EDUCATION HEC Launches

TESTING COUNCIL

March/April 2016

Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

Free Standardised Test for University AdmissionsFree Standardised Test for University Admissions

NA Body Lauds HEC's Holistic Approach

Towards Development of HE Sector

Maiden Meeting of National Technology

Council

HEC Forms Innovation Steering Committee

HEC Body Discusses Plagiarism Complaints

against Researchers HEC Chairman, Executive Director Awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz

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P-16

P-14

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NBEAC 3rd Deans and Directors Conference

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Table of Contents

Publisher:

Higher EducationCommission, Pakistan

3NA Body Lauds HEC's

Holistic Approach

Towards

Development of HE

Sector

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6

HEC Launches

Education Testing

Council

HEC Forms

Innovation Steering

Committee

2 HEC, Microsoft Organize National Final for

Imagine Cup 2016

st1 Meeting of National Technology

Council held at HEC

Workshop on Secure Software

Development

President Turkish Council of Higher

Education Visits HEC

VCs of Belarusian Varsities Call on

Chairman HEC

HEC Eyes Joint Industrial-based Research

Projects with France

HEC, Huawei Sign DoU for Development

of Technology, R&D Activities

HEC Chairman, Executive Director

Awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz

HEC Body Discusses Plagiarism

Complaints against Researchers

HEC, Pink Ribbon Award Winners of Breast

Cancer Awareness Programme

rdNBEAC 3 Deans and Directors

Conference

Afghan Envoy, Chairman HEC Discuss

Collaboration in Higher Education

Graphic Designer

Raja Ahmad Nadeem

Reporter

Waseem Khaliqdad

Editor

Aayesha Ikram

News & Views is published after every two months. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form wi thout pr ior wr i t ten permission of the publisher.

The views expressed by authors in the articles is their sole responsibility and not of HEC. The Commission would like to thank all the institutions and ind iv idua l s who contr ibuted information and photographs for this Magazine.

Graphic Designer

Raja Ahmad Nadeem

Reporter

Waseem Khaliqdad

Editor

Aayesha Ikram

News & Views is published after every two months. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form wi thout pr ior wr i t ten permission of the publisher.

The views expressed by authors in the articles is their sole responsibility and not of HEC. The Commission would like to thank all the institutions and ind iv idua l s who contr ibuted information and photographs for this Magazine.

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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has

announced the launching of country’s first

government testing body for education sector to

conduct free, standardized tests for university

admissions.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning,

Development and Reforms formally launched the

Education Testing Council (ETC) during a ceremony

held at HEC Secretariat. Engr. Baleegh-ur-Rehman,

State Minister for Federal Education and

Professional Training, Mr.

Amirullah Marwat, Chairman,

National Assembly Standing

Committee on Education, Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman

HEC, representatives of KPK and

AJK governments and VCs of

different universities were also

present on the occasion.

Congratulating HEC on the

launch of ETC, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal

said that establishment of

Council is part of Government’s efforts to achieve

targets of Vision 2025. He hoped that ETC will prove

to be a credible and transparent entity to adopt a

testing mechanism of international standard and will

have experts from both public and private sectors.

He said the Government is providing all possible

resources for the uplift of education in the country.

Free Standardised Test for University Admissions

HEC Launches Education Testing Council

Speaking at the occasion, Engr. Baleegh ur Rahman

also appreciated HEC for taking a much-needed

step for standardization of education in the country.

He described various programmes of his Ministry to

develop minimum standards for primary and

secondary education through consensus among all

regions of Pakistan.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, while elaborating the

objectives of launching ETC, said that the Council

will be a self-governed body, which will be

operational from Spring 2017.

He said that all public and

private universities of the

country will be required to

adopt ETC entry tests for

admissions. “ETC will arrange a

standardized entry test for

university admissions, for which

the respective university will

determine weightage of the

test,” he added.

The Chairman said that initially

tests will be conducted for undergraduate

admissions and subsequently for MS and PhD

admissions, and it will be valid for a period of two

years. He announced that Government will bear the

cost of this test, which will be held twice a year. “The

test will be free for all students desirous of taking

admission in public and private universities.”

2

thThe 14 meeting of the National Assembly Standing

Committee on Federal Education and Professional

Training was recently held at HEC Secretariat.

Dr. Amirullah Marwat, Chairman of the Standing

Committee, presided over the meeting that was

attended by Committee members, Mr. Baleegh-ur-

Rehman, Minister of State for Federal Education, Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC as well as senior

management of the Commission.

Welcoming the Committee members to HEC, Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed apprised them of the functions and

achievements of HEC since its inception in 2002. He

briefed the meeting about allocation of grants to

public and private sector universities during 2015-

16, proposed development projects of HEC in the

PSDP for financial year 2016-17, Prime Minister's

Fee Reimbursement Scheme for Less Developed

Areas, Overseas Scholarship Scheme for MS, MPhil

and PhD Programmes, and steps taken for

promotion of higher education in FATA.

The Chairman said that HEC releases no direct funds

to the private sector universities, however it helps

them if they fulfil HEC criteria, adding that both the

sectors are given equal opportunities for award of

scholarships and research grants.

He said HEC is actively taking steps to ensure access

of higher education at district level. He informed the

Committee about HEC’s recurring as well as

Chairman Briefs MPs on HEC Programmes

NA Body Lauds HEC's Holistic Approach Towards Development of Higher Education Sector

development grants for 2015-16, and elaborated

the development in universities across the country,

particularly during last three years. He said during

2015-16, Rs. 2000 million were allocated for

promotion of research, Rs. 3000 million for Tenure

Track System, Rs. 625 million for Pakistan Education

and Research Network, Rs. 935 million for Digital

Library, Rs. 650 million for Inter University Academic

Activities, Rs. 450 million for Technical Assistance for

Capacity Building, Rs. 598 million for different

university programmes, in addition to Rs. 42.2

billion recurring grant for different universities,

including engineering, medical, and agriculture.

He said that HEC has formulated the PSDP 2016-17

proposal keeping in view the anticipated allocation

of Rs. 25 billion for its ongoing and new initiatives in

line with Vision 2025 and Government’s priorities

for socio-economic development of the country.

Terming HEC’s overseas scholarship scheme for MS/

MPhil and PhD a flagship programme, Dr. Mukhtar

said that since its inception in 2002, the Commission

has initiated various HRD scholarship programmes

from undergraduate to PhD and post-doctorate

level for development of human resource in

different fields for socio-economic development of

Pakistan. Describing different programmes for

research, he also highlighted HEC’s zero-tolerance

policy towards plagiarism. He also briefed the

members about international collaborations for

promotion of higher education in the country.

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Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed underscored the scope of

Aghaz Haqooq-e-Balochistan Package and said

that 600 scholarships including 200 overseas and

400 indigenous are being awarded to students from

all districts of Balochistan.

He said that HEC is taking stringent steps for

promotion of higher education in Federally

Administered Tribal Areas, including establishment

of a university.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Amirullah Marwat

recognized impor tance of var ious HEC

programmes and assured HEC of their complete

support. He also assured HEC of their support to

take action against illegal campuses of universities

so that future of students could be safeguarded. He

directed the HEC for releasing parent/student alerts

after every three months to inform the masses

about illegal universities, their campuses and

programmes.

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

opportunities for students across all disciplines to

team up and use their creativity, passion and

knowledge of technology to create applications,

games and integrate solutions that can change the

way we live, work and play. This year there were over

100 projects from universities across the country. A

total of 187 students participated in various kinds of

projects that have been broadly placed in Gaming,

Innovation and World Citizenship catagories.

The contest in Innovation was clinched by team from

Comsats Institute of Information Technology,

Sahiwal comprising Ms. Nida Karim, Mr. Sohaib

Hanif and Mr. Umairullah.

The team from National University of Computer and

Emerging Sciences (FAST), Faisalabad including Mr.

Roger Nazir and Mr. Usman Khan topped the World

Citizenship category, while Mr. Kasra Zunnayyer

from University of Karachi won the Gaming

competition. The winner teams will participate in

world semi-finals to be held online.

HEC, Microsoft Organize National Final for Imagine Cup 2016

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive

Director, HEC stressed the need for increase in the

number of projects developed in various parts of the

country. He emphasized that both Microsoft and

HEC should set targets while evolving ideas followed

by a strong strategy for effective materialization of

their ideas. Recalling the Imagine Cup final 2008-09

in Egypt in which he participated as a judge, he said

the activity is developing spirit of competition

among the youth.

