Higher Education Commission - Pakistan

November-December 2016

HEC Awards
47 Outstanding Teachers P-2

Seminar on HEC Achieves New Milestones in 2016

Role of Youth with Focus on Quality, Governance of HEIs
in Eradication P-6

of Corruption
P-14
MPs from FATA Briefed on HEC Initiatives
for Tribal Areas
HEC Intervarsity P-5

Women Hockey NCHR, HEC to Encourage Research

Championship on Human Rights
P-22 P-23
 HEC Awards 47 Table of Contents
2 Outstanding
University Teachers
for Year 2015
9 HEC Achievements Lauded at 8th Islamic
Conference on Higher Education, Research

10 Ambassadors Call on Chairman HEC

12 Discussion Session on HEC Distinguished

MPs from FATA National Professors Programme

5 Briefed on HEC
Initiatives for Tribal
Areas
13 UNESCO ICHEI, Chinese Firms Team Visits
HEC to Explore Avenues for Collaboration

14 HEC, NAB hold Seminar on Role of Youth in

Eradication of Corruption
Meeting of NA
14 Talent Farming Workshops for PhD Studies
Standing Committee

8 on Federal Education,
Professional Training
at HEC 15
in US Universities

12th NAEAC Meeting Reviews Reports on 68

Degree Programmes of Various Institutions

16 NACTE holds Training Workshop for External

News & Views is published after every Academic Evaluators
two months. No part of this
publication may be reproduced in any 18 Training of Varsities Financial Aid Offices
form without prior written Staffers at HEC RC Lahore
permission of the publisher.
19 OGDCL to Award 260 Need-cum-Merit
The views expressed by authors in the Based Scholarships through HEC
articles is their sole responsibility and
20 HEC Team Visits Turkey to Learn Best
not of HEC. The Commission would
Practices in Higher Education
like to thank all the institutions and
individuals who contributed
Erasmus+ Regional Seminar for Asia
information and photographs for this 21
Academic Cooperation, Mobility
Magazine.
NCHR, HEC to Encourage Research on
23
Human Rights

Editor
Aayesha Ikram

Graphic Designer
Raja Ahmad Nadeem
Publisher:
Reporter Higher Education
Waseem Khaliqdad Commission, Pakistan
 HEC Awards 47 Outstanding
University Teachers for Year 2015
Minister Urges Teachers to Spread Optimism among Nation

In continuation of its programme to encourage the have to make progress, we have to respect our
outstanding university teachers and to acknowledge teachers. He maintained that the Islamic teachings
their services, Higher Education Commission (HEC) also accord great esteem to teachers, as they build a
held a ceremony in connection with the Best nations character apart from fulfiling their
University Teacher Award 2015 at its Secretariat. professional duties. He urged the teachers to spread
optimism and counter disappointment prevailing in
Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman, State Minister for Federal the society. Mentioning various uplift programmes
Education and Professional Training attended the including Prime Ministers Laptop Scheme, Prime
event as a chief guest, while Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Ministers Fee Reimbursement Scheme, and
Chairman HEC was also present. establishment of National Curriculum Council as
well as Inter-Provincial Education Ministers
As many as 47 teachers were conferred the awards Committee, the Minister said that the Government is
along with Rs. 100000/- and a souvenir to each for heading toward turning the country into a
their exceptional performance in teaching. The knowledge economy.
awardees were selected from the universities across
Pakistan on the basis of their performance after He stressed the need for promotion of applied
fulfillment of a meritorious evaluation criteria. research in the country and highlighted the
Governments incentive programme for special
Speaking on the occasion, Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman persons acquiring education in different higher
appreciated the HEC initiative and stated that, if we education institutions.

List of awardees is as under:

S. No. Federal
1. FAST National University of Computer Dr. Waseem Shahzad
and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad Head of Computer Science Department
2. Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad Prof. Dr. Sohail Nadeem
Professor, Department of Mathematics
3. Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Dr. Muhammad Aftab Rafiq
applied Sciences, Nilor, Islamabad Associate Professor, Department of Metallurgy and Materials
Engineering

2
S. No. Federal
4. International Islamic University , Prof. Dr. Nabi Bux Jumani
Islamabad Professor, Department of Education
International Islamic University Islamabad
5. Bahria University, Islamabad Dr. Amina Jameel
Associate Professor, Department of Computer Engineering
6. National University of Modern Dr. Muhammad Shafique Anjum
Languages, Islamabad Assistant Professor, Department of Urdu Language and
Literature
7. National University of Science and Dr. Sharif Ullah Khan
Technology, Islamabad Associate Professor, Department of SEECS
8. Riphah International University , Dr. Khadija Shahid
Islamabad Associate Professor
Punjab
9. Government College University , Lahore Dr. Muhammad Nouman Sarwar Qureshi
Associate Professor, Department of Physics
10. University of Engineering and Dr. Liaqat Ali Qureshi
Technology, Taxila Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
11. University of Sargodha Dr. Abdul Rauf Raza
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
12. University of Management and Dr. Sammia Shahid
Technology, Lahore Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
13. Government college university , Dr. Naeem Iqbal
Faisalabad Associate Professor, Department of Botany
14. Fatima Jinnah Women University , Dr. Rohama Gill
Rawalpindi Assistant Professor, Department of Environmental Sciences
15. University of the Punjab, Lahore Dr. Mahmood Saleem
Professor, Institute of Chemical Engineering and Technology
16. Bahauddin Zakariya University , Multan Prof. Dr. Imran Sharif Chaudhry
Professor/Director, School of Economics

17. University of Education, Lahore Dr. Rana Abrar Hussain

Associate Professor, Department of Botany
18. University of Veterinary and Animal Dr. Muhammad Ijaz
Sciences, Lahore Assistant Professor, Department of Clinical Medicine and
Surgery
19. Pir Mehr Ali Shah Arid Agriculture Prof. Dr. Abdul Saboor
University, Rawalpindi Professor, Department of Economics
20. University of Agriculture, Faisalabad Dr. Ijaz Ahmad Bhatti
Professor, Department of Chemistry
21. IQRA University, Karachi Campus Dr. Engr. Muhammad Zubair
Associate Professor, Department of Engineering
22. NED University of Engineering and Dr. Farrukh Arif
Technology, Karachi Assistant Professor, Department of Civil Engineering
23. Sindh Agricuture University, Dr. Abdullah G . Arijo
Tandojam Professor, Department of Veterinary Parasitology
24. Liaquat University of Medical and Prof. Ikramuddin Ujan
Health Sciences, Jamshoro Dean, Department of Pathology

3
S. No. Sindh
25. Hamdard University, Karachi Dr. Tasneem Qureshi
Associate Professor, Department of Eastern Medicine
26. Aga Khan University, Karachi Dr. Sadia Muzaffar Bhutta
Assistant Professor, Institute of Educational Development
27. Sukkur Institute of Business Prof. Dr. Madad Ali Shah
Administration, Sukkur Professor, Department of Electrical Engineering
28. University of Sindh, Jamshoro Prof. Dr. Allah Bux Gahghro
Professor, Institute of Biochemistry
29. DOW University of Health Sciences, Prof. Dr. Abu Talib
Karachi Vice Principal, Department of Medicine
30. Federal Urdu University, Karachi Dr. Syed Rizwan Ali
Assistant Professor, Department of Physics
31. SMBB Medical University, Larkana Prof. Aijaz Ahmed Memon
Professor, Department of Medical
Khyber Pakhtunkhawa
32. Abdul Wali Khan University, Mardan Dr. Hafiz Salih uddin
Associate Professor, Department of Islamic Studies
33. Kohat University of Science and Dr. Hazir Rahman
Technology, Kohat Assistant Professor, Department of Microbiology
34. COMSATS Institute of Information Dr. Abdul Jabbar Shah
Technology, Abbottabad Associate Professor, Department of Pharmacy
35. Hazara University, Mansehra Dr. Wajid Rehman Gora
Associate Professor, Department of Chemistry
36. GIK Institute of Engineering Sciences Dr. Syed Fawad Hussain
and Technology, Topi, KPK Associate Professor, Department of Computer Science and
Engineering
37. The University of Agriculture, Peshawar Prof. Dr. Sarzamin Khan
Chairman, Department of Poultry Science
38. University of Malakand Prof. Dr. Rahmat Ali Khan
Professor and Dean of Sciences, Department of Mathematics
39. University of Peshawar Dr. Muhammad Nasim Khan
Professor, Department of Archaeology
40. Shaheed BB University, Sheringal, Dir Dr. Midrarullah
Upper Assistant Professor, Department of Bio Technology
41. Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Women Dr. Rubi Bilal
University, Peshawar Assistant Professor, Department of Mathematics
42. Gomal University, D.I. Khan Dr. Ejaz Ahmad Khan
Professor/Chairman, Department of Agronomy
43. University of Science and Technology, Dr. Hidayat Ullah Khan
Bannu Assistant Professor, Department of Chemistry
Balochistan
44. Balochistan University of Information Dr. Abdul Salam Lodhi
Technology, Engineering and Associate Professor, Department of Economics
Management Sciences, Quetta
45. Lasbela University of Agriculture, Dr. Muhammad Aslam
Water Marine Sciences, Uthal Associate Professor, Department of Marine Sciences
Azad Jammu & Kashmir
46. University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Dr. Muhammad Rustam Khan
Muzaffarabad Professor, Department of Geology
47. Mirpur University of Science and Prof. Dr. Rehana Asghar
Technology (MUST), Mirpur Dean, Faculty of Science

4
 MPs from FATA Briefed on
HEC Initiatives for Tribal Areas
HEC Follows Holistic Approach towards Promotion of Higher Education, Says Chairman HEC

A group of Parliamentarians from Federally higher education. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that so
Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) visited Higher far 6633 FATA students have benefited from Prime
Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat to discuss Ministers Fee Reimbursement Programme for MPhil
HEC initiatives for promotion of higher education in and PhD studies, while 2750 students from FATA
the tribal areas. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, have been awarded scholarships under HECs
briefed them in detail about p r o g r a m m e f o r
Commissions core activities, undergraduate and
particularly different postgraduate students.
initiatives for FATA region.
He informed the guests that
The meeting was attended by over 3000 student from FATA
Mr. Muhammad Nazir Khan, have also been provided
Parliamentar y Secretar y, scholarships under HEC Merit
Ministry of Federal Education and Need-based Scholarship
and Professional Training, Mr. Programme, while a number
Muhammad Jamalud Din, Mr. of scholars have also availed
Alhaj Shah Jee Gul Afridi, Mr. foreign scholarships for PhD
Nasir Khan, Mr. Sajid Hussain studies as well as Cuban
Turi, Mr. Ghalib Khan, and Governments scholarships
Syed Ghazi Ghulab Jamal. for medical studies. He
Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive further said that so far 1800
Director HEC, Dr. Ghulam FATA students have been
Raza Bhatti, Member (Operations and Planning) HEC provided laptops under Prime Ministers Laptop
and other senior management of the Commission Scheme. HEC believes in a holistic approach
were also present. towards development and ensures that quality is not
compromised at any level, he said.
Briefing the parliamentarians on HECs core aims in
general, and initiatives for promotion of higher Addressing concerns of parliamentarians over
education in FATA in particular, the Chairman said location of FATA University, the Chairman said that
that HEC is committed to ensuring development of FATA University campuses will be established in each
FATA through increased access of tribal students to Agency.

