Higher Education Commission - Pakistan

September-October 2016

HEC Reviews Quality and Governance in 171 Universities P-2

Pakistani Students Win Laurels at International Pinktober Science Olympiads College Students P-4 Sensitized on Breast Cancer Interactive Discussion on Higher Education Vision 2025 P-22 P-5 Table of Contents HEC Reviews Quality and Governance in 3 Experts Review Criteria for University 2 171 Universities Ranking

6 HEC Wins Silver Medal in National Women Volleyball Championship

Interactive 7 4th Social Sciences Conference held at HEC Discussion on 5 Higher Education 9 Students of Balochistan’s Universities Visit Vision 2025 HEC

10 Policy Dialogue Highlights Significance of Languages Chairman HEC Selected as Member 12 Students Vision 2025 Debate Enthralls of KSA Environmental Audience 11 Management Awards Body 13 Int’l Symposium on Technology Entrepreneurship and Incubation

News & Views is published after every 14 Summit on Innovation and two months. No part of this Entrepreneurship publication may be reproduced in any form without prior written 15 HEC to Send 10,000 Scholars to US for permission of the publisher. PhD Studies

The views expressed by authors in the 16 Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan Agree to Strengthen articles is their sole responsibility and Collaboration in Higher Education not of HEC. The Commission would like to thank all the institutions and 17 HEC to Provide Rs. 886m for AJK Varsity's individuals who contributed Infrastructure Development information and photographs for this Magazine.

Editor Aayesha Ikram Graphic Designer Raja Ahmad Nadeem Publisher: Reporter Higher Education Waseem Khaliqdad Commission, Pakistan No-Compromise Policy HEC Reviews Quality and Governance in 171 Universities

“HEC has rigorously been improving the higher of higher education sector during the last three years education sector, despite numerous challenges, with and HEC is dedicatedly developing higher the Government support,” stated Dr. Mukhtar education. However, we still have a long way to go,” Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission he said. (HEC) Pakistan while giving an overview of progress made in higher education sector during the last few Referring to the recent HEC team visits to various years. public and private sector universities to assess quality of their programmes, he said that a total of Addressing a press conference at the Commission 293 PhD programmes and 57 MPhil programmes of Secretariat, the Chairman said that HEC, with its 171 universities have been reviewed. He revealed prime focus on quality assurance and access to that 31 PhD and 26 MPhil programmes of different higher education, is ensuring to bring the sector at universities have been closed due to lack of par with international standards and requirements. fulfilment of minimum quality standards.

He announced that HEC will launch Higher The Chairman said that HEC has stopped further Education’s Vision 2025 in next month to set new intake in 56 PhD and 10 MPhil programmes in targets in view of future various institutions for the academic requirements same reason. “During the a n d t o a l i g n t h e review process, HEC teams educational goals with p r i m a r i l y a s s e s s e d Government’s futuristic whether or not the policies. universities are following the Act on which they are Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said operating, whether their HEC is reviewing the market needs, acceptance level statuary bodies are in place, if they are abiding by and relevance of various academic programmes and structural guidelines, and if they are following a will launch new programmes or shelve some existing proper criteria for affiliations. HEC has adopted ones to cope with national requirements. “The world’s best practices including soft reviews and Government has remarkably increased the budget hard reviews of university programmes after

2 obtaining NoCs.” He said that HEC has been that 38 faculty members have been blacklisted. He emphasizing involvement of professional added that 38 cases are under process and six cases accreditation bodies in launch and functionality of are sub judice. “HEC has extended Turnitin to every academic programmes. “ university.

We have agreed with all the accreditation councils HEC will present a proposal to the Commission, not to issue conditional NoCs. HEC does not HEC’s governing body, that if a scholar commits compromise on fulfilment of faculty requirements, plagiarism, his or her supervisor should also be curricula needs and overall quality.” He continued to blacklisted,” he stated. say that on three out of about 12 institutions newly established under the public-private partnership Regarding opening of university campuses at district have been awarded NoC. level, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that new campuses of various universities have been launched in 29 He further said that HEC will conduct review visits of districts, including 11 in Balochistan, five in Khyber university campuses in the second phase and, Pakhtunkhwa, six in Sindh and three in Gilgit- subsequently, of over 3000 colleges affiliated with Baltistan, in the first phase while Higher Education various universities in the third phase. Department, Punjab will soon provide the list.

Sharing details of plagiarism cases, the Chairman He said about 90 districts of the country are devoid said that HEC has received 198 complaints since of any university campus, however HEC will ensure 2006, in which 160 cases have been finalized. He said access to higher education. Experts Review Criteria for University Ranking The Higher Education Commission (HEC) hosted an as a whole, HEC has sought a review of criteria for expert review of the eligibility criteria employed to greater visibility and objective quantification. The rank country’s universities. The meeting was a part participants presented valuable input by examining of the series being held to gain input from academic each point and the marks that it carried. experts and stakeholders to provide feedback on best practices and find avenues for further The discussion stressed the need to place greater improvement. emphasis on quality of education and social integration of the education being imparted. It was Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC chaired the agreed that there should be a strategic thrust for meeting which was attended by Chairpersons and emphasis on policies to ensure quality aligned with representatives of National Accreditation Council Vision 2025 goals and SDGs. for Teacher Education, National Business Education Accreditation Council, and Homeopathic Council. The experts also reviewed Key Performance Indicators, while new ones were included and new Addressing the gathering, Dr. Arshad said that the weightages were also awarded. criteria should motivate higher education institutions to make required changes to improve The main themes that came under the microscope their academic quality as well as develop a healthy were Quality Assurance, Faculty and Students, competitive environment. Teaching Quality, Research, finance, facilities and social integration and community development. Before embarking on the new rankings which aim to Impact of the proposed methodology on Vision rank university programmes rather than universities 2025 was also established.

3 Pakistani Students Win Laurels at International Science Olympiads Representing Pakistan in various International Science Olympiads in Vietnam, Georgia, Hong Kong and Switzerland, Pakistani students have won four Bronze Medals and one Honourable Mention for the country.

Different teams of students selected under STEM Careers Programme took part in 27th International Biology Olympiad, 48th International Chemistry Olympiad, 57th International Mathematics Olympiad and 47th International Physics Olympiad.

These annual Olympiads provide pre-university science students from around the world an opportunity to compete in solving challenging theoretical and experimental science problems. Most of the Pakistani students invariably get scholarship for their higher studies in leading universities of the world.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) are the joint organisers of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) Careers Programme for talented youth having careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

The dedication and hard work of team leaders from team was led by Dr. Muhammad Saeed and Dr. Asma home institutes including National Institute of Imran of NIBGE Faisalabad. The 47th International Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering (NIBGE) Physics Olympiad was held in Zurich, Switzerland. Faisalabad, HEJ Research Institute Karachi, The team leader was Dr. Shahid Qamar and deputy COMSATS Institute of Information Technology team leader was Dr. Aman ur Rehman of PIEAS. Lahore and PIEAS Islamabad and members of STEM Maimoon Siddiqui from Karachi Grammar School Careers Programme at HEC in selecting and won an Honorable Mention among five Pakistani preparing these talented students and providing students. logistic support played a key role in this achievement. The 48th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) was held in Georgia. In IChO, Muhammad Ismail The 27th International Biology Olympiad (IBO) was from FFC Grammar School, Mirpur Mathelo, Sindh hosted by Hanoi, Vietnam. Of four students who won bronze medal for Pakistan. The 57th participated from Pakistan in the event, Muhammad International Mathematical Olympiad (IMO) was Alamgir Khan from Cadet College Hassan Abdal, hosted by Hong Kong. Six students participated Bakhtawar Ahmad from Hamza Army Public School from Pakistan in the event. IMO team was led by Dr. and College, Rawalpindi and Saffa Fatima from Sarfraz Ahmed and Dr. Hani Shakir of COMSATS Lahore Grammar School won Bronze Medals. IBO Lahore.

4 HEC holds Interactive Discussion on Higher Education Vision 2025

“Pakistan needs to keep pace with the modern world He said the Vision envisages six indicators on which by re-aligning its educational structure and bringing the universities have to concentrate for achievement in dynamism in knowledge and introducing multi- of targeted excellence. He said the higher education disciplinary subjects.” institutions need to improve fundamental purposeful instruction, become place of quality Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, research and innovation, strengthen linkages with Development and Reforms, who was the chief guest industry, turn into agents of change, embed on the occasion, said this at interactive discussion on technology, and produce entrepreneurial leaders. Higher Education Vision 2025 organised by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan to seek He observed that every activity revolves around suggestions and ponder upon the targets of higher knowledge in the current knowledge revolution era education sector for the next 10 years. which necessitates a paradigm shift in the learning models of Pakistan. It is Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, unavoidable for every Six indicators universities will follow: Chairman, HEC and Dr. task to revolve around Arshad Ali, Executive ŸImproving fundamental purposeful instruction knowledge in order to Director, HEC were also ŸBecoming centres of quality research and innovation ensure human progress, present. Academicians ŸStrengthening linkages with industry he maintained. and top management of ŸTurning into agents of positive change various universities also ŸEmbedding technology He said that as the attended the discussion ŸProducing entrepreneurial leaders V i s i o n 2 0 2 5 e y e s in a large number. building a knowledge economy, so the Higher Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister Mr. Education Vision 2025 has been made a vital part of Ahsan Iqbal shared the targets set so far under the it. Stressing the need for continuity of policies, he Higher Education Vision 2025 which will be formally affirmed that Pakistan needs a strong knowledge announced soon. foundation to become an Asian tiger.

5 The Minister said Pakistan needs to keep pace with will set up 61 university campuses at district level. He the modern world by re-aligning its educational said the pillars of national development that the HEC structure and bringing in dynamism in knowledge focuses include equitable access to higher and introducing multi-disciplinary subjects. He education, quality assurance, faculty development, informed that the Government plans to establish research innovation and entrepreneurship, Academy of Social Sciences to promote Social integration of communities, and building leadership Sciences in the country. The focus from STEM in every field. He informed that the number of PhDs [Science, Technology, Engineering, and has increased remarkably, however HEC aims to Mathematics] subjects has now been shifted to build 40 per cent PhD faculty in universities by 2025. STEAM [Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics] subjects, he added. He also shed light on various other initiatives HEC has taken to increase equitable access, ensure He said 10000 Pakistani scholars will be sent to the relevance of research and improve quality in United States for study in the next 10 years under the addition to strengthening governance and US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, which will become promoting entrepreneurship. a knowledge game changer. The talk was followed by a Question and Answer In his opening remarks earlier, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Session in which academicians not only asked said that HEC is following the Government policies questions but also presented valuable suggestions and it has aligned its goals with the Government’s with regard to the Higher Education Vision 2025. Vision 2025. He revealed that the number of higher education institutions has reached 180 in the HEC will invite Vice Chancellors, faculty members, country, while the ratio of enrolment in universities and eminent academia and industry representatives has increased over the years without any from all over the country for the launch of Higher compromise on quality. He underscored that HEC Education Vision 2025.

HEC Wins Silver Medal in National Women Volleyball Championship The Higher Education Commission (HEC) secured second position and won the silver medal in the National Women Volleyball Championship recently held in Karachi.

WAPDA won the final in straight sets 25-15, 25-12 and 25-9 and won the gold medal. In the third position match, the Punjab defeated Sindh to claim bronze medal.

Doda Khan Bhutto, President, Pakistan Boxing Federation and Ahmed Ali Rajput, Secretary, Sindh Olympic Association graced the closing ceremony with their presence. In his remarks, Shah Naeem Zafar, Chief, Sindh Volleyball Association said, “It was fine talent has beeb seen here. HEC and Punjab had a successful event. National selectors will face no some highly talented players who could be used for problem in forming Pakistan team in future as some national duty in future.”