The Country Head Microsoft lauded HEC’s support

for Microsoft and its commitment to promote

literacy of technology among the youth.

Out of the 100+ projects this year, 17 projects were

received from the South Region, including a project

from Quetta, and the students were invited to

present their solutions at Microsoft Innovation

Center, Karachi. Similarly, 56 projects were judged at

Microsoft Innovation Center Lahore, and 27 projects

were judged at Microsoft Islamabad.

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The maiden meeting of the National Technology

Council (NTC), an accreditation council established

by Higher Education Commission (HEC) to monitor

and accredit technology related degree

programmes, was held at HEC Secretariat.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC,

inaugurated the meeting held under the aegis of

Quality Assurance Agency (QAA), HEC.

Maj. Gen. Akbar Saeed Awan (Retd.) and Dr. Kausar

Malik have taken charge as Chairman and Vice

Chairman of the Council. NTC shall be responsible

for accreditation of educational programmes

leading to degrees in Technology disciplines.

NTC shall take into consideration different aspects

for accreditation of degree programmes in

technology related subjects, including overall

structure and scope of the programme, curricula,

requisite infrastructure, faculty, level of compatibility

with international standards and trends, level of skill

development by the programme, level of

integration of science and technology, student

support, laboratory facilities, facilities for student

activities and other amenities, financial assistance,

level of job placement of graduates, etc.

Different programmes whose accreditation will

come under NTC's purview include, though not

limited to, B-Tech Honors, BSc/BS Technology,

Animal Production and Technology, Biotechnology,

Medical Laboratory Technology, Emergency and

Intensive Care Technology, Medical Imaging

st1 Meeting of National Technology

Council held at HEC

Technology, Dental Technology, Operation Theatre

Technology, Mortuary Technology, Food Sciences

and Technology, Nanotechnology and Information

Technology.

While inaugurating the meeting, Dr. Mukhtar

Ahmed hoped that establishment of National

Technology Council will be of great help in

streamlining all the technology-related education.

The Chairman HEC said that the Commission will

provide all possible support for smooth functioning

of the Council. He appreciated Maj. Gen. Akbar

Saeed Awan (Retd.) for accepting the challenge to

lead the Council and bring much-needed reforms

and restructuring of the technology. He also

appreciated other Council Members for their

interest and participation.

NTC has representation from HEC, Ministry of

Science and Technology, Ministry of Information

Technology and Telecommunication, Ministry of

Federal Education and Professional Training,

Ministry of National Health Services, Regulation and

Coordination, Ministry of Industries and Production,

Ministry of Inter-Provincial Coordination, Ministry of

National Food Security and Research, PEC, PMDC,

National Agriculture Education Accreditation

Council, National Computing Education and

Accreditation Council, National Vocational and

Technical Training Commission, Vice Chancellors of

public and private sector universities offering

technology programmes, one from each province

including Azad Jammu and Kashmir, Gilgit Baltistan

and Federal Area.

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The has

established an Innovation Steering Committee to

f u r t h e r s t r e n g t h e n i n n o v a t i o n a n d

entrepreneurship activities in Pakistani universities

that will ultimately help creating job opportunities

and improving country's economy.

Though some institutions and individuals have

performed very well in the recent years, yet there is

dire need to encourage maximum number of

faculty members, researchers and students to

embrace innovative and entrepreneurial

endeavours. This was decided in a meeting held at

HEC Secretariat in Islamabad chaired by Dr. Arshad

Ali, Executive Director HEC.

The session was attended by a number of industry

representatives, entrepreneurs and HEC team

including Dr. Muhammad Latif, Adviser (R&D) HEC,

Mr. Imtiaz Rastgar, Chairman, Rastgar Group, Mr.

Muhammad Murtaza Zaidi, CEO Cyber vision

International, Syed Ahmed, CEO DPL (Pvt) Ltd, and

others.

The meeting unanimously selected Mr. Imtiaz

Rastghar as Chairman of the Innovation Steering

Committee. The Committee decided to review and

further develop parameters to assess Office of

Research Innovation and Commercialization (ORIC),

develop a start-up academy as well as take steps to

encourage female entrepreneurs. Each participant

presented SWOT analysis regarding their

interaction with the universities.

Higher Education Commission (HEC)

HEC Forms Innovation Steering Committee

The Committee’s second meeting discussed

means to strengthen links between academia and

industry through the Offices of Research,

Innovation and Commercialization in universities.

Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director HEC, briefed the

gathering about the urgency to create a framework

and a mechanism to promote innovation.

Promoting Innovation thruAcademia-Industry Linkage

In another meeting of the Committee, different

opportunities and challenges for tapping potential

of faculty members and students were discussed at

length and the members were tasked to come up

with models and format to make role of Offices of

Research Innovation and Commercialization more

proactive and target-oriented.

Making Universities Powerhouse of Innovation

During the third meeting, the Committee

suggested engaging with senior management of

universities to improve output of their Offices of

Research, Innovation and Commercialization. The

meeting discussed at length the monitoring and

evaluation process, development of success

parameters and outreach and marketing strategy

for startup businesses in universities.

Improving ORICs Output

Boosting Entrepreneurship & Innovation Boosting Entrepreneurship & Innovation

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Dr. Arshad Ali appreciated continuous support of

the industry and said that HEC will welcome the

industry’s suggestions to improve progress of

ORICs. He said the population of youth is increasing

in the country increasing the need for more higher

education opportunities. “The youth are a national

asset and we need to work together to develop a

road map linking our youth to the solution of rising

national requirements,” he stressed.

Dr. Arshad said that HEC looks forward to the

positive role of business community for

strengthening country's economy. He also

informed that HEC has also planned to convene

meeting of ORICs Directors to listen to their

problems to identify areas where they could be

helped to achieve their objectives. He said that the

establishment of Committee will serve as a

backbone to the newly approved HEC's Technology

Fund for which the Government has approved

funds amounting to Rs. 2.91 billion.

Dr. Muhammad Latif, Adviser, Research and

Development, HEC briefed the forum about HEC's

new project on Technology Development Fund for

PhD scholars. He informed the gathering that the

new project is specifically designed to support

researchers for prototype development and

marketing their research project to benefit the

community and economy at large.

The organized

a daylong workshop on “Secure Software

Development” in collaboration with Cloud Security

Alliance (CSA), Pakistan Software Houses

Association (PASHA), and PIEAS.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive

Director HEC highlighted the significance of

software security and the security of other IT

systems. “HEC will continue to support such

activities for the betterment of students,” he said.

Dr. Irfan-ul-Haq, President CSA Pakistan shed light

on cloud computing and the CSA contributions

towards software security. He said that since the

establishment of CSA in 2014, it is putting efforts to

boost the culture of cloud technology in Pakistan. He

said the CSA Global is likely to hold an international

summit in Islamabad in 2017 on software

Higher Education Commission (HEC)

Workshop on Secure Software Development

certification. The workshop, attended by people

from academia and IT research and development

institutions, covered various dimensions of software

security, web application security, control of cyber

attacks, and principles of secure application designs.

Some real life security case studies were also

presented during the activity.

Mr. Israr Khan, resource person of the workshop, said

that proper upgradation of modern software

security systems is necessary to protect data on IT

networks. He briefed participants about types of

security threats, reasons to bother them, motivation

of hackers, and methods of their mitigation.

In his closing remarks, Dr. Muhammad Aslam, Rector

PIEAS said the workshop has brought academia and

representatives of IT sector on a single platform to

discuss prevailing software security threats.

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A Turkish delegation led by Prof. Dr. M A Yekta Sarac,

President, Council of Higher Education (CoHE),

Turkey visited Higher Education Commission (HEC).

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC,

accompanied by other senior management,

welcomed the delegation.

The delegation comprised Prof. Dr. Hasan Mandal,

Executive Member CoHE, Prof. Dr. Rahmi Er, Member

CoHE, Dr. Muhammet Emin Zararsiz, General Board

Member CoHE, Prof. Dr. Mustafa Unal, Rector,

Akdeniz University, Prof. Dr. Naci Gundogan, Rector,

Anadolu University, Prof. Dr. Mahmut Ak, Rector,

Istanbul University, Prof. Dr. Halil Toker Academian in

Urdu, Istanbul University, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Camsari,

Rector, Mersin University, Prof. Dr. Yusuf Ulcay,

Rector, Uludağ University, Turkey.

