Higher Education Commission - Pakistan

May-June 2016

Pakistan Wins 3G 3G Excellence in Higher Education Award 2016

HIGHER EDUCATION COMMISSION, PAKISTAN Excellence in Higher Education Award 2016 HEC initiatives and services for development of higher education sector in Pakistan have been recognised internationally. P-11

VCs Meeting held at Lahore Universities to Make More Concerted Efforts for Enhancing Quality P-2 Table of Contents VCs Meeting Calls for Enhancing 7 Chairman HEC Visits Hungary 2 Quality of Higher Education, Research Pakistan Wins 3G Excellence in Higher 11 Education Award 2016

11 NACTE holds Capacity Building Workshop

HEC, Microsoft Organise National Final for University Students 12 Prove Mettle in Imagine Cup 2016 5 Oratory HEC Committed to Developing Higher 13 Education Sector of Balochistan

HEC, SECP to Promote Investor Education 13 among Youth Avenues of Further Collaboration with 9 Varsities Win Grant under Pakistan- 9 France Explored 14 France PERIDOT Programme

15 Cooperation with Maldives Discussed

News & Views is published after every two 15 Gambia’s Minister Visits HEC months. No part of this publication may 27th Faculty Development Programme be reproduced in any form without prior 16 written permission of the publisher. Concludes

The views expressed by authors in the HEC Signs MoU with Law & Justice 17 articles is their sole responsibility and Commission not of HEC. The Commission would like to thank all the institutions and individuals who contributed information and photographs for this Magazine.

Editor Aayesha Ikram Graphic Designer Raja Ahmad Nadeem Publisher: Reporter Higher Education Commission, Waseem Khaliqdad Pakistan VCs Meeting Calls for Enhancing Quality of Higher Education, Research

The three-day Vice Chancellors’ Committee (TTS) for faculty appointment wherein Dr. G. Raza Meeting recently held at Lahore developed a Bhatti, Member (Operations and Planning) HEC consensus that the Higher Education Commission described the purpose of introducing the system (HEC) and universities across the country will make and the discrepancies arising due to deviation from more concerted efforts to ensure quality whether it set criteria for appointment. is faculty appointment, student admissions, opening of new institutions and sub-campuses, Issues related to TTS discussed on the occasion curriculum development, offering new degree included non-approval of statutes from respective courses, granting affiliations, teaching and research governing bodies, submission of relevant record to or any other matter related to higher education. HEC, appointments without advertisement, lack of Technical Review Panel reports from two foreign Concluding the session, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, experts, lack of Departmental Tenure Review Chairman HEC appreciated all the Vice Chancellors Committee reports, non-observance of Annual, for their active participation and discussing in detail Mid-Term and Final Reviews, assumption of various challenges being faced by higher education administrative posts by TTS faculty, award of sector and deliberating possible solutions. He increments at the time of initial appointment stressed the fact that implementation of quality against approved criteria, and deviation from criteria and other higher education policies in letter prescribed probationary contract period. and spirit was inevitable for development of university education that is compatible with Mr. Tahir Abbas Zaidi, Director General, international standards. Accreditation and Attestation, HEC gave a comprehensive briefing on accreditation procedure Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, former Adviser to Prime of opening of new universities, sub-campuses as Minister and currently President of SZABIST said well as criteria for affiliating colleges. He showed that higher education leadership has to come from concern over violation of HEC criteria for opening HEC and ensure implementation of quality DAI/ sub campuses, grant of affiliations exceeding standards in line with global trends. She urged the jurisdictional limits defined in respective university heads and HEC to adopt a cohesive Acts/Charters, offering programmes in affiliated approach for policymaking and its implementation. colleges which are not available on the Principal A detailed session was held on Tenure Track System Seat, vetting of Charters as per Cabinet Criteria,

2 increased enrolment of students without required Pakistan Medical and Dental Council (PMDC) also facilities, acute shortage of faculty, foreign gave brief talks during the meeting. Mr. Shaharyar collaborations with non-chartered institutions. He highlighted the importance of promoting cricket in also emphasised the importance of accreditation of universities and how it could benefit the degree programmes from relevant professional development of the game in Pakistan. He said PCB is councils, including Pakistan Nursing Council, ready to work with HEC and universities for further Pakistan Medical and Dental Council, Pakistan development of inter-university cricket and offered Veterinary Medical Council, Pakistan Pharmacy to form a committee for this purpose. Council, Pakistan Engineering Council, Pakistan Council of Architects and Town Planners, National Dr. Lehri underlined how the medical education has Computing Education Accreditation Council, suffered due to lack of proper policies as well as National Technology Council, Pakistan Bar Council, implementation of the existing ones. He requested National Agriculture Accreditation Council, the vice chancellors of medical universities to come Accreditation Council for Teacher’s Education, up with suggestions and enhance coordination with Institute of Cost & Management Accountants of PMDC for improving the overall quality of medical Pakistan, and National Business Education education in the country. Accreditation Council. On the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC Another session focused on Role of Media and said that the Commission will soon hold a meeting Universities in Promoting Societal Development, of PMDC and medical universities/colleges for Discourse and Peace in Society. Among others the identifying different issues pertaining to medical session was attended by Mr. Mujeeb-ur-Rahman education and setting a roadmap for the future. Shami, Mr. Amjad Islam Amjad, Mr. Sajjad Mir, Mr. Yasir Peerzada, Mr. Habib Akram and Mr. Ajmal Jami. The Vice Chancellors were also briefed about HEC The participants agreed that both media and Safe Campus Solution for universities which is universities play a key role in shaping any society, aimed to address the challenges being faced by particularly character building of citizens especially universities. The project included blanket Wifi youth. It was emphasized that interaction among coverage for 30 universities each year along with universities and media should be enhanced to security cameras for surveillance of campuses. The promote good research. University heads also gave various suggestions for improving security of higher education institutions Mr. Shaharyar Khan, Chairman, Pakistan Cricket keeping in view that educational institutions are a Board (PCB) and Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Lehri, President, very soft target for anti-state elements. They agreed

3 to work in close coordination with HEC for devising a institutions, and asked the vice chancellors to security strategy for their respective campuses. thoroughly review the situation and come up with solutions that envisage not only protection of Earlier in the opening ceremony, Dr. Mukhtar students and staff but make sure that open display Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission of weapons should not create a fearful environment (HEC) made an impassioned call to ensure quality all on campuses. levels of higher education in the country. He reviewed year’s performance, challenges and issues He also shed light on various ongoing and to set target for the next year and urged the upcoming projects of higher education sector gathering of over 120 heads of public and private including establishment of technical universities, universities that quality of higher education should thousands of scholarships under US-Pakistan top their agenda while planning for further Knowledge Corridor in addition to existing expansion and development. scholarship schemes, establishment of Centres of Excellence in Water, Energy, Food Security and Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed particularly advised the private Climate Change, creation of technology parks as sector institutions that undoubtedly education has well as many national and international partnerships become a business worldwide but that should not for developing human resource in all fields of be done at the cost of quality. national importance.

He also spoke at length about Earlier in his welcome address, Dr. mushrooming of sub-campuses Rasul Jan, Chairperson of the VCs as well as launching of MPhil and Committee welcomed the guests P h D p ro g r a m m e s w i t h o u t and thanked them for joining the fulfilment of minimum criteria. “If forum to deliberate the current any institution violates criteria and upcoming challenges of and goes ahead just for the sake higher education sector. of competition or increase resources, it will definitely be held H e a p p r e c i a t e d H E C f o r accountable. Remember there are conducting such sessions on a no shortcuts if we want our regular basis for input of institutions to develop at university heads regarding international standards. Proper planning for different polices of the higher education sector said, resource generation and developing human “Our sector has weaknesses as well as many resource is the key to achieve success.” achievements made during the last decade but if we, the VCs remain united while identifying different Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that over the years HEC has issues and their possible solutions, I’m sure this not only considerably increased the budget for august forum can lay foundations for changing research but has also ensured that the faculty destiny of our future generations.” members and researchers focus on priority areas related to our society and country’s economic In his presentation on Institutional Performance and challenges. He asked the university heads to take all Programme Review, Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive possible measures for encouraging relevant Director HEC shared Commission’s efforts, under research and allocating maximum amount for this Prime Minister’s directive, to visit universities across purpose. He also stressed upon them to clear the country and identify deficiencies in fulfilment of plagiarism cases pending at their end and enhance various quality criteria. efforts for eradicating the menace. Appreciating HEC’s quality performance review The Chairman also discussed the security problems there were calls for making the report public so that facing the country, particularly educational universities could correct their shortcomings.

4 All Pakistan Inter-University Declamation Contest University Students Prove Mettle in Oratory competitions among students enhance their analytical and critical thinking. He said such activities create a spirit to come forward and work hard for national growth. He urged the youth to forge optimism for the national growth and social uplift. He said Islam strongly condemns pessimism, adding that disappointment among people destroys nations. “Always see both the sides of a picture, as you have to sort out way out of the darkness of problems for your prosperous future,” the minister stressed.

In his welcome address, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan Chairman HEC congratulated the position holders organized the final round of the 18th All Pakistan and said that holding of the declamation contest is Inter-University Declamation Contest at its a regular activity organized by HEC every year. Secretariat. As many as 30 contestants, both in English and Engr. Baleegh-ur-Rehman, State Minister for Urdu categories, participated in the final round of Education and Professional Training, was the chief the contest. Prof. Dr. Waseema Shehzad, Dean guest, while Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC Faculty of Social Sciences Air University, Islamabad and Vice Chancellors as well as students of different chaired the English session, while Prof. Fateh universities were also present on the occasion. Muhammad Malik, former Rector International Islamic University Islamabad chaired the Urdu Mr. Shehan Zafar from University of the Punjab, session of the contest. Lahore and Mr. Ammad Shakil from Al-Hamd Islamic University, Quetta clinched the Allama Iqbal Those who took part in the English category Shield in English and Urdu included Mr. Fahad Farooq from categories respectively. “Declamation contests and Army Medical College (National University of Medical Sciences), I n E n g l i s h c a t e g o r y, M s . speech competitions among Mr. Habib-ur-Rehman from Rameesha Khan from University students enhance their B a l o c h i s t a n U n i v e r s i t y of of the Punjab won the second analytical and critical I n f o r m a t i o n Te c h n o l o g y, position and Mr. Abdul Hannan Engineering and Management from Government College thinking. Such activities Sciences, Quetta, Ms. Salika University, Faisalabad obtained create a spirit to come Durrani, Foundation University, the third position, while in Urdu forward and work hard for R a w a l p i n d i , M s . M a r y a m category, Mr. Abdullah Imran M a h s o o d f r o m G a n d h a r a from University of Engineering national growth.” University Peshawar, Mr. Talha bin and Technology, Lahore and Mr. Azhar from Ghulam Ishaq Khan Taqi Jawwad from Preston University, Kohat gained Institute of Engineering Science and Technology, second and third positions respectively. Topi, Sawabi, Mr. Humaira Ahmed from Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, Mr. Abdul Hannan from Speaking on the occasion, Engr. Baleegh-ur- Government College University, Faisalabad, Ms. Rehman said that declamation contests and speech Sana Murtaza Dayo from Liaqat University of

5 Medical & Health Sciences, Jamshoro, Ms. Anam Noor Ehsan from Aga Khan University, Karachi, Mr. Barmsh Khan from Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Islamabad, Ms. Rafia Noor from Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta, Ms. Maria Esan from University of Balochistan, Quetta, Ms. Dua Fatima Faiz Muhammad from University of Sindh, Jamshoro, and Ms. Rameesha Khan from University of the Punjab, Lahore. HEC RC Quetta The Urdu category contestants included Mr. Ahmad Mr. Muhammad Taqi Jawad from Preston University, Cheema from Army Medical College (National Kohat Campus, Ms. Ruqia Khan from Sardar University of Medical Sciences), Rawalpindi, Mr. Bahadur Khan Women’s University, Quetta, Ms. Ammad Shakeel from Al-Hamd Islamic University, Kanwal Iqbal from Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi, Mr. Muhammad Ehtisham Akbar from University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Mr. Abdullah Imran from University of Engineering and Technology, Lahore, and Ms. Mahrukh Baloch from University of Sindh, Jamshoro.

