

News & Views

22

3-Day Capacity Building Programme for Doctoral Provision at HEC

workshop. Prof. Dr. Tariq Mahmood, Adviser R&D, HEC, welcomed the participants and delegation from UK. During his welcome address, he gave brief introduction to HEC and also highlighted HEC's initiatives to strengthen the indigenous capacity and raise the overall standard of teaching and research.

The Quaid-i-Azam University and University of Karachi gave their presentations followed by the other universities' presentations on their doctoral provision. The way forward to embed excellent doctoral programmes in newer public sector universities in Pakistan and to strengthen other existing programmes was announced at the end the Programme.

The University College London Institute of Education - together with the Association of Commonwealth Universities will work in key partnership with the Higher Education

Commission of Pakistan and the British Council, Pakistan. The programmes will be developed and owned in-country by those public sector universities. This project will offer an unusual 'cross-fertilization' of ideas, knowledge and experience and ultimately each government university will be poised to take the work further into their own regions. Through this project, doors will be opened for more students to access high-quality doctoral programmes, thus strengthening universities, producing important in-country research and ensuring a larger group of home-based researchers and academics.

The intended goals of the project include the longer-term expansion of the programme to other universities in Pakistan, and ultimately to other countries in South Asia, where improved doctoral capacity could be supported through a partnership model such as for this project.

The Research and Development Division of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and the British Council, Pakistan in partnership with University College London Institute of Education, UK and the Association of Commonwealth Universities organized a 3-day programme on “Capacity Building for Doctoral Provision in Pakistan” at HEC Islamabad.

The Purpose of the Programme is to embed excellent doctoral programmes in several new public sector universities in Pakistan.

Dr. Anne Gold and Dr. Denise Hawkes from University College London Institute of Education, UK were the resource persons for the

Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Executive Director HEC, addressed a press conference at Quetta Press Club recently regarding “Aghaze Haqooqe Balochistan Project.” The Executive Director briefed the media about the project as well as other initiatives of HEC for Balochistan. He also answered different queries of journalists.

News in Picture

News & Views

23

HEC Foreign Degree Equivalence Termed Satisfactoryonward to Highest degree including original passport for study duration along with entry and exit visa for that duration. The final recognition letter issued after receipt of degree confirmation from university.

The meeting was presided over by Chairman Higher Education Commission, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, in which members expressed their complete satisfaction towards this system currently in practice.

The experts included Dr. Altaf Ali G. Shaikh, former Member HEC, Mr. Javed Khan, former Adviser HEC, Mr. R. B Channa, former DG Attestation and Accreditation HEC, Mr. Raza

Chohan DG HRM, Mr. Fida Hussain DG Academics, Dr. Mazhar Saeed, DG Planning and Development HEC.

The members were also informed that to assess the accredited status of foreign universities HEC consults The World List of Universities published by UNESCO, Accredited Institutions of Post-Secondary Education published by American Council on Higher Education, International Hand Book of Universities, Commonwealth Universities Yearbook, Europa World of Learning and World Guide to Higher Education Comparative Survey of Systems Degrees and Qualifications.

A committee of academic experts met recently at the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat to review the procedure of the HEC foreign degree equivalence system entrusted to the Higher Education Commission.

The committee members were briefed regarding HEC recognition of degrees of only those universities which are enlisted with UNESCO and also accredited by respective government agencies of their country of origin.

HEC has a comprehensive system and degree holders are required to submit all their original documents from Matric

A five-day workshop was organized under the University Advancement Initiative of Pakistan-USAID Merit and Needs Based Scholarship Programme at HEC to focus on concepts of

Professional Project Management (PMP®) through application of standard tools and techniques and enhancement of efficient outcomes.

The workshop aimed at adding value to skillset of the project staff working at HEC and the managerial staff working in the Financial Aid Offices of 15 universities out of 31 MNBSP partner universities. Speaking at the closing session, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC said, "Innovation in current projects cycle is the key to

Training on PMP for Project Managerssuccess and without personal interest and creativity, achieving success is difficult in today's knowledge economy.”

Mr. Thomas LeBlanc, Education Director USAID said, “Whether any project is small or large, recurring or developmental, Project Management Trainings are important to provide all necessary guidelines for seasoned professionals. The science involved in project management ensures that these projects are delivered according to specifics, within budget, and on-time”.

Dr. Tariq Mehmood, Adviser (R&D) HEC said, “This training provides you an opportunity to appear for International PMP examination through PMI, in order to become a certified PMP. By learning major and in-depth concepts of professional project management, the skillset will enable you to further improve upon the routine project activities.”

News & Views

24

CIIT Lahore, Environmental Society of Pakistan hold Idea Challenge on

Environmental Sustainability

we will be out of fuel, water, land and food, very soon. Thus, it is direly needed to change our current practices and lifestyle to more sustainable approaches. We need to decide whether we want to ensure a shared future or we want to collapse. Therefore, I think that we need a quick and smart approach to identify, and integrate the concept of sustainability in every aspect of our society. We may start with creating mass awareness, and I feel that such event as “360 sec Idea Challenge on Environmental Sustainability” is much needed now, where young researchers may present their own research ideas, and at the same time, learn from their peers about the practical concept of sustainability”.

The Jury comprised Prof. Dr. Muhammad Arshad (Dean, Agriculture, UAF), Prof. Dr. Firdous E Bareen (Principal, CEES, PU), Prof. Dr. Arifa Tahir (Chairperson, LCWU), Prof. Dr. Asad Ullah Khan (Chairman, CIIT), Dr. Sajid Mehmood

(Chairman, UoG), Dr. Asim Khan (CIIT), Dr. M. Shafiq (CEES, PU), and Dr. M. Saif Ur Rehman (Organizing Secretary).

stMr. Sadaqat Ali got 1 Prize, Mr. ndAmin Khan got 2 Prize, and

rdMs. Rubab Khalid got 3 Prize.

Prof. Dr. M. Arshad, President of Environmental Society of Pakistan, stressed the young researchers to create a love for scientific research. Prof. Arshad said, “You can never make a breakthrough research unless you develop a passion, commitment, dedication and devotion for science”.

Prof. Dr. Asad Ullah Khan, while giving his vote of thanks, appreciated the efforts of Dr. M. Saif Ur Rehman, Secretary, ESP, for tipping the concept of idea challenge on environmental sustainability. He advised the young researchers to work on novel ideas so that their research may create the right impact for Pakistan.