On the occasion, an MoU was signed by both

countries to enable collaboration in different fields.

The two sides agreed that Pakistan and Turkey have

a number of similar priorities for higher education

and both the countries need to synergize their

potential in addressing future educational, scientific

and technological challenges. It was agreed to

initiate joint research, faculty and student exchange

programmes, and setting up centres of excellence in

fields of respective expertise. It was also decided

that Turkey will provide technical expertise for

establishment of a Technology Park in Pakistan,

while Turkey sought help for strengthening of Urdu

Exploring Prospects of Collaboration

President Turkish Council of Higher Education Visits HEC

departments in Turkish universities. It was also

discussed that Turkish universities will initiate

signature projects in Pakistan.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed briefed the visitors about

development of Pakistan’s higher education sector

since HEC’s inception in 2002 and how different

initiatives taken by Commission to improve

equitable access, ensure quality, develop human

resource and promote research have borne fruit.

The President CoHE gave an overview of Turkey’s

higher education sector. He appreciated the reforms

brought about by HEC during the last decade and

hoped that their visit would strengthen bilateral

cooperation in higher education. He said it is a good

sign that Pakistan and Turkey have a strong basis of

collaboration which can be further expanded. He

shared the Turkish experience and said that access

to education was increasing but they were well

aware of the quality challenge that confronted them.

He said that at present there are 185 universities in

Turkey and over 150,000 faculty members and

around 6.8 Million students.

The VCs of International Islamic University, Quaid-e-

Azam University, Fatima Jinnah Women University,

Pakistan Institute of Development Economics, Air

University, Riphah International University, Hi-Tech

University and representatives of NUST, IST, CIIT and

Additional Secretary Higher Education, KPK shared

their areas of expertise.

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A delegation of Vice Chancellors from universities of

the Republic of Belarus headed by Mr. Vadim

Bogush, First Deputy of the Ministry of Education

visited HEC and called on Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed,

Chairman HEC and the top management to explore

avenues for collaboration and knowledge exchange

with Pakistani higher education institutions.

The Chairman HEC welcomed the delegation and

appreciated Belarusian expertise in scientific

research and development including nano-

technology, biotechnology, innovation, commerce,

vocational education and green technology. Mr.

Vadim Bogush said that he would make use of the

VCs of Belarusian Varsities Call on Chairman HEC

opportunity the visit has provided them and

encourage exchange of knowledge in areas of

nanotechnology, space technology and sports. He

informed the gathering that Belarus has 50

universities for 10 million people.

Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC shared an

overview of HEC responsibilities and achievements.

He said that HEC has been taking steps for human

resource development, improving equitable access

to higher education, boosting quality and excellence

in learning and research, defining relevance of

national priorities, and providing universities with

leadership and governance hierarchy.

A delegation of the Republican Institute for

Vocational Education (RIVE), Belarus visited HEC

Secretariat. The delegation, headed by Prof. Arkady

Shklyar, Rector RIVE, met Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed,

Chairman HEC.

The two sides agreed that Pakistan and Belarus have

many similar priorities for higher education and

both the countries need to synergize their potential

in addressing future educational, scientific and

technological challenges. The Chairman HEC said

that Pakistan and Belarus have an agreement at the

Government level for academic collaboration. He

informed the delegation that establishment of three

new vocational and skill development universities,

one each in Islamabad, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and

Punjab, are in the pipeline.

Prof. Arkady Shklyar informed the Chairman HEC

that RIVE develops strategy for vocational training,

adding that it is focusing on different education

systems. The Rector also explained the ongoing

projects of RIVE on skill development, vocational

training, energy, besides achievements of Centre of

Excellence in Renewable Energy in Belarus.

The Chairman HEC expressed his desire to have a

Centre of Excellence on the same pattern with

guidance from the Belarusian Institute.

Rector RIVE Visits HEC

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A delegation of French Senators visited Higher

Education Commission (HEC) Secretariat. Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, accompanied by

other senior management, welcomed the

delegation.

The delegation, led by Ambassador of France to

Pakistan Martine Dorance, comprised Pascal

Allizard, Francoise Cartron, Patricia Morhet-Richaud,

and Pierre-Michel Vaunthelin. Briefing the visitors,

the Chairman said that Pakistan has a large

population of which a big percentage comprise

youth which is a great asset for the nation. He also

informed the delegation about the role and

responsibilities of HEC.

Appreciating the French Government for their

academic collaboration with Pakistan, he said that

France is providing a number of opportunities to

Pakistani scholars and students. The Chairman said

that Pakistan and France have agreements for

collaboration in higher education sector, adding

that the French Embassy has been helping HEC in

Need-based Scholarship Programme.

Referring to the plan of setting up a French

university in Pakistan, he said the two sides have

agreed to initiate work on it. He expressed a desire to

develop university level collaboration between the

two countries alongside exchange of students and

faculty under joint programmes. "France has

French Senators Visit HEC

HEC Eyes Joint Industrial-based Research Projects with France

remarkable achievement in industrial growth and

HEC would like to launch industrial-based research

projects with France so that Pakistan could also

efficiently cope with its industrial challenges," Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed stressed.

He said the two countries collaborate in various

fields including agriculture and Social Sciences,

however they also need to consider mutual

endeavours in S&T. "We need to have a signature

project to devise a technology transfer mechanism

for stronger ties," the Chairman emphasized.

The French delegates said that the purpose of their

visit was to discuss issues related to bilateral

cooperation in higher education. They said it is a

good sign that Pakistan and France have a strong

basis of collaboration which can be further

expanded.

Appreciating Pakistani students studying in France,

they said that those students were recently invited to

visit the French Senate. They also met many

Pakistanis in various fields and gained a useful

understanding of the country.

They said the French Senate has a Pak-French

Friendship Group which remains active to find new

areas of bilateral relations. "When we discussed the

relations between the two countries, the topic of

education occupied first place," a Senator said.

10

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan in

collaboration with US Embassy organized a Follow-

up Workshop for Pakistan-US University

Partnerships to share outcome and best practices in

these partnerships.

In his welcome address, Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive

Director, HEC said the partnerships among the

higher education institutions of the two countries

will go a long way in achieving remarkable outcomes

and targets. Stressing the need for a way-forward to

sustain these partnerships, he said the constraints

lying in the way of accomplishing objectives of this

flagship programme should not be allowed to

disturb it. He admired the US Government, people

and the US Embassy in Islamabad for their generous

support to the people of Pakistan.

Mr. Jeffery Sexton, Minister Counselor, US Embassy,

Islamabad shared an overview of the partnerships

between the universities and appreciated HEC for its

endeavours to make the programme a success.

"These partnerships show HEC's commitment to

academic uplift," he maintained.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mahmood-ul-Hassan

Butt, Consultant HEC shared core aims of HEC with

the workshop participants. He said when HEC was

established, it concentrated on three areas including

increase in equitable access to higher education,

quality, and relevance of programmes to country’s

socio-economic growth. He also highlighted the key

expectations associated with the Partnerships

HEC holds Follow-up Workshop for Pakistan-US University Partnerships

Programme. He said the programmes covered many

subjects including architecture, psychology,

computer science, post-doctoral research,

development of English language faculty, social

sciences, and business management. He said the

programme helped learning different ways of

university administration, various kinds of research,

and classroom management skills, adding that it

paved the way for Pak-US strategic dialogue in

various fields including S&T.

Referring to the concept of Pakistan-US Knowledge

Corridor, Dr. Butt said the idea will help Pakistani

universities learn about the system of US higher

education institutions and will lead to the transfer of

this system to Pakistan. He said that under Pakistan-

US Knowledge Corridor, as many as 10000 new PhDs

will be produced during next 10 years.

During the course of workshop, participants from

different universities shared the outcomes of

different projects. Mr. Ahmed Saeed, Deputy

Director, Arizona State University (ASU) shared how

the ASU is helping National University of Sciences

and Technology (NUST), Islamabad and University of

Engineering and Technology (UET), Peshawar in

setting up Centres of Advanced Studies in energy.

In her presentation, Ms. Sarwat Rasool, a

representative of Fatima Jinnah Women University

(FJWU), Rawalpindi briefed the participants about

the experience of FJWU partnering with the

University of Texas, Austin. Mr. Mujahid, Lecturer at

11

National College of Arts told the workshop

participants about the MoU signed between the

NCA and University of Texas, Austin.