HEC RC Peshawar Ms. Noor Amina Malik, former Director General, Quetta, Ms. Shaista Gul Khan from Balochistan Learning Innovation, HEC, Mr. S. Munawwar H. University of Information Technology, Engineering Naqvi, senior journalist from Financial Daily and Management Sciences, Quetta, Mr. Inam-ur- International, Islamabad, Dr. Najeeba Arif, Assistant Rehman from Gomal University, Dera Ismail Khan, Professor, Department of Urdu, IIUI, and Dr. Ms. Hafsa Abdul Ghafar from Government College Shaheena Ayyub Bhatti, Associate Professor, for Women University, Islamabad, Ms. Adeela English Department, NUML performed the Batool from International Islamic University, responsibilities of judges of the contest. Islamabad, Ms. Hareem Zafar from Islamia College University Peshawar, Ms. Umm-e-Farwa from Prior to the final round, HEC organised various Jinnah Sindh Medical College, Karachi, Mr. rounds of the competition at its regional centres, Makhdoom Shahab-ud-Din from National including Quetta, Karachi and Peshawar, in addition University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, to contests previously held at universities.

Indus University, Karachi

6 Academic Links to be Strengthened Chairman HEC Visits Hungary Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan visited Budapest, Hungary to formalize Higher Education and Scientific Exchange Programme signed between the two countries in December 2015 for award of 240 scholarships to Pakistani students to pursue higher studies in reputed Hungarian institutions and 30 scholarships for Hungarian students to study in leading Pakistani institutions.

The visit was also aimed to explore further areas of cooperation in the field of higher education. The Chairman was accompanied by Engr. Waheed Ahmed Mangi, Deputy Director (HRD).

During the visit, Chairman met with the Minister of State for Education of Hungary, Dr. László Palkovics, Ministry of Human Capacities, the Deputy State Secretary for International and EU Affairs, Mr. Gergely Prőhle, and representative of Tempus Public Foundation, Dr. Zsuzsanna, to discuss bilateral education cooperation. He also visited some renowned Hungarian universities in the field of Physical Education, Engineering & Technology, Economics, Medicine, Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences and Public Policy.

During meetings with Rectors of Hungarian institutes, he discussed possible opportunities of direct academic linkages between leading higher education institutions of both the countries.

He met with Mr. Lajos Mocsai, Rector, University of Physical Education (Sports), Dr. JánosJózsa, Rector of Budapest University of Technology and Economics (Engineering & Technology), Dr. Zoltan Szilvassy, Rector of the University of Debrecen (Medical & Pharmaceutical Science), Dr. Janos Toszer, Rector of SzentIstvan University in Godollo (Agriculture & Veterinary Sciences DVM) and Dr. Norbert Kis. Vice Rector of National University of Public Service (Public Policy& Strategic Studies). Rectors of leading Hungarian institutes, it was agreed to establish close academic linkages After detailed deliberations with the Minister of between the top ranked universities of both the State for Education of Hungary, the Deputy State countries through HRD scholarships, joint research Secretary for International and EU Affairs as well as programmes, workshops and conferences,

7 exchange of faculty and scholars, joint R&D He also gave a brief introduction of the higher programmes, and academia-industry linkages. education sector of Pakistan. In this context, a delegation of Pakistani academicians will soon visit Dr. Palkovics, Hungary’s Minister of State for Hungary. Education, expressed desire to establish long-term relationship under the umbrella of Stipendium Earlier, Mr. Muhammad Syrus Sajjad Qazi, Hungaricum Scholarship Programme. He Ambassador of Pakistan in Budapest, Hungary, and highlighted that among 48 countries, number of Mr. Azeem Khan, Deputy Head of Pakistan Mission applications from Pakistan was the highest. warmly welcomed HEC delegates at Budapest airport and effectively coordinated scheduled Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed expressed gratitude for the programme with Hungarian Ministries and Rectors scholarships offer by the Hungarian Government. of leading universities.

Points for Follow-Up Action

I. Exchange of delegations from academia of vi. Establish joint research linkages in the fields both the countries. HEC may send a team of of climate change, food security, water researchers and academicians from Pakistan management, disaster management, to study the ‘cluster function model’ in place vaccines, R&D exchanges, logistics, transport, at the University of Debrecen for promotion of energy, etc. university-industry linkages. vii. University of Physical Education may consider ii. Consider establishing a Joint Educational imparting short training to sports coaches Commission for promotion of education, from Pakistani universities in different sports. science and technology. viii. In tandem with the Ministry of Inter- iii. Encourage linkages in areas of mutual interest Provincial Coordination arrange a sports between universities of the two countries conference in Pakistan. Invite Rector of the through HEC and Hungarian Rector’s Council. University of Physical Education for this conference. iv. U n d e r t h e St i p e n d i u m H u n g a r i c u m Scholarship Programme, the Government of ix. Initiate reciprocal acceptance of higher Pakistan may enhance the monthly stipend education degrees awarded by each other’s from the existing (150 USD approx. for BA/BSc recognized universities. and MA/MSc and 365 USD approx. for PhD students) being offered by the Hungarian side x. Work towards exchange of faculty and PhD to 450 USD approx. and 1095 approx. students between Pakistan and Hungary to at respectively. least enrol in one or two semesters in each other’s universities. v. Initiate tripartite collaboration between NUST and the Hungarian Universities of Physical xi. Tailor made short courses (Two-week training Education and Budapest University of courses) preferably on Leadership, Good Technology and Economics (BME), to work in Governance for university and HEC the fields of Sports Engineering & Sports management at National University of Public Management. Services, Budapest.

8 Avenues of Further Collaboration with France Explored A d e l e g a t i o n o f H i g h e r Education Commission (HEC) led b y D r. M u k h t a r A h m e d , Chairman HEC and comprising Mr. Wasim Hashmi, Adviser (HRD), Ms. Ayesha Ikram, Director Media, Rana Shafiq A h m a d , P ro j e c t D i re c t o r, Overseas Scholarships, and Mr. Javed Awan, Project Manager recently visited France.

During the visit, the HEC and Campus France organized a Pakistan Day function in Paris with an aim to bring French institutions of higher learning closer to Pakistani universities so as to enhance collaboration for development of human resource and strengthening of research in Pakistan’s institutions. The delegation also visited the French Senate.

In the Pakistan Day ceremony, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC was the chief guest while representatives of over 30 French universities participated in the event that was also attended by Mr. Ghalib Iqbal, Ambassador of Pakistan to France and Ms. Martine Dorance, Ambassador of France to Pakistan.

The participants discussed issues related to education institutions for academic collaboration bilateral cooperation in higher education, with Pakistan in the shape of doctoral and post- particularly identifying areas where Pakistani doctoral opportunities. “France is providing a universities and academics could benefit from number of opportunities to Pakistani scholars and French institutions as well as pinpoint common students. Both the countries are collaborating in disciplines for joint research projects. higher education sector but this needs to be enhanced and the best way is institution-to- Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed institution joint initiatives and HEC is ready to appreciated the French Government and higher provide all possible support for this purpose.”

9 The Chairman also referred to plan of setting up a During its visit to the Senate of France, the French university in Pakistan. "France has delegation was received by Senator Françoise remarkable achievement in industrial growth and Cartron who is also the Mayor of Artigues-près- HEC would like to launch industrial-based research Bordeaux and Vice-President of the Aquitaine projects with France so that Pakistan could also Regional Council. She was accompanied by Senator efficiently cope with its industrial challenges," he Pascal Allizard. added. He also highlighted the concept of US- Pakistan Knowledge Corridor and hoped that a Senator Cartron and Senator Allizard were part of similar initiative may be taken between Pakistan French Senators' delegation that visited Pakistan in and France. April this year to discuss issues related to bilateral cooperation in higher education. It was agreed then On the occasion, representatives of NUST that both Pakistan and France have a strong basis of Islamabad, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, collaboration which should be further expanded. Information Technology University Lahore and Government College University Faisalabad gave Talking to the delegation, Senator Cartron presentations on their achievements, focused areas highlighted the significance of education and as well as identified fields for possible collaboration culture in development of societies and how with the French institutions of higher learning. collaboration between countries in these areas benefit nations at large. Mr. Wasim Hashmi, Adviser (HRD) HEC also briefed the participants about various initiatives for faculty Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed appreciated the interest shown development including local and foreign PhD by the French Government for collaboration with scholarships, fellowships for Post-doctoral research Pakistan in different fields, particularly higher and other incentives building a strong pool of education. Both sides agreed that cooperation in academics in every discipline particularly areas higher education and research need to be further more relevant to national growth. strengthened. "Though your country has provided remarkable support in our faculty development The representatives of French institutions where programmes, yet the scope of our collaboration has Pakistani scholars are studying appreciated to be strengthened at institutional level,” he said. competence and hard work of Pakistani students. They appreciated the performance of HEC for He informed the Senators that 400 scholars have transformation of universities and facilitating completed their doctoral studies from France while faculty, students, research scholars to meet many others are pursuing it in various institutions international standards of higher education. They across France. He also mentioned different HEC expressed interest in enhancing academic links initiatives for transformation of universities and between the two countries. facilitating faculty, students, research scholars.

Performance of Pakistani Students Acknowledged The HEC delegation also visited Aix Marseille Graduate School of Management (AMGSM) in France where a number of Pakistani scholars are pursuing their doctoral degrees. AMGSM is imparting postgraduate education and research and offers Master, MSc, MBA and doctoral programmes in Management and specialized disciplines with a curriculum that is continuously adapted to meet needs of the business world. Virginie De Barnier, Dean AMGSM welcomed the HEC team and apprised them about history of the School. “Our School is a truly cosmopolitan environment with noteworthy scientific and cultural influence, and develop new projects aligned with our core values, humanism, responsibility and commitment to the common goal.” She admired Pakistani PhD scholars for their competence and hard work.

10 Pakistan Wins 3G Excellence in Higher Education Award 2016 The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan higher education institutions. Offices of Research, has won “3G - Global Good Governance - Excellence Innovation and Commercialisation (ORICs) as well as in Higher Education Award 2016”. The Award Business Incubation Centres in universities have announced by Global Donors Forums (GDF) was been setup in universities to encourage and presented during an auspicious ceremony held in commercialise relevant research. Istanbul, Turkey. It is worth mentioning here that the World The prestigious award has been bestowed Congress of Muslim Philanthropists upon HEC in recognition of its initiatives (WCMP), a global network of affluent and services for development of higher individuals, grant-making foundations, and education sector in Pakistan. Prof. Dr. socially responsible corporations, launched

3G Excellence in Masoom Yasinzai, Rector, International Higher Education Award 2016 the GDF in 2008 at Istanbul by the then HIGHER EDUCATION Islamic University, Islamabad received the COMMISSION, PAKISTAN honorable Prime Minister of Turkey along Award on behalf of Prof. Dr. Mukhtar with representatives of Organization of Ahmed, Chairman HEC. I s l a m i c C o o p e r a t i o n , I s l a m i c Development Bank, Islamic Education, The HEC, with its prime focus on quality Scientific and Cultural Organization and of higher education and its equitable access, has sovereign governments, socially-responsible been strenuously struggling to promote higher corporations, and philanthropic foundations. education in the country since its inception in 2002. Leaving no stone unturned to ensure equitable Since then, the Forum has been held in Abu Dhabi access, faculty development, excellence in (2009), Doha (2010), Dubai (2011), Kuala Lumpur academics and research, technological readiness, (2012), and Washington DC (2014). It has now quality assurance, innovation and societal evolved as a biennial convening of the WCMP to development, HEC has taken a number of steps for promote effective giving and forge strategic establishment of research facilities in the country’s partnerships for high-impact social investment.