6 4th Social Sciences Conference held at HEC

The 4th International Social Sciences Conference students to conduct research. He said that HEC has entitled “Regional and International Cooperation: been remarkably increasing the Grant every year and Problems and Prospects 2016” was held at Higher it extends considerable percentage of scholarships Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat. Dr. Arshad for disciplines of Social Science. Ali, Executive Director, HEC and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC were respectively the chief guests in In his address earlier, Dr. Arshad Ali reiterated HEC’s the opening and closing ceremonies. commitment to promotion of Social Sciences in the country and assured full support to higher The conference was organised by HEC in education institutions for this objective. “No society collaboration with Mirpur can make progress in a real University of Science and sense unless Social Sciences Technology (MUST), AJK. The knowledge is integrated in it,” conference was attended by he emphasized. He underlined Vice Chancellors, including Dr. that where science and H a b i b - u r - Re h m a n , V i c e technology play vital role in C h a n c e l l o r M U S T , growth of a country’s economy, academicians, social scientists, the Social Sciences ensure students and delegates from integration of a society. He said Pakistan, Indian-occupied Kashmir and Malaysia. HEC pays special attention to promote Social Sciences and facilitate Social Scientists in providing Speaking in the closing ceremony, Dr. Mukhtar viable solutions to prevailing problems and Ahmed stressed the need for training students so challenges. He further highlighted that HEC is that they become good citizens in addition to considerably increasing Thematic Research Grants specialize in their respective professions. “In order to meant for the purpose every year, he informed. have good human beings, we need to promote Social Sciences and the country should have a Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry was keynote speaker of strong base for Social Sciences”, he said, adding that the first session which was also addressed by Dr. HEC is committed to facilitating higher education Nilofer, Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Director institutions to provide students with conducive General, Academic Division, HEC. The conference environment to become good citizens. comprised different sessions. The first session entitled “Education, Languages and Peace Prospects The Chairman added that HEC accords due in Pakistan” was chaired by Dr. Zahoor ul Hassan importance to Social Sciences and it has set up from LUMS while second session on “Social Values Thematic Research Grant to facilitate Social Sciences and Empowerment of Women in Pakistan” was

7 chaired by Dr. Ali Sajid from University of Lahore. Islamabad, Dr. Adeel Malik from University of Sessions for second day included “Business Oxford, UK, and other academicians. Challenges and International Relation”, “Education Challenges and Economic Prosperity” and The panelists emphasized international discussions on regional and international collaboration and exchange of scholars in addition cooperation. to teaching critical thinking and research methodology. They also urged formulation of state At the end, a panel discussion was held which was policy in line with findings of Social Sciences attended by Dr. Ijaz Shafi Gilani, Chairman, Gallup research in order to address the root cause of Pakistan, Dr. Tahir Amin, Vice Chancellor, Bahauddin problems. They said interaction among academia, Zakariya University Multan, Dr. Masood Akhtar from industry and media is necessary to know the real Department of Pakistan Studies, QAU Islamabad, Mr. issues. They observed that regional and Abdul Jalil, retired Chief Administration FBR, Dr. international cooperation requires peace and Andrea Fleschenberg dos Ramos Pineu from QAU, solution of issues like Kashmir dispute.

HEC holds Consultative Session on Lahore Knowledge Park Project Such parks should be set up in Sindh, Balochistan, AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan also, Says Chairman HEC

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan HEC were also present on the occasion. Mr. organised a consultative session, involving Mohmand said that Rs. 100 billion LKP, spearheaded academic experts from across the country, on by Mr. Shahbaz Sharif, Chief Minister, Punjab is being Lahore Knowledge Park (LKP) Project to identify viewed as a turning point in the socio-economic prospects of mutual cooperation to ensure the development of Punjab. project’s success. He shared different dynamics of the Project and Mr. Shahid Zaman Mohmand, Chief Executive described its background, vision and objectives. He Officer, LKP briefed the participants about its keys said the project envisions applying knowledge to aims and the overall plan. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, address national challenges and capture Chairman HEC and Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director opportunities for innovation, adding that it

8 envisages clustering interaction of universities, would meet the KPK government for deliberations. businesses and researchers to drive innovation and “LKP is a national project, so it was necessary to hold entrepreneurship ecosystem. a national level consultation on it in order to identify the areas wherein the academia can play its part in In his remarks, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed offered his full the LKP execution,” he said. support to this state-of-the-art project technopolis and remarked that the knowledge park presented The Chairman said that HEC will provide new PhDs to countless opportunities for Pakistani universities. He help catering to the need for skillful human resource also informed that KPK was also considering in the project. He said that such parks should also be establishment of such a Park. He said HEC and LKP setup in Sindh, Balochistan , AJK and Gilgit-Baltistan. Students of Balochistan’s Universities Visit HEC Over 150 students from universities of Balochistan bringing the much-needed change due to different recently visited the Higher Education Commission initiatives during the last decade. During question- (HEC) Secretariat. answer session, the students also praised HEC for taking special initiatives for higher education in The students were accompanied by Dr. Javed Iqbal, Balochistan. They also gave suggestions for further Vice Chancellor, University of Balochistan, Quetta, Brig. (R) Muhammad Amin, Vice Chancellor, Balochistan University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), Khuzdar and Dr. Dost Muhammad, Vice Chancellor, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sciences.

Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC and senior management of the Commission welcomed the delegation. He gave students an overview of HEC initiatives for development of higher education in the province, including provision of different improvement. The visiting students belonged to scholarships and R&D opportunities available for University of Balochistan, Balochistan University of faculty members, researchers and students. He Information Technology, Engineering and informed the students that HEC has been active to Management Sciences, Sardar Bahadur Khan gradually increase access and bring education to the Women University, University of Turbat, and Lasbela doorstep, particularly far-flung and less-developed University of Agriculture, Water and Marine areas of the country. “We believe that significance of Sciences. youth in any society could not be denied, therefore every possible step is being taken to facilitate our youth,” he said. He appreciated the Vice Chancellors of Balochistan’s universities for taking keen interest and adopting a proactive approach for development of their institutions.

Mr. Wasim Hashmi Syed, Adviser (HRD) HEC and Dr. Muhammad Latif, Adviser (R&D) HEC also spoke on the occasion. Speaking on the occasion, all the visiting vice chancellors appreciated HEC for

9 Policy Dialogue Highlights Significance of Languages

A three-day Policy Dialogue on Language was official language should be made step by step and organised by Air University Islamabad in for that this type of academic discourse is very collaboration with Higher Education Commission at significant.” HEC is ready to further fund research in HEC Secretariat. language, provided there are concrete proposals. He said different organizations already in place for Mr. Zaffar Nasrullah, Additional Secretary, Capital development of languages should come together Administration and Development Division (CADD) for preservation of regional languages and was chief guest in the opening ceremony. Dr. Swathi development of a national language policy. M. Vanniarajan, Professor of Psycholinguistics at San Jose State University, California, USA was the During the opening ceremony earlier, Dr. Arshad Ali keynote speaker, while Dr. Wasima Shahzad, Dean, stressed the need for promoting use of Urdu in Faculty of Social Sciences, Air University, Dr. general discussions, meetings, conferences and Zafarullah Qureshi, Senior Dean, Air University and seminars to give it a righteous status. He maintained other notables also spoke on the occasion. that a practical approach is necessary to implement any policy. “We need to act in by practical terms Addressing the conference, Mr. Zafar Nasrullah said being mentally convinced, emotionally attached and that discussing a language is always a sensitive issue intentionally prepared to do what we think,” he as it involves sentiments, culture and ethnicity. He emphasized. said the world nations, whether Germans, French, Bengalis, or Hindus, have their own languages and Referring to the Supreme Court order, he said that they promote them in different manners. He said National Language Authority, Federal Urdu that Urdu and English are common languages University, provincial education departments and spoken in Pakistan and Urdu, apart from being a vital experts of languages serving in language language, is also an important element of national departments of different universities should also be integrity. Terming ‘E-language’ a new language in involved in the brainstorming process so as to the modern world, he called for adopting a benefit from their experiences. Focus Group pragmatic approach towards the linguistic Discussions on different issues involved national and development in the country. international scholars from academia, media, law, banking, aviation, and other institutions to provide In his address, the Chairman HEC said, “We should concrete steps in formulating recommendations for make concerted efforts for promotion of Urdu and a national policy on status of English, Urdu and regional languages. The conversion to Urdu as regional languages in Pakistan.

10 Chairman HEC Selected as Member of KSA Environmental Management Awards Body

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher The Award has four categories including I) the best Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan has been individual or collective research, achievement or selected as Member of the Higher Committee for practice in the environment and sustainable “Award of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA) for development, ii) the best practice in environment E n v i r o n m e n t a l a n d s u s t a i n a b l e Management in the Islamic development projects or World.” In this regard, he activities in the public sector a t t e n d e d a f i v e - d a y in the Member States, iii) meeting of the Committee the best practice in at Jeddah. e n v i r o n m e n t a n d sustainable development The Committee is chaired projects or activities in the by Dr. Abdulaziz bin Omar private sector in the Al-Jassar, Head of the Member States, and iv) the General Authority of best leading practices or M e t e o r o l o g y a n d a c t i v i t i e s i n t h e Environmental Protection, e n v i r o n m e n t a n d KSA while the Director General, Islamic Educational, sustainable development in non-governmental Scientific and Cultural Organization (ISESCO) is its organizations. Secretary General. The Award is dedicated to outstanding works carried Other members of the Committee include Dr. out by individuals and institutions operating in Mahatir bin Muhammad, former Prime Minister of various fields of environment and sustainable Malaysia, Mr. Pa Ousman Jarju, Minister of development. It also aims to consolidate and adopt Environment, Climate Change, Water and Wildlife, the broad concept of environment and sustainable Gambia, Dr. Mohammed Bin Ibrahim Al Tuwaijri, development in the Islamic world which calls for Assistant Secretary General for Economic Affairs in making good use of natural resources and the League of Arab States, Dr. Ibrahim Ozdemir, protecting them from depletion and pollution former Rector of Hasan Kalyoncu University, Turkey, through instituting and disseminating principles and and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed. methods of sound environmental governance.

11 HEC, Ministry of Planning Collaboration Students Vision 2025 Debate Enthralls Audience

Impassioned and energetic debate was witnessed in of the Public Sector; Energy, Water & Food Security; the final round of four-day Debate Contest on Private Sector-Led Growth and Entrepreneurship; Pakistan Vision 2025 with both sides putting strong Developing a Competitive Knowledge Economy arguments in favour and against the topic “CPEC, the through Value Addition; and Modernization of New Game Changer”. Transportation Infrastructure and Greater Regional Connectivity. The parliamentary style debate, wherein 45 universities participated in six rounds from across Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal the country, was organised by Higher Education appreciated the students for exhibiting their power Commission (HEC) in collaboration with the Ministry of expression coupled with research on the topic to of Planning, Development and prove their point of view. He Reforms and International Islamic emphasized that "self image of University, Islamabad. Federal yourself will define your future". Minister Mr. Ahsan Iqbal was chief guest on the occasion. Dr. Mukhtar He said the role of youth is Ahmed, Chairman HEC was also significant for a healthy discourse present. in any society. “Young people of our country, who comprise almost B a l o c h i s t a n U n i v e r s i t y of two third of the population, must E n g i n e e r i n g , I n f o r m a t i o n be aware of the challenges as well Technology and Management as opportunities of CPEC. Strong Sciences (BUITEMS) Quetta won the Urdu contest arguments in favour and against the topic show that while FAST National University Lahore remained the our youth has great potential for leadership and runner-up. The title for English debate was clinched future planning”. by University College Lahore while Lahore University of Management Sciences was the runner-up. The Minister said that Pakistan needs fertile minds in future and the questions raised in such debates help The four-day activity revolved around seven pillars sort out solutions to socio-economic problems. He of Vision 2025, including Putting People First: said that the launch of work on universities in Developing Human and Social Capital; Achieving Gwadar, Zhob and Federally Administered Tribal Sustained, Indigenous and Inclusive Growth; Areas reflects how the Government is paying due Governance, Institutional Reform & Modernization attention to this vital sector.