Prof. Dr. Zakariya Zakir from University of the Punjab

apprised the participants of the PU partnership with

Arizona State University in Sociology and

Development Studies. Mr. Zahid Majeed, Director,

International Collaboration & Exchange Office,

Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU), Prof. Nisar

Siddiqui, Director/ Vice Chancellor, IBA Sukkur, and

Mr. Waseem Hashmi Syed, Adviser, HRD, HEC also

gave presentation on Pakistan Distance Education

Enhancement Programme, a partnership between

AIOU and San Jose State University, community

colleges, and Pakistan-US Fulbright Scholarship

Programme respectively.

Later, the workshop participants took part in a

discussion on ''How to Sustain the Partnerships after

Formal Conclusion'' and ''Challenges and

Opportunities in Partnerships''. They termed

continuation of Pakistan-US collaboration

imperative for transfer of ideas and experiences.

Celebrating 10 Years of Partnership

HEC, Huawei Sign DoU for Development of Technology, R&D Activities

12

The and

Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd. have signed a

Document of Understanding to collaborate through

research and development initiatives aimed at

encouraging higher education institutions for joint

development of technologies in Pakistan. For this

purpose, Huawei will assist HEC to setup its R&D

Laboratory in Pakistan.

The DoU was signed during a recent visit of

Chairman HEC and a group of Vice Chancellors to

China. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC and Mr.

Swift Liu, President (Network and Security Product

Line) Huawei Technologies signed the agreement.

The DoU will help higher education institutions in

Pakistan to benefit from the expertise of Huawei

especially in R&D and technology development. In

addition, the Huawei R&D facility in Pakistan will

Higher Education Commission (HEC) conduct trainings for researchers and scientists on

technologies being deployed in Pakistan. Further,

the facility will provide capacity building

opportunities and programmes to laboratory staff

and professionals for R&D activities.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman HEC

highlighted that this year both organizations will be thcelebrating 10 year of their partnership, “as we

started working together in September 2006.” Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed said that this is a good time to take

our partnership to next level and make it as a

strategic partnership.

Mr. Swift Liu appreciated the visit of Chairman HEC

and the Vice Chancellors/Rectors. He highlighted

Huawei's commitment and continuous support for

R&D laboratory and associated activities along with

necessary equipment required in Pakistan.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman

Higher Education Commission

(HEC) and Dr. Arshad Ali,

Executive Director HEC were

conferred upon Sitara-e-Imtiaz

on Pakistan Day for their services

and remarkable achievements.

A distinguished graduate of the University of

California and a visionary executive, Prof. Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed’s experience spreads over 28 years

in educational policy and development, leadership

and management at the national and international

level. He has greatly contributed to the

development of higher education and is presently

spearheading the HEC. His leadership has played a

key role in implementing the higher education

reforms in the country that have led to renaissance

of the sector. Being the Chairman of HEC, Dr.

Mukhtar has recently been elected Chairperson of

the SAARC University Grant Commission

Committee. Earlier, he was also elected to the

position of the Deputy Director General, ISESCO in

Rabat, Morocco from amongst 50 states and held

that position for over two years before returning to

Pakistan for taking up the distinguished

assignment as the Executive Director of HEC.

HEC Chairman, Executive Director Awarded Sitara-e-Imtiaz

Dr. Arshad Ali, who has recently

joined HEC as Executive

Director, he has also recieved

Pride of Performance for his

creative and strategic thinking

a n d p r o v e n a c a d e m i c

leadership skills.

His association with the academics and research

spreads over 33 years. He is the former Rector

National Textile University and founding Principal

of NUST School of Electrical Engineering and

Computer Sciences. He has more than 100

publications to his credit. He is also the recipient of

various other awards including gold medal from

Pakistan Academy of Sciences and COMSTECH for

IT research, President’s Gold Medal for being the

Best NUST Researcher of the Year 2005 and the

Distinguished Scientist of the Year 2006 by the

Pakistan Academy of Sciences. He has

demonstrated laudable initiative, tremendous

diligence and true professionalism in establishing

not only an elaborate academic infrastructure but

also played active role in maintaining quality

education. He has played a leading role in initiating

research collaborations with several international

entities.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC held a meeting

with Dr. László Palkovics, Hungary’s Minister of State

for Education. During his recent visit to Hungary, the

Chairman called on the Minister and discussed with

him bilateral cooperation in higher education. The

discussion was held with specific reference to the

MoU signed in December 2015 between the two

countries for award of 240 scholarships to Pakistani

students to pursue higher studies in Hungarian

institutions. First group of 80 Pakistani student will

start classes from the coming Fall session.

Dr. Palkovics expressed desire to establish long-term

relationship under the umbrella of Stipendium

Chairman HEC Meets Hungary’s Minister for EducationHungaricum Scholarship Programme. He

highlighted that among the list of 48 countries,

number of applications from Pakistan was the

highest. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed expressed gratitude for

the scholarships offer by the Hungarian

Government. He also gave a brief introduction of the

higher education sector of Pakistan. It was agreed to

establish close linkages between top-ranked

universities of both the countries through joint

research programmes, workshops, conferences,

exchange of faculty and scholars, joint research and

development programmes, in fields of mutual

interest. In this context, a delegation of Pakistani

academicians will soon visit Hungary.

13

ndThe 22 meeting of

Plagiarism Standing Committee was held at

the Commission Secretariat, wherein plagiarism

complaints against faculty members and scholars of

10 universities were discussed. The meeting was

chaired by Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, HEC.

The Committee, comprising senior educationists

and experts, deliberated upon complaints which are

lying pending with respective universities even after

passage of the stipulated period of 90 days after

reporting of the case.

Engr. Muhammad Ismail, Consultant Quality

Assurance, informed the members about the

process followed by Quality Assurance division for

processing plagiarism complaints. He shared

concerns about universities not following plagiarism

Higher Education Commission

(HEC)

HEC Body Discusses Plagiarism Complaints against Researchers

policy in letter and spirit. He stressed that HEC

nominees in the Plagiarism Standing Committee

need to be responsible for proper compliance of

HEC policy on plagiarism.

The Committee discussed 22 plagiarism complaints

and directed for issuance of reminders in 11 cases

with clear warning to universities where plagiarism

complaints are pending. It also blacklisted faculty

members in two cases who have not complied with

HEC directives. Six cases were closed as per policy

and two others were referred to the Expert

Committee.

The Executive Director stressed the need to follow

merit while evaluating such complaints and

emphasized upon formulating a mechanism to

develop quality research culture in universities.

Mr. Famanullah Anjum, Director General, HEC and

Mr. Tahir Abbas Zaidi, then Project Director, HEC threpresented Pakistan in the 10 International

Congress on Higher Education organized recently in

Cuba by the Cuban Ministry of Higher Education,

Havana.

The theme of the conference was "Innovative

University for Sustainable Human Development". It

brought together professionals from the Cuban

higher education sector and Latin American

education departments as well as delegates from

HEC Represented in International Congress on Higher Education

more than 60 countries. The congress covered

lectures, speeches and panel discussions focused on

issues such as state policies for higher education

and bonds of the teacher community with society.

HEC officers also interacted with a number of

delegates from other countries at various forums

and obtained information regarding different

international models of higher education.

On the sidelines of the Congress, the delegation also

held meetings with the officials from University of

Havana and discussed various aspects of how

linkages can be established between universities of

Pakistan and Cuba. It also visited National Institute

of Physical Education and Recreation, and Institute

of Physical Culture and Higher Education.

The delegation thanked the Government and the

people of Cuba for an unprecedented support to

Pakistan after the 2005 devastating earthquake.

14

Pink Ribbon Pakistan, in collaboration with the

Higher Education Commission (HEC), recently

organized an award ceremony to acknowledge

assistance of the universities and colleges in the

PINKtober Youth Awareness Programme.

Since October is known as a breast cancer awareness

month all over the world, Pink Ribbon Pakistan

observes the month as PINKtober. Different

activities including seminars, walks, poster

competitions, panel discussions, material

dissemination, bake sales and human ribbons are

organized to highlight the issue.

stNational Textile University secured 1 position,

Institutes of Home Sciences, University of ndAgriculture Faisalabad 2 position and Lahore

rdSchool of Economics 3 position in the category of

universities, whereas Islamia Girls College, Quetta stsecured 1 position, Government Girls College,

ndHyderabad 2 , and Government Postgraduate rdCollege for Women D.G. Khan 3 position in the

category of colleges. Special awards were given to

Department of Home and Food Sciences,

Government College Women University, Faisalabad

and Sindh Madressatul Islam University, Karachi.