NACTE holds Capacity Building Workshop National Accreditation Council for Teacher teacher education programmes; accreditation Education (NACTE) in collaboration with documents and process; accreditation tools; role International Rescue Committee (IRC), USAID, and responsibilities of institutions, academic Pakistan recently conducted a three-day capacity evaluators/ auditors and NACTE in the accreditation building workshop for the Faculty of Education, process; pre-requisites of accreditation; and International Islamic University, Islamabad. conducting internal audit and developing institutional self-evaluation report. The purpose of holding the workshop was to facilitate and provide guidance to the faculty Speakers described the workshop as a much- members to conduct internal academic audit of their needed activity, as it helped the participants better own programmes, draft self-evaluation report, and understand the concept of accreditation and its prepare for external academic audit/accreditation by process. They appreciated the role of the NACTE NACTE. It covered various topics like need of quality team for the efforts and contributions they made to assurance in teacher education; NACTE, its scope ensure and enhance the quality of teacher and functions; national accreditation standards for education.

11 HEC, Microsoft Organise National Final for Imagine Cup 2016 The National Final for Imagine Cup 2016 was organized by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Microsoft at the Commission Secretariat.

Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC was chief guest on the occasion. Mr. Nadeem A. Malik, Country Head, Microsoft Pakistan and Mr. Anwar Amjad, Director General (IT) HEC were also present.

Imagine Cup is a global student technology programme and competition that provides HEC has been working with Microsoft for the last opportunities for students across all disciplines to seven years to execute Imagine Cup in Pakistan and, team up and use their creativity, passion and the participation in this competition has been knowledge of technology to create applications, phenomenal. Over the last seven years, more than games and integrate solutions that can change the 1.65 million students from more than 190 countries way we live, work and play. have participated in the Imagine Cup. Pakistan left its mark on the competition as well, boasting a large This year there were over 100 projects from number of student registrations in Imagine Cup universities across the country. A total of 187 over the past four years, with submission of more students participated in various kinds of projects than 500 projects. that have been broadly p l a c e d i n G a m i n g , S p e a k i n g o n t h e Innovation and World occasion, Dr. Arshad Ali, Citizenship. Executive Director, HEC stressed the need for The contest in Innovation increase in the number of was won by the team of projects developed in students from Comsats various par ts of the Institute of Information country. He emphasized Technology, Sahiwal that both Microsoft and comprising Ms. Nida HEC should set targets Karim, Mr. Sohaib Hanif while evolving ideas and Mr. Umairullah. followed by a strong strategy for effective The team from National materialization of their University of Computer ideas. Recalling the and Emerging Sciences Imagine Cup final 2008- ( F A S T ) , F a i s a l a b a d 09 in Egypt in which he including Mr. Roger Nazir and Mr. Usman Khan participated as a judge, he said the activity is topped the World Citizenship category, while Mr. developing spirit of competition among the youth. Kasra Zunnayyer from University of Karachi won the Gaming competition. The winner teams will The Country Head Microsoft lauded HEC’s support participate in world semi-finals going to be held for Microsoft and its commitment to promote online. literacy of technology among the youth.

12 HEC Committed to Developing Higher Education Sector of Balochistan

Mr. Mahmood Khan Achakzai, Member National different districts include University of Balochistan Assembly and Chairman Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami at Pishin and Dera Murad Jamali, Lasbela University Party (PMAP) and Senators Usman Khan Kakar and at Wadh (Khuzdar), Sardar Bahadur Khan Women Sardar Azam Musakhel from PMAP called on Prof. University at Naushki, and Virtual University at Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Dera Bugti, Harnai, Jhal Magsi, Killa Abdullah and Commission at HEC Secretariat. Issues pertaining Ziarat. to universities in Balochistan province were discussed during the meeting. He said that under faculty development initiative for the universities, there are a total of 375 slots for The Chairman briefed the visiting MPs about Balochistan, of which 188 scholarships have been various HEC initiatives for development of higher awarded and 63 scholars have completed their education in the province, including different studies. Under the human resource development scholarship and R&D opportunities available for initiative, 1256 scholarships have been awarded faculty members, researchers and students. He while 2494 are under process. informed the guests that the Federal Government has planned to increase access and bring education Similarly, a total of 2515 Need Based Scholarships to the doorstep. The universities which have given have also been provided to the students of their consent to establish sub-campuses in Balochistan since 2012. HEC, SECP to Promote Investor Education among Youth The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) signed a Memorandum of Understanding to foster partnership for increasing awareness about capital investment and encouraging youth towards entrepreneurship through investor education.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC and Mr. Zafar Ul Haq Hijazi, Chairman SECP signed the MoU at a ceremony held at HEC Secretariat, Islamabad. sides were also present. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC and that objective of this MoU is to put joint efforts for other members of senior management from both raising financial literacy and inculcating saving and

13 investment culture particularly among university owing to different SECP initiatives. It was agreed to students while building their financial capabilities. enhance outreach of SECP’s Jamapunji project, an He said the two sides will help equipping students Investor Education Programme for students. Both with skills and knowledge so as to make sagacious the institutions will coordinate with each other to financial decisions and managing risks. prepare curricula for graduate and postgraduate students on Personal Financial Planning. Mr. Zafar Hijazi said though SECP has been spreading awareness regarding capital investment Faculty Development Programmes will be among youth but joint efforts with HEC will be more organized wherein SECP will provide training to e f f e c t i v e i n a t t r a c t i n g y o u t h t o w a r d s university faculty on Investor Education who will entrepreneurial activities. He also briefed the then cascade it among their colleagues and participants about increased interest of investors students.

9 Varsities Win Grant under Pakistan-France PERIDOT Programme

A meeting of the joint committee of Pakistan- The Committee unanimously approved nine joint France PERIDOT Research Programme (Phase-II) research proposals for funding in three priority was held at Higher Education Commission (HEC) areas. Pakistani universities that have won the grant Secretariat, Islamabad and chaired by Prof. Dr. are University of Karachi, Balochistan University of Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC. IT, Engineering and Management Sciences (BUITEMS) Quetta, COMSATS Institute of The French team was led by Mr. André de Bussy, Information Technology (CIIT) Lahore, Hazara Counselor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs. University Mansehra, Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro, The Programme aims to develop new scientific and Quaid-i-Azam University Islamabad, University of technological cooperation between French and Education Lahore, FAST-NU Lahore, and Islamia Pakistani higher education institutions/research University, Bahawalpur laboratories by supporting the mobility of researchers. It is being implemented in Pakistan by The meeting was also attended by Dr. Muhammad HEC and in France by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Latif, Adviser (R&D) HEC, Mr. Alban Schwerer, and International Development (MAEDI) and the Scientific and Higher Education Cooperation Ministry of Higher Education and Research (MESR). Attaché, Embassy of France, Ms. Noshaba Awais, Priority areas identified for 2016 are Health, Energy, Director (R&D) HEC and Mr. Rehan Jamil, Assistant and Education. Director (R&D) HEC.

14 Cooperation with Maldives Discussed

A delegation of the Republic of Maldives led by Mr. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC welcomed the Azleen Ahmed, Deputy Minister of Education delegates and presented an overview of HEC’s visited Higher Education Commission (HEC) initiatives and achievements during last 13 years. Secretariat and called on Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, He explained how Government’s commitment to Chairman HEC, Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive develop higher education and a considerable Director HEC and other members of the senior increase in funding has brought remarkable management. changes in the sector.

The delegation included Dr. Mohammad Latheef, The Maldivian Minister appreciated the hospitality Chancellor, Maldives National University, Dr. Ali of Pakistani people and agreed that cooperation in Fawaz Shareef, Vice Chancellor, Maldives National the field of education will play a key role in bringing University, and Ms. Fathimah Amira, Director the government and people of the two countries General of Higher Education. more closer to each other.

Gambia’s Minister Visits HEC A delegation from Gambia, which was in Pakistan to attend the 19th meeting of COMSATS Coordinating Council, visited Higher Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat and met Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC.

The delegation, headed by Dr. Aboubacar Abdullah Senghore, Minister for Higher Education, Research, Science and Technology, Government of Gambia also included Mr. Mucktarr. M. Y. Darboe and Mr. Bakebba Jatta. in the fields of research, HRD, and development of IT facilities for higher education across the country, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed welcomed the delegates and and termed it a role model for the whole Muslim presented an overview of HEC’s initiatives and world. He expressed his desire to collaborate with achievements during the last 13 years. He explained HEC for developing their country’s higher how Government’s commitment to develop higher education. education and a considerable increase in funding has brought remarkable changes in the sector. The Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed offered full cooperation and Gambian Minister appreciated achievements of HEC support to assist the brotherly Muslim country.

15 27th Faculty Development Programme Concludes Teacher, Imam can bring much-needed behavioral change in society: Chairman HEC

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education teachers and religious opinion leaders feel their Commission (HEC) has said that teachers are role responsibility and act accordingly,” Dr. Mukhtar models for their students and are academic leaders said. who play a vital role in development of future generations. Congratulating the participants on successful completion of training, he said that HEC is “Unless our teacher and Imam perform their duty in providing all possible opportunities to faculty a responsible manner, we should not expect our members and researchers to enrich their society to come out of social ills be it intolerance, knowledge and skills. “Whatever a teacher or a religious extremism, dishonesty or any other university needs for professional development as problem,” the Chairman said this while speaking to well as strengthening of institutions, HEC has been participants of 27th Master Trainers-Faculty putting all available resources to fulfill their Professional Development Programme organized requirements. We are also thankful to the by Learning Innovation Division, HEC that Government for continuously increasing the concluded at the Commission Secretariat on Friday. budget for higher education sector,” he said.

Twenty-eight faculty members from 28 public and So far, 785 faculty members belonging to different private sector universities across Pakistan attended higher education institutions have benefitted from the eight-week programme and were certified as Master Trainers-Faculty Professional Development Master Trainers, who will conduct similar trainings Programme in 27 batches. The programme has at their parent institutions. been designed to equip teaching faculty with latest pedagogical and research skills required for “Pakistan does not only need best professionals in effective teaching and research. It includes various different fields but also good human beings who academic modules with additional sessions on show empathy towards fellow humans and work in important social topics, with focus on enhancing a selfless manner, and that is only possible if our and enriching teaching abilities of participants.