The Department of Chemical Engineering, CIIT Lahore and the Environmental Society of Pakistan, jointly organized “360 Sec Idea Challenge on Environmental Sustainability” at COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Lahore Campus.

The objective of this contest was to provide a platform to the research students working on environmental sustainability. A large number of research students from Punjab University, Lahore College for Women University, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, NUST, University of Gujrat, Government College University, Faisalabad, Government College University, Lahore, and CIIT, Lahore participated in the contest.

Prof. Dr. Mahmood Ahmad Bodla, Director CIIT Lahore, said in his inaugural speech, “The debate on sustainability in general and environmental sustainability in specific has gained much attention since

stthe beginning of 21 century. The world population has grown over seven billion that has already led to a strong competition between resources and consumers. If we continue to consume infinite resources at our current pace,

News & Views

25

Young Artists Paid Tribute at BNU School ShowA six-day exhibition entitled SVAD (School of Visual Arts and Design) Degree Show was held at Beaconhouse National University, Lahore, recently.

In the show, the work of young artists from Mariam Dawood School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) was celebrated in style.

The exhibition featured thesis works of over 70 graduating students of Bachelor of Design in Fashion and Fibre Studies, Bachelor of Design in Jewelry and Accessory Design, Bachelor of Design in Textile and Fibre Studies, BFA Visual Arts, BFA Visual Communication Design and MA Art and Design Studies.

Mr. Shahid Hafiz Kardar, Vice Chancellor BNU; Mr. Rashid Rana, Dean SVAD; Prof. Salima Hashmi, Prof. Naazish Ataullah, Prof. Sajjad Kausar, faculty and students of SVAD were present on the opening day ceremony.

Art enthusiasts from around the city, textile and fashion designers, and professionals from every walk of life also attended the exhibition.

As part of their Architecture Design Studio Course, the

rd thstudents of B. Arch (3 and 4 year) documented three major sites of old Lahore -- Mochi Gate, Temple Road and Nisbet Road.

Their work was exhibited recently at Razia Hassan School of Architecture, BNU.

Mr. Rashid A. Makhdoom, an architect and designer from Agha Khan Cultural Service Pakistan along with Mr. Shahid Hafiz Kardar, Vice Chancellor BNU, visited the exhibition and appreciated the students work. Dr. Gulzar Haider, Dean SA, and Prof. Sajjad Kausar were also

Students Document Old Lahorepresent on this occasion.Supervised by Prof. Sajjad Kausar, the project "Conservation -- Art of Controlling Change" was aimed at documenting those sites of Lahore which are facing deterioration and at proposing ways to conserve them.

The students who participated in the project included Affan Ali Athar, Hajira Khushid, Manal Saleem, Zaeema Rehman, Emaan Shah, Muhammad Isfandyar Khan, Nayab Babar, Rida Ahsan, Zahra Malik, Xayneb Ali, Navaal Irfan, Ahsam Saulat, Sara Noon, and Amber Shahid.

The SVAD Degree Show provided a platform to students to showcase their individual thesis work, which is the manifestation of years of research, experimentation, critical thinking and finely honed skills. The students received unanimous praise for their work. The visitors highly appreciated the uniqueness of

the artwork on display. Students addressed many poignant issues that concern them as artists, human beings and young inhabitants.

The young artists thanked their teachers and mentors for inspiring them and giving them the freedom to explore their creative side.

A two-day seminar on urban and regional planning entitled 'People for Planning' was recently held at Department of Architecture and Planning, NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. The seminar, organized in collaboration between Urban Policy and Strategic

Seminar on Urban, Regional PlanningPlanning of Sindh government, Hands, WaterAid and NED University, aimed at discussing urban planning issues related to the abandonment of common people and at motivating policymakers, future architects and planners to think of the commune.

News & Views

26

Institute Pattoki in the training

program attended by six

SAARC countries including

Bangladesh, India, Maldives,

Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

Dr. Ahmad Ali floated the idea

of formulating SAARC Regional

Consortium on Genetic

Characterization and Genetic

Improvement of trans-

boundary breeds to start with

and support one another to

enhance the productive

potential of indigenous breeds

rather than increasing

dependency on exotic Bos

Taurus for food security

purposes. The training

CIIT for SAARC Consortium on Livestock Genetics, Biotech

programmme was held under

the aegis of SAARC Agriculture

Centre, Dhaka, at National

Bureau of Animal Genetic

Resource (NBAGR), Karnal,

India recently.

This event, organized under

the leadership of Dr. Arjava

Sharma, Director NBAGR, and

his dedicated team, was

important particularly in the

context of vast genetic erosion

of important livestock breeds

and species, especially the

local cattle breeds due to their

indiscriminate and mindless

cross breeding with Boss

Taurus.

COMSATS Institute of

Information Technology (CIIT)

has proposed formation of

SAARC [South Asian Association

for Regional Cooperation]

consortium on livestock

genetics and biotechnologies

during a week-long SAARC

training on Molecular Genetic

Characterization of Farm Animal

Genetic Resources held in

Karnal, India.

Pakistan was represented by

Associate Professor Dr. Ahmad

Ali, COMSATS Institute of

Information Technology (CIIT)

Sahiwal, and Dr. Maqsood

Akhtar from Buffalo Research

Nineteenth convocation of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology was held recently.

Sardar Mahtab Ahmad Khan, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, was chief guest on the occasion. He conferred degrees on 335 BS and 29 MS graduates and 2 PhD scholars.

The Governor said that Pakistan now needs a new breed of engineers who have the will and the capacity to accept the emerging challenges, the dedication to pursue higher goals while having professional competence and capability to be trouble shooters and problem solvers. He announced Rs. 2 million for horticulture department of the institute.

Mr. Jehangir Bashar, Rector of GIK Institute, said that they strive to produce graduates who can

366 Students Graduate from GIK InstituteGovernor KPK Announces Rs. 2 Million for Horticulture Department

make substantial contributes to society. “We try to teach them (students) not just to respond to the trends but to help shape the trends,” he said. Prof. Dr. Javed A. Chattha, Pro-Rector (Academic), said that the Institute has on its roll about 1500 BS students, 58 students at the Master level and 17 PhDs Scholars. Those who received PhD degree were: Rahim Khan and Raheel Quraishi. Quaid-i-Azam medal was awarded to Iqra Ali and Ghulam Ishaq Khan Medal to Waleed Ahmed.

News & Views

27

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission, and Mr. Ejaz Ahmed Mukhtar, Chairman Dr. AQ Khan Research Laboratories, recently inaugurated Advanced Electronics Laboratories at International Islamic University Islamabad.