Lahore University of Management Sciences, Forman

Christian College, University of Central Punjab,

Kinnaird College for Women University, University of

Karachi, University of Haripur, Government College

University Faisalabad, Lahore College for Women

University, CMH Medical College, University of

Veterinary and Animal Sciences, University of

Poonch, Government Degree College for Women,

Kot Khwaja Saeed Lahore, Women Institute of

Learning Abbottabad, Sarhad University and

University of Education were recognized for their

maximum support to PINKtober Campaign. Some of

these institutions have been involved since

inception of the programme.

Addressing the ceremony as chief guest, Dr. G. Raza

Bhatti, Member (Operations) HEC stressed the need

HEC, Pink Ribbon Award Winners of Breast Cancer Awareness Programme

Programme Accessed 640,000 Girls with HEC's Help

for understanding gravity of the breast cancer as a

disease. He highlighted the role of HEC in sensitizing

the universities on the issue. He said that universities

located in far-flung areas have also made it possible

to reach out to the communities and create

awareness among them.

He suggested the use of campus radio stations to

further spread the awareness. He said HEC has been

working with Pink Ribbon since 2012 with an aim to

empower young girls with knowledge and

techniques to detect the diseases at an early stage.

Mr. Omer Aftab, CEO, Pink Ribbon Pakistan, recalled

the hardships faced at initial stage of the Youth

Awareness Programme, adding that Pink Ribbon has

so far reached out to over 150 institutions with the

help of HEC.

He said the focus of Youth Awareness Programme is

to highlight the importance of early detection of the

disease, as it increases more than 90 per cent

chances of survival. So far, the Programme has

reached out to over 640,000 girls through

institutions with the help of HEC, he underlined. He

said the students are sensitized on global standards

and techniques of early detection, enabling them to

make better healthy choices in future.

Mrs. Shaheen Khan, Adviser Learning Innovation,

HEC said that a large percentage of women in

Pakistan are suffering from breast cancer, which is an

alarming situation. She appreciated the services of

Pink Ribbon by informing masses about the disease.

“Unless we jointly fight this disease, we cannot

defeat it”, she emphasized.

15

The National Business Education Accreditation

Council (NBEAC) recently organized a conference

entitled “Strengthening Business Schools through

Partnerships”, the third of a series of four strategic

level conferences, in Lahore.

The conference provided a platform to deans,

directors and heads of business schools to interact

with one another and with industry professionals.

The key objectives of the conference also included

strengthening the business schools through

industry-academia partnerships, proposing ways to

enhance research activities in business schools

through par tnerships, providing focused

recommendations to the business schools for

enhancing employability skills of business

graduates, and strengthening business schools by

sharing ideas, resources and infrastructure.

The desirable outcomes of the conference were to

identify the critical steps to align education with

business needs and to identify and recommend

actions to the emerging challenges in business

education.

Out of 180 business schools and their campuses

nationwide, deans and directors of 160 business

academic units participated in the conference along

rdNBEAC 3 Deans and Directors Conference

Strengthening Business Schools through Academia-Industry Partnerships

with international representation from 15 business

schools from USA, UK, Canada, Switzerland, Russia,

Malaysia, and SAARC countries. The conference was

inaugurated by the Zachary V. Harkenrider, US

Consul General. More than 500 faculty members as

well as 100 industry experts and 15 foreign speakers

also attended the conference.

The conference was a venue for experience sharing

based on the discussions and perspectives of

business school heads, industry professionals and

entrepreneurs. The participants shared their

experiences in establishing linkages and fruitful

contributions made to the development of business

education, industry and economy.

Distinguished speakers from academia included Dr.

Ishrat Husain, Dean/ Director, IBA, Prof. Dr. Syed

Zahoor Hassan from LUMS, Prof. Ralf Boscheck, MBA

Programme Director, IMD, Switzerland, Dr.

Christophe Terrasse, Director Projects, EFMD,

Belgium, Prof. Dr. Zaher Zain, Dean, University of

Malaysia, Dr. Nauman Farooqi, HoD, Mount Allison

University, Canada, Prof. Konstantin Krotov,

Managing Director, St. Petersburg University, Russia,

Prof. Kerry L. Laufer, Director, Tuck School of Business

at Dartmouth, USA, Prof. F. Robert Wheeler,

Founding Dean, KSBL, Mr. Javed Hamid, Senior

16

Adviser, International Executive Service Corps,

Washington DC, USA, Dr. Ehsan ul Haq, Dean, and

Suleman Dawood School of Business LUMS.

The conference was divided into various sessions

including “Essential Components of a Strategic

Plan”, which was chaired by Dr. Zahoor Hassan Syed,

Professor, LUMS; “Roles and Responsibilities of

Business Schools, Teachers: Students Perspective”,

moderated by Dr. Abdul Sattar Abbasi, HoD

COMSATS, Lahore; and, “Hiring and Motivating

Qualified Faculty”, moderated by Dr. Ali Ahsan,

Chairman Centre of Advanced Studies in

Engineering. As a key message of all the sessions, the

importance of managing the governance and

quality issues, and the openness to the world in

order to reach out to others for global assistance

and human resource development was underlined.

Two workshops were simultaneously conducted

after the first session. It was proposed in the

workshop entitled “Engaging your Faculty in

Management Consulting; Benefits to the Business

School and the Faculty” to emphasize consulting

faculty whenever needed.

During the workshop entitled “Developing

Entrepreneurs; Refining the Curriculum and Guiding

your Faculty”, i t was propounded that

entrepreneurship is a new management paradigm.

Many experiences were shared through videos as to

how entrepreneurial learning can be enhanced. In a

policy roundtable entitled “How to Cultivate a

Research Culture in Business Schools”, it was

recommended to set up realistic targets so that the

faculty is pushed towards research culture.

Session four covered “Industry Expectations from

the Business Graduates”, while session five

discussed “Making Business Schools More Relevant

for Industry- Challenges and Opportunities for

Forging Linkages and Partnerships”.

Hazrat Omar Zakhilwal, Ambassador of Afghanistan

to Pakistan, accompanied by Mr. Jallat Khan Zahid

Fayaz, Second Secretary for Education and Cultural

Affairs, visited HEC Secretariat.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC welcomed the

delegates and presented an overview of HEC’s

initiatives and achievements during last 13 years. He

explained how Government’s commitment to

develop higher education and a considerable

Afghan Envoy, Chairman HEC Discuss Collaboration in Higher Education

increase in funding has brought remarkable

changes in the sector. “Areas having a direct impact

on country’s socio-economic growth have been

prioritized. Encouraging and funding innovative and

relevant research, entrepreneurship, ensuring

adherence to quality assurance criteria, developing

physical and technological infrastructure, improving

governance at universities are some of the key areas

where HEC has put its maximum effort,” he said.

Dr. Mukhtar said that both Afghanistan and Pakistan

have a number of commonalities in their society and

culture and have always enjoyed a brotherly

relationship, adding that education is the biggest

tool to further strengthen this association.

The Ambassador thanked the people of Pakistan for

hosting three million refugees for over three

decades. Both sides agreed to work on a joint

mechanism to be finalized with approval of both the

countries.

17

According to Forbes Magazine, as of March 2014,

there are 1646 billionaires in the world. Mr. Ashar

Aziz has just made it on that elite list. His company,

FireEye Inc. went public with a valuation of more

than $ 1 billion on the Cyber Security landscape. No

other company comes close to what Mr. Ashar and

his team have achieved. Today, the largest networks

and governments around the world deploy the

robust and resilient solution that FireEye offers.

What makes FireEye unique is its ability to identify

very subtle and sophisticated cyber attacks. In the

past, an attacker used to be a teenager hacking out

of his parent’s basement and most of the ‘attacks’

were low intensity threats. “Today, the attacker is a

country, military intelligence operations and well-

funded cyber-criminal organizations. The amount

of funding that is available to plan those attacks has

grown astronomically over the last several years,”

explains Mr. Ashar.