16 HEC Signs MoU with Law & Justice Commission

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Law & university debates, seminars, walks for promoting Justice Commission of Pakistan (LCP) have signed a the rule of law at all levels of the Pakistani society. Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to foster a partnership in increasing awareness among the Speaking at the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said citizens about the rule of law and legal rights, that objective of this MoU is to put joint efforts for particularly focusing academia and the younger raising awareness on fundamental rights and how generation. to effectively implement the Rule of Law. He said the two sides will help encouraging academia for a Executive Director, HEC, Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali and proactive role and equipping students with skills Secretary, Law & Justice Commission of Pakistan, and knowledge so as to lead not their own life while Mr. Mohammad Sarwar Khan signed the MoU at a knowing the rights and abiding by the law but also ceremony held at HEC Secretariat, Islamabad. Prof. spread it among other citizens. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Prof. Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Member Operations and The Chairman said that with mutual consultation, Planning HEC, Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, changes will be made in relevant curricula as well as Director General (Academics) and other members specific modules will be developed. of senior management from both sides were also present. Mr. Mohammad Sarwar Khan said though Law and Justice Commission has been spreading awareness The purpose of the agreement is to establish a regarding Rule of Law among youth but joint efforts sustained and effective collaboration between the with HEC will be more effective for their guidance two institutions to inform and promote academic and training. “Our main objective is to ensure that research on rule of law, develop and implement people know about their legal rights and also curricula for degree courses and modules including realize importance of their engagement with the short courses to raise awareness among students in State, and for this purpose youth can play a vital particular and other citizens in general. role,” he said.

It also envisages law clinics initiative to support Dr. Arshad Ali said that citizens should also be enforcement of Rule of Law as part of law degree sensitized regarding their responsibilities because activities. Both HEC and the LJCP will jointly hold only then a society can be shaped and developed different activities such as art competitions, intra- on true principles of justice.

17 Duo of Pakistani Entrepreneurs Prove… If You Can Dream It, You Can Do It Two young men carried their passion for Saeed Kazmi engineering from Pakistan to the US in the early The fact that Saeed Kazmi 1970’s. They had no plan, only big dreams and lots worked at the Karachi Airport of ideas. Technology was only beginning to make its a t n i g h t w h i l e s t u d y i n g impact and influence on the world and had they not Electrical Engineering at NED in met when they did, this intriguing story would have daytime speaks volumes about never taken place. the type of individual Saeed is. He graduated from NED in This is an abridged tale of a partnership that spans 1973 and landed at Oregon State with only $300 in over 34 years. The only thing Idris Kothri and Saeed his pocket and an attaché case to study Masters in Kazmi had in common was acquiring education Microelectronics. Saeed moved to the Valley in 1976 from NED University Karachi. when the semi-conductor revolution was just taking off. Business was booming and he landed a job a The story of Idris and Saeed is not the usual one you Monolithic Memories, a chip design company “I will come across. Together they created quickly found out the engineering was not my technologies and solutions, built companies, passion. Within a year, I changed my job function to developed teams, endured hardships and Marketing.” ultimately experienced great success through acquisitions and buyouts, several times. They Saeed was performing well in one of the first engineered concepts and products at the forefront technologies and marketing hybrid positions. of technology innovation, usually much before their “Often the gap between what the company has time. created and what the customer needs is where the opportunity is.” Saeed started to focus on these Idris Kothari opportunities, which was how he discovered and Idris is quite literally, a ‘kid’ from nurtured the idea of his own startup. He just needed the slums of Karachi, born to find someone to collaborate with. fourth among 11 children. Idris did not realize how much Startup with a Healthy Breakfast control he had over his destiny The duo decided to ‘’do something’’. So, thirty four until the kids at the popular years later, they are still business partners. They table at school were discussing brainstormed the fundamentals: how to set up a which family businesses each of them would be potential business and what they needed. Both had running. to keep their jobs in order to support themselves, but they held great resolve to take this idea forward. Idris topped in the BSc and got admission in NED. After four years of studying at NED, he raised They opened up a bank account, deposited a few funding from family, friends and community hundred dollars each and got a business license. members to go to the US for his Masters. He quit in Next, they needed a name for their company. “Since the middle of PhD program at Illinois Institute of I was the marketing guy, I put together all the Technology while finding the US job market in its buzzwords I could think of and ‘Semi-Custom Logic’ worst slump. After doing a few odd jobs in or SLI was formed,” electronics for as little as $3/hour he landed in a real engineering job and thought his life was set. Until In the early 80’s, SLI landed in its first defense he met Saeed Kazmi and the roller-coaster ride contract. The contractor needed a chip design that began. needed to be used in Stinger missiles. “The

18 electronics made the missile too large to shoot and to put a book inside this mobile device with flat needed the size to be drastically reduced and able screen and have some way of navigating through it. to run with low power batteries. CMOS technology “We started copying books into memory cards that had just been introduced and could be used to can be inserted into the Portabook.” Saeed and Idris build the chip they needed. Idris designed the chip traveled to the East coast to pitch the idea to the and I did the selling.” Idris’s design combined 18 major publishers before they went to any VC. chips into one and customers loved the team, making SLI money for the first time. A few years after Apple launched Newton, Saeed felt the device was good, but not powerful enough Saeed was already eyeing the manufacturing to replace a PC. He needed something that was in prowess of Texas Instruments and the thousands of between. As such, they designed a tablet and called chips they used to make with the help of the big it Vista. yellow reference book. A few years down the line towards the start of the Since he had been exposed to Programmable Logic communication revolution in 1991, Idris and Saeed at MMI, he realized that he could program one chip wanted to build and IP Telephony system and set up to do the functions of all the chips that were making a company specifically for that space and called it the boards too big and bulky. He talked the idea VPNet. over with Idris and began writing a business plan to Idris designed and built the pitch to Vcs. first Virtual Private Network (VPN) product, securing that Both Idris and Saeed were Internet and VPNet raised $30 relatively new in the US and million in Venture Capital. had no clue what stereotypes “We eventually sold VPNet to w e r e w r a p p e d a r o u n d Avaya for $ 180 million, who educational institution or VCs does about $ 1.5-2 billion a for the matter. While raising year now. VC funding for their ideas was proving to be difficult, they Saeed would interface with actually had continued customers and identify needs success with their consulting and Idris would build. He business through SLI. developed FreshStart, a technology that centres were There was an Air Force Base struggling with. that wanted to set up their Fab and invited SLI to come “Each time the computer and present. Recalls Saeed “Idris had no clue about system would power cycle, it would produce a Fabs but knew that I had done my Masters in brand new system which takes away common Microelectronics so I know how to make chips, issues such as hard drive corruption and viruses the albeit only in the lab. It was a million dollar project system that run FreshStart are virus-free. and we got it. Finally, a lot of ideas and concepts depend on skill, Innovating Times timing and luck. Luck, timing and a clear vision -- It was 1992 and the business partners went back to these are three buzzwords you hear the most often focusing on the consultancy work that was ongoing from entrepreneurs who have made it. However at SLI. They created the prototype of an electronic one you get down to it, there are more unknowns book in 1992 called ‘Portabooks’ and the idea was that need figuring out, than knowns.

19 First Foreigner Scholar Completes PhD from UoP Nasha Bin Rodziadi has become the first Malaysian scholar to have completed his PhD in Archaeology from the University of Peshawar.

The scholar was admitted in the PhD programme under an agreement signed by the University Sains Malaysia and the University of Peshawar few years ago. The topic of the scholar was about the detailed study and analysis of inscription found in the Gandhara region for which the scholar collected material from all the museums in Pakistan.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rasul Jan, Vice Chancellor, UoP conferred the doctorate degree upon the scholar in a ceremony held at the university. situation, but special exchange programmes have been initiated with foreign universities to overcome Speaking on this occasion, he said the doors of the issue. He informed that UniversitiSains Malaysia university are open to the foreigner scholars. He was interested in enhancing collaboration with the lamented that the intake of foreign students in the UoP in the fields of Disaster Management, and university has decreased due to prevailing security Peace and Conflict Studies.

SU Workshop on Research Methodology Area Study Centre Far East and Southeast Asia, create wisdom, solutions to social problems and to University of Sindh, Jamshoro in collaboration with upgrade the quality of life of masses. All the three Hanns Seidel Foundation, Islamabad organised goals, he argued, would not be achieved without one-day training workshop on “Research genuine research. Methodology”. Dr. Fleschenberg maintained that she had been MPhil and PhD students of the Centre as well as actively involved in several research projects across individuals from other disciplines attended the the globe since the last nine years. She said that the workshop in a large number. The workshop was concepts ad methods of research remained in a facilitated by Dr. Andrea Fleschenberg, Cologne constant flux, hence, they all as researchers, needed University, Germany, Lars Bergmeyer, Director, to re-acclimatise themselves with those changing German Academic Exchange Office, Islamabad, patterns. She further asserted that it would be Omer Ali,Programme Manager Hanns Seidel erroneous to conceive research as a smooth ride. Foundation Pakistan. For, research involved a number of risks, political constraints and several other obstacles, she said. Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad Yet, she opined that the researchers all over the Siddique Kalhoro, Acting Vice Chancellor, University world, including her, had not only ironed out such of Sindh, Jamshoro observed that research should hiccups and hobnobs, but had also successfully be the top priority of a university. He said that the prevailed over them. very concept of a university would cease to exist if it stopped generating new, valid, reliable and Mr. Lars Bergmeyer, Director, German Academic authentic knowledge. Dr. Kalhoro insisted that the Exchange Office, Islamabad and Mr. Bergmeyer also seminal job of higher education institution was to spoke on the occasion.

20 APQN Quality Champions Award Conferred Engr. Muhammad Ismail, Consultant Quality The APQN Quality Champions Award is set up for Assurance, HEC has won the Asia Pacific Quality the individuals who have made outstanding Network (APQN) Quality Champions Award-2016. contributions to promoting quality and excellence of higher education and recognized nationally and The award ceremony was held at Nadi, Fiji. APQN is internationally in their research achievements or a n e t w o r k o f 1 6 6 q u a l i t y a s s u r a n c e leadership of Quality Assurance activities. a g e n c i e s / o r g a n i z a t i o n s w i t h institutional members from 38 On winning the honour, APQN countries. It aims to enhance the quality congratulated Muhammad Ismail for his of higher education in Asia and the remarkable contribution to the Pacific region by building capacity of knowledge and practice of Quality quality assurance agencies. APQN Assurance and for championing APQN’s confers awards annually on outstanding cause of quality. individuals, institutions and QA agencies on the recommendations of an Riphah International University has also international jury in four different won APQN Quality Award 2016 in the categories. category of Model Internal QA Award.

Committee Reviews QAU TT Statutes Following the decision of the Syndicate of Quaid-e- meeting due to other commitments. During the Azam University (QAU), Islamabad, the Higher course of meeting, Mr. Ismail presented a Education Commission (HEC) facilitated the comparative of the two statutes highlighting the meeting of the committee to review the Tenure points of agreements and differences. Track Statutes version 2.0 of QAU viz-a-viz the HEC Model Tenure Track Statues 2.0. Dr. Sohail Naqvi shared a quick overview of the Model Tenure Track and analysis of the The Committee comprises Ms. Mehreen Anwar comparative. He expressed that most of the Raja, Ex-MNA, Dr. Sohail H. Naqvi, Vice Chancellor, differences are minor and there are only a few LUMS, Dr. Abdul Qadeer Rajput, Ex-VC MUET points which need to be deliberated on by the Jamshoro, Major General Zahid Hamid, AFPGMI, committee to reach a conclusion. The Committee Rawalpindi, Dr. Wasim Ahmad, Dean Biological decided that Dean QAU and Consultant QA HEC Sciences, QAU and Mr. Muhammad Ismail, should discuss the points of difference and try to Consultant QA HEC. Dr Sohail H. Naqvi participated reach a consensus wherever possible and present in the meeting through video conferencing while the left over points of difference before the Major General Zahid Hamid could not attend the committee.