The Advanced Electronics Laboratories Project, funded by Islamic Development Bank, is the first ever international scientific grant at IIU, Islamabad, and also the first international “advanced electronics specific grant” by the said funding agency in Pakistan.

The idea behind the development of this international level facility aims to support the efforts of Pakistan government in building a mass of skilled professionals and researchers in the field of Advanced Electronics and Semiconductor Process Engineering. These state-of-the-art laboratories are now available for teaching, training and conducting research and corporate work in semiconductor's device

Building a Mass of Skilled Professionals

IIUI Gets Advanced Electronic Labs

modeling, sample preparation and subsequent process characterization of devices, materials and systems for real-time micro and nano-scale electronics for various applications.

The IIU students and faculty as well as other universities and scientific organizations will have an open access to the facility on an implementable working model devised by Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, the proponent and the Principal Investigator of this international project.

The project will help in capacity building of the university, in addition to becoming a focal point for the collaboratively funded research and providing services to external users on

'Scope-Time-Cost Model- Business Creation and Outreach Impact'. Director General National Institute of Electronics, DG National Centre for Physics, Chairman PCST and members from strategic organizations were also present on the occasion.

Prof. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai (Rector), Prof. Dr. Ahmed Yousif Ahmed Al Draiweesh (President) and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed (Advisor & Principal Investigator) hosted the high profile dignitaries from IDB, KSA, senior officials and team leaders from other universities, multinational companies and industries, national scientific and strategic organizations, academic community, HEC, PEC, and Planning Commission.

Such events are scheduled as robo war, tour de mind, slingshot, gear up, junk art, capture the nature, environmental entrepreneurship, project competition, counterstrike and Fifa.

Robotics Show at IoBM Enthralls AudienceKeeping in view the importance of robotics, the students of Electrical Engineering Department, Institute of Business Management (IoBM), organized WHY-PHY 2015.

News & Views

28

This is an IoBM activity in experiential learning when students plan, organize, coordinate in this regard and promote events under the guidance and supervision of their respective faculty advisors.

Activities and competitions pertaining to this magnanimous Robotics Show at IoBM are programmed at its state-of-the-art Students Activity Centre, contemporary laboratories and mammoth convocation area amid keen interest, direct interaction and worthy guidance of Mr. Talib Karim, Rector; Dr. Syed Irfan Hyder, Dean; Ms Seema Ansari, Head of Department, Department of Electrical Engineering; illustrious faculty and meticulous management.

Earlier, the IoBM designed robotics workshop for beginners. Students learnt about robotics world

and building their own line following robots. They learnt about mechanical structures, types and functionality in robots, sensor and circuit functions and assembled their own robots. Students learnt to burn programmes in microcontroller and how robots can perform different task.

This was a skill development workshop to enable students to participate in national competitions and robotics' events. IoBM also designed robotics workshop for engineering students or those familiar with basic robotics and had passion and interest to learn about robotics world, Pro-E modeling, PIC microcontroller programming, simulation software Proteus, circuit designing, build own line following robot to perform tasks by programming.

More than 80 students from four Pakistani universities received scholarships recently at a ceremony highlighting the achievements of Merit and Needs Based Scholarship Programme (MNBSP) of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID).

The ceremony was held at the Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) where senior officials from USAID and Higher Education Commission (HEC) were present.MNBSP is a $37 million scholarship programme offering fully-funded graduate and undergraduate degrees in 31 public and private universities in Pakistan. It is being implemented by the

LCWU Ceremony Marks Achievements of USAID’s Scholarship Programme

Higher Education Commission. Fifty percent of scholarships under the MNBSP Programme are reserved for deserving female students.

Speaking at the event, Dr. G. Raza Bhatti, Member (HRD) HEC highlighted various programmes of HEC including local and overseas scholarships projects, faculty and infrastructure development. He appreciated support from the United States government and partner universities in promoting higher education in Pakistan. Dr. Tahira Buttar, Acting Vice Chancellor, LCWU presented welcome address.

Students from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF), Lahore University of

Management Sciences (LUMS), University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, and Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) received scholarships on the occasion.

Since programme’s inception in 2004, 1807 scholarships have been awarded in 11 Pakistani public and private sector universities. Of these, 1500 students have completed their higher education degrees. Based on the success of Phase-I, USAID expanded the scholarship programme in 2014 to benefit an additional 3000 talented students in need of financial assistance. Students are selected for scholarships based on financial need, after gaining university admission.

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Isra University, Hyderabad campus, and Ball State University (BSU), USA, jointly held a two-day International Conference on Entrepreneurship (ICE) at Isra University, recently.

The conference was co-chaired by Prof. Dr. Hameedullah Kazi, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Isra University, and Prof. Dr. Kenneth Holland, Director of Centre for International Development, Ball State University. Vice Chancellor Isra University Prof. Dr. Asadullah Kazi was the chief guest of ICE 2015.

The theme of ICE 2015 was 'Business and Innovation for Societal Development'. This conference was a result of a three-year Memorandum of Understanding signed between the two universities.

The conference aimed at exploring the myriad opportunities and possibilities and sort out solution of the problems that exist as a result of the increasing demand of resources and infrastructure.

It was also an endeavor to assist the academia and stakeholders concerned to reshape their strategies to adopt novel and creative approaches in order to teach and promote the culture and spirit of entrepreneurship.

Isra-BSU Int'l Moot on EntrepreneurshipSuccessful Entrepreneurship Pivotal for Social Uplift: Isra VC

About 25 papers from national and international authors that addressed challenges, opportunities and strategies pertaining to the promotion of entrepreneurship to build prosperous societies were presented at the conference in addition to six keynote speeches. The conference was

opened with the addresses of Prof. Dr. Hameedullah Kazi, Prof. Dr. Kenneth Holland, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Qadir Kazi and others.

Prof. Dr. Ghulam Qadir Kazi, Vice-Chancellor, Isra University, stressed that successful entrepreneurship is vital for the advancement and development of a society.

The growing scarcity of resources creates a challenge of effective utilization, but at

the same time it opens a plethora of opportunities for innovation and technological advancement, he added.

Prof. Dr. Asadullah Kazi said that devising appropriate policies is a need of the hour.

In their concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Hameedullah Kazi and Dr. Qamar Mahar acknowledged the contributions of all the researchers and lauded the efforts put by all the organizing committee members.

Later, awards and certificates were distributed among the distinguished researchers.