12 Int’l Symposium on Technology Entrepreneurship, Incubation held at HEC

A two-day International Symposium on Technology for our future course of action to promote Entrepreneurship and Incubation was organised by entrepreneurship and incubation by encouraging National ICT R&D Fund in collaboration with Higher the youth to execute their ideas,” the Chairman said. Education Commission (HEC) and Institute of Business Administration (IBA) Karachi at HEC Speaking on the occasion, Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman Secretariat. reiterated the Government’s resolve to encourage youth to come forward and play their part in not only The purpose of symposium was to develop betterment of their own lives but also the country’s entrepreneurial mindset and share latest ideas and economy by their contributions to growing and developments in the area of entrepreneurship and emerging market. He said that Government incubation with faculty members, managers of considers them a real asset that could guarantee a incubators and ORIC managers. It aimed at bright future. “This is high time to provide youth the encouraging entrepreneurs, start-ups and opportunities to nurture themselves in best possible incubators in bringing new ideas and implementing manner keeping in view needs of 21st century.” them in an effective manner. Dr. Shahid Qureshi from IBA Karachi, Dr. Sarfraz Mian Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman, Minister of State for from School of Business, State University of New Federal Education and Professional Training was the York, United States, Dr. Faizullah Abbasi, Vice chief guest during the inaugural ceremony. Dr. Chancellor Dawood University, Prof. Amin, Vice Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Dr. Syed Ismail Chancellor BUET, Khuzdar, Dr. Iftikhar, VC University Shah, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication of Engineering and Technology, Peshawar gave Authority & CEO, ICT R&D Fund, Dr. Arshad Ali, presentations on various topics including Executive Director HEC, Vice Chancellors, start-ups, Development of Entrepreneurial Mindset, entrepreneurs, incubators and people from different Entrepreneurial Ecosystem, Development of an walks of life were also present. Entrepreneurial University, Role of Incubators, Role of ORICs in Promotion of Entrepreneurship, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed briefed the audience about Entrepreneurial Accounting and Finance, Business different initiatives that HEC has taken to promote Modelling as a Tool in Entrepreneurship Education, entrepreneurship and incubation activities in the Technology Entrepreneurship for Engineers and universities. “We need to devise a concrete strategy Scientists, and Women Entrepreneurship.

13 Summit on Innovation and Entrepreneurship held at HEC The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan in Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed shed light on how rapidly the collaboration with the Embassy of France and Hello technological innovations are changing the trends Tomorrow organized a Summit on Innovation and prevailing in different sectors and how they require Entrepreneurship at the Commission Secretariat masses to prepare themselves to welcome the with an aim to enhance connectivity of the local ICT future. “We need to work together with our friendly talent to global opportunities. countries to make our future brighter,” he stressed.

Mrs. Martine Dorance, Ambassador of France to It is pertinent to mention here that in Business as well Pakistan was chief guest on the occasion. Dr. as Technology Incubation Centres established by Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC, Dr. Ismail Shah, HEC at different universities, over 225 companies Chairman, Pakistan Telecommunication Authority have been incubated that have generated around Rs. (PTA), Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC and Dr. 480 Million in annual revenue and have generated Ziaul Qayyum, Vice Chancellor, University of Gujrat 940 direct employment opportunities. Only NUST were also present. The event was attended by a has incubated 53 companies that have generated number of students, entrepreneurs and annual revenue of Rs. 300 Million generating academicians. employment of over 150 people. Similarly COMSATS Institute has incubated 43 companies with annual In her address, Mrs. Dorance said that Hello revenue of Rs. 60 Million and creating 160 jobs. Tomorrow is a French initiative promoting University of Agriculture Faisalabad has incubated connectivity among young entrepreneurs from 21 companies with annual revenue of Rs. 40 Million across the world and bringing experts closer to and generating an employment for 215 people. discuss future technological challenges. IBA Sukkur has incubated 15 companies with annual She said it aims at developing links between revenue of Rs.15 Million and job openings for 54 academia and start-ups. “Pakistan has talented people. Other Incubators at UET Peshawar, people particularly youth, and the number of start- Veterinary University Lahore, Quaid-e-Azam ups in the country is rapidly growing, and holding University, BUITEMS, NED Karachi, Institute of Space this event reflects the political will of both the Technology, University of Gujrat and AJK University Governments to enhance collaboration in fostering have also performed well during the last couple of innovation and entrepreneurship,” she said. years.

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

14 Pakistan-US Knowledge Corridor HEC to Send 10,000 Scholars to US for PhD Studies The Higher Education Commission (HEC) will send Director HEC were also present on the occasion. The 10,000 scholars in the next 10 years to the United Pakistan-US Corridor was conceptualized in June States for PhD studies from next year in critical areas 2015 as a result of US-Pakistan Education, Science of Agriculture and Food Security, Medical and Allied and Technology working group under the bilateral Health Sciences, Energy, Water, Climate Change, and strategic dialogue. Advanced Digital Technology among others. The Minister said 10,000 PhDs acquiring education Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Minister for Planning, Development in the best US universities would give spectacular and Reforms made this announcement while results. “The Government is committed to increasing explaining the Pakistan-US Knowledge Corridor access to higher education and for that purpose during a video conference session with the vice sub-campuses and virtual campuses are being chancellors from across the country. Dr. Mukhtar established at district level so as to enable aspiring Ahmed, Chairman HEC and Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive students to gain higher education at their doorstep.”

NAEAC Session Discusses Accreditation Issues of Various Programmes The 12th meeting of National Agriculture Education and approved. Enhancement of annual grant of HEC Accreditation Council (NAEAC) was recently held at to NAEAC was recommended along with revised Higher Education Commission Secretariat, wherein accreditation fee structure for public and private the Council authorities discussed various issues sector institutions. pertaining to accreditation of degree programmes in different higher education institutions. The meeting was attended by the Council members including Dr. M. E. Tusneem, Chairman, NAEAC, Prof. Dr. M. E. Tusneem, Chairman, NAEAC presided the Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi, Vice Chairperson, meeting. He congratulated the new Vice NAEAC, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Amjad Aulakh, Dean, Chairperson Prof. Dr. Nadeem Akhtar Abbasi and five Faculty of Agriculture, University of Agriculture, new members of the Council and also paid his Faisalabad, Prof. Dr. Saghir Ahmed Sheikh, Dean, compliments to outgoing Chairperson Prof. Dr. Faculty of Crop Production, Sindh Agriculture Shahana Urooj Kazmi for her commitment and keen University, Tandojam, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Jilani, Dean, interest in the Council activities. He shared the Faculty of Agriculture, Lasbela University of progress of the Council activities accomplished Agriculture, Water & Marine Sciences, Prof. Dr. during 2015-16 including accreditation activities, Saifullah, Dean, Faculty of Crop Protection, zero visits, awareness seminars, review meetings, University of Agriculture, Peshawar; Prof. Dr. Ishtiaq training workshop for program evaluators, parent Ahmad Rajwana, Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, and student alert, annual report and audit report. Muhammad Nawaz Sharif University of Agriculture, Multan, Dr. Nadeem Amjad, Member, Pakistan The Council reviewed the experts reports of 68 Agriculture Research Council, Islamabad, Dr. Naveed degree programs of 16 institutions of Punjab, Sindh, Akhtar, Director General (Research), Agriculture KPK and Balochistan during 2015-16 and endorsed Research Institute, Tarnab, Peshawar, Prof. the evaluation ratings. Proposed Annual Work Plan Muhammad Aslam Niazi, Principal, Balochistan and Budget for FY 2016-17 was also found in line Agriculture College, Quetta, and others.

15 HEC Team Visits Kyrgyz Republic Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan Agree to Strengthen Collaboration in Higher Education A delegation of the Higher Education Commission Biology NAS, Kyrgyz State Academy of Physical (HEC), Pakistan comprising HEC officers and Vice Training and Sport, Institute of Seismology NAS, Chancellors recently visited Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan to Innovative Center of Phytotechnology, Gareev explore avenues of collaboration and see where Botanical Garden NAS, Institute of Biotechnology Pakistan and Kyrgyzstan can cooperate for NAS, Bishkek Academy of Finance and Economics, enhancing quality of education, research and Kyrgyz State Technical University, Institute of New technology transfer. A delegation from Pakistan Information Technologies, Kyrgyz State University, Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) was also in Institute of Forestry NAS, Institute of Pharmacology Bishkek and both the teams had joint visits of NAS, and Institute of Biochemistry NAS. Possible medical institutions. areas of cooperation between both the countries

HEC delegation was headed by Dr. G. Raza Bhatti, include exchange of faculty and students, joint Member (Operations and Planning) HEC and research activities, opening of institutes and included Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Director universities, cooperation and collaboration General (Academics) HEC, Dr. Habib Ahmed, Vice especially regarding tourism, agriculture, dairy and Chancellor, Islamia College University, Peshawar and food industry, medicine, water, energy, environment, Dr. M. Afzal Haque, Vice Chancellor, NED University climate change, sports and physical university of Engineering and Technology, Karachi. PMDC establishment and collaboration for mountain area delegation included Dr. Abdul Khaliq Naveed, Dr. problems and improvement. Feroz Jahangir, Dr. Mussrat Hussain, and Dr. Sitara Hassan. Documents of Understanding (DoU) to work together were signed with the Kyrgyzstan State The delegation visited National Academy of University of Construction and Transportation by Sciences (NAS) of the Kyrgyz Republic, I.K. NED University of Engineering & Technology, Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Medical Academy, Kyrgyz Karachi and Islamia College University, Peshawar. State University of Construction Transportation and The Islamia College Peshawar also signed a DoU with Architecture, International University of Kyrgyzstan, International University of Kyrgyzstan. HEC also Ministry of Health of the Kyrgyz Republic, Institute of singed a DoU with the I.K. Akhunbaev Kyrgyz State Informational Technologies in Education, Institute of Medical Academy.

16 Summyka Qadir, Deepa Kumari Represent Pakistan at UNGA Chairman HEC Meets LGL Ambassadors The “Let Girls Learn (LGA) Ambassadors”, Summyka Qadir from Nishtar Medical College, Multan and Deepa Kumari from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro met Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission at the Commission Secretariat in Islamabad. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC and Dr. G. Raza Bhatti, Member HEC were also present.

Summayka Qadir and Deepa Kumari represented Pakistan in New York City during United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) week. They participated in the “Broadway Shines a Light on Girls’ Education” event, a part of the Let Girls Learn initiative, which encourages world leaders to provide education opportunities to an estimated 62 million girls globally who do not attend school. Hosted by US motivate youth to utilize their potential and achieve First Lady Michelle Obama, the programme was excellence in their respective fields. convened as a side event to coincide with gathering of world leaders in UNGA. Both Summyka and Deepa are recipients of USAID- funded Merit and Need-based Scholarship The Chairman HEC congratulated both the scholars Programme. The United States Agency for for representing their country in the UN General International Development (USAID) launched Assembly. He presented laptops to these scholars as Phase-I of USAID-funded Merit and Need-based a token of appreciation and motivation. Dr. Mukhtar Scholarship Programme in 2004 in collaboration Ahmed encouraged them to take a lead role and with HEC Pakistan.