21 Seminar Explores Linkages between Engineering Research, Entrepreneurship

A seminar on “Linkages between Engineering e n t r e p r e n e u r s h i p . H e m a i n t a i n e d t h a t Research and Entrepreneurship", a part of the entrepreneurship is also a social service, as it seminars on the topic, was held recently at the US- benefits masses at large. Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W), Mehran University of Engineering and On this occasion, Mr. Ghulam Mustafa and Dr. Technology (MUET), Jamshoro. Rizwan Ahmed, entrepreneurs from NED University also shared their experiences of entrepreneurship. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shahid Qureshi, Similarly, students of USPCAS-W also shared their Programme Director, Institute of Business experiences and participated in a question and Administration (IBA), Karachi emphasized the answer session. significance of entrepreneurship and said that entrepreneurs need to work with a passion as it is an Dr. Bakshal Khan Lashari, Project Director said that important factor. this water research centre is trying its best to achieve the targets and goals set in partnership with the He said that starting a small business at the University of Utah, USA. He said the United States community level and then expanding it to the Agency for International Development (USAID) is country and global level is a key to successful fully supporting the centre.

50 Firms Participate in GIK Institute’s Open House As many as 50 national and multinational Engr. ShamsulMulk, President, Society for the companies participated in a two-day ‘Open House Promotion of Engineering Sciences and and Career Fair’ of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Technology in Pakistan said that the students have Engineering Sciences and Technology. been trained in GIK Institute to face the emerging challenges and play their due role in the country’s Mr. Pervez Khattak, Chief Minister, Khyber progress. Pakhtunkhwa was chief guest during the inaugural session while Mr. Asad Qaisar, Speaker KPK Jehangir Bashar, Rector, GIK Institute said the Open Assembly, also graced the event. Mr. Khattak House brings together senior representatives from inspected the projects of final-year students industry and research organizations once a year, belonging to different disciplines of engineering which is a very positive step. Prof. Dr. Javed A. education. He also inaugurated Hostel-11 at the Chattha, Pro-Rector (Academic) and others also institute. spoke on the occasion.

22 CEAD MUET holds Biennale ‘Pearls of Peace’ The Centre of Excellence in Art & Design (CEAD), Mehran University of Engineering & Technology (MUET), Jamshoro organized the 1st International Watercolour Biennale “Pearls of Peace” in collaboration with the International Watercolor Society (IWS), Pakistan and IWS-Globe.

The Biennale, which included an exhibition, award ceremony, visits of historical places, preparation of a 20-meter long painting, and music with several other segments, was inaugurated by Prof. Dr. Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Vice Chancellor MUET.

The Biennale included the paintings of 189 renowned artists of the world from 38 different Bulgaria and Pakistan personally witnessed the countries such as USA, Canada, Argentine, Brazil, Biennale. Mexico, Peru, UK, Russia, Sweden, Italy, Greece, Spain, Belgium, Brussels, Bulgaria, Ukraine, Turkey, In the award ceremony the “Life Time Achievement India, Egypt, Ghana, China, Bangladesh, Iran, Iraq, Awards”, “Hardship Awards”, “Honourable Awards” Malaysia, Poland and others, whereas the artists and “Pioneers Awards” were given away to the from Canada, Serbia, Spain, Thailand, Iran, Iraq, participants. GCU Lab Wins US Patent in Nano-technology The Government College University (GCU) Nano- c o m m e r c i a l l y a v a i l a b l e Chemistry Laboratory made an unprecedented chloramphenicol eye drops and achievement by getting another US patent on showed a maximum of drug “Drug Entrapment Efficiency and Sustained Drug entrapment efficiency (DEE) in 48 h Release of Chloramphenicol Loaded Polymeric-iron exhibiting sustained release of Nanoparticles” in the field of applied research. drug. This research work harvests The patent in the field of nano-technology is the nanocomposite which enable result of research done by the group of scientists sustained release and targeted delivery of under the supervision of Dr. Muhammad Akhyar antibiotics as well as to cover deficiency of iron. Farrukh. Iron nanoparticles of magnetic nature are suitable Chloramphenicol is an antibiotic useful for the candidates for sustained and/or prolonged drug treatment of a number of bacterial infections. It is a delivery. Iron magnetic nanoparticles loaded with bacteriostatic. The original indication of drug enhances the effect of drug tremendously in chloramphenicol was in the treatment of typhoid drug delivery. Chloramphenicol is used for fever, treatment of tetracycline-resistant cholera. treatment of eye and ear infections and typhoid The formulation of chloramphenicol loaded fever, but this drug has poor bioavailability when polymeric-iron composite with the nanosize given orally due to its poor solubility in the increases its activity for the treatment of infections. gastrointestinal tract and its early degradation. This research work yields nanocomposite which T h e s e i s s u e s c a n b e s o l v e d b y g i v i n g enable targeted delivery of antibiotic. Antibacterial Chloramphenicol loaded polymeric-iron drug orally activity of chloramphenicol loaded polymeric-iron which is produced by the scientists of Nano- nanocomposite was found more extensive than the Chemistry Lab, GC University Lahore.

23 Winners of FICS NUST 2016 Announced Entrepreneurial Challenge Generates 250 Innovative Ideas

The prototype-showcasing session and closing project ‘sIONser’ in the category of ‘Environment’ award ceremony of Finding Innovative & Creative which was awarded a cash prize of Rs. 75,000. The Solutions for Society (FICS-NUST 2016), a platform consolation prize of Rs. 50,000, jointly sponsored by to foster social entrepreneurship, was held at IAG and Alfoze Technologies, was awarded to the National University of Sciences & Technology project MDVPL in the category of ‘Education’ to the (NUST). team from MCS-NUST.

Dr. Shahid Mahmud, CEO Interactive Group of Extending felicitations to the winners and runner- Companies (IAG), was the chief guest on the ups of FICS 2016, the chief guest appreciated occasion. During the course of technology-based students into playing their part in presenting event, the hard working and erudite young minds, innovative ideas. He said that academia as well as who had previously passed the first two stages of industry should focus their research on areas this challenging competition, presented the pertinent to the needs and requirements of the prototypes of their projects to the panel of communities around. He termed FICS 2016 a great esteemed Industry judges. The jury, after a success for generating around 250 new ideas. thorough evaluation of entries, announced the winners of the competition. All the participating teams were also given a prototype development fund sponsored by A team from SEECS-NUST won the competition for Industry partners like; Crescent Steel & Allied their project ‘TAME’ in the category of ‘Biomedical Products (Pvt.) Ltd & Telenor Velocity. Engineering’. They were awarded a cash prize of Rs. 150,000 sponsored by Rastgar Engineering. The Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive special prize of Rs. 150,000 went to the talented Director HEC, congratulated the participants who students from National Textile University (NTU) for were able to materialize their useful ideas. He their project in the special category of ‘Counter maintained that he wanted FICS NUST to become a Terrorism’ named ‘STOP BULLET’. The 1st runner-up countrywide event. team was from SEECS for their project ‘GAPS’ in the category of ‘Healthcare’ and was awarded a cash IAG also announced commercialization of the idea prize of Rs. 100,000, sponsored by PlumGrid. The 2nd ‘Antibiotic Intelligence’ presented by the students of runner-up was also a team from SEECS for their ASAB NUST.

24 Indigenous Research, Training to Uplift Power Sector Over the past few years, energy crisis has cost M e a n w h i l e , D r. Pakistan up to four per cent of GDP downfall. N a s e e m I q b a l , Closure of hundreds of factories, paralyzed Assistant Professor production and increased unemployment are the a t U S P C A S - E , worst effects of the energy crisis and these factors NUST, specialized have made energy one the most critical challenges in the area of fuel for Pakistan. cells technology; in the area of catalysis The launch of U.S.-Pakistan Centre for Advanced particularly visited Studies in Energy at National University of Sciences A S U u n d e r t h e and Technology (USPCAS-E) project by USAID in similar exchange collaboration with Higher Education Commission programme and (HEC) and Arizona State University (ASU), is an effort worked in the Fuel to fulfil this national need. Cell research group at the Polytechnic School, ASU. The super vision was provided by Prof. A. M. Kannan, a renowned expert in Fuel Cell technology at ASU.

“The main bottle neck in the Fuel Cell development is the Pt loading on catalyst which increases the overall cost for this technology. I developed a process to lower the Pt loading on electrocatalyst Mr. Akif Zia Khan, faculty member at USPCAS-E, for PEMFC. This contribution will help the industry NUST visited Arizona State University (ASU) from in lowering the cost of Fuel Cell”, stated Dr. Naseem Jan – Mar 2016 for this purpose and held a series of Iqbal. On the basis of these studies, a feasibility meetings on curriculum, lab equipment and applied analysis was conducted in collaboration with research projects with peer faculty and fellow Hyundai Motors Group for the development of researchers in Power Systems Research Centre novel electrocatalyst with ultra-low Pt loading for (PSERC) at ASU. Fuel cell vehicles.

During his stay at ASU, the collaborative work with During the Exchange Programme with ASU, a Dr. George Karaday of PSERC played an detailed research collaboration was formed which instrumental role in the development of curriculum helped the other faculty at USPCAS-E in building a and power hardware in the loop smart grids strong research collaboration with ASU faculty laboratory for Electrical Energy Engineering working in different areas of Energy and executed Programme at USPCAS-E at National University of different research projects. Sciences and Technology (NUST), Pakistan. The participation in different technical workshops and Some of the major projects to benefit energy events hosted by the IEEE PES Chapter at ASU resources of Pakistan were PEM Fuel, hydrogen resulted in extraordinary capacity building of the storage materials, batteries fabrication and testing faculty under this exchange programme and for efficient energy storage and electrochemical became a true reason of replication of teaching and reduction of CO2 for improved environment and experimental facilities. converting CO2 into useful chemicals.

25 HEC, UVAS to hold Livestock Entrepreneurship Competition for Farmers The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences development of livestock sector in the country as it (UVAS), Lahore in collaboration with the Higher is vital for food security. He announced that the HEC Education Commission (HEC) organized a meeting and UVAS will jointly launch a livestock on Academia-Stakeholders Linkages for Livestock entrepreneurship competition. He said that the Sector Development to critically analyze the current Punjab IT Board in collaboration with the HEC, UVAS scenario and formulate a strategy for future and Punjab Livestock and Dairy Development development. Department will also launch a mobile App for education and awareness of farmers. Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC chaired the meeting while Prof. Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Dr. Arshad Ali also gave a presentation on “What Chancellor, UVAS, Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Vice makes universities attractive as industry partners” Chancellor, University of Engineering and and threw light on the role of universities in national Technology, Mr. Nasim Sadiq, Secretary Livestock development in the 21st century, their role in and Dairy Development, Punjab, Rai Mansab Ali knowledge and economic growth and key lessons Kharal, President, Pakistan Poultry Association for university-industry partnerships. He said the North Zone, representatives of FAST and Punjab IT HEC will promote university-industry partnerships Board as well as people from livestock, dairy and for socio-economic development of the country. poultry industry were also present on the occasion. Vice Chancellor, UVAS, Prof. Talat Naseer Pasha said The participants had a thorough discussion on that the UVAS in close collaboration with industry is innovative ideas, need for investment in the working for the development of livestock, dairy and livestock sector, academic collaboration and poultr y sectors through human resource commercialisation of research for development of development, applied research, community dairy, livestock and poultry sectors. services and extension programmes. Dr. Abdul Karim Bhatti and Mr. Faisal Fareed made Speaking on the occasion, the Executive Director, presentations on the current situation and HEC, said that HEC accords high priority to the challenges in poultry and dairy sectors, respectively.

HEC Scholar Completes PhD in Women’s Studies Dr. Nadia Agha resumed her job at Shah Abdul Latif Participation Programme in University, Khairpur after completing her PhD in which she mentored college Women’s Studies from University of York, England. students in their research projects. Her dissertation She is associated with the Department of Sociology, focused on the kinship system SALU and was awarded PhD scholarship under the in rural Pakistan and women’s Faculty Development Programme by HEC. position in it.