Successful entrepreneurship is vital for the advancement and development of a society. The growing scarcity of resources creates a challenge of effective utilization, but at the same time it opens a plethora of opportunities for innovation and technological advancement.

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software, hardware, data visualization and platform solutions that could contribute to space exploration missions and help improve life on Earth.

The Challenges focused on real-world design problems and on making our planet and universe accessible, visual and

fun to explore. This year, 35 challenges represented NASA mission priorities in four areas that included earth, outer space, humans and robotics.

This event brought together tech-savvy citizens, scientists, entrepreneurs, educators and students to help solve problems and questions

IST holds NASA Space Apps Challenge

relevant to space exploration and broader subjects that impact life on earth. A competitive environment was created to boost the designing skills of students as well as give them exposure to the innovative ideas. It was not just a competition but a training programme where students

could foresee the solutions to future problems with the help of their professional mentors.

UET Taxila emerged as the winner of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge. COEUS Solutions, a software house from Lahore, grabbed the second position and PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi was on the third position. A total of 60 contestants including students of different

universities and professionals from the industry participated in the event.

NASA and other space agencies around the world also organized the fourth annual International Space Apps Challenge at more than 135 locations worldwide.

Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad, recently organized the NASA International Space Apps Challenge in Pakistan.

Dr. Zaffar Mohammad, Director General ORIC, graced the occasion as chief guest.

Dr. Qamar ul Islam and Prof. Dr. Abid Ali Khan were the keynote speakers on the occasion, while Dr. Najam Abbas gave the closing remarks in the end and thanked the participants.

Mr. Shakeel Shafiq, Space Apps Curator, opened the session at the inaugural ceremony. Dr. Najam Abbas, event head; Dr. Muddassar Farooq, Dean IST; and Dr. Zaffar Mohammad, Director General ORIC, made the keynote remarks.

NASA International Space Apps Challenge was an intense 48-hours global weekend code-a-thon for developers, designers, engineers, entrepreneurs, astronomers and enthusiast to develop mobile applications,

UET Taxila emerged as the winner of the NASA International Space Apps Challenge. COEUS Solutions, a software house from Lahore, grabbed the second position and PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi was on the third position.

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Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, visited the NED University of Engineering and Technology on 13 May to attend a ceremony held to distribute laptops among students under the Prime Minister's Youth Laptop Programme.

He was accompanied by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission. On their arrival, both the distinguished guests were received by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Afzal Haq, Vice Chancellor NED University. During his welcome address, the VC NED University presented a brief overview of the university and its major achievements highlighting in

President Distributes Laptops Among 33 Students

particular the fast approaching centenary of this leading professional university. He said NED University was producing professionals, engineers, planners and architects who are serving academia and industries across the globe.

President Mamnoon Hussain lauded the role of NED

University in imparting professional and quality education for over nine decades to students.

He distributed laptops among 33 students studying in different disciplines at NED University. Later, the VC presented the university shield to the President.

thThe 8 Indigenous On-campus Training (IOT) Workshop organized by Professional Development Centre (PDC), Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur in collaboration with Higher Education Commission, Islamabad on “Administrative Skills” concluded here recently.

Prof. Dr. Parveen Shah, Vice Chancellor, SALU, Khairpur presided over the concluding ceremony. Syed Mohammad Javed Sadiq, Former Advisor, Public Diplomacy, US Consulate, Karachi, was the chief guest. Mr. Imtiaz Ahmed Pirzada, resource person of the workshop, was the guest of honor.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shah said, it is a matter of high pleasure and rejoice that Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur, has completed eight IOTs successfully. Dr. Shah commended the efforts of HEC for sponsoring the organization of

thSALU Holds 8 Indigenous On-Campus

Training Workshop workshops for non-academic staff of the university. This has been possible due to the university's committed team. SALU is a leading university which organized these workshops timely. She remarked that I believe in dialogue and discourse because it is the symbol of life. The Vice Chancellor said that the officers of the university are service providers, adding that our dealing with students should be polite.

Syed Javed Sadiq said the first line of defense is security staff. He appreciated the efforts of Dr. Parveen Shah being catalyst in the promotion of education, research and trainings.

Syed Javed said SALU is the leading university of Pakistan that has taken a good initiative to organize wonderful workshops. It is a golden opportunity for the capacity building of the staff.

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President Chairs PIEAS Convocation 2015

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, attended the Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) Convocation 2015 as the chief guest. He conferred degrees on the

successful candidates of PhD, MS, and BS in various disciplines. The awardees included 36 PhDs, 283 Masters and 90 BS. Fifteen Gold medals, 29 merit certificates and 36 certificates of appreciation were also awarded to outstanding graduates.

The President, in his address, emphasized on acquisition of modern science, engineering and technical education for socio-economic development of the country. He called for making science a source of national progress. The President underscored the need to focus on scientific research and education to put the country on a trajectory of growth and progress.

After successfully conducting trainings at Peshawar, Quetta, Bahawalpur and Lahore, the HEC organized another training-cum-workshop for the employees of Treasury and Audit Departments of the public sector universities of Sindh. The event was conducted at the HEC Regional Center Karachi.

In line with the HEC’s constant efforts to develop financial management and accounting systems, the HEC planned a series of workshops under its Tertiary Education Support Project (TESP) funded by the World Bank. The aim of this workshop was to cascade and share the lessons learnt in the recent overseas study tour.

The key learning areas of the workshop were the lessons learnt during the study tour of Thailand and Australia;

Workshop for Varsities Treasury Departments

enterprise resources planning; the new accounting model and the new chart of accounts; strategic vision and planning; how to develop SOPs; budgeting; financial management; revenue generation techniques for universities and institutes. Mr. Mubashar Ali of SKIM Training and Consultancy was the trainer in the session.

In the start of the workshop, the message of Prof. Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Executive Director, HEC, was read out. Similarly, the HEC organized a workshop for the

employees of Treasury and Audit Departments of the public sector universities from the central Punjab. The event was conducted at the HEC Regional Center, Lahore.

Twenty six nominees from the Central Punjab and Lahore regions’ universities, institutes and centers participated in the workshop. The event was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi through a video conference. He briefed them on the functions, achievements and future plans of HEC for the advancement of higher education sector.

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Dr. Fakhr-ul-Islam, Director Pakistan Study Centre, UoP, attended a three-day International Symposium on Afghanistan at Istanbul, Turkey.

The theme of the symposium was the situation in Afghanistan after NATO. He read out a paper on Durand Line and expressed his views in the panel of experts. The symposium was organized by Istanbul based South Asian Strategic Research Centre.