5
HEC Achieves New Milestones in 2016
with Focus on Quality & Governance
of Higher Education
Strict Implementation of Quality Criteria; Clamp Down on Substandard University
Programmes; Award of Scholarships; Set-up of Cloud Data Centre; Increase in Number of
ORICs & BICs; Launch of Education Testing Council; Establishment of New Campuses;
A Number of HRD and IT Initiatives for Faculty & Students.

While pursuing its policy of no-compromise on University, Ghotki and Shahdadkot, Sindh; Shaheed
quality and governance issues of higher education Benazir Bhutto University, Sanghar; IBA, Kashmore;
institutions, the Higher Education Commission Sindh Agriculture University, Umerkot; and, Mehran
(HEC) of Pakistan took many new steps in year 2016 University of Engineering and Technology,
to further strengthen countrys higher education Jacobabad. Likewise, a total of 15 Virtual University
sector. sub-campuses will be established including two in
Gilgit-Baltistan, one in FATA, five in Balochistan, one
HEC reviewed a total of 293 PhD programmes and in KPK, four in Punjab and two in Sindh.
57 MPhil programmes of 171 universities, of which
31 PhD and 26 MPhil programmes of different In the same year, HEC inaugurated Cloud Data
universities were closed due to lack of fulfilment of Centre with an aim to facilitate universities to
minimum quality standards. become part of the world-class research
environment. Building of the Centre has been
In 2016, HEC also launched the first phase of donated by Huawei Technologies. The Centre is
establishing sub-campuses of different universities meant for improving productivity, enhancing
and degree awarding institutions at 31 districts of business processes, and accelerating change.
Pakistan. The project aims to open 16 campuses of
public sector universities in those districts which HECs Cloud services aim at increasing efficiency,
have potential intake of 1000-1500 students in productivity and collaboration between the
addition to setting up campuses of Virtual University universities of Pakistan and reduce costs by using an
in districts where the population is relatively thin. optimized IT infrastructure. This Data Centre
The second phase of the project will cover another provides services like Virtual Data Centres (VDC),
35 districts with regard to establishment of Virtual Desktop Infrastructure (VDI), Safe Campus
university campuses. Central Solution and Central Surveillance, Unified
Communication and Shared Services, Storage as a
The sub-campuses being established in this phase Service, and Training as a Service.
include Karakoram International University, Hunza,
Gilgit-Baltistan; University of Poonch, Forward Besides, HEC launched the countrys first
Kahuta, Azad Jammu and Kashmir; University of government testing body for education sector
Balochistan, Pishin, Balochistan; University of named Education Testing Council (ETC) to conduct
Balochistan, Quetta, Dera Murad Jamali, free, standardized tests for university admissions.
Balochistan; Lasbela University of Agriculture Water ETC will conduct test free of cost for all students
& Marine Sciences, Uthal, Balochistan; Sardar desirous of taking admission in public and private
Bahudar Khan Women University, Naushki, universities. It will be held twice a year and its results
Balochistan; University of Hazara, Battagram, Khyber will be valid for two years.
Pakhtunkha; University of Swat, Shangla, KPK;
Gomal University, Tank, KPK; Kohat University of In 2016, Pakistan emerged as a country with highest
Science and Technology, Hangu; Shah Abdul Latif percentage of highly cited papers as compared to

6
BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India and China) countries. A set up its R&D Laboratory in Pakistan. With its
report entitled Pakistan: Another BRIC in the Wall unflinching commitment to human resource
issued by Thomson Reuters stated that though development, HEC took numerous steps to provide
Pakistans R&D environment faced substantial Pakistan with highly qualified and skilled human
economic challenges, despite this the most capital. For this purpose, it extended 1036 foreign
influential research was not affected. It reveals that in and indigenous scholarships, over 23,000 need-
last decade Pakistans scientific productivity based scholarships, and 24640 scholarships under
increased by more than four times from 2000 articles the Prime Minister Fee Reimbursement Scheme in
in 2006 to more than 9000 articles in 2015. During addition to the scholarships provided to Pakistani
this period, the number of highly cited papers students under various programmes developed as a
featuring Pakistan based authors increased 10-fold, result of foreign collaboration. HEC has also been
from nine articles in 2006 to 98 in 2015. executing the Prime Ministers Laptop Scheme.

The percentage of Pakistani documents cited during Meanwhile, HEC has also launched a new faculty
2006 to 2015 was 62.27% of the total published development programme costing Rs. 7142 million to
documents as against 59.73% of the documents provide qualified faculty in universities. Under the
published by all BRIC countries. Percentage of cited project, approved by ECNEC in December 2016, as
documents gives a starting perspective on efficiency many as 2000 faculty members from public sector
of the published documents. It added that, in 2012, universities will be provided opportunity to enrol in
Pakistans Category Normalized Citation Impact PhD programme in local universities. There will be a
(CNCI) was higher than all of BRIC countries. Also, provision to spend six month to one year in foreign
percentages of documents cited and percentage of university for research purposes. During their stay in
highly cited papers are higher. foreign universities, their research will be jointly
supervised by Foreign and Pakistan faculty
HEC has received 198 plagiarism complaints since members.
2006, in which 160 cases have been finalized; 90
complaints have proved to be false, while 38 faculty During the year, FATA University was made
members have been blacklisted. About 38 cases are operational and work was initiated on University of
under process and six cases are sub judice. Gwadar as well as University of Central Asia, Pakistan.
Besides, the number of Offices of Research,
The newly formed Technology Development Fund, a Innovation and Commercialization, and Business
project worth Rs. 2.91 billion, is for a duration of five Incubation Centres has also increased remarkably.
years and will cover 200 proposals. Its priority areas
will be IT/Computers, Micro-electronics, HEC took valuable initiatives to boost academia-
Biotechnology, Material Sciences, industry linkages so as to turn the country into a
Telecommunication and Robotics. The Fund aims at knowledge economy and follow the Governments
promoting prototypes for problem-based solutions. Vision 2025. Likewise, HEC announced the 5th
The first year target will be 50 joint proposals from Ranking of Pakistani Higher Education Institutions
university and industry projects. for 2013-2014 with an aim to boost academic and
research culture among Pakistani universities, and
Apart from various other initiatives for promotion encourage them to compete at international level.
and transfer of technology, HEC entered into a
strategic partnership with Huawei Technologies Co. The ranking was carried out under various
Ltd. and signed a Document of Understanding categories including Engineering and Technology,
(DOU) to enhance collaboration through research Business Education, Agriculture and Veterinary,
and development initiatives aimed towards Medical, and Arts and Design. The major criteria for
promoting and encouraging higher education evaluation of universities were Quality Assurance,
institutions for joint development of technologies in Teaching Quality, Research, Finance and Facilities,
Pakistan. For this purpose, Huawei will assist HEC to and Social Integration/ Community Development.

7
Meeting of NA Standing Committee on Federal
Education, Professional Training held at HEC

The 19th meeting of National Assembly Standing the non-compliance of quality assurance criterion in
Committee on Federal Education and Professional a few universities. It also showed concerns over the
Training was recently held at Higher Education lack of timely appointment of Vice Chancellors.
Commission Secretariat. While discussing the issues of the University of
Karachi and Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science
The meeting, presided over by Mr. Amirullah and Technology, it directed for starting the academic
Marwat, Chairman, NA Standing Committee on audit from the University of Karachi and FUUAST.
Federal Education and Professional Training, was
also attended by Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman, Minister The committee members also called the Vice
of State for Federal Education and Professional Chancellors of the two Universities to attend the
Training, and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC. committees next meeting to be held in Karachi.

The committee brought under consideration various Briefing the committee on various subjects under
academic issues including the Calling Attention consideration in the meeting, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed
Notice regarding stoppage of salaries of more than said that HEC follows a strict policy to deal with
60 teachers and staff members of Federal Urdu plagiarism and it gives no relaxation in any
University, Islamabad; the Sir Syed (Centre of plagiarism case. He informed that HEC has received
Advanced Studies in Engineering) Institute of 201 plagiarism cases since 2007 wherein 45 cases
Technology, Islamabad Bill; the Technical have been proved and blacklisted, 65 complaints
Educational Institutions, Medial Educational have been proved wrong, and 41 other cases are
Institutions and Universities (Regulation of Fee) Bill; under process. He also revealed that HEC recently
the Prevention of Malpractices in Academia Bill, conducted review of 171 universities in terms of
2016; and implementation status of the governance and quality, adding that HEC has
recommendations of the Standing Committee made provided Turnitin to every university which is be
in a meeting held at Abdul Wali Khan University. The being benefited from. Universities are certainly
committee considered the issues placed on the autonomous bodies, however this autonomy
meeting agenda. It expressed serious concerns over accompanies strict accountability, he stated.

8
The Chairman also shared the process of appointing Ms. Amra Khan, Chaudhary Hamid Hameed, Ms.
Universities Vice Chancellors. He described as to Surriya Asghar, Ms. Surraiya Jatoi, Ms. Shahida
what steps HEC has taken to enhance the prestige of Rehmani, Dr. Imran Khattak, Ms. Shahida Akhtar Ali,
teachers by following a one-grade-up policy so that and Ms. Shakila Luqman. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive
the countrys higher education institutions have Director, HEC, Dr. G. Raza Bhatti, Member O&P, HEC,
competent faculty. He informed the members about Prof. Ihsan Ali, Vice Chancellor, AWKU, Mr. Shah Ji
the plan to conduct academic audit of all the Mohammed, Additional Registrar, Federal Urdu
universities across the country. University of Science and Technology, and
representatives of CASE, Pakistan Institute of
The committee members who attended the meeting Parliamentary Services, FUUAST, and ICT were also
included Dr. Zulfiqar Ali Bhatti, Ms. Shaista Pervaiz, present on the occasion.

HEC Achievements Lauded at 8th Islamic

Conference on Higher Education, Research
Bamako Declaration Stresses Promotion of Scientific Research on Societal Challenges
Participants of the 8th Islamic Conference of The 8th Islamic Conference adopted the Bamako
Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific Declaration and recommended promoting
Research entitled, Higher Education: Quality and scientific research and strategic studies on
Sustainability, lauded the achievements of Higher sustainable development and major societal
Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan in the challenges preoccupying the people of Member
country's higher education sector. Dr. Mukhtar States. The participants urged more attention to the
Ahmed, Chairman HEC represented Pakistan in the industrial sector by strengthening such key
conference, which was attended by ministers and technological fields as ICTs, nanotechnology,
educationists from 57 Muslims countries of the materials and manufacturing processes.
world.
They stressed the need for devising common
The conference was organised by Islamic policies, establishing joint institutions and creating
Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization networks to encourage scientific research in
(ISESCO) in coordination with Organization of innovative disciplines and in novel fields in order to
Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and Malian Higher advance higher education, scientific research and
Education and Scientific Research Ministry in innovation, in line with Member States policies,
Bamako, Republic of Mali. Mr. Ibrahim Boubacar priorities and needs.
Keita, President of Mali addressed the opening
ceremony. Mr. Muhammad Naeem Khan, Assistant Also recommended was the increased application of
Secretary-General, OIC was also present on the ICTs in teaching and research to ensure
occasion. enculturation of quality in higher education and
bring excellence in innovation and R&D in
The conference provided an opportunity to all the universities. The need for attention to ICT-based
relevant stakeholders of the OIC member states as applications like Distance Learning, Learning-
well as other international stakeholders to assess Management Systems, or Scoreboards/Dashboards
different ongoing programmes as well as deliberate for Innovation and development was also stressed.
new initiatives and activities in the area of higher
education and scientific research, besides reviewing It was decided that the next Islamic Conference of
implementation status and preparing a roadmap for Ministers of Higher Education and Scientific
possible collaborations. Research will be held in Pakistan.