During her stay in England, she presented her work Based on her findings, she has written several in four different conferences and attended a newspaper articles. Recently, her research paper residential course on teaching and learning. She titled ‘Kinship in rural Pakistan: consanguineous also worked as academic tutor under York marriages and their implications for women’ was University’s Realising Opportunities and Widening published in Women’s Studies International Forum.

26 Bahria University holds 15th Convocation As many as 406 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines at the fifteenth convocation of Bahria University, Islamabad held recently.

President Mamnoon Hussain, Admiral Muhammad Zakaullah, Chief of Naval Staff, and Tanveer Faiz, Rector, BU graced the occasion with their presence and conferred degrees upon the graduating students. Students were also honoured with gold and silver medals for their outstanding achievements in their academic career. Scholarly research work and other forms of creative Mr. Mamnoon Hussain awarded 20 gold medals endeavours are essential for sustained intellectual and 18 silver medals to students, who won top growth of any higher education institution. He said positions in their respective departments. it is a matter of satisfaction and encouragement for all that universities are effectively contributing to Speaking on the occasion, President Mamnoon building human resource of the country. Hussain congratulated the students and their parents on their splendid success and said that Earlier in his welcome address, Tanveer Faiz, Rector, universities and institutions have gained significant Bahria University, wished the students a prosperous importance by imparting education and fostering future. He said that higher education has now competencies to make productive citizens of become a tool of economic growth and universities Pakistan. He said Bahria University is taking have great responsibility of producing quality necessary initiatives required to enhance graduates who could contribute to various fields educational research activities. and to economic growth of the country.

SBBU’s 1st Convocation The first convocation of Shaheed Benazir Bhutto Saba, also in Education. Sanam Brohi won second University (SBBU), Shaheed Benazirabad was position in BBA, while Muhammad Ali, Rabail Niaz, recently held in which 41 students were awarded and Ghulam Murtaza also won second positions in Bachelors and Masters degrees in different fields. English, Education and B.Ed.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Merit certificates were awarded to the second Commission, Mr. Arshad Saleem, Vice Chancellor, position holders. The third position was clinched by Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University and other four students including Aiman Israr in BBA, Waseem renowned academicians congratulated the new Ahmed in English, Tooba Gul Khan in M.Ed) and Ms graduates on the occasion. Mehwish in B.Ed.

A large number of students, their parents and As many as 19 students of the School of Bachelors in teachers attended the event. Maheen Ali from Business Administration, four students of BS Business Department snatched a gold medal. Three English, four students of Bachelors in Education, silver medals were awarded to position holders four students of Masters in Education, and 10 including Muhammad Tahir Ali from English students of Masters in Business Education were Department, Summaira Qazi in Education, and Miss awarded degrees in the first convocation.

27 VU 7th Convocation Ceremonies held across Pakistan The 7th Convocation of Virtual University of Pakistan Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed Chairman, HEC and Mr. Rizwan was held in different cities of the country including Bashir Khan, Additional Secretary, Ministry of Sialkot, Lahore, Karachi, Multan, Faisalabad and Information Technology were also present on the Islamabad in order to facilitate students. A total of occasion. Addressing the audience on this 1500 students were conferred degrees on their auspicious occasion, Dr. Naveed A. Malik, Rector, VU successful completion of various graduate degree highlighted the achievements of VU, its role to programmes. Nine gold medals and 24 merit impart education online even to the remotest areas certificates were also awarded to outstanding of the country. graduates. Addressing the participants, President Mamnoon President Mamnoon Hussain graced the occasion Hussain stressed the need for working honestly and as chief guest while the audience included parents, with dedication to make the country a true members of faculty, and eminent personalities from realization of the vision of Quaid-e-Azam and academia, corporate and public sector. Allama Iqbal. SAU Confers 598 Degrees Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam impacts on agriculture, human health and other conferred degrees upon 598 candidates in addition resources. He said the Sindh is immensely to award of 45 medals to top scoring students contributing to food production through during its ninth convocation. agriculture. He said these graduates are a ray of hope for the nation facing a number of challenges. Mr. Nisar Khuhro, Senior Minister for Education and Literacy presided over the event and praised the Dr. Mujeebuddin Sehrai, VC, SAU shared the SAU VC and his team for working on research contribution of SAU in agriculture, banking, development mainly in environment, water and financial institutes, livestock, corporate sector and nutrition. The Minister said that environmental other relevant fields. He said over one dozen safety in present time is a must to avoid disastrous projects are in the pipeline. 1500 SSUET Students Awarded Degrees Sir Syed University of Engineering and Technology that “graduation is the beginning of your (SSUET) organized its 19th convocation, which was professional life. While you prepare to enter attended by a large number of educationists, practical phase of your career, never forget that a scholars and dignitaries including faculty and large segment of our society is deprived of the basic students. amenities of life and facing hardship. Do try to help mankind. Do further strengthen the name and On this auspicious occasion, more than 1500 image of your university and bring honour to the degrees were distributed among the graduates of nation.” BS and MS programmes. Mr. Jawaid Anwar, Chancellor, SSUET, Prof. Dr. Syed In his address, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Jawaid Hasan Rizvi, Vice Chancellor, SSUET, Syed Higher Education Commission (HEC), who was the Sarfraz Ali, Registrar, SSUET and other notables also chief guest on this occasion, advised the students spoke on this occasion.

28 257 FUI Students Receive Degrees in Various Disciplines Director FU, Rawalpindi campus, were also present on the occasion.

The MD FFBL conferred degrees upon the graduates. He awarded eight gold medals, sever silver medals, six distinction certificates and 15 merit certificates. The award for best graduating student was clinched by Salman Farooq, who was also given a cash prize.

In his welcome address, Rector FUI said that he Foundation University Islamabad (FUI) organized expects the FUI graduates to possess high Convocation 2016 for the graduates of Humanities professional competence coupled with humanistic and Liberal Arts, Engineering and IT disciplines, and moral qualities. wherein as many as 257 students were awarded degrees. The chief guest said that the new graduates are blessed to have an opportunity to utilize their Mr. Muhammad Haroon Aslam, Chief Executive and knowledge to serve the country. He lauded the Managing Director, Fauji Fertilizer Bin Qasim concerted efforts of the Rector, Deans, Faculty and Limited (FFBL) was the chief guest, while Mr. Khadim the entire management of FUI to improve the Hussain, Rector FUI and Dr. Akhtar Nawaz Malik, quality of education, teaching and learning.

FU Convocation for Medical College Graduates The Foundation University Medical College organised Convocation 2016 in which as many as 115 MBBS graduates were awarded degrees.

President, Foundation University, Islamabad (FUI), Khalid Nawaz Khan was the chief guest while Rector, FUI, Khadim Hussain and Director, FUI, Dr. Akhtar Waheed, were also present on the occasion. The chief guest also awarded six gold medals, five silver medals, 11 distinction certificates and 43 merit certificates. The award for best graduating student was clinched by Ramlah Ghazanfar. Cash prize was The chief guest said that since its inception, the FUI also awarded to the best graduating student. has been making progress at a remarkable pace. He said the rapid progress made in undergraduate and In his welcome address, the Rector, FUI, highlighted post graduate studies in health sciences by the FUI the progress and academic excellence FUI has is commendable. “We as individuals must focus on achieved in the past years. Regarding the 750-bed the national goals of eliminating diseases and Fauji Foundation Hospital, a teaching hospital of poverty. A positive attitude creates positive FUMC, with state-of-the-art facilities can be energies leading to high productivity, team work, compared with any other modern hospital of passion and optimism. We all must strive to be international repute. innovative and dynamic citizens,” he concluded.

29 8th SALU Convocation CM Sindh Urges Youth to Fight against Social Ills A large number of students were awarded degrees in different disciplines during the 8th convocation of Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur recently held at the university.

The students included six PhDs, 40 MS and MPhil students, 110 LLB graduates, 10 ADEs, 561 BA, BSc, B. Com, BS, BBA and B. Ed students along with 373 MA, MSc, M. Com and M. Ed graduates. Eleven gold and 115 silver medals were also given away to the the country’s people. He said Sindh is rich in students. resources which need to be explored and utilized for the country’s well-being. Syed Qaim Ali Shah, Chief Minister Sindh was the chief guest on this occasion, while Prof. Dr. Mukhtar In his address, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that the Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission, Higher Education Commission, Islamabad is playing Islamabad was the guest of honour. vital role for promotion of higher education and research. He said ensuring quality and good Speaking on this occasion as chief guest Syed Qaim governance in the country’s higher education Ali Shah congratulated the graduating students and institutions is the top priority of HEC, adding that it appreciated the university’s achievements. He also is also concentrating on equitable access to admired the international entities like USAID for education for the students of far-flung areas. their support to development of higher education sector in the country. Dr. Mukhtar said that 178 public and private sector universities are providing higher education and Mr. Shah announced that each district will have a research facilities to students countrywide. He university during the next two years. He said the elaborated that more than 1200 publications are government is paying due attention to the included in Gold Star Category. He said that the promotion of higher education in the province. He welfare of society lies in provision of quality higher urged the degree recipients to prepare themselves education and research opportunities, and this for challenges prevailing in the society and serve should be the main objective of universities.

IoBM to hold MCS-10 in October Institute of Business Management, Karachi is in Mathematics on Optimisation (2007), Simulation planning to hold 10th Mathematics, Computer (2008), Financial Mathematics (2009), Risk Science, Statistics (MCS-10) Conference on Data Management (2010), Forecasting (2011), Risk Science on 29th and 30th October 2016. Forecasting (2012), Stochastic Modeling and Data Analysis (2013), BIG Data Innovation (2014) and Big The conference will be held for two days as per the Data Analytics and Business Intelligence ( 2015) . requirement of Higher Education Commission. The The conferences were largely attended by experts IoBM has so far organised a series of nine colloquia from various academic institutions and industry.

30 PIEAS Awards 561 Degrees in 9th Convocation Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS) organized its ninth convocation in which as many as 561 students were awarded degrees in various disciplines.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms was the chief guest on the occasion. He conferred degrees upon the successful candidates of PhD, MS, and BS in the disciplines of Nuclear Engineering, Systems Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical the country and said the world has identified the Engineering, Nuclear Medicine, Radiation and key areas of development in the fields of IT & Medical Oncology, Medical Physics, Physics, Telecom, robotics, man-made materials, Materials Engineering and Process Engineering. The biotechnology, chemical processing, and outstanding graduates who received degrees and sustainable energy. By adopting modern awards included 27 PhDs, 437 Masters and 97 BS. techniques in research, universities can play a major Around 11 gold medals, 34 merit certificates and 32 role to develop a modern society. certificates of appreciation were also awarded. In his welcome address, Muhammad Naeem, Speaking to the gathering of scholars, intellectuals Chairman, PAEC thanked the Federal Minister for his and scientists, the minister lauded the research presence and briefed the audience about the output and quality of education at PIEAS. He urged culture of merit that is the hallmark of PAEC. the graduating scholars to look around for positivity and try to strengthen the scientific knowledge base Earlier, Rector PIEAS told the audience that PIEAS of the country. He urged them to materialize all their acquired degree awarding status in year 2000 and energies for the development of Pakistan. He within a short period of six years it was ranked high emphasized the importance of applied research in as engineering institution of Pakistan. 569 Degrees Awarded in 13th PAF-KEIT Convocation The 13th convocation ceremony of Pakistan Air 28 in MCS, 5 in MBA-MIS, 16 in MS-CS, 7 in MS-EE, Force-Karachi Institute of Economics & Technology 19 degrees were awarded to BCA and 7 to MCA [PAF-KEIT] was recently held at PAF Base Faisal, graduates. Furthermore, the College of Engineering Karachi. awarded 183 degrees to the graduates of BE Electronics degree programme. A total of 569 graduates were conferred degrees in the disciplines of Management Sciences, Computer Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad Khan, Governor, Sindh was the Sciences and Engineering. The College of chief guest on the occasion. He awarded gold and Management Sciences awarded 41 degrees in BBA, silver medals to distinguished students. He seven in BS-AF, 171 in MBA and seven in MS-MS emphasized the importance of higher education degree programmes. and the significance of research and development in the progress of a country. Chief of the Air Staff, Air The College of Computing and Information Chief Marshal Sohail Aman was also present on the Sciences awarded 60 degrees in BSCS, 18 in BS-ERP, occasion as the guest of honour.