Other experts from Pakistan included Rahimullah Yousafzai, renowned journalist; Ashraf Jehangir Qazi, former diplomat; Khalid Rehman, IPS Chief; and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal, IRS representative. Reading his paper titled "Durand Line: A bone of Contention in Pak-Afghan relations", Dr. Fakhr-ul-Islam presented the historical background of demarcation and subsequent controversy over the

UoP Official Attends Int'l Symposium on Afghanistan at Istanbul

2300-kilometer border. He suggested that both Afghanistan and Pakistan should concentrate on border management. The border is porous and outlaws permeated in both the states quite easily.

Border management may spread over certain steps such as fencing, establishing few more formal entry points on the style of Torkham and Chaman, raising border security force and regular mechanism for flag staff meetings. Once a mutual border management is in place, both the states may concentrate on positive interactions.

emphasized that the urban transportation is not a matter of convenience and economics but a matter of justice, and of equality for every resident.

“The most important aspect is how to distribute the city's most valuable resource: its road space,” he said. “You could find oil or diamonds underneath Karachi and it would still not be as valuable as road space.” It is a precious

NED UET Seminar Highlights Significance of Road Space

resource as it is limited. He added that the real issue behind most of transportation problems is equity. Democracy is not just about casting your vote but it also specifies that basic facilities including road infrastructure should be equally divided among its citizens.

Another point of concern is the demographic and spatial expansion of Karachi. If the population doubles, the city will spread three times. And then, public transport options will become inevitable for everyone. So it is better to take a proactive approach and plan and implement for the future.

The NED University recently arranged a seminar on "Challenges and Opportunities for Pakistani Cities -- Towards Sustainable Transportation Systems".

The seminar was held in the Video Conference Hall of NED University and was telecasted in all universities linked through an HEC-funded video link facility.

The main speaker of this seminar, Mr Enrique Penalosa, who is the President of the Board of Directors, Institute for Transportation and Development Policy, and ex-mayor of Bogota, Columbia,

You could f ind oil or diamonds underneath Karachi and it would still not be as valuable as road space.

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A one-day national seminar on the "Role of Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in National and International Politics" was held at Shah Abdul Latif University, Khairpur. Dr. Syeda Nafisa Shah Jillani, MNA, presided over the seminar.

Dr. Nafisa Shah said April 4, 1979 was the black day of history, adding that on this day, a dictator martyred a personality of international stature. ZA Bhutto struggled for the survival of Pakistan. He redirected the foreign policy of Pakistan. Security agenda and new Pakistan were his priorities. She said during his tenure, Bhutto tried to make Pakistan a nuclear state.

The policies of ZA Bhutto were public-centric. She said ZA Bhutto introduced socialist economy and he was the custodian of public property and strategic assets. She shed the contribution of ZA

Bhutto and said 90,000 prisoners were returned due to his efforts, adding that Steel Mill and Wah Ordinance Factory were the achievements of ZA Bhutto. She said SALU, Khairpur, is a gift of ZA Bhutto.

Dr. Jahangir Bader, Senator from Pakistan People's Party, was the keynote speaker in the seminar. He said there are two believes in world one is religion, on religion there is no compromise and other is political belief based on socio-economic policies. He termed politics as sciences of masses, living style, character and struggle slavery.

ZA Bhutto firmly believed in people's politics. Prof. Dr. Parveen Shah, Vice Chancellor, SALU, Khairpur, and others also spoke on this occasion and paid tribute to ZA Bhutto.

SALU Event Lauds ZA Bhutto's Role in National, Int'l Politics

Materializing their dreams, over 1250 graduates have recently received their degrees during the Superior University Convocation 2015.

The convocation was presided over by Prof. Dr. Chaudhry Abdul Rehman, Chairman, Superior Group of Colleges. Minister for Education, Punjab, Mr. Rana Mashood Ahmad Khan was the chief guest.

Prof. Chaudhry Abdul Khaliq, Director Operations, also graced the occasion with his presence.

In his welcome speech, Prof. Dr. Ikhlaq Hussain Shamsi, Rector, Superior College, highlighted

Over 1250 Superior Graduates Conferred Degrees'Education only Panacea to all ills’

the Superior achievements and shared his vision of exploring more horizons. He advised the graduates to be more focused, passionate and dedicated.

Mr. Rana Mashood praised the Superior Management and discussed Government of Punjab Educational future policies. He advised the

graduates to work hard and become the strength of Pakistan.

The Chairman, Superior Group of Colleges termed education the only solution to problems. He congratulated the graduates and applauded Mr. Pirzada Sami Ullah, Registrar, Superior College, and his team members for arrangements.

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methodology. This MoU makes SZABIST the first university in Pakistan to work with the British Council to enhance the English language skills of its students.

Mr. Robin Davies, Director Sindh and Balochistan signed the MoU on behalf of Mr. Peter Upton Country Director Pakistan, and Ms Shahnaz Wazir Ali, President SZABIST and former Minister of State for Education, signed on behalf of the Chancellor SZABIST Dr. Azra Fazal Pechuho.

SZABIST Signs MoU with British Council

The project team will be spear headed by Ms Arzu Daniel, Director English British Council Pakistan and Dr. Tayyaba Tamim, Director Academics SZABIST.

The project team comprises Mr. Bilal Ahmed, Dr. Fatima Dar, Ms. Hira Anwar and Mr. Usman Khalid.

The new English programme will begin from August 2015. Both sides see this as a stepping stone for several future collaborative endeavors.

A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Shaheed Zulifkar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) and British Council Pakistan at a solemn ceremony held at SZABIST Karachi recently.

The purpose of signing this MoU was to establish a growing collaboration between SZABIST and British Council to enrich the English language programme at the institute and offer English courses modeled on blended learning

community. This conference was held under the supervision of Prof. Dr. Muhammad Akram Chaudhry, Vice Chancellor, University of Sargodha, and Prof. Dr. Nazra Sultana, Dean Faculty of Science, Chairperson Department of Mathematics.

Prof. Dr. Zahoor-Ul- Hassan Dogar, Pro-VC, UoS, honoured

International Conference on Pure and Applied Mathematics

the event as chief guest in the inauguration ceremony.

He thanked the participants, speakers who came from all over the world for making conference successful and praised the Department of Mathematics for promoting the research culture in university.

A two-day International Conference on Pure and Applied Mathematics was recently held at Department of Mathematics, University of Sargodha.