9
 Ambassadors Call on Chairman HEC
Mr. Mohammed Motahar Alashabi, Ambassador of
Yemen to Pakistan, Mr. Jan Fry, Ambassador of
Czech Republic to Pakistan, and Mr. Saqr bin
Mubarak Al-Mansouri, Ambassador of Qatar, and
Mr. Suh Dong-gu, Ambassador of the Republic of
Korea to Pakistan separately visited Higher
Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and called on
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC.

Talking to the Chairman, the Yemeni Ambassador

admired the progress made in the higher education
sector in Pakistan and took keen interest in the
initiatives taken by HEC for promotion of higher
education. He also expressed a desire to send
Yemeni students to acquire education in Pakistani
universities.

The Chairman shared the achievements made by

HEC since its inception in 2002. He said HEC follows
the policy of no compromise on quality of education
which is why quality of education has improved.

He informed the Ambassador about increase in the

number of PhDs in the country in addition to various
faculty development programmes to improve
teaching standards. He assured the Ambassador of
full cooperation in facilitating Yemeni students to
come to Pakistan and acquire education in higher
education institutions. We will welcome students
from Yemen, the Chairman said.

Ambassador of Qatar to Pakistan appreciated the

steps to improve higher education in Pakistan. The
Chairman briefed him on the HEC initiatives for
promotion of higher education in the country with university-to-university contact and faculty
special focus on facilitation of universities, faculty exchange. He said HEC encourages foreign students
and students. to study in Pakistani universities.

He revealed that the Government of Pakistan and The Ambassador observed that Pakistan has made
HEC are making concerted efforts to facilitate the remarkable development in the higher education
youth by ensuring their equitable access to quality sector. He said that Pakistan and Qatar enjoy
education, and promoting research that has impact brotherly relations which have strengthened over
on society and encouraging entrepreneurship. the years. The people of Qatar hail the friendly and
cooperative approach of Pakistan, he added.
He stressed the need for promoting collaboration
between the higher education institutions of Mr. Jan Fry, Ambassador of Czech Republic to
Pakistan and Qatar, through bilateral cooperation, Pakistan visited Higher Education Commission

10
(HEC), Pakistan and held a meeting with Dr. Mukhtar Welcoming the Ambassador of the Republic of
Ahmed, Chairman, HEC. Korea on his visit to HEC, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed shared
the initiatives and achievements of HEC for
Welcoming the Ambassador on his visit, Dr. Mukhtar promotion of higher education in the country.
Ahmed briefed the Ambassador about the steps
taken by HEC for promotion of higher education in He observed that Pakistan and South Korea have a
the country. HEC has been committed to ensuring great potential to expand collaboration in the higher
equitable access to higher education without any education sector.
compromise on quality, he said.
Around 263 Pakistani students are currently
The Chairman stressed the need for collaboration acquiring MS leading to PhD education in different
between the two countries in higher education Korean universities where they are receiving high
sector, particularly research and development. He quality education, he said, adding that apart from
said that HEC will support collaborative initiatives this, 231 scholars have already returned after
between the higher education institutions of completion of their studies.
Pakistan and Czech Republic, adding that a team of
Vice Chancellors will be sent to Czech universities to The Chairman informed the Ambassador that a
identify areas for mutual collaboration. concept paper has been submitted to the quarters
concerned for setting up six to eight technology
He also invited the Ambassador to have presence of transfer centres in selected fields with the help of
Czech Republic in Lahore Knowledge Part, an under- South Korea. The Ambassador said that the project
construction project worth Rs. 100 billion. would be reviewed. In his remarks, the Ambassador
appreciated the commitment of Pakistani
During the course of meeting, the Ambassador Government to promotion of higher education. He
appreciated the promotion of higher education in also lauded the efforts of HEC to facilitate higher
Pakistan and the steps taken by HEC in this direction. education institutions in the country.

New PU VC Calls on Chairman HEC

support for development of the University. He said
that over the years HEC has not only considerably
increased the budget for research but has also
assured that the faculty members and researchers
focus on priority areas related to our society and
countrys economic challenges. HEC is committed
to ensuring equitable access to higher education
Dr. Zaffar Mueen Nasar, the newly appointed Vice without any compromise on quality, he said.
Chancellor of University of the Punjab, Lahore called
on Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education The Vice Chancellor appreciated the promotion of
Commission at HEC Secretariat. higher education in Pakistan over the last decade
and the role played by HEC during these years.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed welcomed the new Vice
Chancellor and congratulated him on joining Renowned economist and educationist, Dr. Zaffar
countrys one of the leading and oldest institution of Mueen Nasar did his PhD from Kansas State
higher education as its head. He hoped that the University in Economics. He has over 33 years of
University, under his leadership, will further develop experience in research, education, teaching and
in academics and research. He offered all possible education management.

11
Mr. Amir Muqam, Adviser to Prime Minister on
Federal Departments in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa visited
Higher Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat and
met Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC.

The Chairman welcomed Mr. Amir Muqam to HEC

and briefed him about HEC's initiatives for
promotion of higher education in the country. He Government. He said HEC has already released 10
said since inception of HEC in 2002, number of million rupees to the University of Swat for
universities has increased remarkably, while HEC establishment of the sub-campus.
follows no-compromise policy on quality. He
maintained that research activities in the country The Chairman informed the Adviser that work on
have gained momentum during the last decade. He Swat University's permanent campus is already
said HEC is emphasising on research dedicated to underway while arrangements for starting women
solution of prevailing socio-economic problems. campus are also under process where classes will be
started in coming Fall.
He informed him about HEC's plan to open new
university sub-campuses at district level with special Mr. Amir Muqam lauded the remarkable progress of
reference to the University of Swat's Shangla campus higher education sector in the country and HEC's
where land will be provided by the Provincial efforts and achievements in this regard.

Discussion Session on
HEC Distinguished National Professors Programme

HEC convened a meeting for discussion with Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC opened the
distinguished professors under the "HEC session and explained that prioritizing research is a
Distinguished National Professors" programme at need of the hour. "We have thousands of graduates
the Commission Secretariat. studying in Universities who have to seek jobs in the
coming years. Only academic R&D can influence the
The programme is designed to use and market and create jobs. Our academic R&D has a
acknowledge the services rendered by the responsibility to conduct research on the country's
outstanding senior professors and scientists in issues," he said, adding that it is pertinent to
Universities and R&D Organisations. The purpose of prioritise the areas in which research could make
the meeting was to get input from the distinguished breakthrough. The meeting continued for four hours
professors to analyse the current research situation and a detailed discussion was done about the
and set the future research direction. research framework.

12
UNESCO ICHEI, Chinese Firms Team Visits
HEC to Explore Avenues for Collaboration
A delegation of UNESCO International Centre for
Higher Education Innovation (ICHEI), Weidong
Cloud Education, and Huawei visited Higher
Education Commission Secretariat and held a
meeting with Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Dr.
Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC and other
members of the senior management.

Mr. Li Ming, Director ICHEI, who headed the

delegation, briefed Chairman HEC on the basic
operations of the Centre and shared the role of
Southern University of Science and Technology
(SUSTech) in promotion of higher education in
China. promoting higher education in the country. He said
HEC spends 40 per cent of its resources on human
Introducing Weidong Cloud Education, its CEO Mr. resource development. He also briefed the
Wang Duanrui, said, We aim to narrow education delegation about Offices of Research, Innovation
gap between countries and regions with an aim to and Commercialization (ORICs), Business Incubation
boost education and technology for benefit of the Centres, HEC Cloud Data Centre, and Digital Library.
whole world. Mr. GUO Lang, Chief, Department of
the Mid-East Enterprise Training, Huawei shed light Now we are moving towards the next stage to
on the role of Huawei in technology development in establish technology parks, the Chairman said,
addition to its cooperation with HEC in ICT. adding that one park is being set up with the help of
a Chinese company while plans are being made for
Welcoming the delegates, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed setting up two other parks in collaboration with of
shared initiatives and achievements of HEC for Turkey.

Faculty Briefed on Scholarship Opportunities

functionalities of HEC. He highlighted, particularly,
the role of Human Resource Development Division.
He said the Division specifically strives for
scholarships offered by different countries and
publicizes the relevant information throughout the
country for extensive benefits of faculty. He said
currently there were more than 190 universities both
in public and private sectors and the HRD Division
As a part of Continued Professional Development ensures that the information reaches out to every
(CPD) for faculty of COMSATS Institute of institution in time. He said HEC has recently
Information and Technology, Sahiwal, the advertised Commonwealth Scholarships for UK
Universitys ORIC organised an orientation session. which are most lucrative and prestigious category of
foreign scholarships. He informed that HRD Division
Engr. Waheed Ahmed Mangi, Deputy Director (HRD) has also been dealing with a large number of
delivered a presentation and gave a brief Bachelors to PhD level scholarships offered by
introduction to the structure, departments and various foreign countries.

13
 HEC, NAB hold Seminar on
Role of Youth in Eradication of Corruption

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan corruption, nepotism, and irregularity have
and National Accountability Bureau (NAB) recently pervaded the entire social fabric and it is a question
organised a seminar entitled Role of Youth in mark for every Pakistani that institutions are calling
Eradication of Corruption at the Commission for anti-corruption efforts in a country which was
Secretariat. founded in the name of faith. He stressed the need
for purifying intentions and becoming a nation in a
Mr. Qamar Zaman Chaudhary, Chairman NAB was true sense to jointly stop corruption. We have to
the Chief Guest on the occasion, while Dr. Mukhtar realize the dream of Quaid-i-Azam and Allama
Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Iqbal, he urged.
Director HEC, Ms. Aalya Rasheed, Director General,
NAB, vice chancellors, faculty members and In his address, Chairman NAB termed the youth a
students of different universities were also present. national asset and urged them to play their role in
eliminating the cancer of corruption. He observed
In his welcome address, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed urged that corruption has prevailed in every walk of life and
teachers to pay due attention to training of their its dangerous impacts are haunting the social as well
students apart from imparting education. The as economic growth of the country. He said
responsibility of stemming corruption lies on all of corruption is a global phenomenon, however
us. However, the biggest responsibility lies on the Pakistan has made remarkable progress in dealing
shoulders of teachers to train the youth against the with it. He said NAB has recovered Rs. 279 billion
menace of corruption, he emphasized. He said that during the last 16 years.