31 Pakistan-EU Relations Creating Opportunities for Youth

The European Union is providing considerable and Dean Faculty of Social Sciences Prof. Dr. Adnan funds to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government for Sarwar Khan also spoke on the topic. The uplift projects in education, especially construction Ambassador said that 28 countries are actively of schools destroyed due to terrorist acts. donating funds for development in the world. He added that 100 scholarships are being offered to This was stated by Mr. Jean-Francois Cautain, the Pakistani students in various EU countries. Ambassador of European Union to Pakistan in the one day seminar on the relations between EU and Responding to a question, the Ambassador said Pakistan at the University of Peshawar. that the EU was willing to play its role in resolving Vice Chancellor UoP Prof. Dr. Muhammad Rasul Jan the Kashmir issue.

HEC Scholars Complete PhD, Rejoin LUAWMS Dr. Sonia Tariq, faculty of Marine Sciences, Lasbela completed his PhD from the University of Putra, University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Malaysia in agriculture with specialization in Sciences (LUAWMS), Uthal, Balochistan has horticulture. He has rejoined the university a few successfully completed her PhD from the University months back. of East Anglia, London. Dr. Khalid Khan has recently rejoined Lasbela She developed optical PH sensors for Marine University of Agriculture, Water and Marine Sediments during her PhD. Her research work Sciences (LUAWMS) after successful completion of included PH vs depth profiles of Marine sediments. his PhD in Quantitative Economics (Econometrics) She has rejoined LUAWMS. from Huazhong University of Sciences and Technology (HUST), Wuhan, P. R. China under the Dr. Jalal Faiz, faculty of Education, LUAWMS has Faculty Development Programme. The main focus completed his PhD from the University of of his research was Macroeconomics Modeling with Westminster, London in the field of the International his thesis entitled “Essays on Consumption Development, Education Policies, Textbooks and Hypotheses”. During his PhD studies, he published Curriculum. Mr. Jalal Faiz rejoined Lasbela University three research papers in international peer after completion of his PhD. Dr. Ghulam Khaliq, reviewed journals. Presently, he is working as faculty of Agriculture, LUAWMS, has successfully Assistant Professor at LUAWMS.

32 Promoting Professionalism and Morality Lack of professionalism, downfall of ethical values in Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC urged teachers the society and malpractices are leading causes of and religious leaders to play their role in inculcating deteriorating circumstances of the nation. ethics and morality in the country's youth. He said that teachers can refurbish the skills of students and Speakers said this at a seminar on professionalism illuminate their heart with the light of humanism. organized by Faculty of Agriculture Engineering and Technology at the University of Agriculture, He said that Islam is a complete code of conduct Faisalabad. The session was co-chaired by which guides in all fields of life. He said that the west Chairman, Higher Education Commission, Dr. adopted our golden principles and made Mukhtar Ahmed and Chairman, Pakistan remarkable progress. Engineering Council, Engr. Jawed Salim Qureshi. He said that Muslim constitutes need to work hard Engr. Jawed Salim Qureshi said that excellence, to keep pace with the world in sciences and honesty, humanity, and accountability are the technology. He said that the Muslims need to recall integral parts of professionalism. In the past, their history as some centuries ago, the Muslim teachers used to train students about the social states were the hubs of knowledge. He said the HEC aspects and humanity after the classes timing also. is making all-out efforts to provide quality Now, the segment has gone missing from our education and research opportunities. "But we care educational institutions paving the way for a serious if a research does not address the problems of the threat of manpower sans moral values. society or industry, it is useless", he stressed.

He also stressed upon the need to change the Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, UAF, mindset of students to make them hardworking, said it is a matter of concern that the hefty public loyal and target-oriented to achieve the goals in life. money is spent on the education of doctors, He was of the view that the social aspect was engineers and science students, but they prefer to missing from the professional educations. He said settle abroad rather than serving Pakistan. that the PEC was introducing credit hours courses in the syllabus of engineering. He said that Korea in He observed that the country is blessed with the 1960s adopted Pakistan's five year development immense talent which needs to be put on the right plan and now it has emerged as one of leading track for the development and prosperity of the nations in the world. country.

Milk Adulteration Survey The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences Chancellor said that milk adulteration survey will (UVAS), Lahore and Tetra Pak, Pakistan signed a be a step forward towards ensuring supply of pure Memorandum of Understanding to jointly conduct milk to consumers. a milk adulteration survey. He said that under the MoU, the university will Executive Director, HEC, Prof. Dr. Arshad Ali was depute its research students and scholars through also present during the MoU-signing ceremony. its Centre for Applied Policy and Research in Livestock (CAPRIL) and will provide adulterant kits Vice Chancellor Prof. Dr Talat Naseer Pasha and and refills, pipettes, test tubes, test tube stands Marketing Director, Tetra Pak, Assad Abbas signed and tongs for the survey. The Tetra Pak will the MoU. Speaking on the occasion, the Vice arrange the field visits of the appointed team.

33 First Syndicate Meeting of Khawaja Fareed University The first Syndicate meeting of the Khawaja Fareed University of Engineering & Information Technology, Rahim Yar Khan was held at the Board of Intermediate and Secondary Education, Lahore.

The meeting was chaired by Mrs. Zakia Shahnawaz, Pro-Chancellor and Minister for Higher Education. The agenda items of meeting included the Annual Report of Vice Chancellor and the approval of the university budget for 2016-17. Mr. Irfan Ali, values of tolerance, service to others and innovation Secretary HED, Dr. Umar Saif, Vice Chancellor, ITU, in its students. He said that soon more engineering MPAs Umar Jaffar, Mehwish Sultana and Fozia and information technology related programmes Qureshi also attended the meeting. will be launched for the youth of Southern Punjab so that they could acquire quality higher education Engr. Prof. Dr. Athar Mahboob briefed the media near their doorstep. The Syndicate assured the representatives that the university is instilling the university of its full cooperation and support.

University of Utah Concludes Research Boot Camp at MUET Water experts team from University of Utah have different subjects of all programmes offered by culminated their five-day boot camp aimed at USPCAS-W and specially the newly introduced two- enhancing learning and research capacity year Master of Science (MS) programme on Water, development of the faculty and students of US- Sanitation and Health Sciences and Engineering. Pakistan Centre for Advanced Studies in Water (USPCAS-W) at Mehran University of Engineering & The mission also conducted workshop on MUET Technology (MUET), Jamshoro. Clean Water Project and also had meeting on 'Water Sustainable Development Goals (SGG) in Pakistan: American professors including Prof. Patrick Shea, Challenges and Opportunities'. The mission also Prof. Dr. Tariq Banuri, Dr. Jim VanDerslice, Dr. discussed two flagship projects i.e., Pakistan Water Mohammad Aslam Chaudhry, and Dr. Sajjad Ahmed Development Repor t (PWDR) and Water had brainstorming meetings, graduate seminars Management in the Indus Basin. In this connection, and workshops at USPCAS-W. The Utah mission has a Technical Advisory Group (TAG) was set up at formed parallel research group on water USPCAS-W to steer the process of projects. governance and sustainable development, clean water infrastructure and technologies, water On this occasion, Prof. Dr. Tariq Banuri, Associate informatics and decision support, sustainable Director USPCAS-W University of Utah, USA, who agriculture water management. led the mission said that Pakistan is facing various development challenges as far as water is The water experts delivered lectures on water data concerned. The country is facing sever conditions issues and challenges in Pakistan, tracking water either of the scarcity most of the time or floods SDG’s through Pakistan Data Portal (PDP), Pakistan some times. He said that due to water quality, Water Gateway and other topics. In the curriculum access to safe drinking water is one of the major reforms perspective, the mission discussed challenges in the country.

34 Virtual University Signs MoU with WWF-Pakistan Virtual University of Pakistan (VU) and WWF- Pakistan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to promote environmental education amongst the youth of Pakistan.

Through this MoU, signed by Dr. Naveed A. Malik, Rector, VU and Mr. Hamid Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan, both the organisations will establish formal relationship to raise environmental awareness and tackle the environmental challenges through innovative research. Moreover, the two organizations will collaborate to develop joint volunteer engagement initiative, Earth Hour and research proposals. Nature Carnival. VU and WWF will also organize joint workshops to mark environmentally important The ceremony started with the welcome speech of days at the VU campuses along with capacity Dr. Naveed A Malik, Rector Virtual University of building for the VU students and faculty. Pakistan. Mr. Hamid Naqi Khan, Director General WWF-Pakistan briefed the participants about The ceremony was also attended by the top officials, WWF-Pakistan and the scope of MoU and its future faculty and staff of VU and WWF-Pakistan. It ended prospects. The VUTV will also broadcast with a positive note that the agreement would documentaries of WWF. Both the organizations deliver significant mutual benefits to both the a g r e e d t o e n g a g e s t u d e n t s i n va r i o u s organizations and that all possible efforts would be environmental awareness initiatives of WWF- made to make the MoU as much productive as Pakistan including the Eco-internship Programme, possible.

HEC Scholar Completes Post-Doc Fellowship Dr. Muhammad Rafique has completed his post- Currently the Department of NERS is sharing Rank 1 doctoral research in Nuclear Engineering and with Nuclear Engineering Department of Radiological Sciences from University of Michigan, Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). USA. He did his PhD from Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied Sciences (PIEAS). The major field of interest for Dr. Rafique was radiation dosimetry and earthquake detection, Dr. Rafique has 16 years of teaching and research while monitoring seismic activities with the help of experience with more than 60 research publications radon stations. Radiation dosimetry in radiotherapy to his credit. He was funded by the Higher Education is essential to realise its main aim i.e., to eradicate a Commission (HEC) of Pakistan to pursue a Post- cancer whilst minimising the risk of severe side Doctoral Fellowship at the Department of “Nuclear effects due to the unavoidable irradiation of healthy Engineering and Radiological Sciences (NERS)”, tissues and organs. University of Michigan Ann Arbor, USA. In industrial irradiators for sterilization of medical The graduate programme in the Nuclear equipment and pharmaceuticals, the need for Engineering and Radiological Sciences at U-M is accurate dosimetry is also governed by two one of the most highly regarded nuclear opposing requirements: achieving legal tolerance engineering programmes in the USA, regularly levels for microbiological contamination whilst ranked in the top two by US News and World Report. minimising the economic cost.