The main purpose of the conference was to promote research and linkage among worldwide academic

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The first International Women Dental Conference was recently held at the University of Faisalabad in collaboration with Dental News.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC, chaired the closing ceremony as chief guest. The conference theme was Women in Dentistry, the Trend Setters. The event was sponsored by the Higher Education Commission and supported by Pakistan Dental Association.

Women Termed Trend Setters in Dentistry

Int'l Women Dental Conference heldProf. Dr. Abdul Majeed, Rector of University of Faisalabad, was the guest of honour. Prof. Dr. SAH Bokhari, Director Advanced Studies, TUF, was the principal organizer. The conference highlighted the emerging role of female practitioners in the field of dentistry in Pakistan. With participants of the conference from 16 dental colleges coming from all over Pakistan including students and distinguished faculty members, the event hosted several key speakers

Higher Education Commission with the technical support of Tertiary Education Support Programme (TESP) and IBA, Karachi, launched a series of training workshops for the capacity building of public sector universities.

First two trainings on Leadership and Change Management and Human Resource Management were recently held. The training was inaugurated

by Mr. Asad Khan, Programme Coordinator TESP. In his opening remarks he said that capacity building is an important component of TESP.

The main objective of this component is to strengthen the implementation capacity of employees through different trainings. He added that TESP is imparting these trainings in partnership with IBA Karachi.

HEC Launches Training Programmes for Public Sector Varsities Staff

from Pakistan and abroad focusing on the subject of Women dentists as the new trend setters in the dental fraternity. The conference objective was to encourage women to play a greater role in the field of specialized dentistry.

The event organized poster or table clinic competition, research competition, presentation skills competition, Qirat & Na'at competition and quiz competition.

Danish Ambassador to Pakistan, Mr. Jesper Moller Sorensen, along with Danish Development Counselor, Mrs. Darrian Riber, visited Preston University, Karachi, and discussed a talk on ‘Denmark in Pakistan -- Vision, strategy, activities, future plans’.

The ambassador along with his delegation was warmly welcomed at the university, where he spoke to a mammoth gathering of academicians, students and guests. Justice Retired Deedar

Danish Envoy Visits Preston UniversityHusain Shah, Pro-chancellor Preston University; Prof. Dr. Nilofer Shaikh, Vice Chancellor Preston University, Karachi; Mr. Aftab Lodhi, Deputy General Preston University; Dr. Ibrahim Shah Bukhari, Dean Department of Social Sciences; and faculty members of various departments were also present on the occasion.

Prof. Dr. Nilofer Shaikh, Vice Chancellor, shed light on the dynamic role of Pakistan in South Asia and the fertile brains of Pakistani youth.

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The French government has decorated Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, with French Civil Award, Ordre des Palmes Académiques, in recognition of his tremendous services for education and research.

Martine Dorance, French Ambassador, on the behalf of the French government, conferred the award upon Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan at a faculty gathering held at the UAF old campus.

French Govt Awards UAF VC for Services in Edu, Research

Lauding the services of Vice Chancellor, she said that Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan had devoted his life to the cause of education, research and food security.

She said under his leadership, the UAF has emerged in the list of top 100 universities of the globe. She said that keeping in view his services for the areas of education and research, the French government decided to confer the award upon Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan. She said Dr. Iqrar started his professional

Programme and University Ranking methodology was organized by the Quality Enhancement Cell, University of Karachi, on 12 May.

The seminar was chaired by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, Vice Chancellor, University of Karachi. Addressing the audience, the VC appreciated the presentation of the speakers and expressed his satisfaction that a good number of lecturers and assistant professors are present in the seminar.

This he remarked demonstrates the academic interest of the young faculty in Quality Assurance programme of the university. The VC further said there can be no two opinions that in the emerging global economies high quality human capital has become a crucial factor in the socio-economic development of the country and this undoubtedly necessitates quality assurance mechanism in higher education. He further added that in the present scenario the universities have to compete

and operate within a national policy framework developed by the Government and other international ranking agencies.

Besides enhancing our academic standard through quality assurance programmes and the standards developed for it, it has also become a criterion for funding of the universities by the government.

He advised the young faculty members to own their alma mater and come forward to engage themselves as much as possible in research activities as quality teaching without research cannot be up to the mark and standardized. He concluded by saying that despite national and international recognition, the University of Karachi is committed to further enhance it quality assurance mechanism in all of its teaching and research programmes as there is always room for improvement.

UoK Seminar Terms Human 'Capital' Crucial for Socio-Economic Uplift

Self-Assessment

career in 1977 by joining UAF as lecturer.

Then he moved to University of California Riverside where he stayed as research assistant. He obtained his MS and PhD.

It is during this demanding process that he built up his image of a man of utmost intellectual rigour.

The UAF Vice Chancellor thanked the French government for recognizing his services.

The University of Agriculture Faisalabad launched a Character Building Society under the joint initiative of National Accountability Bureau and Higher Education Commission. The society will work under the banner of the office of a senior tutor.

Saeed Ahmad Sargana, Deputy Chairman National Accountability Bureau, said at the launching ceremony of Character Building Society (CBS), University of Agriculture Faisalabad at New Senate Hall that self-accountability, collective efforts, sense of responsibility and faith in God are imperative to eradicate the menace of corruption in the society.

Sargana said NAB is entrusted with the responsibility of elimination of corruption through a holistic approach of awareness, prevention and enforcement. He said awareness about self-accountability would ensure development of the country and transformation into a vibrant society. As NAB is focusing on awareness and prevention, it has established more than 19,000 character

UAF Develops Character Building Society‘Self-accountability Vital to Eradicate Corruption’

building societies across the country in different universities, colleges and schools.

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF, said that education is the way forward to bring changes and development in the society. He said besides financial corruption and misuse of power, there are other corruptions such as lack of dedication or avoid working at offices which must be addressed at national level.

The Directorate of Quality Enhancement Cell, University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS), Lahore, organized a seminar on "Academic Quality Assurance for Out-come Based Education -- Challenges and Prospects".

Dr. Kamran Moosa, international corporate trainer and head of Institute of Quality Pakistan, and Prof. Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman, Dean Faculty of Bio-Sciences, co-chaired the inaugural session of the seminar while Dr. Dawar

Hameed Mughal, Director Quality Enhancement Cell, Prof. Dr. Sarwer Khan and a large number of students and faculty members were present on the occasion.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman said that the aim of the seminar is to sensitize the people about quality assurance, management, enhancement in the quality of education and skills. Later, Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, VC UVAZ, chaired the concluding session of the seminar and gave away shield to Dr. Kamran Moosa.