Talent Farming Workshops

for PhD Studies in US Universities
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in Doctoral studies in leading universities of the United
collaboration with the US Educational Foundation in States in selected fields. The workshops were held in
Pakistan (USEFP) organized Talent Farming Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi under the umbrella of
workshops for scholars who are interested to pursue US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, an initiative

14
launched in June 2015, which aims to provide given by USEFP followed by a Q&A session by Mr.
opportunities to 10,000 scholars for PhD studies in Fauad Naqvi and Ms. Fareeha Armughan from
top US universities. In initial phase, HEC is focusing Project Management Unit of the US-Pakistan
to send 1500 PhD scholars. Knowledge Corridor.

The workshops are scheduled to be conducted four Orientation session for Lahore was conducted by Mr.
times a year under Call for GRE Training in Zeeshan Rahat at University of the Punjab. Ms.
Islamabad and four provincial capitals through three Nusrat Jabeen responded to queries of participants
programme components, including orientation, at Q&A session. The event at Karachi was held at
workshop and five-week training session. Dawood University of Engineering and Technology
and conducted by USEFP officials, Mr. Faraz Hussain
In his opening speech, Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hasan Butt, and Mr. Umair Khan while Ms. Fareeha Armaghan
Consultant HEC highlighted objectives of the US- managed the Q&A session. Workshops at Peshawar
Pak Knowledge Corridor. Later, a presentation was and Quetta will be conducted very soon.

12th NAEAC Meeting Reviews Reports on

68 Degree Programmes of Various Institutions

The 12th meeting of the National Agriculture of the Council activities accomplished during 2015-
Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) was 16 including accreditation activities, zero visits,
recently held at the Higher Education Commission awareness seminars, review meetings, training
Secretariat to discuss issues pertaining to workshops for programme evaluators, parent and
agricultural institutions and their academic student alerts, annual report and audit report. The
programmes. Dr. M. E. Tusneem, Chairman, NAEAC Council reviewed the experts reports on 68 degree
presided over the meeting. programmes of 16 institutions of the Punjab, Sindh,
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan during 2015-
The Chair congratulated Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, 16 and endorsed the evaluation ratings.
the new Vice Chairperson of NAEAC, and other five
new members of the Council and also paid his The proposed Annual Work Plan and Budget for the
compliments to Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, the FY 2016-17 were also approved. Increase in the
outgoing Chairperson, for her commitment and annual HEC grant for the NAEAC was recommended
keen interest in the Council activities. Speaking on along with revised accreditation fee structure for
the occasion, Dr. M. E. Tusneem shared the progress public and private sector institutions.

15
 NACTE holds Training Workshop for
External Academic Evaluators

National Accreditation Council for Teacher accreditation process and external evaluation
Education (NACTE) conducted a three-day capacity procedures adopted by the developing and
building workshop at a hotel in Islamabad for its developed countries. It also provided orientation
prospective External Academic Evaluators. about NACTE, its scope and functions in addition to
orientation about accreditation standards,
The workshop was jointly organised by HEC and processes and procedures, particularly for external
NACTE. As many as 30 evaluators from private and evaluation. The activity also made the participants
public sector teacher education institutions of the familiar with the accreditation tools, put hands-on
country participated in the workshop. The purpose practice for using the accreditation tools, and shared
was to prepare a select group of External Academic the formalities of conducting the external
Evaluators to conduct accreditation visits and evaluation.
provide professional guidance to the interested
teacher education institutions regarding Speaking at the closing session, Dr. Rafique Baloch,
accreditation preparation. Director General, Quality Assurance Agency, HEC,
appreciated the efforts of the Council for organising
The workshop focused on the accreditation process, the event for the capacity building of the external
procedures, tools and documents of NACTE. It evaluators. Pointing out the issues of quality and
shared accreditation status of teacher education in governance in higher education, he urged the need
developing and developed countries and for more efforts for improvement of these areas.

HEC-USAID Collaboration
414 Merit & Needs-Based Scholarships Awarded
The 6th meeting of Scholarship Management The meeting was chaired by Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive
Committee (SMC) was held at Higher Education Director, HEC. Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Member
Commission (HEC) Secretariat wherein the cases of (Operations & Planning), HEC.
around 414 shortlisted students from 17 Universities
were approved under Phase-II of USAID-funded Dr. Asif Ali Khan, Vice Chancellor, Muhammad Nawaz
Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship Programme. Sharif Agriculture University, Multan and Zahid

16
Hussain Khand, Registrar, Sukkur IBA joined the Faisalabad, University of Engineering and
conference through video conference. Technology Peshawar, University of Azad Jammu
Representatives of the partner Universities were also and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Lahore College for
present. Women University, Islamia University Bahawalpur
and University of Agriculture, Peshawar.
The shortlisted students are from SukkurIBA,
National University of Sciences and Technology Dr. Arshad Ali informed the members of meeting
(NUST), Islamabad, Arid Agriculture University that Merit and Needs Based Scholarships were
Rawalpindi, Institute of Management Sciences, started in 2004 with the collaboration of HEC and
Peshawar, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, USAID, and till date 1807 scholarships have been
Quetta, Fatima Jinnah Women University, provided in Phase-I. Over 1400 students have
Rawalpindi, COMSATS Institute of Information completed their education and are currently
Technology, Islamabad, Quaid-i-Azam University, working at different local and multinational
Islamabad, SZABIST Karachi, Institute of Business companies. In five SMCs of Phase -II, 221
Administration, Karachi, Sindh Agriculture scholarships have so far been already awarded to
University Tandojam, University of Agriculture meritorious students.

Talent Grooming, Career Counselling Workshops

Three workshops were recently organised in were language skills, inter/intrapersonal skills,
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Islamia interview skills, confidence building and decision
University of Bahawalpur, COMSATS Institute of making, developing research proposal,
Information and Technology, Sahiwal, and Pir Mehr entrepreneurship and coping with challenges and
Ali Shah University of Arid Agriculture University availing opportunities coming ahead of students
Rawalpindi under the USAID-funded Merit & during and after academic career.
Needs-Based Scholarship Programme. The purpose
was to enhance the knowledge and skills of The workshop was a blend of academic sessions,
students. The topics covered during the workshops group activities and content based mock sessions.

17
 Training of Varsities Financial Aid Offices
Staffers at HEC RC Lahore
The Capacity Building and Alumni Affairs Section of Adnan rendered lectures on Quality Management
USAID-MNBSP organised a two-day Training and Donor Relationship Management.
Workshop on Time, Quality and Donor Relationship
Management at Higher Education Commission, Mr. Wasim S. Hashmi Syed, Advisor HRD, HEC spoke
Regional Centre, Lahore. on Good Governance practices which can improve
the functioning of Financial Aid Offices at partner
As many as 29 members of the staffs of Financial Aid Universities. The session included work ethics and
Offices of the partner Universities from the Punjab, quality delivery of services. Later, a certificate
Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan distribution ceremony was held which was attended
attended the workshop. Ms. Gul-e-Zehra gave by Mr. Wasim Hashmi S. Syed and Mr. Nazeer
lecture on Time Management while Syed Hasan Hussain, Director General, RC, Lahore.

Scholarship Event and Alumni Reunion

of MNBSP at Governor House Lahore

A scholarship awarding ceremony was organised at Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC also appreciated
Governors House, Lahore to highlight the success of the efforts US Government in strengthening the
USAID-funded Merit and Needs-Based Scholarship higher education sector in Pakistan. He said in the
Programme. current scenario, HEC is keenly working to run its
ongoing and new initiatives in line with Vision 2025
Malik Rafique Rajwana, Governor, Punjab, Dr. and the priorities of Government of Pakistan.
Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education
Commission and Mr. Yuriy R. Fedkiw, US Consul Mr. Fedkiw appreciated the outcome and successful
General, Lahore awarded scholarship certificates to implementation of programme. He said it is really
the scholars of Punjab. The Governor appreciated heartening to see the results of the efforts which
the programme and the role of HEC. He said it is a were initiated over a decade ago and it strengthens
great investment in education and a remarkable our resolve to further promote higher education in
opportunity for students to achieve their dreams of Pakistan, especially for girls. I am also proud to share
higher education without any financial difficulty. that this programme has also been selected to form
These brilliant students work hard to make their part of the Let Girls Learn which is US
dream come true and now these are the role models Governments initiative to support girls education in
for others, he maintained. He said that the role of Pakistan." Many former USAID-supported scholars
HEC is also crucial in facilitating higher education who are now working in professional capacities also
programmes in Pakistan. attended the ceremony.

18
 OGDCL to Award 260 Need-cum-Merit
Based Scholarships through HEC
Solution to all ills lies in promotion of education, says Chairman HEC

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said that funds worth Rs.
and Oil and Gas Development Company Limited 141 million will be spent on the award of
(OGDCL) signed a Memorandum of Understanding scholarships, adding that as many as 70 scholarships
on Wednesday to provide a total of 260 need-cum- will be awarded for vocational training of poverty-
merit based scholarships to students of different stricken students under another MoU -- later signed
universities. between the OGDCL and the Hunar Foundation.

Mr. Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, Federal Minister for Briefing the media persons about HEC initiatives for
Petroleum and Natural Resources was the chief human resource development, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed
guest of the MoU signing ceremony attended by Dr. said that solution to all problems prevailing in the
Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Dr. Arshad Ali, country lies in promotion of education. He said since
Executive Director HEC, Mr. Zahid Mir, Managing the inception of HEC in 2002, more than 200000
Director OGDCL and other notables. scholarships have been awarded.

Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC and Mr. Earlier, Mr. Zahid Mir highlighted the salient features
Abdul Rauf Khajjak, General Manager, CSR, OGDCL, of the scholarship programme. He said the OGDCL
Pakistan signed the MoU, under which out of the planned to spend one percent of their pre tax profit
total scholarships, 130 scholarships will be awarded on their CSR initiatives. Mentioning the
to Engineering students, while the rest of organisations scholarship programme last year, he
scholarships will be awarded to students from hoped that the current programme will also be of
different disciplines. great weight and substance.

19
 HEC Team Visits Turkey to
Learn Best Practices in Higher Education

A 21-member team of Higher Education to learner-centred system. It was explained how

Commission (HEC) Pakistan attended a week-long Turkey has benefitted after becoming part of
professional development programme in Turkey to Europes Bologna Process that provides a
understand how different Government policies have comprehensive Framework for Qualifications.
helped the country strengthen governance and Further, the universities are being encouraged and
quality assurance mechanism of its higher education supported to become mission oriented and focus on
system, and create a befitting environment for specific areas of their specialization.
innovation and commercialization of research being
carried out by faculty members and students. The team visited different higher learning
institutions to gain firsthand experience of how
The programme was organised in collaboration with universities in Turkey have become an important
Turkeys Council of Higher Education at Tusside pillar of countrys socio-economic development.
Institute of Management Sciences, a constituent
institute of Scientific and Technological Research They visited Sabanci University, which started
Council (Tubitak). The programme provided a functioning in 1999 and has become one of the
comprehensive overview of Turkeys higher leading universities in Turkey and has also made its
education ecosystem, which has developed rapidly mark in various international rankings. Similarly they
during the last 15 years due to Governments went to Yldz Technical University, whose key feature
focused policies and well-coordinated efforts of all is its Technology Park established in 2013 at its new
the stakeholders. campus.