Given that threat landscape, the defensive

architecture needed to evolve substantially. Amidst

the existing widely deployed IT products, the

defensive technologies are based on very dated

techniques such as anti-virus, firewalls and IPS

technologies that do not really have the ability to

detect and block advanced attacks because these

attacks do not have any known signature or pattern

that they can match. So, an unknown attack is a

difficult one to find. This is the problem FireEye

solved very successfully. FireEye created an

enterprise-wide architecture using Virtual Machine

Analysis as the core detection mechanism instead

of anti-virus engine. “We changed the engine that

the industry has been using for many decades and

came up with a new and innovative way to solve this

problem. The market responded very positively”,

he said.

Mr. Ashar’s approach towards a problem was

unique, which resulted in a solution only he could

have developed. It is his effort and impact that

makes his story so profound and exceptional.

An Entrepreneurial Leap to Counter Cyber Crime

What It Takes of an Entrepreneur to Create Core Detection Mechanism

Ashar enjoys solving problems. He has a knack for

identifying solutions to problems most people do

not see. Being a brilliant engineer, he was working in

the areas of Networking, Security and overall system

design. It was the time when he became interested in

how security was getting in the way of technology.

“Data centres could not be deployed with the same

efficiency when you had to add layers of security. It

was really a closed and archaic approach to Cyber

Security.” It was a problem people were experiencing

but did not know how to solve. That is what spurred

Mr. Ashar’s creation of TerraSpring, a company that

focused on datacentre automation and

virtualization. Ashar was onto technology that was

at least seven years ahead of its time.

Since TerraSpring was his first venture, Mr. Ashar

demonstrated maturity in dealing with crisis in 2001.

TerraSpring was eventually acquired by Sun in 2002

and Ashar went looking for the next big problem to

solve with many lessons learned.

The overall interest in the Cyber Security landscape

has increased in the past few years. With more

companies ramping up their intellectual and virtual

capabilities to defend and attack, the problem has

become a lot more difficult to solve.

Mr. Ashar was born in

Karachi and grew up in

Islamabad, but left in the

mid 1970s for Turkey on a

scholarship to study in the

Middle East Technical

University, Ankara. He

transferred to MIT and

has been in the US

ever since.

Profile of Mr. Ashar Aziz, Founder CEO, FireEye Incorporation

FireEye: Interest, Will and Outcome

18

The idea for FireEye germinated from the search for

a complex and important problem. He spent several

months looking at the varying degrees of problems.

Finally, he converged on this one. “As an

entrepreneur, I look for hard problems to solve that

have a wide domain of applicability. The solution

meets the needs of a lot of people, which simply

translates to a total available market. If you’re going

to construct a business, you have to be sure that

there are a large number of people to buy that

product.”

The team of engineers and technologies at FireEye

worked under Mr. Ashar to solve the core problem.

Tr a d i t i o n a l a n t i - v i r u s

companies have spent a lot of

marketing dollars convincing

companies that they are safe,

when in fact, they are not.

Mr. Ashar said “it used to be

beyond their comprehension

how a threat could bypass

their practiced levels of

security and get into their

‘protected level of security’ and get into their

architecture. When someone would humor us with

our product demonstration, they would quickly

discover what we were telling them was the truth.”

The attackers today are much more advanced than

they used to be and have the ability to infiltrate.

st The 21 Century is an age of information where

virtually everything we do is either enabled by some

kind of information system of facilitated or in some

fashion by it. If the information system is

fundamentally fragile, then civilization itself is at risk.

Mr. Ashar explained, “this can pose a risk to the very

existence of civilization as we know it. I was very

motivated to solve this problem because I

understood that if you wiped the financial or critical

infrastructure like power or telecommunications,

society as we know it would cease to exist. I also

knew that such an attack would be enabled by a

cyber attack so the fact that I would have to go and

convince some people that there was a problem that

competitors would stand in the way was not

significant enough for me to turn back or stop me.”

Mr. Ashar’s belief in the importance of the problem

and the need for a solution that could be effective

against this is very insidious kind of threat was

unwavering. “This is actually a bigger threat than

nuclear weapons or climate change because it can

be done at a greater speed in

stealth and with fewer

resources than the other

global challenges we face,” Mr.

Ashar said.

There are a lot of opportunities

for entrepreneurs – also in the

case of Cyber Security, but the

problems are so unique and

massive. Startups should be

identifying problems and aligning their solutions or

offerings with them.

Businesses that grapple with such monumental

problems do not appear overnight. They require a

great deal of planning, insight and experience. They

also need strong leadership to be able to sustain the

business the way up. Nevertheless, the first and

foremost requirement that makes it possible is an

entrepreneurial will.

News & Views has launched a series of write-ups on

the achievements of Pakistani entrepreneurs in order

to promote entrepreneurship in the country. This is

the first write-up of the series.

19

Wazirabad, a Pakistani city covering only 2.5 square

kilometers with annual export of $ 30 million i.e., 1.5

percent of the country’s GDP, exports as many as

150,000 knives per month. To the surprise of many,

some of the swords, daggers and body armours

used in some Hollywood movies were made in

Wazirabad. Neither you, nor even the movie makers

know this, surely, because our craftsmanship is

being sold under international brands. This is the

tragedy the Damascus Marks, a startup currently

incubated at Plan9, is coping with. It is saddening

that lack of awareness among masses has reduced

the number of skilled craftsmen from 7000 to 1000

during the last 12 years.

“What compelled me to initiate this startup was not

just the fascination with the products, but the fact

that this is our legacy and it’s being sold under

international brands and Pakistani craftsmanship is

nowhere to be heard or seen,” Nauman Khokhar,

Founder of Damascus Marks.

According to a research conducted by the startup, a

few local manufacturers are earning good money by

exporting the product, but no one seems visionary

enough to learn and introduce new trends, and

compete with market leaders. Other craftsmen seem

to be demotivated, because they are not paid well

enough. They do not even want their descendants to

continue their legacy at the cost of a poor life.

Technology Incubator

Damascus Marks: a Startup Modernizing Knife Making Industry

Since its conception, Plan9 has incubated over 102 startups. A project of the Punjab

Information Technology Board, Plan9 is Pakistan’s Largest Tech Incubator that was

launched in August 2012 to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to change their

business dreams into a reality using technology as the key component. Today, after four

years, Plan9 has evolved into more than just a technology incubator. It is now a whole

eco-system for technological innovation and entrepreneurship along the lines of the

Silicon Valley, with impact all over Pakistan.

Since its conception, Plan9 has incubated over 102 startups. A project of the Punjab

Information Technology Board, Plan9 is Pakistan’s Largest Tech Incubator that was

launched in August 2012 to give budding entrepreneurs the opportunity to change their

business dreams into a reality using technology as the key component. Today, after four

years, Plan9 has evolved into more than just a technology incubator. It is now a whole

eco-system for technological innovation and entrepreneurship along the lines of the

Silicon Valley, with impact all over Pakistan.

Damascus Marks is bringing this ancient but still

useful craft with a brand new appearance on

electronic media through online design portal,

social media and blogs. They are not only educating

the client about the use and significance of this craft

as a tool or souvenir, but are also giving them the

liberty to customize their products, which in turn will

also help improve the skills of craftsmen.

Damascus steel is produced by combining different

types of steel through a special technique at a high

temperature. Crafted by the skillful hands of

craftsmen, each knife gets a unique design and

20

The emergence of Patari, an online legal music

streaming portal, has revived the music industry in

the country, as the portal is entirely catering to the

Pakistani music. The Plan9 and PlanX Alumni have

made waves in the music industry.

"Most people had either started to forget the music

they had grown up listening to or had been

completely unexposed to begin with except for an

occasional brush,” said Khalid Bajwa, co-founder of

Patari, adding that "A thick coat of dust had fallen

over music and country's brilliant music was starting

to fade away. The time had come to change that."

Taking its start from a beta website, Patari made a

remarkable place on the social media by going viral.

The invitation number rapidly increased with 55,000

users active per month.

The platform hosts almost 25,000 registered songs,

through which Patari has revived the concept of live

concerts. “The journey towards Patari is with

sweat, blood, tears and failure," Bajwa said.

littered

decorated with beautiful handle grip made of camel

bone, buffalo horn, leathers, stag horn and woods.