HEC to Provide Rs. 886m for AJK Varsity's Infrastructure Development The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Physics, Botany, Zoology, Chemistry and will provide Rs. 886 million for the development of Biotechnology. Moreover, 21 PhD scholarships i.e., infrastructure of the newly eight foreign and 13 local established Women University, scholarships have also been Bagh. a p p r o v e d f o r f a c u l t y development. The Planning The amount will be spent on the Commission of Pakistan has development of academic recently approved a project of infrastructure including a new the University in this regard. academic block, girls' hostel, library, medical centre and The Women University Bagh laboratory equipment for was established in 2014 and is

17 offering programmes in 10 disciplines. Presently, equipment in the teaching laboratories for science 1500 students are enrolled in these degree subjects. programmes in the university. The Government of Azad Jammu & Kashmir has provided buildings and The purpose of the project is to provide equal 72-kanal land for establishment of the University. opportunities to the female students in Azad Jammu and Kashmir because most of the female students The HEC funds will be utilized to expand the are reluctant to go to other parts of the country or to academic buildings and to provide necessary join institutions with co-education system. After facilities such as library, hostels, and medical centre completion of the project the university will be able for the students. New laboratories will also be to accommodate 3500 students and 250 employees established by providing state-of-the-art in various disciplines.

Pakistan Emerges as a Country with Scientific Influence, Citation Impact Pakistan has, in the last 10 years, emerged as a 10-fold, from nine articles in 2006 to 98 in 2015. The country with the highest percentage of highly-cited percentage of Pakistani documents cited during papers as compared to BRIC countries (Brazil, Russia, 2006 to 2015 was 62.27% of the total published India and China). Citations are acknowledgments by documents as against 59.73% of the documents the scientific community of useful findings and published by all BRIC countries. “Percentage of cited advances that add significantly to the ongoing documents gives a starting perspective on efficiency research. of the published documents.”

A recent report entitled “Pakistan: Another BRIC in “In 2012, Pakistan’s Category Normalized Citation the Wall” issued by Impact (CNCI) was higher Thomson Reuters states than all of BRIC countries. that though Pakistan’s Also, percentages of R&D environment faced documents cited and substantial economic percentage of highly cited challenges, despite this papers are higher.” the most influential research was not affected. The report mentions that although for 10-year The report mentions that a n a l y s i s , o n l y t h e though from productivity Humanities area has a p e r s p e c t i v e t h e higher CNCI than the comparison with BRIC is world average, Natural s h o w i n g a h u g e Sciences, Engineering and d i f f e r e n c e , u s i n g Technology are the major contextual indicators Pakistan can be benchmarked contributors to the steady increase in Pakistan’s with such emerging and dynamic countries. citation footprint, which shows a focus on applied research. It reveals that in the last decade Pakistan’s scientific productivity increased by more than four times from It further says that in the last two years there has 2000 articles in 2006 to more than 9000 articles in been a significant increase in the number of articles 2015. During this period, the number of highly cited cited among the top 10% reaching peaks higher papers featuring Pakistan based authors increased than before the economic crisis.

18 HEC Approves 2 Project Proposals under UITSP

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan The proposals included Development of an organised an expert committee meeting to review embedded system for an automatic real time vehicle feasibility of proposals submitted to HEC under its to counter theft incidents, Development and University-Industr y Technology Suppor t characterization of textile industry fibrous waste Programme (UITSP) at the Commission Secretariat. reinforced concrete/ cement mortar, Development The meeting was chaired by Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive of industry high quality and low cost automotive Director, HEC, while the expert committee textile, Manufacturing of a herbal product, and comprised representatives from academia and Process development for automated fibre reinforced industry. polymer composites by pultrusion method.

Five presentations based on proposals of various Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Arshad Ali highlighted new projects were made during the meeting. Out of the importance of UITSP and shared the objectives these proposals, the experts panel approved two of this programme. He said the purpose of this projects for execution. Another two projects were programme is to strengthen academia-industry reserved for their rationalization in accordance with linkages and encourage researchers to bring the points raised by the committee, while one innovative ideas for execution and ultimate socio- project was rejected. economic progress of the country.

28th Faculty Development Programme Concludes at HEC As many as 30 faculty members from various higher teaching skills of the participants. Besides intensive education institutions across Pakistan were trained training modules, general topics were strategically during the 28 t h Master Trainers-Faculty inter-mingled with regular course modules. Development Programme (MT-FDP) recently Recreational and study trips were also arranged for organised by Higher Education Commission (HEC) the participants. at HEC Secretariat. The MT-FDP was launched on January 8, 2004 with an aim to build the capacity of Sharing their experiences, the faculty members said universities faculty. So far, 843 faculty members have that the programme provided them with a highly been trained under the programme. rich experience, as it provided them an opportunity to meet people from different parts of Pakistan and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC was chief guest witness a high level of harmony and unity. at the certificate distribution ceremony. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC and Mrs. Shaheen Khan, Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman said that Adviser Learning Innovation were also present. The teachers are assets for any nation and they are faculty development programme has been responsible for shaping the thought-process. He designed specifically for in-service teachers who urged the faculty members to spread hope among spend this time in rigorous training. The programme their students and teach their students the includes Micro Teaching sessions to renovate importance of tolerance in life. .

19 Training Boot Camps on Window 10 Organised at Different Varsities

Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan is 7/8 to Windows 10. Workshop involved first-hand committed to improving the technical level of ICT practice of the lab participants who set up the employees working within the Universities through environment on VMs provided by the Universities. instructor-led trainings on state-of-the-art KMS guide was provided to all the participants, and administration tools developed by Microsoft. no software compatibility issues were brought up during the training. To this end, HEC and Microsoft organised a series of five-day Training Boot Camps on Windows 10. These The chief beneficiaries of this training exercise were boot camps were conducted with the instructors the Directors IT, System Administrators, Lab from Microsoft. The workshops Assistants, and students across were conducted at Balochistan the five universities. In his University of Information remarks, Muhammad Anwar, Technology, Engineering and Director, IT, BUITEMS said “the M a n a g e m e n t S c i e n c e s training was very interesting, (BUITEMS), Mehran University of looking forward to more such Engineering and Technology trainings in future”. Dr. Adnan (MUET), University of Haripur Ashraf from MUET said, “efforts (UOH), Bahauddin Zakariya from all shareholders are University (BZU) and the appreciated who conducted this University of Faisalabad (TUF). The five-day agenda training”. Mr. Muzzaffar, IT Administrator and covered Microsoft’s latest operating system in great Assistant Professor at BZU was very appreciative of depth, starting with its latest features, to different the effort as well, and requested "to arrange more deployment cases and scenarios. Build and capture trainings on other technologies as well in our of Windows 10 was performed on a bare metal University". Ghulam Mujtaba, System Administrator machine using WDS & MDT 2013. comments “training was very useful, I really appreciate the effort of HEC & Microsoft. I request SysPrep and capture of Windows 10 was also HEC to conduct more such trainings in future”. Mr. performed on a system already running the OS, Junaid, HOD IT Department from UoH appreciated which was then redeployed using MDT 2013. In- the training and the initiative taken by HEC to get place upgrades were also performed from Windows their staff trained on the latest technology. Workshop on Office 365 E5 A two-day workshop new features of O365, such as gain more control entitled 'Proof of and visibility over data, perform in place hold and Concept on Office 365 litigation of mailbox and sites, protect against zero E5 Plan' was held at Higher Education Commission hour attacks, anomaly detection, access and (HEC) in collaboration with Microsoft to ensure that monitoring of Cloud Apps, advanced reporting and the users at HEC are aware of the latest changes alerts, ensure compliance by having the proper and features added to the O365 suite. visibility and full control over your data access stored in the cloud. The two days agenda was Mr. Khalid Hussain, O365 expert at Microsoft divided into Advanced Security Management of Pakistan trained participants of the workshop. The Office 365, Advanced Threat Protection, Customer objective of the training was to gain an insight into Lockbox and E-discovery.

20 Summary of Yearlong Activities HEC, Microsoft hold 235 Training Sessions in 2015-16 HEC and Microsoft conduct trainings all year around on SharePoint 2016 and SQL, four two-day boot as part of Education Transformation Agreement, camps on Azure and O365 – specifically for the IT which encompasses several programmes including Administrators and Staff. Microsoft personnel visited trainings for students and faculty on latest Microsoft 44 different Universities to deliver presentations on technologies, Microsoft Student Partner the Campus Day Agenda. Programme, boot camps and workshops for IT administrators on SQL and SharePoint, and Microsoft Student Partners, who are a critical part for Dreamspark. HEC and Microsoft working in Universities, conducted more than 130 trainings, some of which Summarizing the engagement over the Academic were four to five days hands-on workshops on Year 2015-2016, Higher Education Commission diverse topics. Six trainings were conducted on the (HEC) and Microsoft conducted a total of 235 usage of ELMS & Dreamspark Portals provided to all training sessions across various categories. A total of the universities part of the engagement. Lastly, out 199 sessions were conducted onsite and 36 sessions of the 36 online trainings, 3 were specifically were conducted online. Apart from the Windows 10 conducted on Entrepreneurship and Business and Office 365 PoCs mentioned above, the two related topics, the rest of the topics include Windows institutions conducted four three-day boot camps Server, Dynamics, Azure, Unity3D among others.

Microsoft Academic Day Celebrated at AJK University While mutually collaborating to pursue a joint the winning ‘Imagine Cup’ ideas from the previous initiative to promote the use of advanced year, a discussion on the latest education revolution Information Technology and Cloud Computing taking place via cloud technologies and lastly, some Solutions inthe education sector of Pakistan, the facts and figures on the Education Transformation Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and going throughout the country as a resultant of Microsoft Pakistan organised Microsoft Academic Microsoft and HEC’s engagement.” Day at the University of Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Muzaffarabad. Mr. Anwar Amjad, Director General, Information Technology, HEC dilated on the prospect of a It is a pioneering and insightful initiative that will continuing endeavour in partnership with Microsoft. proceed with three academic days organised every He said that “together we are striving to academic year in major universities.The day reflects revolutionize Pakistan’s education system and it is the commitment of HEC and Microsoft Pakistan to really heartening to see the great response from all delivering advanced trainings, boot-camps, state- the stakeholders.” of-the-art software packages to universities across the country. Every year, the Microsoft Academic Day will include discussions on the Education Transformation Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Abid Zaidi, Director Agreement between the two organisations and its Enterprise Segment, Microsoft Pakistan said, “the impact and role in the education landscape of Microsoft Academic Daycomprises a two-hour-long Pakistan. Furthermore, Azure and Cloud, the latest discussion on the achievements of the past technology trends in education, will also be academic year, showcasing students’ success stories, highlighted.

21 Mazar-i-Quaid Turns Pink to Support Pink Ribbon The Mazar-i-Quaid (Mausoleum of Quaid-e-Azam importance of pink illumination of one of the Muhammad Ali Jinnah) was illuminated pink as a Pakistan's most sacred places, he said, "this is an solidarity with breast cancer patients and survivors. historic moment in our struggle of fighting against breast cancer in Pakistan. Through the illumination Pink Ribbon Campaign, in collaboration with of this iconic structure, our message of saving lives Government of Pakistan, National History and from breast cancer will reach out to millions of Literary Heritage Division and administration of Pakistanis across the country". Mazar-i-Quaid, illuminated one of the most sanctified places in the country in solidarity with the Aftab also announced establishment of Pakistan's 40,000 women who die each year due to breast first dedicated Breast Cancer Hospital where state- cancer. The initiative has been taken to of-the-art treatment facilities will be draw attention to early detection of provided to all poor breast cancer breast cancer and in camaraderie of patients free of cost. He also appealed patients and survivors of breast cancer the philanthropists to come forward in Pakistan. to help building the facility.