Masses Sensitized on Edu Quality Assurance

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thThe 12 Annual Convocation of Pakistan Air Force-Karachi Institute of Economics and Technology (PAF-KIET) was held recently at the Convention Centre, PAF Museum, Karachi.

Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Governor Sindh, was the chief guest on the occasion while Tahir Rafique Butt, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), was the guest of honour.

During the colourful ceremony, which was attended by a large gathering, a total of 592 students were awarded undergraduate and graduate degrees in the disciplines of Management Sciences, Computer Sciences, Engineering and Media Arts. The graduates

PAF-KIET Awards Degrees to 592 Students

included 11 gold medalists and 10 silver medalists. Addressing the gathering on the occasion, the chief guest expressed his satisfaction over the enormous progress made by the institute over the past 15 years in terms of expansion, student-intake, faculty upgradation and research output.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Tubrez Asif, President PAF-KIET, gave a brief overview of the steady progress made by the institute and highlighted some of the meaningful steps taken to help the institute achieve higher levels of excellence. Salim Arshad, Chancellor of the institute, was also present on the occasion.

Riphah Int'l University Symposium Sheds Light on Contemporary Challenges in Finance

The Riphah International University recently organized a two-day “International Symposium on Contemporary Challenges and Research Perspectives in Finance”, at Mizan Campus, Ralwapindi.

The event was organized in collaboration with the Bank of Punjab, HEC, Institute of Space & Technology and University Technology Malaysia. The event hosted more than 100 delegates including experts, keynote speakers and research scholars from relevant domains to nurture relationships and strengthen ties between academia and industry.

The theme of Symposium was to bring experts from different backgrounds of finance and project management and keynote speakers and researchers from different domains to share their knowledge, expertise, real time issues, and challenges so as to help scholars in their research capacity building.

Prof. Amanullah Khan, Dean FMS, and Dr. Khurram Shahzad, Associate Dean FMS, made the welcome address. Prof. Amanullah Khan accentuated the need of real time research to benefit the common man. Dr. Ahmad Raza

Bilal, Vice President, the Bank of Punjab, presented his views on project financing and highlighted the challenges of SMEs in developing and emerging markets. He revealed the importance of research on financial performance of SMEs. His sheer knowledge and expertise in diversified spells of banking domain added a great deal to research knowledge.

In line with the dynamic aspect of Islamic Financing, Mr. Muhammad Ayub, Chief Auditor, JIBM, highlighted the emerging mechanism of research in perspectives of Islamic Finance.

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ndThe 2 indigenous on-campus training workshop for the management cadre (BPS-16 and above) officers concluded here in Jamshoro. Dr. Abdul Rasool Abbasi, Dean Faculty of Natural Sciences, presided over the concluding ceremony.

The workshop, comprising 15 sessions was planned and organized by the SU Quality Enhancement Cell and Planning & Development in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission under its modern university governance programme and capacity building of non-teaching staff. As many as 30 officers of Sindh University and directors as well as principals of various SU affiliated colleges of Jamshoro, Kotri and Hyderabad participated in the workshops titled 'leadership in management'.

"Whether one is a student or a professional, one's need for learning new trends and approaches never ends. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to non-teaching staff to enhance their capacity and productivity", said Abdul Rasool Abbasi, Dean Faculty of Natural Sciences."This will not only improve efficiency of the university's officers but also help promote good governance on the campus," he said. He said that the officers were the facilitators of the university and there was a need to equip the staff with skills that would enrich their knowledge through the usage of modern trends and technologies. Dr. Abbasi said the objective was to build the capacity of the staff.

Sajid Qayoom Memon, focal person for the training and SU advisor planning & development cell, said that IOT was a unique opportunity under the auspices of HEC for universities' non-teaching staff and employees to enhance their capacity and productivity. He said that this would increase effectiveness and lessen the communication gap

nd2 Indigenous On-campus Training

Workshop Concludes at SUamong different stakeholders within and outside the universities. He said that the training was aimed at improving the efficiency of non-academic staff.

Mr. Memon further said "the interactive and real life-like activity based sessions helped the participants a lot to learn how to deal with difficult situations at their job by mere application of management and organizing skills."

The elements of conflict resolution and effective communication in difficult times have critical role in every organisations and especially in academic set up and the trained officers will enjoy their professional responsibilities with this new

learning, he added.

Dr. Shahzad Memon, course coordinator, said, "this IOT is designed to impart some important leadership skills that are essential for those who are working in

different capacities and at different managerial levels in universities. In other words this course is intended to develop core leadership competencies in participants, their personal transformation in particular and enhancement of organization leadership capacity in general. He said, "this training will not only improve the capacity and efficiency of the universities' employees but also help to promote good governance on campus.”

Dr. Shahzad said that this was second time that SU organized training workshop for management cadre.

Whether one is a student or a professional, one's need for learning new trends and approaches never ends. This workshop offers a unique opportunity to non-teaching staff to enhance their capacity and productivity

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Speakers at a seminar recently organized by Kohat University of Science and Technology (KUST) emphasized strengthening of pharmacists role in the healthcare system. The seminar aimed at overcoming the incidence of irrationalities regarding the provision and use of medicines in hospital as well as the community and regulatory setup of the healthcare system. The would-be graduates of Pharmacy were briefed about the importance of pharmacists role in society as well as new trends in pharmacy profession.

Speakers showed deep concern over the increasing misuse and abuse of drugs in the society and urged dire need for legislative changes to strengthen pharmacists role, thereby stopping irrationalities. They were addressing a seminar on Empowering Pharmacist through Legislative Changes in order to Strengthen Healthcare

KUST Seminar for Strengthening Pharmacists Role in Healthcare

System-Cum-Recent Trends in Pharmacy Practice, organized by the Department of Pharmacy, Kohat University of Science and Technology, Kohat.

Dr. Abdul Wahab, Chief Organizer/ Chairman, Department of Pharmacy, KUST made the opening remarks. He said that pharmacy is important pillar of the healthcare system across the world.

Strengthening pharmacists through legislative changes will have long lasting impact on our healthcare system. Stopping Category B and C pharmacists to open a medical store will not only control the presence of substandard, unregistered and spurious drugs in the markets but will also be helpful in controlling many other irrational practices of medicine in the society. Prof. Dr. Shafiq-ur-Rahman, Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, KUST, was the chief guest.

Ammara Farukh has completed her PhD degree in linguistics at Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) under the Faculty Development Programme. Prof. Mila Vulchanova supervised her research.