During various sessions, seasoned resource persons Overall, the programme provided us a big
elaborated how Turkey has responded to emerging opportunity to seek guidance from rapid
global trends and opportunities in higher education, development of Turkeys higher education system
functioning of the Council of Higher Education, role and see areas where we can collaborate for mutual
of different other agencies including ministries and benefit. We appreciate the Council of Higher
R&D organizations in fostering universities, Education and Tusside Institute of Management
development of a well thought-out quality Sciences Turkey for providing a comprehensive
assurance and accreditation mechanism, and how overview of how they are aligning their higher
universities suppor t innovation and education system to countrys socio-economic
commercialization of research. needs. Though HEC has been working almost on the
same lines, it will definitely help us to further
HEC officers, who represented all key divisions of the streamline our processes, said Dr. Mazhar Saeed,
Commission, were informed about strategies to Director General Planning of HEC who lead the
convert from teacher-centred system of education delegation.

20
 Erasmus+ Regional Seminar for
Asia Academic Cooperation, Mobility
Chairman HEC had nominated representatives from
every province of the country including Dr. Asad
Zaheer, Registrar, University of Health Sciences
Lahore, Dr. Saubia Ramzan, University of Balochistan,
Dr. Atta Batool, AJK University, Dr. Hizbullah Khan
from University of Peshawar, Ms. Shehreena Amin
from IBA Karachi and Mr. Wasim Hashmi Syed,
Advisor HRD, HEC. Dr. Maria Groeneveld,
Development Advisor, EU also accompanied the
Pakistani delegates.

Over 100 delegates from South-Far Asian countries

attended the two-day seminar. The EU-Erasmus staff
Delegates from Pakistan attended the First conducted various sessions to create awareness
Erasmus+ Regional Seminar for Asia Academic regarding the ongoing Erasmus+ programmes.
Cooperation and Mobility at Bangkok, Thailand.
Delegates from Pakistan termed this a good
Directorate General Education and Culture, on opportunity for Pakistani higher education
behalf of the European Commission, had invited five institutions to collaborate with the Universities of EU
delegates from Pakistan to attend the First countries and win funding for scholarships, training
Erasmus+ Regional Seminar for Asia Academic programmes for administrative and faculty
Cooperation and Mobility at Bangkok, Thailand. members, and research grants.

Workshop on Capacity Building for

Doctoral Provision in Pakistan
The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan for different disciplines, universities doctoral
organised a two-day 2nd Workshop on Capacity provision systems, group work, and supervisory
Building for Doctoral Provision in Pakistan with an relationships. They also discussed the variety of
aim to deliberate on progress in imparting doctoral models applied in supervision of different disciplines
studies in the country. in addition to guidelines about the supervisory
relationship.
The workshop, held in collaboration with University
College London (UCL) and British Council, was They also brought under consideration the quality of
moderated by Dr. Anne Gold, Honorary Senior a master trainer while describing training
Research Associate, UCL Institute of Education and methodology, manner to jointly work with
Ms. Dorothy Garland, Honorary Research Associate, colleagues, planning and developing a teaching
UCL Institute of Education. session, and critiquing.

The speakers shed light on various aspects of Besides, the workshop participants also discussed as
supervision in doctoral studies, models and to how a future timetable is developed for the
frameworks of supervision, co-supervision, models participants to cascade training in Pakistan.

21
Intervarsity Women Baseball Championship

Imperial College of Business Studies, Lahore has won Fatima Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi and
the title of Higher Education Commission host Air University Islamabad.
Intervarsity Women Baseball Championship 2016-
17 by defeating University of the Punjab, Lahore. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC was the Chief
Guest in the closing ceremony held at Air University.
The championship was organised by Air University, Dr. Arshad stated that apart from academic activities,
Islamabad at the baseball playgrounds of Pakistan HEC believes in competitive and healthy
Sports Board (PSB) and Quaid-e-Azam University environment among the Universities that is why HEC
(QAU) Islamabad. organises 35 men events and 25 women events in
one sports season. He apprised the participants of
The Championship was played on the combination closing ceremony that 105 medals were won by HEC
system of the tournament and seven university student players during 2015-16.
teams took part in the championship i.e., University
of the Punjab Lahore, Lahore College for Women HEC provides opportunities to talented sports
University Lahore, Imperial College of Business persons, men and women, for participation in
Studies Lahore, University of Veterinary & Animal national and international sports events and awards
Sciences Lahore, University of Sargodha, Sargodha, them cash prizes and sports scholarships.

PU Clinches Title of HEC Intervarsity

Women Hockey Championship
University of the Punjab has won the title of HEC The event was organised by the Department of
Intervarsity Women Hockey Championship 2016-17 Sports (Women), Punjab University, Lahore. The final
held at Hockey Stadium, Johar Town, Lahore. match of the championship was played between

22
Punjab University and Lahore College for Women In the first semi final, PU won the match against
University. The PU girls played extraordinarily well Karachi University by five goals and second semi
and won the match by 1-0. final was won by Lahore College for Women
University against Imperial College by 3-1.
The championship was played on the basis Imperial University stood 3rd beating
of combination league system of Karachi University in the championship.
tournament and eight teams from
Universities including University of Both the teams were appreciated by
the Punjab, Lahore; Lahore College Mr. Shahbaz Ahmad, Senior
for Women University, Lahore; S e c re t a r y Pa k i s t a n H o c ke y
Imperial College for Business Federation, who was the Chief
Studies, Lahore; Kinnaird College Guest, for their performance.
for Women, Lahore; University of
Veterinary & Animal Sciences, He said the standard of match was
Lahore; University of Sargodha, very encouraging. The Organizing
Sargodha; Islamia Univer sity of Directress Sports, Ms. Shamsa Hashmi
Bahawalpur, Bahawalpur ; Government thanked all the team managers and Chief
College University, Faisalabad. Guest for sparing time to witness the final match.

NCHR, HEC to Encourage

Research on Human Rights

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan The MoU was signed by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed,
and the National Commission for Human Rights Chairman HEC and Justice (R) Mr. Ali Nawaz Chohan,
(NCHR) have signed a Memorandum of Chairman NCHR during a ceremony held at the
Understanding to promote awareness about human Commission Secretariat.
rights, particularly among youth at higher education
institutions in the country. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed termed signing of the MoU for
awareness of human rights as a good initiative. He
Under the MoU, the two sides have agreed to create said HEC fully encourages students who conduct
awareness on human rights and promote academic research on those subjects that relates to welfare of
activities covering different aspects of human rights. our country as well as mankind as a whole.
They have also agreed to put joint efforts to spread
knowledge on fundamental principles of human Mr. Ali Nawaz Chohan underscored the protection of
rights through publications, print and electronic human rights without discrimination of creed and
media, seminars and other such activities. It has also caste. Citing references from Holy Quran, prophetic
been decided to encourage research in different traditions and Islamic history, he said that Islamic
fields of human rights at higher learning institutions, teachings emphatically promote equal human rights
particularly on rights of marginalized groups. and helping the needy.

23
 NTC Deliberates over Quality of
4-year Technology Degree Programmes

The 2nd biannual meeting of the National Technology I n t e r f a c e . D i f f e re n t p ro g r a m m e s w h o s e

Council (NTC), an accreditation and registration accreditation will come under NTC's purview
council established by Higher Education include, though not limited to, B-Tech (Hons.),
Commission to monitor and accredit diversified BSc/BS Engineering Technologies, Animal
technologies degree programmes at Bachelors Production and Technology, Biotechnology, Medical
level, was held at Commissions Secretariat under Laboratory Technology, Emergency and Intensive
the auspices of HECs Quality Assurance Agency. Care Technology, Medical Imaging Technology,
Dental Technology, Operation Theatre Technology,
The Council members discussed in detail the quality Mortuar y Technology, Food Sciences and
of technology education and improvement of Technology, Nanotechnology, Information and
diver sified four-year technology degree Communication Technologies.
programmes at Bachelors level so as to meet the
vital need for advanced technologies and Pakistan Engineering Council also endorsed this
competent technologists for countrys economic proposal in view of an earlier decision in this regard
development. at Ministry of Science and Technology and assured
its full support to NTC.
Maj. Gen. Akbar Saeed Awan (Retd), Chairman NTC,
chaired the meeting. The meeting formulated Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed reiterated the strategic focus of
several sub-committees on various technology HEC on improving quality of higher education being
disciplines to administer NTCs accreditation and imparted in universities, adding that establishment
registration processes based on transparent of NTC itself is a reflection of the commitment to
policies, procedures and criteria. These sub- promoting technology and protecting
committees include committees on all Engineering technologists. He appreciated the efforts of NTC in
Technologies, Life Sciences, Allied Health Sciences, developing Institutional Framework in line with
Agriculture, Material Sciences, Physics, Information charter of the Council. He appreciated Mr. Akbar
and Communications Technologies, Defense Saeed Awan for his concerted efforts to develop
Technologies, Marine Technology, Space accreditation policy, ser vice structure of
Technology, Aviation and Aeronautical Engineering technologists, accreditation processes and essential
Technology, Natural Resources Technologies and sub-committees for various disciplines of
Renewable Energy Technologies, Cyber Technology, technology and assured all possible support of HEC
Textile Technology, and Technology Industry for smooth functioning of NTC.

24
 IndusMUN Attracts Large Number
of Karachi Students
Indus University organised Model United Nations international relations, and the United Nations. He
(MUN) naming it as IndusMUN with an aim to attract said that MUN teaches how to conduct research,
delegates from all over Karachi and strengthen the speak in public, take part in debates, and write
network of students and young leaders. skillfully, in addition to promoting critical thinking,
teamwork, and leadership abilities.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Khalid Amin,
Chancellor, Indus University said that the IndusMUN More than 70 students from different schools,
marked its inception upon the MUN circuit within the colleges, and universities took part in this
metropolitan, among all other renowned MUN conference. The host team comprised over 30
conferences already existing. Mr. Sulaiman Ahmad members from three different societies i.e., Indus
Director HEC Karachi Centre said that MUN is a good University Civil Society, Indus Computing Society,
platform for students to learn about diplomacy, and Indus University Design Society.

SU MUN Conference Urges Role of Youth

in Addressing National Challenges
The University of Sindh (SU), Bureau of Students responsibility among students so that they aim at
Tutorial, Guidance, Counselling Services and Co- becoming leaders in making the world a much better
curricular Activities organised a three-day Model and happier place for all to live in.
United Nations (MUN) Conference with an aim to
urge Pakistani youth to understand and help The conference featured a wide range of activities
resolving the prevailing national issues. including group deliberations and panel
discussions, social events, camp fire, concerts, theme
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Muhammad Siddique dinners, cultural shows, while during the closing
Kalhoro, Vice Chancellor, SU said the objective of ceremony, recommendations were presented on
holding the conference was to create a sense of global issues and their possible solutions.