"The illumination is a part of Pink “This [Mazar-i-Quaid] is the place Ribbon's annual breast cancer where once this great nation had awareness drive," said Omer Aftab, Chief Executive, shown its high spirit of generosity to build this iconic Pink Ribbon Campaign, adding that Pink Ribbon structure and donated more than 20 million for the Campaign celebrates the month on October as cause. Once again, standing at the same place we are 'Pinktober' to urge people to become a beacon of appealing to the philanthropists across the country hope for women and families who have lost their to show spirit alike to save precious lives of our loved ones, he added. Speaking about the women," he said.

Over 100,000 College Students Sensitized on Breast Cancer in Pinktober To mark October 2016 as the Breast Cancer cent increase in patient turn-up at Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Pink Ribbon once again held a Clinics nationwide. countrywide Youth Awareness Drive in collaboration with Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan. According to Omer Aftab, Chief Executive, Pink Ribbon, "the campaign aims to create widespread This programme involved nearly 200 colleges and awareness while bringing it in mainstream to urge universities across Pakistan to reach out to over policy makers to take up this issue as priority. The 100,000 young girls equipping them with necessary gravity of the situation still requires more focused knowledge about the disease. As the ratio of breast and systematic approaches to address the issue of cancer in young girls has alarmingly increased in the increasing incidences of breast cancer in the country. last few decades, Pink Ribbon aims to educate the Our campaign aims to disseminate the hope of a young girls about prevention and early diagnosis. cure to the maximum number of women in the shortest possible time." In the past four years, the campaign has been able to successfully reach out to over 1,050,000 women and Ms. Shaheen Khan, Adviser, HEC described breast 540,000 female students with knowledge and cancer as a major social issue, which needs techniques to detect breast cancer at an early stage. immediate measures. She said HEC has been Since the campaign started, there has been a 30 per working with Pink Ribbon since 2011 and it has been

22 active to ensure Pink Ribbon is able to approach “We must realize that this problem is very close to hundreds of universities. In collaboration with HEC, our own homes and needs a concerted and Pink Ribbon is empowering young girls with the consistent approach to be dealt with. We will use all knowledge and techniques to detect breast cancer possible resources for the success of the campaign at early stage as breast cancer is registering an and efforts will be made for conducting meaningful alarming increase in young girls of Pakistan, she said. research in this area."

6th SMC Meeting Awards Need-Based Scholarships under Phase-II The second meeting of Scholarship Management linkages of international ranking universities with Committee (SMC) was held with Dr. Arshad Ali in the Pakistani faculty to increase research capacity. chair at Higher Education Commission, Secretariat and approved the cases of around 414 shortlisted Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC informed students from 17 universities/ institutions. the members of meeting that the award of Merit and Need-Based Scholarships was started in 2004 with Shortlisted students of Sukkur IBA, National collaboration between HEC and USAID, adding that University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), 1807 scholarships were awarded in Phase-I to those Islamabad, PMAS Arid Agriculture University, talented but needy students who are unable to start Rawalpindi, Institute of Management Sciences, their higher education due to lack of financial Peshawar, Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, resources. Quetta, Fatima Jinnah W o m e n U n i v e r s i t y , It is worth mentioning here R a w a l p i n d i , C O M S AT S that more than 1400 students Institute of Information h a v e c o m p l e t e d t h e i r Technology (CIIT), Islamabad, education and are currently Quaid-I-Azam University, working in different local and Islamabad, SZABIST Karachi, multinational companies. In I n s t i t u t e o f B u s i n e s s five SMCs of Phase-II earlier, Administration (IBA), Karachi, 221 scholarships have been Sindh Agriculture University a l r e a d y a w a r d e d t o Tandojam, University of m e r i t o r i o u s s t u d e n t s . Agriculture Faisalabad, Through a transparent University of Engineering and process, the programme has Technology (UET) Peshawar, been expanded to 31 University of Azad Jammu & universities. Kashmir, Muzaffarabad, Lahore College for Women The second phase of USAID- University (LCWU), Islamia University Bahawalpur, funded Merit and Need-Based Scholarship University of Agriculture, Peshawar were Programme was launched in 2014. The programme recommended in 6th SMC. will provide financial assistance to approximately 3,000 needy youth in the next five years and fully- In his opening remarks, Dr. Arshad Ali lauded the funded scholarships to the students of Agriculture, fruitful collaboration of USAID in education sector of Medical, Business, Engineering & Technology and Pakistan and how it has supported HEC’s cause of Social Sciences in top Universities/ Institutions of establishing high class educational centers to build Pakistan. Notably 50 percent of the scholarships are university-industry-government linkages and reserved for female students.

23 Laptop Distribution Ceremony held at Hazara University Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education have established their manufacturing units for Commission (HEC), Pakistan has said that the HEC is laptops and mobile phones in the country, he said. committed to promoting higher education in the country, adding that it is executing the The Chairman urged the faculty, scholars and Government's schemes meant for facilitation of students to make efforts and coordinate to mobilise talented students. their intellectual and moral values to bring modern knowledge and research into the country and to take He was addressing a gathering of students, Pakistan to the forefront of modern world while researchers and faculty of Hazara University rapidly progressing with innovative research for the Mansehra held in connection with the Prime wellbeing of common people and the society at Minister’s Laptop Scheme, Phase-II. He said various large. "Youth are an asset for development of the schemes also include Prime Minister's Fee country," he said, adding that these youth with their Reimbursement Scheme to support the needy and unprecedented intellectual wealth can change the talented youth who cannot afford to continue their destiny of Pakistan in a few years. education from FATA, Gilgit-Baltistan, Azad Kashmir, and the backward areas of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Earlier, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Idrees, Vice Chancellor, Southern Punjab, rural Sindh and Balochistan. Hazara University, while welcoming the Chairman HEC, said that 1560 students of Hazara University Now these students have access to adequate were selected on the basis of merit for the award of financial facilities owing to the initiatives of HEC to laptops. "I believe that such initiatives of the continue their studies at MPhil and PhD levels, he government and HEC will definitely develop a added. He maintained that the Laptop Scheme has learning competition in our youth and will establish also attracted foreign investors to come to Pakistan a culture of research and development in the and invest in this scheme. Famous IT companies country," he concluded.

VU Students Awarded Laptops Virtual University of Pakistan has been issued 2500 laptops under the Prime Minister's National Laptop Scheme, Phase II, for distribution among the students of MS/MPhil, Masters and BS degree programmes. At the first stage, Dr. Naveed A. Malik, Rector VU, has distributed 136 laptops to successful MS students at M.A. Jinnah Campus, Lahore.

Dr. Malik mentioned the significance of laptops for VU students and emphasized that this step will go a long way in acquiring knowledge and promoting research culture among the youth in the country. He thanked Ms. Anusha Rahman, Federal Minister MoIT and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission for provision of quality cooperation in successful execution of the scheme. laptops to VU students. Mr. Farhan Sadiq, Deputy Senior faculty members and students were also Registrar, VU also thanked the HEC staff for their present on the occasion.

24 A Square Peg in the Round Hole Noman Ali, a graduate of FAST University of landed in the US and Computer Sciences and CEO Peanut Labs, says “I was c o n c e n t r a t e d o n glued to my PC at home while in Class 10.” technology, basically crashing in a ‘one room During University time, he chose to focus more on corporate apartment’ coding. It was the ‘creative problem solving through until they came up with programming’ that kept his interest in studying. something. They had “There were some software houses that were doing something within a few impressive work but most of them were just weeks and raised a $ 1 outsource shops working on small pieces of the million. Over the years, really large puzzles,” Noman says. When he got his the team raised $ 4.5 offer to work in a software house, he turned it down million across the various businesses they ran but eying something different. Noman spent his time the $ 1 million was the largest investor interest they pitching ideas to small companies and professionals had received. to develop their online presence. The Stars Align Working on Real Solutions It was more than just investor interest that kept In 2005, a friend interviewed with a social Peanut Labs running. “Our methodology was that networking start-up established by two Pakistanis users would be paid for their time and we would take and a Nigerian in Karachi, and came back with the surveys to them. ‘Pay with your time’ surveys always feedback that they were trying to do something very existed, but our innovation was that instead of tough and getting hired was not easy. “That asking people to come onto link, we took the intrigued me and I was approached by them a week surveys to them.” after.” Prosper Nwankpa, the Nigerian co-founder and the CTO met Noman and gave him a problem to The market tolerance for online market research and solve. “I had the job if I could build a JavaScript the methodology introduced by Peanut Labs was calendar. I went and bought a few books on becoming acceptable. “We ended up creating a JavaScript, solved the problem at night and went platform to attract other clients and organizations to back to present the solution to him.” make money,” Noman says, adding that “As long as we had access to people who we could connect with Noman joined Hookah. After an accidental case of a the research industry, we were in the game.” missing loop mimicking spam, all the web-based main servers blacklisted their domain and they Until the end of 2007, Noman and a co-founder were changed their name to Xuqa. “The market research still developing the system. A year later, they hired companies were looking for online consumers who developers in Pakistan, added a presence in could participate in their surveys. We had people Singapore and hire an 8-person sales team out of who would do anything for ‘Peanuts’. ‘Peanuts’ was Seattle. the virtual currency in our social network, so we told our users that they could earn Peanuts by Peanut Labs was acquired by e-Rewards in 2010 and completing a survey and drove hundreds of presently Noman and Prosper oversee a team of 30 thousands of users to the task.” people and operate as an independent subsidiary of the group. Then, he found that “the survey industry [may] itself needed an overhaul. It was ripe for some disruptive Peanut Labs innovation.” He felt a huge potential for them to do Peanut Labs built a reputation for itself for being something bigger than what they were trying to do innovative and willing to walk away from business with their social network. Noman and his three co- for the sake of a better user experience. They played founders decided to set up a new business. They a big role in rallying the industry to cut down the