35 HEC, KU Organise Sports Gala 2015-2016 The Sports Division of Higher Education In the taekwondo event, out of 11 universities, Commission (HEC), Islamabad in collaboration with Karachi University Taekwondo (Girls) team got first the University of Karachi (KU) organised three position with 157 points while Punjab University sports events -- Judo (Boys), Swimming and secured second position with 152 points and Iqra Taekwondo (Girls) -- during the Sports Gala 2015- University clinched third position with 77 points. In 2016 at the KU. swimming event, out of seven universities, Punjab University (Girls) swimming team got first position Speaking during the opening ceremony of Sports with 225 points in the All Pakistan Inter-University Gala, Director, Physical Education, Mrs. Anjum Aziz Swimming Championship-2016 while Agha Khan appreciated the support of Higher Education University got second position with 157 points and Commission (HEC), Islamabad and the Vice Karachi University clinched third position with 131 Chancellor, KU, in organising this event. points. Among eight universities, the Karachi University secured first position with 131 points in She said that such activities play an important role All Pakistan Inter-University Judo (Boys) in the physical and mental growth of students, Championship-2016 while Agriculture University, adding that they help students focus on their Tandojam got second position with 58 points and studies and keeps them away from harmful Bahauddin Zakariya University was ranked third activities. Such activities are essential for building with 53 points. healthy and productive societies, he concluded. In the closing ceremony, Prof. Dr. Nusrat Idrees from Director General Sports, HEC, Mr. Fida Hussain the Department of Political Science and Mr. Arman highlighted the initiatives and programmes of HEC from the Department of Examination distributed for the development of sports in the country’s prizes and shields among all the winner and runner- universities of the country. up teams.

Seminar Highlights KPK Political, Administrative History Pakistan Study Centre University of Peshawar the province in the freedom struggle. She also threw arranged a Seminar on “Khyber Pakhtunkhwa: light on administrative history and gave a Political and Administrative History”. Miss Nadia comparative review of the reigns of two chief Bashir, Head Department of Pakistan Studies ministers i.e. Dr. Khan Sahib and Khan Abdul Qayum Edwardes College Peshawar was guest speaker. Prof. Khan. Dr. Fakhr-ul-Islam, Director Pakistan Study Centre presided over the seminar. The presentation was followed by question answer session. In his concluding remarks, Prof. Dr. Fakhr-ul- In her detailed presentation, Miss. Nadia gave an Islam, Director Pakistan Study Centre said that the historical background of the province, ranging from young generation is unaware of the history the Durrani Dynasty till creation of Pakistan. She gave province. He said Pakistan Study Centre has done a reasons for separation of the area from Punjab and lot to raise awareness about the history and culture creation of a new province in 1901. of the province. Besides offering it as a subject, the Centre held an international conference, a national She also discussed the struggle of Pakhtuns against conference, seminars and produced scores of theses the British imperialism and role played by people of on its history and culture.

36 5th NASA Int'l Space Apps Challenge Organised at IST

Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics and organised the fifth NASA International Space Apps Dr. Qamar-ul-Islam, Head of Electrical Engineering Challenge in Pakistan. Department. NASA International Space Apps Challenge was an intense 48-hours global weekend NASA and other space agencies around the world code-a-thon for developers, designers, engineers, organized the annual International Space Apps entrepreneurs, and astronomers to develop mobile Challenge at more than 135 locations worldwide, applications, software, hardware, data visualization including New York, the host of the event’s global and platform solutions that could contribute to main stage. IST, Islamabad was the sponsor and space exploration missions and help improving life. host of this international event in which more than The challenges focused on real-world design 20 teams from all over Pakistan participated. problems and on making our planet and universe accessible, visual and fun to explore. This year, many Mr. Shakeel Shafiq, Space Apps Curator opened the challenges represented NASA mission priorities in session. The keynote remarks were delivered by the six areas include Technology, Aeronautics, Space event head, Dr. Najam Abbas, Assistant Professor, Station, Solar System, Earth and Journey to Mars.

Allama Iqbal’s Death Anniversary Marked A seminar was recently held at the Pakistan Study Allama Iqbal had cordial relations with Quaid-e- Centre, University of Peshawar, to mark the death Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and it was he who anniversary of Allama Muhammad Iqbal. persuaded Jinnah to come back to India after he had decided to settle in Britain. Speakers including Mr. Aftab Khan, Assistant Professor, Government College of Management He said that Iqbal contributed a lot to the Sciences, Peshawar and Dr. Fakhr-ul-Islam, Director independence movement in the capacity of a Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, shed political leader and member of Punjab Legislative light on various dimensions of Allama Iqbal’s Assembly, adding that his Allahabad Address in personality as well as his services to the nation. 1930 had put the Indian Muslims on the right tract.

Mr. Aftab Khan said that Allama Iqbal was fervent In his address, Dr. Fakhr-ul-Islam paid rich tributes supporter of united India in the beginning but later to Allama Iqbal and said that Allama’s personality on he changed his mind due to the negative had many dimensions. He was a philosopher, an attitude of Indian National Congress. He said that educationist, a poet and, also, a politician.

37 Periodical Revamping of Marine Sciences Curriculum Finalised Curriculum is the backbone of a nation and services of academia and professionals working to develop curricula are commendable.

This was stated by Mr. Sulaiman Ahmed, Director HEC Regional Centre, Karachi, while welcoming the participants of HEC National Curriculum Revision Committee (NCRC) for the discipline of Marine Science final meeting at HEC RC Karachi. The curriculum of Marine Science was previously revised hands-on experience, the students will be required and circulated by HEC in the year 2011 and its to go through regroups internship to get their periodic revision was due under HEC mandate. degree. It was recommended that HEC should provide ample funds for the establishment of state- The committee thoroughly reviewed and updated of-the-art laboratories and libraries in the the Marine Science curriculum by including Universities. knowledge about latest developments and innovations in the field of Marine Sciences. New Prof. Dr. Rashida Qari, Director, Institute of Marine Modules of Port Operations & Ship Management Science, University of Karachi, Karachi, Convener & and Integrated Coastal Zone Management were Mr. Muhammad Tahir, Lecturer, Faculty of Marine introduced as field of specialisation for students Science, Lasbela University of Agriculture, Water & who intend to serve indigenously or abroad. Utmost Marine Science, Uthal, Balochistan contributed as effort was made to keep the curriculum at par with Secretary of the meeting while Mr. Riaz-ul-Haque, HEC and international standards. It was also Assistant Director, Curriculum HEC was the emphasized that for various courses requiring coordinator of the meeting. HEC Scholar Completes PhD from University of Haripur Dr. KhuramShahzad has won the honour of research papers from his PhD thesis in peer becoming the first PhD HEC Indigenous scholar of reviewed impact factor journals. The scholar has the University of Haripur (UoH). successfully developed research linkages between UoH and the University of Aberdeen, Scotland, UK. He has also successfully developed a new spreadsheet version of Roth C Model and applied to Dr. Khurram got Indigenous Scholarship from HEC field data to simulate the impact of treatment of for MSc (Hons.) leading to PhD and got admission in different manures under different tillage systems on MSc (Hons.) Agriculture at the University of future soil carbon sequestration for next 100 years Agriculture, Faisalabad. Later, he got admission in under present climatic data averaged of last 10 PhD in Hazara University, Haripur campus during years, as well as for future different climatic 2010. The Haripur campus of the Hazara University scenarios i.e. A1B (economic growth with was meanwhile upgraded to the UoH. The title of his globalisation), A2 (economic growth with PhD dissertation was “Improving Maize Productivity regionalisation), B1(Environmental protection with and Soil Organic Carbon Sequestration through globalisation) and B2 (environmental protection Biogas Slurry and Poultry Manure under Different with regionalisation). He has also published four Tillage Systems.”

38 Pakistan’s First int'l Patent in Industrial Enzymes PU Scientists Develop Thermo-acidophilic Enzyme for Food Industry Scientists from Institute of Agricultural Sciences technologist. This marvelous job was done by Dr. have discovered a novel thermo-acidophilic Ahmad during his PhD research at PU School of enzyme which can efficiently hydrolyze starch into Biological Sciences. During this period, Prof. Dr. glucose and maltose syrups in a single step and in a Muhammad Saleem Haider and Prof. Dr. Naeem simpler way, in the absence of any other enzyme. Rashid were his supervisors. All the work was completed within Pakistan using own resources. The US Patent Office has issued also patent in the names of scientists including Dr. Nasir Ahmad, Dr. Dr. Nasir Ahmad started his PhD in 2005 under Muhammad Saleem Haider, Dr. Naeem Rashid, and HEC’s Indigenous 5000 PhD Fellowship Dr. Muhammad Akhtar in this regard. It is pertinent Programme. Previously he served at various food to mention here there this is the first international industries in quality assurance/production patent of Pakistan in the field of industrial enzymes. departments. Since December 2011, he has been Since the last three decades, scientists around the serving as Assistant Professor Food Technology at globe were in search of efficient enzymes that could Institute of Agricultural Sciences, University of the simplify the process of starch hydrolysis for glucose Punjab, Lahore. This effort will simplify the and maltose production. industrial process of glucose production and in turn greatly benefit our country’s economy. Wonderful features of the enzyme resulted in the publication of US PATENT titled; “Single Step It is worth mentioning that there is not even a single Liquefaction and Saccharification of Corn Starch unit of enzyme production in Pakistan. Hence there Using an Acidophilic, Calcium Independent and is great potential in this field. With the support of Hyperthermophilic Pullulanase” (United States public and private organisations efficiency of this Patent Pub. No. US 2014/0227744 A1 published on excellent enzyme may be further improved. Mass 14/08/2014; Funded (US $ 11000) by Higher scale production of it will not only suffice our own Education Commission) Dr. Nasir Ahmad, the first needs but can also help to earn a lot of foreign author of patent, is an experienced food exchange.

News in Picture Prof. Dr. Altaf Mukati, Vice President, Academics, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST) visited Istanbul Medipol University recently and met with its Rector Prof. Dr. Sabahattin Aydin.

The purpose of the visit was to pave the way for building linkages between the two universities on various academic and research grounds. undergraduates, Masters and PhD programmes. Its infrastructure is exceptionally well, having state-of- The Medipol University, established in 2009, has the-art laboratories. Several Pakistani students are more than 10,000 students in various studying on scholarships here.

39 NAEAC Accreditation Inspection Committees Visit Punjab, AJK Agri Institutions

External evaluation and accreditation is the single with the mutual consent of the concerned Dean/ most important function of the National Principal and HoDs of the host institutions. Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) mandated by the Higher Education During on-site visits, the respective Deans and Commission (HEC). Principals briefed the accreditation inspection team members regarding the establishment of the The Council organised four on-site visits of the institution, programme objectives followed by a e x p e r t s / p r o g r a m m e e v a l u a t o r s o f t h e detailed briefing by the concerned Head of the Accreditation Inspection Committees (AICs). Department focusing on quality and strength of faculty, curriculum, infrastructure & learning The first on-site visit of the AIC to the degree resources, teaching-learning practices, course files, programme of Food Science was carried out at class rooms, laboratories, research farm areas, etc. Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Punjab University, Lahore. While the second on-site visit to four The committee members held separate meetings disciplines of Entomology, Agronomy, Horticulture, with faculty members and students in detail to and Food Science was organised at Faculty of know about their views regarding the teaching- Agriculture, University of Poonch, Rawalakot. learning environment, facilities and resources, etc. The AICs also conducted detailed visit of class The third external assessment and accreditation of rooms, faculty offices, laboratories, library, and four degree programmes -- Agronomy, PBG, Food research farm, etc. Exit meetings with Dean/ Science and Entomology -- at University College of Principal were also held to share main findings and Agriculture, Islamia Univeristy, Bahawalpur was outcomes of the visit. accomplished by four AICs. The overall objective of the on-site evaluation and The last on-site evaluation and accreditation visit of accreditation visit to Institutions is to build the five disciplines -- Entomology, Agronomy, PBG, capacity of human and physical resources of degree Horticulture, and Soil Science -- was organized at programmes to enable to improve, maintain and Faculty of Agriculture, Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi enhance the quality and standards of agriculture Khan. All the on-site AICs visits were carried out higher education in Pakistan.

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