News Flash
Mr. Ahmed Farooq Bazai, Vice Chancellor, ACU binds these prestigious
Balochistan University of IT, Engineering and Universities to a common
Management Sciences (BUITEMS) has been mission of higher education
nominated as a Member of the Association of uplift in a society through these
Commonwealth Universities (ACU) for a period of complementary international
three years. member universities.

Established in 1913, the ACU has to its credit to be Being a member of the
the first and the oldest network of international Association, BUITEMS under the leadership of Mr.
universities. It is a 500 member institution from more Bazai commits to uphold its belief in quality
than 50 countries throughout the world under the education, corporate social responsibility and
Commonwealth. The teleological perspective of international and national collaboration.

25
 Centre of Advanced Studies in
Agriculture, Food Security Opened at UAF

Mr. Yuriy R. Fedkiw, US Consul General called for billion people during this century, he said, adding
collaborative efforts at global level for agricultural that in order to meet the local needs, the agriculture
growth so as to produce more food and reduce sector must ensure food security and job
agricultural waste for increasing population. oppor tunities. He stressed the need for
understanding the relationship of food, energy,
He was expressing his views while inaugurating the water and economic security.
newly-constructed $ 30 million US-Pakistan Centre
for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food He maintained that Pakistan's agriculture sector is
Security at the University of Agriculture, Faisalabad making significant contribution to the national
(UAF). He was flanked by Jurek Jufzczyk, Aussie economy providing 23 per cent to the Gross
Deputy High Commissioner, Dr. Iqrar Ahmad, Vice Domestic Product and engaging 45 per cent of the
Chancellor, UAF and Mr. Fakhar Imam, former workforce. The centre is working with its US partner,
Speaker National Assembly. University of California, Davis to share an extended
outlook of innovative research ideas and exchange
The US Consul General said that 800 million people of best academic practices. He said that a group of
are hungry as they do not have access to nutritive farmers had been sent to US and China to know
food. The world population will grow up to nine about latest practices in the sector.

Dr. Syed Tufail Hussain Sherazi, Professor in National

Centre of Excellence in Analytical Chemistry,
(NCEAC) University of Sindh, Jamshoro, Pakistan
attended the fourth International KOP Regional
Development Symposium held in Karaman
province of Turkey as a guest speaker.

The symposium was jointly organized by 11 Turkish

Universities and KOP Regional Development
Administration. Registration, accommodation and Dr. Sherazi spoke on Impact of Collaborative
return ticket was covered by the organizers. Research on Ranking of Universities and Regional
Members of the Turkish Parliament participated in Development which was highly appreciated by the
the opening ceremony. rectors of Turkish Universities and participants.

26
 ICCC Supplies Bio-Fermenter to
Various Varsity Departments
The Instrumentation Control and Computer
Complex (ICCC), Pakistan Atomic Energy
Commission, has indigenously designed and
manufactured fermenters wherein fully automated
fermentation cycles are implemented and has
supplied the system to different departments of
various universities.

The Bio-Fermenter called BioFer-010 is a laboratory

scale fermenter. The system has been supplied to
Department of Bioinformatics and Biotechnology,
Government College University, Faisalabad,
Department of Botany, Lahore College for Women
University, Lahore, Faculty of Biological Sciences, FC Features
College Lahore, and Department of Industrial Lab scale culture processes
Enzyme and Biofuels, NIBGE, Faisalabad. Complete automatic fermentation cycle
Novel heat conduction by heating blanket
Precise performance stirrer drive
BioFer-010 is a laboratory scale fermenter and a fully
High quality Borosilicate glass culture vessel
automated fermentation cycle is implemented with
Easy load peristaltic pumps for automatic dosing
the operations of manual setting of the process
of acid, base and anti-foam reagent
parameters as and when desired.
Modular electronic design with display & keypad
Windows based PC software for monitoring, data
The fermenter can be autoclaved for sterilization logging, display and control purposes
with 10-litre capacity culture vessel. The fermenter
can be used for scale culture processes, complete It possesses Standard 19 in rack with Euro card
automatic fermentation cycle, novel heat modules; set points, parameter setting via local
conduction by stirrer blanket, high quality BORO keypad; Online display of process variables and
Silicate culture vessel, easy load peristaltic pumps control set points; adjustable PID coefficients for
for automatic dosing of acid, base and anti-foam particular process; default setting of PID coefficients;
reagent, modular electronic design with display and process value monitoring; programmable process
keypad, Window-based PC software for monitoring, value range; automatic fermentation/cultivation;
data logging, display and control purposes. As for and module failure alarms. It has a stirrer motor with
instrumentation and control, it has user options, a range of 50-14000 RPM; temperature; 5-95
control and display. centigrade; pH with a range of 2-14; and dissolved
oxygen of 0-95 per cent.

The user monitors the fermentation process by

means of the display software. The software also
provides the interface for a variety of setting.
Window controls the overall process by
authenticating the user saving the log-in details.
Parameters turning window allows access to
different options. Off-line window displays the
relevant data. Real-time process parameter trends in
graphical form. These fermenters have been
designed as well as menufactured in Pakistan.

27
 CUST Conference on Glocalization
through Innovation, Value Addition

The 5th International CUST Business Research Philippines and Sweden as well as leading Pakistani
Conference (CBRC), 2016 was held at the Capital universities. As many as 250 papers were presented
University of Science and Technology (CUST). Theme on the occasion, while out of them, 125 full papers
of the conference was Achieving Glocalization were selected for verbal presentations in the
through Innovation and Value Creation. conference after double blind peer review process.
Four best paper awards from four different domains
Mr. Wahaj Siraj, CEO, Nayatel, Mr. Usman Hayat, had been selected by the panel of experts.
Executive Director, SECP, Dr. Muhammad Mansoor
Ahmed, Vice Chancellor, CUST, faculty members and Later, the CUST, Islamabad and the UST, Bannu
students attended the conference. signed a Memorandum of Understanding to
undertake scientific and technical collaboration for
The conference attracted academicians from various exchange of ideas, skills and techniques on
institutions of Germany, Malaysia, China, Japan, UAE, problems of the mutual interest.

Higher Education Commission-Pakistan

Journal entitled Science International

derecognized by HEC
It has been noticed with grave concern that a multidisciplinary Sciences discipline journal
entitled Science International is publishing most of the Social Sciences papers without
getting approval from Social Sciences Section of Academic Division, Higher Education
Commission. Editor of the Journal was informed through letters and emails to refrain from
publishing Social Sciences papers/articles. In continuous violation of HEC instructions, the
Journal has been derecognized with effect from September 23, 2016. Therefore, students,
researchers and faculty members are advised not to publish their papers in Science
International Journal as papers published in this Journal will not be counted/considered for
PhD degree attestation, faculty appointment, faculty promotion and other such purposes.

28
 Well-Being Centre Launched at BU

Bahria University (BU) has launched Well-Being traumatic events and experiences of individuals are
Centre (WBC) at its Islamabad campus with an aim to increasing with severe frequency.
provide best counselling services to the BU faculty,
students and staff as well as to the community and Qualified staff with clinical expertise has been hired
general public in order to promote better mental to help individuals to solve their emotional, stress
health among individuals. Mr. Tanveer Faiz, Rector, and other psychological issues.
BU inaugurated the WBC.
The therapy sessions regarding emotional,
In the present scenario of Pakistan, psychological psychological, social and development issues will be
problems are rising with the passage of time and provided at the WBC.

QAU Faculty Members Win Intl Grants

Two young faculty members of Quaid-e-Azam
University (QAU), Dr. Rabaab Zahra from
Microbiology and Dr. Syed Sikander Azam from
Bioinformatics have won national and international
research grants.

The former earned multiple grants in pursuance of

her research on drug resistance in bacteria, which is
an absolutely critical field of study given Pakistans
vulnerability to this dreaded development. These
grants include US $ 258,813 from Bill and Melinda
Gates Foundation as part of Barnards Network $ 15,0000 grant from International Foundation for
(2015-2018), travel grant worth 7,950 from the Science, Sweden, for Exploring the Effectiveness of
British Council under UK-Researcher Links Travel Natural Products against Druggable Targets from
Grant Programme, a Commonwealth Academic Staff Pathogenic Bacterial Genomes, projects worth Rs.
Fellowship 2016 (October 2016-March 2017) and 1.999 million and Rs. 2.219 million respectively of
another research grant worth US $ 55,664 from Bill Molecular Dynamics Simulation Studies of Alpha-
and Melinda Gates Foundation as part of Barnards glucosidase from HEC, Pakistan and Molecular
Community Work (October 2016-March 2018). Dynamics Simulation Studies of Caspase from HEC,
Pakistan, in addition to the Start-up Facility for
Dr. Syed Sikander Azam secured the Ernst Mach Computational Studies of Tyrosinase Inhibitors by
Follow-up Grant: Ernst Mach Follow Up Grant (EZA) Startup Grant from HEC, Pakistan which is worth Rs.
worth 3750 from Austrian Science Foundation, US 0.5 million.

29
 UVAS Experts Mull Steps to
Improve Quality of Veterinary Education
A meeting of veterinary and livestock academicians meeting participants constituted three committees,
and practitioners from various veterinary and namely Research Committee, Model Veterinary
agriculture universities and Livestock and Dairy Teaching Hospital Committee and LAD Curriculum
Development Department Punjab was held at the Revision Committee.
University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Lahore.
These committees comprising senior faculty
The participants mulled over various steps to further members from various universities and officials from
improve the quality of veterinary education, L&DD Department will finalise recommendations
research and human resource in livestock sector. Dr. and steps to further improve the quality of veterinary
Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor, UVAS chaired education, research and human resource in livestock
the meeting. After thorough discussions, the sector.

VU Moot on Domestic, Wild Animal

Genomics, Biotechnology
Virtual University (VU) of Pakistan, in collaboration former Vice Chancellor, University of Veterinary and
with Higher Education Commission (HEC), Animal Sciences graced the event as Chief Guests.
organised an international conference on the Latest The conference was attended by a large number of
Trends in Domestic and Wild Animal Genomics and educationists, dignitaries, corporate executives, and
Biotechnology at its Lahore Campus. government representatives.

As many as 40 posters and 25 technical papers split International keynote speakers including Dr. Pamela
over in four sessions were presented in activities Burger from Veterinarmedizijnische University,
spanning on two days. Vienna from Austria, Dr. Han Jianlin from Institute of
Animal Science, Beijing, China and Dr. Faiz Marikar
Dr. Shahida Husnain, Vice Chancellor, Women from General Sir John Kothelawela Defence
University, Multan and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Nawaz, University, Sri Lanka attended the conference.