25 average survey time in half and greatly improving towards it. “Things have taken off in the last year or user conversion rates. These were guys who didn't so and I expect to see exciting things happen in the care about the disruption they were creating. “But mobile space within the industry in the next few we got to a point where the business was growing years.” marginally and beginning to plateau. We were doing really well and began asking ourselves what to focus The Market Research landscape has a lot of on for future expansion. Further expansion, however, 'frenemies'; competition you have to work with. For meant raising more money because it would require Peanut Labs, just like establishing the business was significant capital investment. hard, dealing with the competition was also tough because there was competition across all fronts of The alternative was to find a strategic partner, much the business. “The industry isn't the fastest industry bigger than them, and piggyback off of if for their when it comes to accepting new methodologies or own growth. “E-Rewards was one of our customers. technologies. We essentially went through a year of They understood what we did and what we stood for. trying to breakdown the barriers and prove The acquisition made a lot of sense.” Their attitude ourselves. If we had launched Peanut Labs today, I played a strong role in their acquisition, to the point don't think we would be as successful. The timing that their trendsetter attitude was acknowledged worked in our favor.” several times during the talks. Entrepreneurs pick their battles wisely, or at least try Today Peanuts Labs boasts of a data pool of 240 to. “There are things that you want to do and then million they get by partnering with networks that there are things you need to do. That's a dilemma I give increase their research astronomically. “When struggle with everyday. I have to get better at things we partner with a site of network,” continuing from I need to do, in order to be able to do the things that I the earlier example, “we are exposed to all of their want to do. There is just so much more I have to traffic. Because Peanut Labs partners with hundreds learn.” But then, Noman never worked in a company of different partners with hundreds of different before taking the leap of faith into a startup to spin partners, and you add up their total reach, you get a out into his own company. The learning did come in very large pool of possible respondents. That was at some point. another disruptive concept for the industry – for an industry which was satisfied with a pool of 2 million, To him, the time to sell a company or be acquired is we came in and said we could tap into a pool of tens when the business is doing well. Timing is equally or possibly hundreds of millions of online important, even if it means failing. “At least you can consumers.” pivot and try something else. Things move so much faster now. Especially in the Valley, if you aren't The company came in with a social media play at a growing, you need to act quick and move onto time when the Market Research industry was still something else.” debating the validity of email-based communities. “When we started off, we called ourselves the 'Gen Y “I remember the sheer joy I felt on programming the Market Research' company. That really gave us our first moving pixel on my computer screen. We had to edge because the social media explosion helped our cod this game 'Brick' in C++ and I couldn't believe services to grown and no one else could access this the first time the pixel moved! I had this laptop back group. Initially, we only had access to Gen Y, but as then with a terrible screen and I couldn't tell if it really Internet access grew, the older demographic also was the pixel moving or just some dust on the started coming online. This just allowed us to be screen. Similar experiences kept dust building up my more competitive across a wider demographic.” confidence over the years.” People can do or be anything regardless of where they come from. 'Going towards mobile' has been a hot topic in the Noman left Pakistan in pursuit of a dream. “The only Market Research industry since the past few years, thing you have to do is to not give up and keep and the shorter surveys and better user experience trying – you will be amazed at what you can that Peanut Labs fought for primes it to pave the way accomplish if you believe in yourself.”

26 VU Hosts National Symposium on Genetics Testing, Counselling Virtual University (VU) of Pakistan organised a The symposium also provided young researchers national symposium on the “Potential Impact of and students with a platform to discuss and learn Genetics Testing and Counselling” at its M.A. Jinnah more about genetic disorders, their causes, Campus, Lahore. consequences of consanguineous marriage, genetic testing before and post marriage and preventive Eminent researchers, faculty members and strategies to reduce risks of such abnormalities in postgraduate students from different universities next generation. and hospitals attended the event. Prof. Dr. Masroor Ellahi Babar, Registrar, VU shed light on the Dr. Fareed Ahmad Khan, Dean, Sheikh Zayed Medical importance of ‘Genetic Testing and Counselling’ Institute, was the Chief Guest while famous scientist during the symposium. Representatives from other Dr. Sheikh Riazuddin graced the occasion as Guest of higher educational institutes had innovative and Honour. Dr. Naveed A. Malik, Rector, VU thanked the informative discussion and highlighted the focus speakers and delegates from different universities and importance of genetic counseling in our society. for their participation in the symposium. Scholar Completes PhD under HEC Weaker University Programme Dr. Abdul Wahid Memon has completed his PhD worked on multi-objective programme optimization from the University of Versailles, Saint-Quintin-en- and run-time adaptation for embedded systems Yvelines, France under the supervision of Prof. Dr. under the supervision of Dr. Grigori Fursin. He also Willian Jalby and Dr. Grigori Fursin. worked at INRIA, a French national research institution working on Computer Science and Dr. Memon had obtained Masters Leading to PhD Applied Mathematics. Scholarship under the Higher Education Commission (HEC) Weaker University Programme in After the successful completion of his Masters, he 2008 while working as a lecturer in Computer was enrolled in PhD in University of Versailles, Saint- Systems Engineering department at Quaid-e-Awam Quintin-en-Yvelines. His PhD research work University of Engineering, Science & Technology concentrated on reproducible auto-tuning of (QUEST). He pursued his Masters in the University of compiler via crowd-sourcing and predictive Paris-Sud 11, a reputed academic institute in Orsay, analytics. He has numerous research publications to France. During his Masters research studies, he his credit. Book Launching Ceremony held at PAF-KIET The PAF-Karachi Institute of Economics and The textbook has been published by Higher Technology, Karachi held a book launching Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan under the ceremony to launch the book, “Human Resource Book Writing Scheme launched by HEC. The Management in Industries of Pakistan”, authored by textbook contains 14 chapters with numerous Raza Kamal, an Assistant Professor in the College of citations from Pakistani HR consultants and Management Sciences. The ceremony was attended academicians. No price of the book has been fixed, by a large number of university teachers, students nor will the book be available in the market, however and staff members of various universities in Karachi. universities can demand for its copies from HEC.

27 Int'l Conference on Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources

Speakers at the 2nd International Conference on agriculture and effective strategies for climate Sustainable Utilization of Natural Resources stressed change adaptation. the need for adopting modern techniques of mineral extraction in order to save the non- The Minister in her speech elaborated the strategy renewable capital from getting wasted. towards sustainable utilization of resources. She said that for the same purpose a comprehensive Mineral The one-day international conference was jointly Development and Regulation Ordinance has been organised by the National Centre of Excellence in enacted, while the government was receptive of any Geology (NCEG), University of Peshawar (UoP), in research based improvement in its policy that may collaboration with University of Swabi. lead to maximizing end usable products through minerals extraction. Ms. Aneesa Zeb Tahirkheli, Minister for Labour and Minerals, KPK was the chief guest of the conference The speakers said that the poor extracting while Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rasul Jan, Vice techniques in mineral exploration have not only Chancellor, UoP was the guest of honour. Prof. Dr. depleted them but have also led to serious health Noor Jehan, Vice Chancellor University of Swabi, hazards for manpower working in the sector. They Prof. Dr. Tahir Shah, VC FATA University and Prof. Dr. opined that people in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Irshad, Director, National Centre of Excellence in FATA are the major victims of serious diseases like Geology also attended the conference as key note cancer and asthma because of the same. speakers. In their papers, the participants shared that Pakistan The international conference brought together over has as many as 300 billion tons of mineral reserves. 100 scientists, engineers and planners from Pakistan However, due to poor extracting techniques more as well as abroad who highlighted different ongoing than 80 per cent of resources get alarmingly wasted. developmental programmes in their countries. They added that Pakistan has the sixth largest mineral resources in the world and shall be The purpose of the conference was to discuss the forerunner in exporting minerals as finished good ways and means to tap the oil and mineral resources, and not in raw form so that economy of the country dimension stone and infrastructure, sustainable could be strengthen.

28 Career Counselling Workshops held for Southern Punjab Graduates Two 'Talent Grooming and Career Counselling building and decision making, developing research Workshops' were organised under USAID-funded proposal, and entrepreneurship. Merit & Need-Based Scholarship Programme for the USAID-MNBSP scholars at Bahauddin Zakariya During the first workshop organised at BZU, Multan University (BZU), Multan and Islamia University for students studying at graduate and post graduate Bahawalpur (IUB). level in the discipline of Social Sciences, 56 USAID- MNBSP scholars including 31 males and 24 females Under the programme, scholarships were awarded were awarded certificates. to meritorious and financially disadvantaged students followed by the workshops for The second workshop organised at IUB was a blend enhancement of professional skills of students. of academic sessions, group activities and content- based sessions. It was also attended by scholars from The workshops covered resume writing, job market, Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar Khan campuses. entrepreneurship, interview skills, inter and Certificates were distributed among 42 participants intrapersonal skills, language skills, confidence including 23 females and 19 males.

Talent Grooming Workshop for Scholars of CIIT The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan communication skills, inter and intrapersonal skills, conducted a two-day 'Talent Grooming and Career interactive group discussion, best solutions to make Counselling Workshop' for scholars of COMSATS research projects easy for students as the part of Institute of Information Technology (CIIT), Sahiwal their projects, compilation of research report, under the USAID-funded Merit and Need-Based important areas emphasized in students academic Scholarship Programme. life, acquiring excellence in career, confidence building, decision making skills and importance of The opening ceremony was chaired by Prof. Dr. Nazir decision making, art of CV writing, art of interview, Ahmad Zafar, Director Academics. Forty six scholars self-actualization-option for flexible career and studying under the USAID-MNBSP at CIIT Sahiwal talent management, jobs search strategy, and Vehari campuses attended the training e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p , o p p o r t u n i t i e s f o r workshop. The participants were trained about entrepreneurship, and e-marketing and e-business.

29 Japan International Cooperation Agency Mission Visits SALU

A mission from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), led by Dr. Shigemochi Hirashima, Senior Adviser, JICA, visited Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur.

Prof. Dr. Lutfullah Mangi, Pro-Vice Chancellor, SALU Shaikarpur campus, Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Shaikh, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Main Campus and Prof. Dr. Ghulam Sarwar Markhand, Director, Date Palm Research Institute (DPRI) cordially welcomed the mission. Prof. Dr. Lutfullah Mangi briefed the mission Agro processing. It will boost the productivity of the about the establishment of University, its Date Palm. He informed that they are also working programmes, and academic, research and on livestock. A master plan has been prepared while developmental activities. dividing Sindh in five zones. A pilot project has been prepared for the breeding of Kundi buffalo. Dr. Shigemochi Hirashima revealed the purpose of his visit and said that JICA has been partnering with He said they are focusing on the development of the Government of Pakistan for socio-economic rural Sindh because it will benefit the poor of Sindh. development of Pakistani people. He remarked that He remarked that livestock is important asset of rural JICA has been instrumental, particularly for the Sindh and they are trying to increase the meat development of agriculture, energy, transport and productivity in Sindh. social sector in Sindh through technical cooperation, grant and loan schemes. “We have purchased one million buffalos in Karachi," he added. He also informed that JICA has upgraded He also expressed a wish to embark upon 200 schools from primary to secondary in Sindh in collaborative research on tissue culture in Ajwa and collaboration with Government of Sindh.

SALU Opens Campus in Shahdadkot Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur has under the HEC initiative to open new Universities or opened a new campus in the Shahdadkot district campuses at the district level and on the directive of with the operational cost, Rs. 10 million, earmarked the Government of Sindh. She requested the Deputy by the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Commissioner to arrange an appropriate building Pakistan. on temporary basis to start the academic session 2017 from January 2017. Prof. Dr. Parveen Shah, Vice Chancellor, SALU inaugurated the campus during her visit to the She remarked that the opening of this campus will district where she also held a meeting with Mr. Fayaz provide quality education to the remote areas of Alam Solangi, Deputy Commissioner, Shahdadkot. Sindh and Balochistan. The Deputy Commissioner assured the Vice Chancellor that he will contact the She informed the Deputy Commissioner that the authorities concerned to get approval for establishment of Shahdadkot campus was approved establishment of the campus.