Engraved designs on leather and carving are part of

Damascus Marks’ plan to provide customization that

add luxurious value to the masterpieces. This

material has great adaptability and usability,

however its benefits are still alien to most. Future

plans of Damascus Marks include launching a range

of miniatures to tap the fashion industry. Their

product compliments craft lovers to decorate their

homes. They also have plans to utilize it in items like

watches, belt hooks, mobile phone bodies, etc.

“We are combining forgotten glorious past of knife

making industry with the modern technology of an

ecommerce platform to bring our customers

premium class masterpieces of knives and daggers

worldwide,” says Nauman Khokhar.

By exhibiting their brand, company and craftsmen’s

portfolio, they improvise and ensure sales amongst

enthusiast hunters, collectors, campers and

survivalists worldwide. They are already tapping the

local market by talking to adventure and hunting

clubs in Pakistan.

Patari Patari R E V I V A L O F M U S I C I N D U S T R Y

Patari aims to provide its users with a one-stop-

platform for all local music and help them discover

new songs. With the assistance of the content team,

music fans can explore numerous playlists and

recommendations on the site which is the best part

because their witty humor is what keeps the

audience connected.

Artists can also promote and monetize their songs

on the portal. The royalties are being distributed

among Patari's entire list of artists according to the

number of plays their songs have received.

Patari Technology Incubator

21

The Quality Assurance Division of

evaluated and recognized

Engineering and Technology Journals recently

during a meeting held at Commission Secretariat.

The Division holds annual meetings for evaluation of

HEC-recognized journals as well as consideration of

new applicants to ensure their compliance with the

defined quality parameters.

The committee which evaluated the journals

comprised distinguished Professors from different

universities across Pakistan. It evaluated the quality

of already recognized journals and assessed

whether improvements were made or not. It also

assessed new journals for their inclusion in the list of

HEC-recognized journals.

Evaluation of journals for the award of grant,

according to the categories W-X-Y-Z, was also done

Higher Education

Commission (HEC)

HEC Evaluates Engineering, Technology Research Journals

in the same meeting. The editors/chief editors of the

journals gave presentations on the parameters and

on the basis of these parameters, the experts

evaluated their progress in the last year.

About 24 Journals were presented during the

meeting, whereas there were two new applications

for recognition. The experts upgraded those

journals who put effort in their work and made their

journals more valuable than previous year.

The expert panel considered various aspects of the

process including pursuance of mechanism of

online submission, checking of papers through

'Turnitin', mechanism of peer review process, proof

of abstracting and indexing, percentage of research

articles from within and out of organization,

ownership of journal, statistics of citation, and

complete details of cash flow/funding from parent

university, institute, society and R&D organization.

thThe 10 Progress Review meeting of Quality

Enhancement Cells, Group-VI, was organized by

Higher Education Commission (HEC) recently. Mr.

Nasir Shah, Director QAA delivered the welcome

address in the meeting. On the first day, the

participants shared their progress regarding the

implementation of Internal Quality Assurance

parameters. They also discussed their strategies to

meet the targets of assessment year 2015-16.

The QAA, HEC arranged a workshop on ''Bloom’s

Taxonomy'' for the meeting participants the next

day. Prof. Dr. Riza-ul-Haq Tariq, former Member, HEC

was the resource person, while Prof. Dr. Riaz Hussain

Qureshi graced the event as chief guest. Dr.

Mohammed Rafiq Baloch, Director General, QAA

presented his closing remarks.

Meeting Reviews Progress of Quality Enhancement Cells

Representatives of the National University of

Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad

(FAST), University of Lahore, Lahore, Dadabhoy

Institute of Higher Education (DIHE), Karachi,

Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) of Engineering

Sciences and Technology, Topi, Swabi, Zia-ud-Din

University, Karachi, Indus University, Karachi,

University of Management and Technology (UMT),

Lahore, Beaconhouse National University (BNU),

Lahore, The University of Faisalabad, Faisalabad, Isra

University, Hyderabad, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto

Institute of Science and Technology (SZABIST),

Karachi, Institute of Business and Technology,

Karachi, Iqra University, Karachi, Institute of Business

Management (IoBM), Karachi, and Riphah

International University, Islamabad attended the

meeting.

22

thThe 12 Annual International Conference on High-

capacity Optical Networks and Enabling/Emerging

Technologies (HONET-ICT) 2015 was recently held at

National University of Science and Technology,

Islamabad.

During the inaugural session Mr. Rana Tanveer

Hussain, Minister for Science and Technology

appreciated SEECS for organizing an international

conference on an important topic.

The “ICT Industrial Exhibition”, a special feature of

the conference, attracted a large number of

foreigners and local participants. Dr. Syed Ismail

Shah, Chairman Pakistan Telecommunication

Authority (PTA) presided over the closing ceremony.

In his address, he congratulated NUST on organizing

the conference with focus on the highly important

domains in ICT, including Wireless and Photonics,

Big Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Internet of Things,

Smart Grid and Cloud Computing. He said the

assembly of professionals coming from all walks of

life was instrumental not only in enhancing scientific

knowledge but also in guiding the policymakers.

Speaking on the occasion, Engr. Muhammad Asghar,

Rector NUST said that ICT had become relevant to

almost all sections of life and, hence, had a pivotal

th12 Annual HONET-ICT Conference

held at NUST

role to play in the modern day education. He assured

that NUST will remain committed to the cause of

educational and scientific development in the

country.

Giving statistics of HONET-ICT 2015, Dr. Muhammad

Hassan Zaidi, Conference General Chair informed

the house that a total of 38 research papers were

presented in the conference. In addition, seven

tutorials and four workshops were also part of the

conference. Other important activities included

plenary sessions, symposia on 'University-Industry

Partnership' and ‘Use of ICT in Education’.

At the end, Dr. Yasin Raja from UNC Charlotte, USA thannounced that the 13 HONET-ICT will be held at

the American University, Ras-Alkhaima, UAE.

MUET Seminar on Erasmus+ Scholarship ProgrammeThe Centre of Excellence in Art and Design (CEAD),

Mehran University of Engineering and Technology

(MUET), Jamshoro organized an international

seminar on Erasmus+ scholarship opportunities.

Mr. Ghulam Shabbir Babar, country representative of

Erasmus+ Scholarship Programme and Malenia

Lotti, Vice President, Ocean Network delivered

lectures on the importance of programme, its

learning mobility, objectives, structure and

individuals' access. Mr. Shabbir said that Erasmus+ is

a joint Masters and Doctorate programme funded

by the European Union with an objective to enhance

the quality of European higher education through

international cooperation, develop human resource,

promote dialogue and understanding among

people of different cultures, and provide

opportunity to the third world countries to benefit

from European resources in the form of quality

education.

He said that there are different programmes offered

under the Erasmus+ at individual and institutional

level. The programme covers tuition fee, travel

allowance, accommodation, and insurance, he

added.

23

A seminar was held at Aga Khan University, Karachi

under 'Agahi', a project of Social Integration

Outreach Programme of the

.

The Agahi Project was introduced in August 2015 to

highlight the importance of health by advocating for

the communities of selected areas of Karachi

including Sultanabad and Rehri Goth. Agahi focuses

on creating awareness about three diseases:

Hepatitis, Tuberculosis and Dengue.

This project is nested in Aga Khan University's

Department of Community Health Sciences “Urban

Health Programme” and strives to create awareness

about the three diseases through awareness

sessions, walks and dramas.

Viral hepatitis is a serious global public health

problem and, according to a survey, approximately thevery 13 individual is infected with either Hepatitis

B or C. Apart from this, in the Middle East and Asia

Pacific Region, Pakistan comes second after Egypt

Higher Education

Commission (HEC)

AKU Seminar under Social Integration Outreach Programme

for having the highest Hepatitis C prevalence rate.

Agahi trained at-risk individuals on the

precautionary steps they could take to ensure they

do not contract or spread Hepatitis.

According to the WHO, Pakistan ranks fifth amongst

the TB high-burden countries worldwide. TB is a

highly contagious disease with a potential of spread

from one person to another.

Presentations, posters and pamphlets were used to

disseminate information regarding Tuberculosis.

These information materials contained latest

preventive and etiological facts on Tuberculosis as

provided by the WHO and the National TB Control

Programme Pakistan.

Dengue is endemic in Pakistan with its usual peak

incidence in the post-monsoon period. Agahiteam

strives to create awareness about how unhygienic

living conditions and improper water storage

practices can create breeding grounds for Dengue-

carrying mosquitos.