VU Hosts Workshop on Internet Governance

Virtual University (VU) of Pakistan recently organised cybercrimes, cyber warfare, intellectual property
a four-day workshop on Internet Governance as a rights, privacy surveillance, and digital economy.
part of the initiative of Pakistan School of Internet
Governance (PkSIG) that provides services and The talks covered technological, economic, legal,
conduct professional courses on internet socio-cultural, and academic dimensions of Internet
governance. Governance within the context of Pakistani national
imperatives.
Apart from the university officials concerned,
domain experts were also invited to attend the Mr. Ammar Jaffri, CEO, Pakistan Institute of ICT for
workshop. They provided extensive details on the Development was the Chief Guest during the closing
history of internet, the internet ecosystem, ceremony.

30
 CECOS University Team
Wins Medal in iGEM Championship
Pakistani students have won a bronze medal in the detect Carbon Monoxide and Nitrous Oxide and
iGEM World Championship Jamboree in Boston, give out yellow and blue colours so a traffic warden
United States. Pakistans first iGEM team had could use it to test vehicle emissions on the spot and
departed from the Institute of Integrative save valuable time and resources. Emissions with
Biosciences, CECOS University of IT and Emerging both gases would then give a green colour.
Sciences, for Boston, USA to compete among over
300 other undergraduate teams in the largest The iGEM, Peshawar, team worked on a bio-based
synthetic biology competition i.e., iGEM sensor that will detect poisonous gases in the air.
(International Genetically Engineered Machines).
Earlier, before the team's departure, Ms. Farah
Recently, students from across Pakistan assembled Hamid Khan, Secretary, Industries and Technical
to use the cutting-edge discipline of synthetic Education met the team at the Institute of
biology to solve one of the most pressing Integrative Biosciences, CECOS University of IT and
environmental challenges in Pakistan. In the last Emerging Sciences. During her visit, Farah Hamid
year, 285 teams from all over the world took part in was briefed on the key milestones and progress of
the competition, however at that time there was no the SynBioKP project -- a dedicated ADP scheme
participation from Pakistan. entitled the 'Propagation of Synthetic Biology which
aims to promote and support synthetic biology in
The team chose to focus on air pollution and set out both academia and industry of the province via a
to create a bacteria-based biosensor that could close partnership between the two parties.

IoBM Students hold Moot on Healthcare

for the Less-privileged
Students of Public Relations and Corporate disciplines, including a well-established Health and
Communication, Institute of Business Management Hospital Management Programme.
(IoBM) recently organised a conference entitled
Healthcare for the Less-Privileged. On the occasion, Mr. Asad Gondal, representative of
Reckitt Benckiser (RB) Pharmaceutical discussed the
The activity was attended by CEOs, directors, sustainability in providing consistent healthcare
managers, doctors and healthcare professionals facilities to the less-privileged of the country, which
from hospitals, pharmaceutical companies, NGOs, goes beyond the concept of charity.
and private and public sector organizations.
The spectrum of discussion was carried forward by
Renowned environmentalists, nutritionists, and Mr. Hammadullah, Category Brand Manager of GSK
public figures from welfare trusts, blood banks and for the Antibiotics Portfolio, who touched upon the
Youth Parliament were also among the guests along issues Pakistans lower segment faces in attaining
with a large number of students, faculty and proper healthcare provision and how GSK is
administrative staff. relentlessly working to support the poor with their
health needs.
Mr. Talib Karim, Rector, IoBM acknowledged the
inspiring presence of a galaxy of health luminaries National Media Policy on Healthcare for the Less-
and elucidated upon how IoBM contributes to Privileged was brought forward by Mr. Parvez Jamil,
education in business management and allied a faculty of IoBM, on the occasion.

31
 'Highest Rice Yield Variety
Hazara University's Scientist Develops
Technology to Enhance Rice Production
Dr. Fida M. Abbasi, Associate Professor at the responsible for supplying 30 per cent of the worlds
Department of Genetics, Hazara University, paddy rice output. Pakistan exports high-quality
Mansehra, has developed a technology, called Super basmati rice.
NPT, with features to help enhancing the production
of rice by increasing the number of grains per US patent has been issued for the ''Abbasi Strain of
panicle of rice plant from 250 to 700. Rice'' which may grow 6-8 feet tall with 600-700
grains per panicle and a record production of 15 ton
The technology has the capability of enhancing the per hectare, four times the world average
rice production in the country from 5 ton per hectare production of four ton per hectare. The United States
to 15 ton per hectare. The new rice is 6 feet tall with has granted patent to this rice with Patent No.
thick stem, large and heavy panicle of 50 cm long 9313977. It is strongly believed that if the use of this
with 600-700 grains. This rice can be grown under rice is successfully expanded in farmers' fields in
low water supply like wheat. Rice production is the Pakistan and other parts of the world, this will
second most important crop in Pakistan, the worlds contribute greatly not only to Pakistan's agriculture
fourth largest producer of rice. The country is sector but also to global food security.

Dow University Wins Best Scientific Poster Award

Dr. Saeed Khan, Associate Professor in Pathology was selected as Best Scientific Poster after being
and Additional Director (DDRL, DRIBBS and IBMS), reviewed by a panel of judges and experts.
while representing Dow University of Health
Sciences (DUHS), won the Best Scientific Poster The conference was preceded by three full-day
Award at the ABSA 59th Annual Biological Safety intensive pre-conference courses to educate and
Conference organised by American Biological Safety inspire state-of-the-art keynotes, papers and panels
Association (ABSA) at Texas, United States. highlighting the best practices and hands-on skills
crucial for biosafety and biosecurity professionals.
Dr. Saeed Khan presented a poster entitled Training The conference also contained an exhibition
Improves Biosafety Practices among Healthcare showcasing the latest technology in laboratory of
Workers: A Three Years Personal Experience which biosafety and biosecurity products and services.

Chinese Varsity Delegation Visits PAF-KIET

A delegation of academicians from South East mm-wave receiver front-end design respectively in
University, China visited PAF Pakistan Institute of the seminar organised by PAF-KIET.
Economics and Technology (PAF-KIET) attended a
seminar entitled Integrated Circuits, Micro-Systems A research group of PAF-KIET, Electronic Devices,
and Supporting Technologies. Circuits and Systems signed an agreement with
Institute of Radio Frequency and Opto-electronics
The delegation comprising Dr. Ing. Wang Zhi-Gong, Integrated Circuits Design of Southeast University
Director of the Institute and Prof. Zhiqun Li, Vice China for bilateral research collaboration. The PAF-
Dean also delivered talks on IC Design for RF, Optic- KIET and South East University, China signed a MoU
Fiber and Neural Communications and 40 GHz to bolster research collaboration.

32
PAF-KIET holds an International Conference on
Computing, Information Sciences
Pakistan Air Force-Karachi Institute of Economics exciting discipline of Computing and Information
and Technology organised a two-day International Sciences.
Conference on Computing and Information
Sciences, ICCIS 2016, at PAF-KIET Main Campus. Dr. Anh Nguyen-Duc, a research fellow from
Department of Computing and Information
The ICCIS-2016 provided a platform for presentation Sciences, NTNU-Norwegian University of Science
and dis s emination of knowledge about and Technology, Trondheim, Norway and Dr. Mohd
advancements taking place in technology, research Fadzil Bin Hassan, Dean, Centre for Graduate Studies,
and innovations in the field of computing and Universiti Teknologi Petronas, Malaysia were the
information sciences. The purpose of holding the keynote speakers of the conference. Nine
conference was to provide a forum to researchers to Universities from across the country participated in
present their ideas, work and outcomes in the the conference.

HEC-funded Sports Complex Inaugurated at SALU

Sardar Muhammad Bux Khan Mahar, Minister for Complex at SALU, Khairpur. He announced to
Sports and Youth Affairs, Government of Sindh establish a Sports Hostel at SALU which will be fully
inaugurated the newly constructed Syed Qaim Ali funded by the Ministry of Sports and Youth Affairs,
Shah Indoor Sports Complex, which cost Rs. 38.5 Government of Sindh.
and was funded by Higher Education Commission
(HEC), Pakistan at Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Dr. Parveen Shah described the importance of sports
Khairpur. in daily life and said that the Complex will play a vital
role in catering to the needs of youth at the
Speaking on this occasion, Sardar Muhammad Bux University. She also highlighted various programmes
Khan Mahar said that sports and games play vital of the University. She said with the collaboration of
role in contribution of a society. He admired the HEC, the University is organising career counseling
construction of state-of-the-art building and seminars for high school and college students which
provision of sports equipments at the newly help them select the right direction about their
constructed Syed Qaim Ali Shah Indoor Sports higher studies.

33
 IST Observes World Space Week 2016

Institute of Space Technology (IST) recently The theme of the WSW 2016 was Remote Sensing:
organised a four-day activity-based programme to Enabling Our Future. The programme highlighted
celebrate the World Space Week (WSW) at its Earth Observation from Space for the betterment of
Islamabad campus to create awareness about space the human race in addition to a host of classic Earth
among general public and students. Observation missions.

About 150 schools and colleges from the vicinity of The WSW 2016 concluded with a prize distribution
Islamabad and Rawalpindi participated in 165 ceremony with Dr. Iqbal Rasool Memon, Dean, IST as
different space-themed events and activities of Chief Guest. Siddique Public School, 6th Road,
WSW 2016. Over 7000 space enthusiasts including Rawalpindi emerged as the Space Champion and
participants and visitors witnessed and participated Joint Staff Public School & College, Chaklala,
in WSW. Rawalpindi was the Space Runner-up of WSW 2016.

SZABIST Signs MoU with Educast

to Enhance University-Industry Linkages
Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Prof. Dr. Altaf Mukati, Vice President (Academics)
Technology (SZABIST) has signed a Memorandum of SZABIST and Mr. Abdullah Butt, Chief Executive,
Understanding (MoU) with Educast with an aim to Educast.
promote University-Industry Linkage.
Under this agreement, SZABIST and Educast will
This linkage will help SZABIST establish a virtual undertake joint projects through funding from local
education setup for the campuses in Hyderabad and and international donors to establish innovative
Larkana. The MoU was signed by Ms. Shahnaz Wazir services for using information and communications
Ali, President, SZABIST and Sheikh Asrar Ahmed, technology in development and robotics for
Vice Chairman, Educast. The event was witnessed by education and training.

News Flash
Dr. Nasir Majid Mirza has been appointed as Rector, He did his MSc (Physics), MS
Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied (Nuclear Engineering) from Quaid-
Science (PIEAS). e-Azam University, Islamabad and
completed his PhD in Nuclear
Dr. Mirza has been serving as Pro-Rector, PIEAS since Engineering from Purdue
2014. He served as Dean (Applied Sciences) in 2013- University in 1989 under
14, as Dean (Research) in 2003-2010 and as Head of supervision of Prof. Karl O. Ott. He
the Depar tment of Physics and Applied did his Post-Doctoral Studies from Centre for
Mathematics, PIEAS in 2010-2013. Simulation Physics, University of Georgia, USA.