30 MUET Water Centre, Sindh Irrigation Department Sign MoU for Capacity Building Programme

The US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in research in water engineering with strong emphasis Water, Mehran University of Engineering and on research. Technology (MUET) and Sindh Irrigation Depar tment signed a Memorandum of Dr. Uqaili said the Centre will produce 250 water Understanding (MoU) worth Rs. 41 million for experts having managerial and leadership “Capacity Building of Officers/ Officials of Sindh capabilities to help resolve the contemporary Irrigation Department”. problems of water issues in Pakistan. He said this agreement will contribute to linkages among the Dr. Mohammad Aslam Uqaili, Vice Chancellor, MUET, University, industry and the Government. He said and Syed Zaheer Hyder Shah, Secretary, Irrigation that the MoU aims at building the capacity of Department singed the MoU. During the MoU Irrigation Department officials. The relationship will signing ceremony, Dr. Mohammad Aslam Uqaili, VC, work beyond the agreement and MUET will strive for MUET said that the USPCAS-W was established at research and reforms in the Irrigation Department MUET after a competitive process with the generous through the Centre, he assured. support of US people under the auspices of United States Agency for International Development Syed Zaheer Hyder Shah said that this MoU is the (USAID). He said that Centre is technically supported first of its kind on the part of Government, which was by University of Utah and it offers unique conceived in the current Annual Development Plan combination of higher education and applied (ADP) by any of the Sindh Government departments. Governor Sindh Confers Honorary Doctorate Degree upon Bahrain Consul General Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, Governor, Sindh and Patron, Muhammad Ahmed Amin, Vice Chancellor, Indus Indus University awarded an honorary Doctorate University, Mohamed Al-Khalid, Consul General, degree (Honoris Causa) to Mr. Ebrahim Ahmed Isa Al Kuwait, Mohamed Abdullah Abdudayem, Consul Hejazi, Consul General of the Kingdom of Bahrain as General, Saudi Arabia, Saad Abdullah Al Shareef, a token of recognition of his services as a Consul Consul General, Qatar, Nasier Howadan Al Katbi, General of the Kingdom of Bahrain in Karachi in a Consul General, United Arab Emirates, an dAbdullah Special Convocation held at the Governor House. Al Shamsi, Acting Consul General, Oman were also Mr. Khalid Amin, Chancellor, Indus University and Mr. present on the occasion.

31 IIUI Conference on Innovation in Teaching and Learning The Department of Education, International Islamic Responding to the Call for Papers, over 300 abstracts University, Islamabad (IIUI), arranged a two-day were received from international and national International Conference on Innovation in Teaching researchers and after blind peer review, 170 and Learning (ICILT-2016). abstracts were selected for presentation. The papers selected covered a broad spectrum of themes In the inaugural session, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, ranging from Curriculum and Instruction, Higher Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC), Education, Research and Innovation, Leadership in Pakistan was the chief guest while Dr. Ahmed Yousif the 21st Century, Assessment and Evaluation, Social Al-Draiweesh, President, IIUI was the guest of Media and Education and Distance Education. honour. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said The purpose of this international conference was to that the innovation process was started with the provide a forum to academicians, researchers, preaching of Islam and the Prophet (P.B.U.H.) academic leaders, scientists, practitioners, research introduced a sublime way of communication and set scholars and students to bring innovations in comprehensive strategies regarding the way teaching and learning to the fore. This international forward in addressing the people as the message of conference provided an opportunity for developing Islam was delivered to an illiterate society. He collaboration with international educators to share remarked that innovation in teaching and learning their experiences and discuss some practical has become the utmost need of the hour with solutions to the most important issues in teaching advancements in modern inventions and changing and learning. environment.

The conference aimed at addressing local and global “We are fully aware of the changing environment issues in the field of education that is acquiring an and the new trends of technologies and soon we will added complexity in the age of cyber technology have every classroom turned into a smart and the proliferation of social media. classroom,” Dr. Mukhtar added.

Faculty Training Sessions held at Hamdard University The Hamdard Institute of Engineering and was conducted by Mr. Tarique Haider, Associate Technology (HIET), Hamdard University, Karachi Professor Department of Electronics Engineering, recently organised two training sessions for the HIET. The presenter guided the audience about capacity building of faculty. different project ideas which have social impact. He discussed some daily life problems related to energy During the first event entitled “Suggestions for and water crises, environmental pollution, medical promotion of research at HIET”, Dr. Muhammad assistance for partially disabled and paralysed Faisal Khan, Associate Professor Department of persons. He motivated the faculty members to work Electrical Engineering, HIET introduced the audience for cost-effective and efficient solutions of to various ideas of interdisciplinary research. aforementioned problems. He also guided the Different small and medium level funding options audience about some technology related research were also brought under consideration in the ideas which can contribute to strengthening of session. The second event entitled “Project Ideas” country’s economy.

32 IIUI holds Series of Workshops for Faculty Capacity Building A series of nine workshops launched by the Planning and Management, Curriculum Department of Education, International Islamic Development, Assessment and Evaluation, Learners’ University Islamabad (IIUI) under its Professional Psychology, Andragogic Skills, Communication Development Programme for University Teachers Skills, Research Methods and Skills, and (PDPUT) in 2013 has been concluded. Microteaching. A team of well-qualified and experienced trainers drawn from leading institutions The workshops aimed at the development and contributed to this programme. Instructional capacity building of faculty serving in different activities, discussions and presentations were departments of the university. A similar programme constituted around each of the seven modules and named Professional Competency Enhancement group assignments associated with the use of the Programme for Teachers (PCEPT) was launched by modules were completed. the department as a part of National Academy of Higher Education (NAHE) with the support of HEC in Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Rector, IIUI was the chief guest 2010. in the closing ceremony. In his remarks, he stressed the need for continuation of such activities for The composite course comprised nine separate development of new teaching techniques and skills workshops on Teaching Profession, Academic for the higher education institutions faculty.

NUST, WAPDA Sign MoU to Address Water Security, Quality Challenges A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) with an aim to have mutual cooperation to conduct joint training and research activities to addressing water security and quality challenges through improved governance and efficient management of water resources.

Mr. Zafar Mahmood, Chairman, WAPDA and Engr. Muhammad Asghar, Rector, NUST signed the MoU also been reaching out to the academia in a bid to on behalf of their organizations. The major areas to introduce efficient management of water resources be covered under the MoU include planning and and promote a culture of water conservation implementation of joint applied research projects amongst the masses. and activities, raising public awareness about water management issues, capacity building, sharing of Speaking on the occasion, the Rector NUST said that information/data, exchange and training of promoting a prudent and productive use of water in scientific and technical personnel and internship of all walks of life is a need of the hour. He added that NUST students at WAPDA projects. Addressing the this mutual cooperation will help promoting ceremony, the Chairman WAPDA said that the improved governance and efficient management of Authority, besides engaging other stakeholders, has water resources.

33 UHS Workshop Stresses Need for Ethics in Medical Research The concept of mandatory ethical review of research committees which are allowed to function without involving human and animal subjects, though hindrance,” she said while emphasizing the need for gradually developing in Pakistani institutions, still basic training in research ethics for reviewers, faces several daunting challenges, some of which researchers and administrators. threaten its credibility in the country. Prof. Farhat further said, “though tremendous This was noted by the experts during a workshop advances in the field of modern medicine have titled “Ethics in Research and Clinical Practice” brought immense benefits to humans, it has also organised at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) increased the potential of harm. To protect the recently in collaboration with the Centre of interest of individuals, guidelines and mechanisms Biomedical Ethics and Culture (CBEC), Sindh Institute need to be put in place within the health system”. of Urology and Transplantation, Karachi. Dr. Saqib The issue of ethics in health research was being given Mehmood, head of UHS Allied Health Sciences increasing recognition and impor tance Department, was the chief organiser of the internationally, she added. workshop which was attended by the faculty members of UHS-affiliated medical institutions. Prof. Aamir Mustafa Jafarey from CBEC said that in the absence of a proper system for ethical clearance, Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Farhat Moazam, local researchers seeking international funding face Chairperson, CBEC said that the lack of monitoring, problems in getting the required ethical clearance interference from institutional hierarchy, and an for their projects. He emphasized that in order to inconsistent application of the ethical review protect the people from harm and exploitation in the process are some of the factors affecting the name of research, every medical institution of the credibility of medical research in the country. “For country needs to develop standards, processes and the review process to be meaningful, institutional guidelines for scrutiny of the ethical aspect of all leadership has to be sincere in its efforts to health research being undertaken within the constitute independent bioethics review country.

AUP Workshop on Modelling, Optimization of Embedded Systems A daylong professional development workshop on workshop. Two technical sessions were held in the “Modelling and Optimization of Embedded workshop. The first session covered the introduction Systems” was recently organised at Abasyn of embedded systems and discussed its University, Peshawar in collaboration with Pakistan fundamentals, while the second session gave an Engineering Council (PEC). insight into the optimization methods and techniques employed in embedded systems. Engr. Zahid Arif, Vice Chairman PEC, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa was the chief guest on the occasion, Following the technical sessions, the third and fourth while Dr. Affaq Qamar, Head of Department of sessions began with a hand-on activities at the Electrical Engineering, Abasyn University was the electrical engineering laboratory which acquainted instructor in the workshop. In his welcome address, the participants with the Xilinx Zedboard tool in Dr. Zahid Mehmood highlighted significance of the addition to performance of related lab exercises.

34 SAU Inaugurates Digital Library to Promote Agri Education Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam has launched a well-equipped digital library to promote agriculture and economics education and further facilitate the university students.

Initially, the library has been furnished with over 140,000 books on specific subjects. It will be accessible to more than 7000 students studying in 35 different departments of the university.

In his inaugural speech, Dr. Mujeebuddin Sehrai, added. He said the library will also have print facility Vice Chancellor, SAU said that students who face for students to have hard copies if they need hardships in purchasing books will have easy access reference material. to the library and benefit from the valuable collection of books. He said that a shuttle service will Earlier, Prof. Bachal Bhutto, focal person for the be launched after every two hours on daily basis library, presented a detailed description of the from university hostel to the library to further digital library system with well-equipped computer facilitate students. "Because they are future of the lab and conducive environment. He said that over nation and need encouragement at this learning 6,000 books will be available only in creative stage so that they can work in building a knowledge literature and other subjects in languages like economy through their dedicational work," the VC English, Urdu, Sindhi, Seraiki and Persian. QAU Seminars for Prenatal Diagnosis to Overcome Hereditary Diseases DNA based testing, prenatal diagnosis and genetic He observed that hereditary diseases put a counselling are vital to mitigate the impact of tremendous impact on the lives of the patients and hereditary and genetic diseases in Pakistan, said the their families and 3-6 % of the populations in the speakers of a series of two seminars organised by developing countries are affected by such the Department of Animal Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam anomalies. "Common hereditary disorders like beta- University, Islamabad. thalassemia, sickle cell anemia, haemophilia, mental retardation and deafness could be avoided by The seminars were conducted by Prof. Dr. Asli Tolun, avoiding cousin marriages in families at risk," he an eminent Turkish academician and researcher revealed. from Boğaziçi University, Istanbul, Turkey. Prof. Tolun is a well-known Human Geneticist in the A large number of faculty members and students Mediterranean and European regions working on attended the sessions. Prof. Tolun also visited various hereditary and rare genetic disorders. research labs of the Department of Animal Sciences and National Centre of Bioinformatics and Speaking on the occasion, he said that hereditary interacted with the faculty. He also had detailed and genetic diseases are common in Pakistan as well meetings with Prof. Dr. Sarwat Jahan, Chairperson as in Turkey due to various common reasons like Department of Animal Sciences, Prof. Dr. Wasim consanguinity, early marriages, and overlapping Ahmad, Dean Faculty of Biological Sciences, and generations. Prof. Dr. Javed Ashraf, Vice Chancellor QAU.

35 14th Annual National Engineering Robotics Contest 2016 National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) and STEM Career Programme of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan recently organised the 14th Annual National Engineering Robotics Contest -- NERC’ 2016 at NUST College of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (E&ME), Rawalpindi.

Lt. Gen. Ghayur Mahmood, Chief of Logistics Staff was the chief guest in the event which attracted participants from all over the country.