Her thesis shows that linguistic input is a protection factor when it comes to child reading disorders. The children in her sample were associated with both Urdu and English medium schools. The disputation took place at the Faculty of Humanities, and the thesis is entitled "Dyslexia and Learning English as a Second Language: An

Scholar Defends PhD in LinguisticsExperimental Study." She has researched the differences in reading disorders in unilingual and bilingual children in Pakistan. The main objective of this study was to determine the cognitive markers of reading skills in Urdu.

Ammara Farukh has investigated whether the tests that are universal indicators for reading in other languages could be used in Urdu to predict such skills and to identify reading difficulties in children in the third grade (8-9 years).

In a message sent out by the faculty explained that the study began with interviews of

teachers who helped to divide the children into a control group and a group of children with reading difficulties. To design a test battery that could be used for mapping, some standard tests used in its original form. Some tests were adapted for content and level, while others were developed from scratch.

Results from dyslexia tests showed that both participating groups from English medium schools achieved better results than students from middle schools with Urdu. These results show that increased exposure to linguistic input is a protection factor when it comes to reading disorders.

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Muhammad Ali Jinnah University (MAJU), thBioinformatics Department, held the 6 one-day

workshop on Impact of Bioinformatics in Life Sciences recently.

This was an annual event of the department. The main objectives of the workshop were to create awareness about bioinformatics and to give basic training to students, faculty and researchers of colleges, institutes and universities. The department invited renowned resource persons to

MAJU holds Workshop on Bioinformatics

deliver lectures in two technical sessions. About 103 participants attended the event from 23 different institutes including Quaid-i-Azam University, NUST, COMSATS, Hazara University, University of Muzaffarabad, NIBGE, Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University Peshawar, University of Sindh and University of Gujrat.

The event ended with distribution of certificates and shields among speakers, participants and organizers.

The Department of Mathematics, MAJU, organized a workshop on mathematics with special focus on the refresher courses for the mathematics faculty of government and private colleges of Rawalpindi recently.

As many as 42 lecturers, assistant professors and associate professors participated in this workshop. PhD faculty members of the Mathematics Department delivered lectures on the topics of the Idea of Derivatives, Application of Derivatives,

MAJU Workshop Sheds Light on Importance of Refresher Courses

Mathematical Modeling in Linear Algebra, and How Straight is a Straight Line.The participants took keen interest in the workshop and found it a very useful activity.

They acknowledged the efforts made by the department of Mathematics of MAJU for initiating such useful academic activity for professional growth of college professors.

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As many as 1015 students were awarded degrees as Jinnah University for Women held Convocation 2014 on 9 May with Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, in the chair. The students were awarded degrees in various disciplines under the umbrella of Faculty of Arts, Business Administration, Commerce and Economics, Pharmacy and Sciences. Wajihuddin Ahmed, Chancellor, and Prof. Dr. Naeem Farooqui, Vice Chancellor, along with faculty heads welcomed the honorable President.

The Chancellor thanked the President for presiding over the convocation for the second time and for his support to the higher education facilities rendered by the university. He also talked about the university's activities and its future programmes. He said

JUW Confers Degrees upon 1015 Students

that women are more than 55 percent of the country's population and they should be given the knowledge of modern academic disciplines and technologies to enable them to fully participate in every profession and in nation-building activities.

The President urged the students to excel in their faculties and make best contribution towards social and economic revolution in the country. Talking about the

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, he said it is based on a series of mega projects in different sectors. He said there will be a lot of opportunities for young professionals to utilize their talent and energy.

He urged the students, teachers and other sections of the society to join hands for elimination corruption from the country. He distributed gold medals among students securing first position in different faculties.

President Urges Students Contribution to Social, Economic Uplift

Baleegh-ur-Rehman, Minister of State for Federal Education, while Prof. Dr. Qaiser Mushtaq, Vice Chancellor, presided over the event.

Baleegh-ur-Rehman said in his address that Pakistan came into being in the name of Islam. It is a need of the hour to bring up the coming

generation in the light of the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in addition to grooming their character and morality.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) blessed us with the essence of a model society and also formed a society based on peace, tranquility and justice. The government of Pakistan is

Seerat Conference held at IBU

Minister Stresses Bringing Up New Generation in Light of Islamic Teachings The sixth edition of a three-day International Seerat Conference titled "The role of social organizations in the light of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH)" was organized under the auspices of the Islamia University Bahawalpur.

The event was inaugurated by Engineer Mian Muhammad

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also making efforts to produce an environment of mutual respect and tolerance.

Prof. Dr. Qaiser Mushtaq said that this is the proper time to highlight the various

dimensions of Seerat-un-Nabi (PBUH) for the global world to get acquainted with the divine message which gives the lesson of peace and love. He also thanked the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan for

collaboration in organizing the event. Around 55 delegates from Saudi Arab, Kuwait, Sudan, Bangladesh, United States and Pakistan participated in the conference.

560 Bahria University Students Awarded Degrees Naval Chief Terms Role of Youth 'Extremely Critical' amid Challenges

Bahria University Islamabad thheld its 13 Convocation at

Jinnah Convention Centre Islamabad on 9 May to commemorate the academic accomplishments of its students.

Distinguished students were honored with gold and silver medals for their outstanding achievements in their academic career. Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of Naval Staff, graced the occasion as a chief guest and conferred degrees upon the graduating students of Masters and undergraduate programs.

As many as 560 students were awarded degrees. The Chief of Naval Staff awarded 21 gold medals and 14 silver medals to

students, who achieved top positions in their respective departments.

Congratulating the students winning medals and extending felicitations to all the degree recipients, the

Naval Chief said the global geo-political and geo-

economic environment has

become highly complex and challenging. Under these

circumstances, the role of youth for particularly developing nations, like us, has become extremely critical.

Therefore, a number of challenges are waiting for you in the coming days. "Through your sheer hard work, honesty and dedication towards your profession, you have to prove yourselves compatible with your counterparts in the developed world and become integral part of national growth and prosperity."

Admiral Zakaullah urged the students that righteousness, integrity and good intent should be their guiding principles while keeping unshakeable faith in God. He

said no hurdle will be big enough to stop you from achieving great heights.

Mr. Tanveer Faiz, Rector Bahria University, said that higher education has now become a tool of economic growth. The universities have great responsibility of producing quality graduates who could contribute in various fields for economic

growth of the country.

Through your sheer hard work, honesty and dedication towards your profession, you have to prove yourselves compatible with your counterparts in the developed world and become integral part of national growth and prosperity.

NEWS & NEWS & VIEWSVIEWS

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