34
DIHE Awards 1546 Degrees in Various Disciplines

The 9th Convocation 2016 of Dadabhoy Institute of Justice (Retired) Sarmad Jalal Usmani were also
Higher Education (DIHE) was recently held wherein present.
1546 students, who graduated in 2016 under various
faculties, were awarded degrees. Three students In his address, the Chief Minister congratulated the
were awarded gold medals. students on completion of their studies and hoped
that they will further explore and utilize their
Syed Murad Ali Shah, Chief Minister, Sindh was the potential in future for the country's development. He
Chief Guest while Senator Haseeb Khan and Major urged the students to be aware of their new
Aziz were Guests of Honour. responsibilities in near future while entering their
practical life. You have taken a key step towards
Mr. Abdullah Dadabhoy, Chairman, Board of your future by completing your studies and now you
Governors, DIHE presided over the function, while have to be committed to the socio-economic uplift
Dr. Shahana Urooj Kazmi, Vice Chancellor, DHIE and of this nation, he said.

2400 Students Awarded Degrees in

UET Convocation
University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Muhammad Akram Khan,former VC, UET, Lahore
Lahore organised its 23rd convocation in which over while acknowledging his services to the university.
2400 students were awarded degrees in different Mr. Rajwana said that engineering sector has big
academic programmes. potential to optimize the future of Pakistan. He said
that the talent of youth must be polished on modern
Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Governor grounds so as to build their career.
Punjab was the Chief Guest. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid,
Vice Chancellor, UET, Lahore was also present. The present government has started many projects
to engage this asset of the country, the governor
During the convocation, 14 PhD, 125 MPhil, 618 MS/ said, adding that Pakistan is facing many
MSc/MBA Executive, 1663 BSc Engineering and 22 complicated challenges which can be resolved
BSc Architecture were awarded. As many as 61 gold through collective wisdom. He urged the graduates
medals were distributed among students, while an to equip themselves with education and skills to
honorary doctorate degree was awarded to Mr. contribute to national growth.

35
IoBM Confers Degrees upon 954 Students
As many as 954 degrees were conferred in Business country a knowledge economy and will help address
Management and allied disciplines in the socio-economic problems. He said teachers have
convocation of the Institute of Business played a vital role in setting the direction of lives of
Management (IoBM) held recently. young generation and their efforts have added value
to the graduates excellence.
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education
Commission (HEC), Pakistan, Mr. Jam Mehtab Degrees were conferred in disciplines as Actuarial
Hussain Dahar, Sindh Education Minister, and Mr. Science and Risk Management, Computer Science,
Sirajuddin Aziz, President Habib Metropolitan Bank Accountancy, Management and Law, Commerce,
Limited addressed the convocation as keynote Media Studies, Industrial Engineering and
speakers. The convocation was attended by heads of Management, Management and Information
top national, multinational and international Technology, Advertising and Media Management,
organizations, corporate professionals, high- Educational Management, Environment and Energy
ranking government officials, and Consul Generals Management, and other disciplines. MS degrees
of foreign missions. were awarded in Computer Science, Mathematics
and Scientific Computing while PhD degrees were
In his address, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed emphasised the awarded in Business Management and Education.
objectives of a university and said that a university
imparts education alongside personality grooming Eleven gold medals were won by outstanding
and career-focused training. He revealed that students. Certificates of merit were awarded to 27
investing in education will lead to making the graduates.

BU Karachi holds 13th Convocation

The 13th Convocation of Bahria University (BU), Department, Earth and Environmental Sciences
Karachi campus, and the 7th Convocation of Pakistan Department, Electrical Engineering Department,
Navy School of Logistics were recently held at BU, Software Engineering Department and Professional
Karachi campus. Psychology Department of Bahria University Karachi
Campus, while 35 degrees were awarded to students
Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah of BS-Supply Chain Management from Pakistan
graced the ceremony as Chief Guest and conferred Navy School of Logistics.
degrees upon the graduating students of PhD,
postgraduate and undergraduate programmes. A Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah awarded gold
total of 866 degrees were awarded to students of medals to 32 students and silver medals to 23
Management Sciences Department, Humanities and students of various departments. Dr. Amir Manzoor
Social Sciences Department, Computer Sciences was awarded PhD degree in Management Sciences.

36
 th
Riphah Int'l University holds 11 Convocation

Degrees, gold medals and awards were conferred Chief Guest of convocation while Mr. Sun Weidong,
upon as many as 1055 graduates of Riphah Chinese Ambassador to Pakistan was the Guest of
International University in the eleventh convocation Honour. Ambassadors of Mauritius and Oman were
held recently. also present on the occasion.

As many as 17 Zulfiqar Gold Medals and 50 Addressing the convocation, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain
Chancellor Gold Medals were awarded to the congratulated the students for their successful
graduates and post-graduates for obtaining top academic career. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC
positions in the examinations and securing said he is confident that the University will continue
distinction for their best performance in the its quest for excellence in academics and research
academic field in various disciplines. and progressively foster linkages with industry,
promote innovation, entrepreneurship and
Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan who is commercialization, engage with community and
also the patron-in-chief of the University, was the play an active role in building society.

412 Students Receive Degrees in

th
BNU 11 Convocation
The eleventh convocation of Beaconhouse National Hassan School of Architecture (SA), 40 from Seeta
University (BNU) was recently held in which a total of Majeed School of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences
412 graduates were awarded degrees. (SLASS), 93 from School of Media and Mass
Communication (SMC), 70 from School of Computer
As many as 129 students received graduate degrees and IT (SCIT), 40 from the Institute of Psychology (IP)
and the rest of 283 students received undergraduate and 37 from School of Education (SE). Besides, 20
degrees. These include 81 from Mariam Dawood gold medals were awarded to graduates with
School of Visual Arts & Design (SVAD), 51 from Razia outstanding achievements.

37
 434 Students Awarded Degrees
in CUST Convocation
As many as 434 successful scholars of PhD, MS and
BS in various disciplines were awarded degrees in
Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST)
convocation held recently. Engr. Baleegh-ur-
Rehman, Minister for Federal Education and
Professional Training was the Chief Guest.

Addressing the scholars, the Minister said that education. He urged the scholars to contribute
education does not end with acquiring of a degree, towards scientific and technological development of
but it is a lifelong journey exploring new horizons the country.
and broadening vision towards new frontiers of
knowledge. He said the role of higher education Congratulating the scholars and students on
becomes more prominent and wide ranging in the completion of their degrees, renowned scientist Dr.
current era, adding that Pakistani nation has the Samar Mubarakmad highlighted the significant role
capability of dealing with challenges through of education in countrys economic development.

UET Conducts Conference on

Open Source System, Technologies
Modern technology is considered to be the universities in the country in producing energetic
backbone of socio-economic development of a and devoted minds to resolve issues on scientific
country and the Government of Pakistan is taking grounds.
measures to promote technical and higher
education through many effective projects. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, VC UET, Lahore observed
that the technology empowers individuals to be
This was stated by Syed Raza Ali Gillani, Minister for productive components of a society and to
Higher Education, Punjab while addressing the contribute to the stability of a nation. He stressed the
inaugural ceremony of a two-day 10th IEEE need for promotion of entrepreneurship in the
International Conference on Open Source System country in order to address unemployment. He said
and Technologies (ICOSST16) with the theme, that the country needs innovative solutions based
'Smart Cities' organised by Al-Khawarizimi Institute on skilled workforce to cope with the future
of Computer Science (KICS), University of challenges.
E n g i n e e r i n g a n d Te c h n o l o g y, L a h o re i n
collaboration with IEEE, Higher Education Over 200 national and international research papers
Commission, Pakistan, IET and the Government of were received from 13 countries including USA, UK,
Punjab. Australia, Germany, Japan, Romania, Canada, India,
Malaysia, UAE, Saudi Arabia and Italy. Twenty seven
The Minister said that research-based planning is top quality papers were selected by the technical
always productive for long-term strategies and it committee comprising experts from 49 countries to
provides a very clear way towards progress. In this present in the conference. The conference had a
regards, he added, the universities can play a great number of technical sessions headed by IT industry
role. He also appreciated the role of engineering leaders and international delegates.

38
 Chairman HEC Announces Mega
Projects for SBBWU
Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman, Higher Education
Commission (HEC), Pakistan visited Shaheed Benazir
Bhutto Women University, Peshawar and
inaugurated the university's main campus as well as
Psychology Research Centre.

Dr. Razia Sultana, Vice Chancellor, SBBU welcomed

the Chairman and briefed him about academic
progress of the university over the past years.

The Chairman assured the VC of support from HEC sports facilities. He also announced the provision of
to address the issues faced by faculty and students. Management Information System for automation of
He announced an amount of Rs. 10 million for sports the entire operations of the University. Later on he
facilities and beautification of grounds. He further distributed laptops among 70 students enrolled in
announced a mega project with civil components of various departments in BS, Masters and MPhil
two hostels for students, two academic blocks and degree programmes.

News Flash
The University of Central Punjab (UCP) organised
various sessions with Mr. Omer S. Bajwa, Director,
Muslim Life, Yale University on different topics.

The topics included Contemporary Challenges of

Islamophobia, and Clash of Civilizations faced by the
Muslim world, especially after the recent US Election,
and Its Impact on South East Asia and Pakistan and
How the Muslim Ummah Can Regain Its Lost
Glory?. The sessions were overwhelmingly
attended by Pro-Rector, Deans, Directors, faculty
members and students of UCP.

39
Laptops Distributed among LUAWMS Students
A ceremony to distribute laptops under Prime
Minister's Laptops Scheme was held at Lasbela
University of Agriculture, Water and Marine
Sciences, Uthal, in which laptops were distributed
among 72 bright students from different
departments.

Mir Jam Kamal Khan Aalyani, State Minister for

Petroleum and Natural Resources was the Chief
Guest, while a large number of notables, faculty arsenals to remain updated on recent developments
members and students attended the event. in your respective fields. In the present era, access to
and acquisition and utilization of information is the
In his speech, the Minister said, I am quite confident decisive factor in the level of success each man
that these gadgets will be best utilized by you in your attains, and therefore, computers have an
educational pursuits and will surely add to your overarching value with no other substitute.

SIOP Award Ceremony held at MUET

The Social Integration and Outreach Programme citizens. A special emphasis was placed on girls
(SIOP) Award Ceremony was held at Mehran education.
University of Engineering & Technology, Jamshoro.
Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Vice Chancellor, MUET
MUET conducted the programme in partnership stressed the need for empowering girls. He
with Higher Education Commission and USPCAS-W emphasized the need to take ownership of society
under the spirit of UNESCO's Education for and protect its environment. During this
Sustainable Development (ESD). programme, the University imparted ESD trainings
to faculty members and aided the training of more
In this programme, the University reached out to than 1000 female students. The students have
girls' high schools and colleges to impart ESD. The developed exciting projects related to energy, water
focus areas were energy, water and responsible and responsible citizens. "

Dr. Waqas A. Qazi from Institute of Space Technology

(IST) attended a five-day workshop on Earth
Remote Sensing with Synthetic Aperture Radar
(SAR) with joint collaboration of Inter-Islamic
Network on Space Sciences and Technology (ISNET)
and National Authority for Remote Sensing & Space
Sciences (NARSS) in Cairo, Egypt.

Tutorial modules and hands-on training workshop

modules were conducted by Dr. Waqas A. Qazi
Assistant Professor, IST who is working in the
Geospatial Research and Education Lab (GREL),
Department of Space Science, IST, Islamabad.

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