In his address, Lt. Gen. Ghayur Mahmood complimented the efforts made by NUST College of E&ME. He termed the “National Engineering Robotics Contest” a platform that provided Pakistan's engineering students with an opportunity to a comprehensive experience in their field. “Seeing More than 100 teams from different Universities, such a huge turnout and students working with such colleges and institutes from all over the country dedication on one of the most sophisticated field participated in the NERC-2016. engineering has to offer, I can forsee the potential of our future engineers,” he said. The teams of 5V-DC from College of EME, Anday Wala Burger from College of EME, Robot Avenger Brig. Tariq Javed, Commandant NUST College of from CUST, A3 from Air University, Singularity from E&ME said that healthy competitions like NERC are NED and Maze Runner from UET Faisalabad, beacons of a progressive attitude. He observed that Sabotage II from College of EME, Mechavolution in a knowledge-based economy, towards which the from Lahore Garrison University, Kitashi Returns world is headed, creativity and innovation have from Cadet College Hasanabdal, Turbo from Roots become essential weapons in the intellectual armory Ivy School System, Super Squad from UET, Chakwal of students. campus, Whiplash from DHA Suffa Karachi, Megatron from Dawood University Karachi, Errors “Holding technologically advanced competitions from UET Faisalabad campus, BUITEM and University ensures that these qualities are developed further of Baluchistan, KIU from Gilgit-Baltistan, University and instilled in students making them better of Poonch and Government College of Technology, equipped to face real world challenges,” he Rawalakot, AJK were awarded prizes in various maintained. categories.

SU Area Study Centre Launches One-Month Chinese Language Course Area Study Centre, Far East & Southeast Asia, Dr. Hamadullah Kakepoto, Director, Area Study University of Sindh, Jamshoro recently organised the Centre highlighted the importance of Chinese launching ceremony of ‘One-Month Chinese language in the context of MoUs signed between Language Course’ at Chinese Corner of the Centre. Pakistan and China. He said that China-Pakistan

36 Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is a game changer Study Centre for promoting the Chinese language and the region as a whole will benefit from it. He and highlighted the significance of the language. He thanked Zhejiang Normal University, China for said that China and Pakistan have been enjoying providing a language teacher for the course. friendly relations since long. He said that Karakoram Highway and CPEC are great examples for China- Addressing the ceremony, the chief guest, Dr. Pakistan time-tested friendship. Dr. Jing-Sheng Muhammad Siddique Kalhoro, Vice Chancellor, Xuan, Associate Professor, Zhejiang Normal University of Sindh, remarked that this is the first University, China, facilitator of the Course, and Dr. time that the University of Sindh introduced Chinese Abdullah Dayo, Dean Faculty of Pharmacy also Language Course. He appreciated the role of Area expressed their views on the occasion.

Varsities Urged to Translate, Disseminate New Knowledge Scholars for Promoting Translation Culture in Pakistan

Scholars, linguists and academics from all the cultures of the world, as it is an inevitable and most provinces of Pakistan made a new push for the effective tool of communication. promotion of a translation culture in the country. “Our universities need to focus on the translation of They were speaking during a two-day conference on latest scientific as well as social research and other “Translation and National Languages” held as a part publications in national languages for the benefit of of celebrations to mark the World Translation Day on the country,” he added. September 30 with the collaboration of Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan and Mr. Wusatullah Khan, renowned columnist University of Gujrat Centre for Languages and highlighted the importance of translation studies as Translation Studies (CeLTS) at UoG Hafiz Hayat a tool to promote knowledge.“Promotion of local Campus recently. The speakers declared that the Pakistani languages through translation will move will help achieving national cohesion and definitely go a long way in achieving our goal of harmony and will prove to be a great boon for national harmony,” he stressed. educational, social, scientific and economic progress. Mr. Yasir Peerzada, another eminent columnist, said that translation is a social activity and social sciences They urged the Pakistani universities to play a vital prop up nations’ development and status in the role by ‘importing’ new knowledge and research and world. disseminating them through translations in national languages. Dr. Ghulam Ali, Head, CeLTS, informed the participants that the center was publishing “Pakistani universities should take a great translations of various research journals. He said a responsibility and provide more conducive project of translation of all Punjab laws from English environment for promotion of languages and into Urdu was also underway at the center. translation studies,” Dr. Ziaul Qayyum, Vice Chancellor, UoG, who was the chief guest in the Among others, those who spoke on the occasion conference, said in his remarks on the occasion. He included Prof. Dr Nasrullah Wazir, Prof. Dr. Arfan Baig, observed that translation boosts understanding and Dr. Sughra Sadaf, Dr. Tariq Rehman, and Dr. Khizar mutual acceptance among various nations and Noshahi.

37 KU, US Varsity Moot Discusses Challenges of Megacities A three-day international conference on ‘Managing Megacities 2016’ organised by Department of Public Administration, University of Karachi (KU) and George Mason University, Virginia, USA under the University Partnership Programme concluded at KU.

The international event, which was part of a Memorandum of Understanding signed by the two universities under University Partnership Programme, was formally inaugurated by Dr. Ishratul Ebad, Governor Sindh, at Governor House Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, Vice Chancellor KU said Karachi. Ms. Grace Shelton, US Consul General in that the partnership between KU and George Mason Karachi graced concluding session of the conference University will bring fruitful academic benefits to at KU as chief guest. both the universities. "This is indeed only the beginning of a great academic journey," he Mr. Anthony Tranchina, Cultural Attaché, US remarked. During the conference, local and foreign Consulate, Karachi, and Dr. James C. Witte, Director, scholars presented their papers on megacities. Ms. Centre for Social Science Research, George Mason Tuzin Baycan, a Turkish Professor, in her paper on University, USA were also present. The conference Istanbul, said that Istanbul is the only city in the was attended by scholars from Pakistan, United world connecting two continents, adding that it is States, Brazil and Turkey. They highlighted the the heart of the world and has 53 universities. modern day challenges of the megacities of the Problems of Karachi and Istanbul are relatable, which world particularly Karachi. is why a comparison could be made between both the megacities, she observed. In his address, Dr. Ishratul Ebad said that cooperation among universities not only ensures Several faculty members of the KU including Dr. improvement in the quality of higher education but Moiz Khan, Mr. Mustafa Hyder, Ms. Tehmina Faisal, also accelerates development of socio-economic and Syeda Hoor-ul-Ain, presented their papers on sector. various topics covering the issues of Karachi.

Governor Sindh Inaugurates KU Centre for Digital Forensic Science and Technology The University of Karachi (KU) recently organised the Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad inaugural ceremony of Centre for Digital Forensic expressed hope that the Centre will prove to be a Science and Technology wherein Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad, vital component in ensuring the rule of law. Governor, Sindh inaugurated the Centre. He said that the rule of law requires balance between The establishment of the centre aims at supporting rights and responsibilities and nobody is above the the law enforcement agencies to reach criminals and law, adding that the Constitution guarantees the judiciary to ensure quick dispensation of justice fundamental rights. He holed that the Centre, by providing digital evidences. besides imparting education in the field of Digital

38 Forensic Science, will provide technical training to However, in the beginning we will start with officers of law enforcement agencies. certificate course, followed by diploma and the degree programme, he maintained. He said the “I am sure that the Centre will turn out to be a beacon Centre will provide support to the law enforcement of light for the good future of Pakistani society, agencies and judiciary by providing digital which is already facing tremendous challenges at evidences. internal and external level,” he said, adding that he expects the Centre to promote the highest The VC said the Centre will help resolving complex standards of education and research excellence and criminal cases and will be a bridge providing easy meet the expectations of public and government. access to criminal justice system with its advanced curriculum. This advanced Digital Evidence Prof. Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, VC, KU highlighted Educational System will be value-added to the importance of the Centre for Digital Forensic conventional system of Pakistan, he informed. Science and Technology and revealed its salient features. No country can make progress until it Prof. Dr. Khalid Iraqi, Dean, Faculty of Management keeps pace with the world in development of and Administrative Sciences, KU also spoke on the technology, he stressed. He said the KU, for the first occasion, while Muhammad Zubair Habib, Chief, time, will offer Digital Forensic education at the Citizens-Police Liaison Committee, Sindh, and other undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate levels. notables were also present.

Isra University Organises Int'l Symposium on Entrepreneurship, Career Services Isra University and Ball State University, USA recently second part of the event contained panel sessions organised a two-day international symposium on headed by Dr. Javeid Iqbal, VC University of higher education initiatives on entrepreneurship Balochistan while Dr. Abdul Raheem VC University of and career services. Science and Technology Bannu, and Dr. Muhammad Asif Khan, VC Karakoram International University Notable personalities from academia, government were also present. and corporate sector attended the event. The programme encompassed keynote speeches, The speakers shed light on the core issues of thematic panel sessions and group activities on entrepreneurship and career services and challenges of entrepreneurship and career services emphasized that academia and industry should in Pakistani universities. The main participants of the work together and enhance mutual coordination so programme were from universities of Khyber as to materialize novel ideas for the country's socio- Pakhtunkhwa, Sukkur, Gilgit-Balitistan and economic development. Entrepreneurial activities Balochistan. should address ground issues, they maintained.

On the opening of symposium, Prof. Dr. Dr. Kenneth Holland and Dr. Julie Lebo stressed the Hameedullah Kazi, Pro-Vice Chancellor, Isra need for “Empowering and Facilitating Women University, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Qadir Kazi, Vice Entrepreneurs and Job Seekers”. They gave a Chancellor, AJ Jagelski, Cultural Attaché, US detailed presentation and emphasized on the role of Consulate, Karachi, Dr. Kenneth Holland and Dr. Julie women in business and entrepreneurial Barker from Ball State University, USA delivered engagements. A presentation entitled “Modern speeches and highlighted the significance as well as Trends in Career Services” elaborated the changing challenges of entrepreneurship in Pakistan. The role of career services in the world.

39 IUB holds Medal Distribution Ceremony The Islamic University Bahawalpur (IUB) held a medal distribution ceremony for the graduates of academic session 2012-13.

Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman, Minister of State for Federal Education and Professional Training was the chief guest on the occasion. He said that education is the topmost priority of the incumbent Government as the Government is spending a record amount of Rs. 1800 billion on this sector. Similarly, the budget of Higher Education Commission has also been almost doubled by increasing it from Rs. 41 billion to Rs. 91 billion.

These education-friendly steps by the Government have brought the country among the nations rapidly improving in the field of education. promotion of higher education in the country. Prof. He said that Federal Government has recently Dr. Qaiser Mushtaq, Vice Chancellor IUB thanked the approved an historic grant of Rs. 860 million for Minister and briefed him about the academic and various IUB projects shows its commitment to the developmental projects going on in the campuses.

GIKI, WAPDA Sign MoU to Promote Research, Training A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been activities to address water scarcity and quality signed by Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of challenges through improved water governance and Engineering Sciences and Technology and Water efficient water resource management. The two sides and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) to will regularly consult on the matters of common support research and training activities leading to interests to define areas of further collaboration as sustainable development and management of water well. resources in Pakistan. The parties have agreed to conduct cooperative The MoU was signed by Engr. Shamul Mulk, activities on the basis of equality, reciprocity and President, Society for the Promotion of Engineering mutual benefit. Sciences and Technology, Pakistan and Mr. Zafar Mahmood, Chairman, WAPDA. Mr. Jehangir Bashar, They have agreed to initiate collaboration activities Rector, GIK Institute was also present on the in planning and implementation of joint applied occasion. research projects and activities covering different aspects of water resource management, water Under the MoU, a framework agreement will be demand and supply, water use efficiency, water and reached for cooperation between the two parties to climate change, water governance and water develop and implement joint research and training logging and salinity.

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