Prof. Ajmal Khan, Vice Chancellor, Islamia College

University, Peshawar was decorated with Sitara-e-

Imtiaz during a ceremony on Pakistan Day. Mr.

Zaheer Awan, Director, HEC Reional Centre,

Peshawar presented him a bouquet on behalf of Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC to felicitate him on

this achievement.

News in Picture

24

An international seminar entitled “Role of

Agricultural Engineering in Smart Agriculture” was

recently held at the University of Agriculture

Faisalabad (UAF) as a part of Spring Festival.

Speaking on the occasion, Jawed Salim Qureshi,

Chairman Pakistan Engineering Council said that the

low-cost agricultural machinery for small

landholders must be designed by reverse

engineering in the country to reduce the cost of

production. It will not only help address the woes of

depressed farmers but will also feed the increasing

population that will double by 2050, he added.

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF,

Munir Ahmad, D.G. PARC Agricultural Engineering

Division, Prof. Dr. Rai Niaz Ahmad, Vice Chancellor

Arid Agriculture Rawalpindi, Fritz Boemler, a German

agriculture expert, and others also spoke on the

occasion.

Engr. Jawed Salim said that agriculture sector is the

backbone of Pakistan's economy, as it is not only

providing food but also is helping in poverty

alleviation beingmajority of population associated

with it. He urged the engineers to develop low-cost

machineries for small farmers. He urged the

UAF Seminar Urges Development of Low-Cost Machinery for Small Farmers

researchers to understand the soil of Pakistan amid

climate change and come up with new resilient

varieties. He said they are collaborating with the

industry to create 5000 new engineering jobs. He

urged the students to develop entrepreneurial skills.

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan also urged introduction

of efficient and low-cost machinery not only to

increase the productivity but also to facilitate the

farming community.

Ms. Saima Ehsan, Assistant Professor Psychology at

Foundation University, Islamabad was recently

awarded the British Council's “Charles Wallace

Visiting Fellowship Award 2014-15”.

Only few candidates were selected from all over

Pakistan for training abroad (UK) in their respective

fields.

As a result of this award, she proceeded to Birkbeck

University of London for qualitative research

training in “Interpretative Phenomenological

Analysis (IPA)”, a useful research methodology for

Health Sciences, Social Sciences and Criminal

FUI Researcher Specialises in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis

Investigation. She has acquired

IPA research training from Prof.

Jona than A . Sm i th . On

successful completion of IPA

training, she won the title of

“Fellow of Birkbeck University of

London.

She has recently been designated by Prof. Jonathan

A. Smith as a country representative in Pakistan to

train people in IPA and to develop a community of

IPA researchers. She is now affiliated with Birkbeck

University of London and is authorised by Prof.

Jonathan Smith to train people in IPA in Pakistan.

25

The Department of Civil Engineering, NED University

of Engineering and Technology, Karachi recently

organized a two-day workshop on Construction

Cost Engineering and Control with an aim to create

awareness among the people associated with the

construction industry about the current challenges

and identify their solutions.

The workshop, held in collaboration with Institution

of Engineers Pakistan-Karachi, Constructors

Association of Pakistan, and Pakistan Engineering

Council, also aimed at getting formal recognition

for the Cost Engineering and Control as a profession.

Senior professionals from client organizations,

construction contractors, construction materials

companies, design consulting companies,

construction and project management experts,

architects, and faculty members from academia

from across the country attended the workshop.

Dr. S. F. A. Rafeeqi, Chairman Institution of Engineers

Pakistan (IEP), Karachi Center was the chief guest on

the occasion. Dr. Rafeeqi stressed the need for

learning the art and science of Cost Engineering to

deliver successful construction projects.

The workshop consisted of eight technical sessions.

Dr. Farrukh Arif from NED University shed light on

the cost estimate accuracy of construction projects

in Pakistan. Mr. Junaid Hamid, an expert of Cost

Engineering running a Cost Engineering consulting

firm, Costveyors, conducted a detailed session on

rate analysis mechanisms for construction projects.

Later, Prof. Sarosh H. Lodhi, Dean CEA, NED

University delivered a special talk and shared various

experiences regarding cost related issues in

construction projects. At the end, Prof. Lodhi

presented certificates to the workshop participants.

NED University holds Workshop on Construction Cost Engineering and Control

The objectives also included enabling the

participants to understand the need for quality

assurance in teacher education; NACTE, its scope

and functions; national accreditation standards for

teacher education programmes; accreditation

documents and process; accreditation tools; role

and responsibilities of institutions, academic

evaluators/ auditors and NACTE in the accreditation

process; pre-requisites of accreditation; conduct of

internal audit and develop institutional self-

evaluation report; and, facilitating external

academic audit.

NACTE Workshop for IIUI FacultyNational Accreditation Council for Teacher

Education (NACTE) in collaboration with

International Rescue Committee (IRC), USAID,

Pakistan recently conducted a three-day capacity

building workshop for the Faculty of Education,

International Islamic University, Islamabad (IIUI).

The purpose was to facilitate and provide guidance

to the faculty members to conduct internal

academic audit of their own programmes, conduct

and prepare self-evaluation report and and facilitate

external academic audit/ accreditation by NACTE.

26

Career Orientation Workshop at SAUshared his experiences that have resulted in many

graduates launching successful businesses.

He suggested the SAU graduates to invest a

minimum amount and get more profit. “Business

needs passion and commitment," he said.

A seminar was organized at Sindh Agriculture

University, Tandojam to create awareness on

Fulbright Scholarship Programme for Masters and

PhD students.

The seminar was organized in collaboration with

United States Educational Foundation in Pakistan

(USEFP). Prof. Dr. Muhammad Saffar Mirjat, Dean,

Faculty of Agricultural Engineering presided over

the seminar. He said that SAU will build strong

relations with the USAID institutes for academic

and research development.

Ms. Hina Javed and Mr. Saif Jiskani gave a

presentation on preparation of aptitude test and

briefed the participants about the scholarship

programme.

Seminar Creates Awareness on Fulbright Scholarship

Programme

Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam organized a

career orientation workshop in collaboration with

and USAID.

The purpose of holding the workshop was to

develop career opportunities for fresh graduates so

as to encourage them to compete in the market. The

event attracted SAU graduates, academia, and

employer firms related to Agriculture sector. Deans

of different faculties, HEC officials and industrialists

shared their experiences and encouraged the

university graduates to show ability to compete the

world's job market.

In his inaugural speech, Prof. Dr. Mujeebuddin

Sahrai, Vice Chancellor SAU, Tandojam, urged the

graduates to live up to the expectations associated

with them. He urged them to understand the

importance of time to grow in the face of hardships.

Ms. Dur-e-Shahwar Sadozai, Director Capacity

Building and Alumni Relations, USAID lauded the

role of the SAU team, which brought people from

diversified fields for the orientation of graduates.

She said it is an inspiring event, adding that the HEC

encourages universities and is increasing

scholarship programmes for higher education.

Dr. Shahid Qureshi, Director Centre for

Entrepreneurship Development (IBA), Karachi

Higher Education Commission (HEC)

Two workshops were held on “Talent Grooming” for

newly enrolled scholars studying at six partner

universities of Sindh and one neighbouring partner

university from Lasbela, Balochistan, under the

USAID-funded Merit and Needs Based Scholarship

Programme (MNBSP).

The purpose of organizing such workshops was to

encourage the scholars to move out of their comfort

zone and explore their personal complexities. The

first workshop was organized in collaboration with

IBA, Karachi, wherein the USAID MNBSP scholars

from the University of Karachi, IBA Karachi, Lasbela

Workshops for MNBSP Scholars University of Agriculture, Water and Marine

Sciences, and SZABIST, Larkana, Hyderabad and

Karachi campuses participated.

The second workshop was held at Mehran University

of Engineering and Technology, Jamshoro, in which

a large number of graduates from Sukkur IBA, and

Sindh Agriculture University, Tandojam along with

students of the host university participated.

The workshop was a blend of academic sessions and

panel discussion. Seventy two USAID MNBSP

scholars were awarded certificates on this occasion.

27

The Government College University Faisalabad

(GCUF) and Sokoto State University Nigeria have

signed a Memorandum of Understanding to boost

cooperation and exchange ideas in the pursuit of

education and learning in diverse fields of science.

The MoU was signed on the sidelines of a one-day

international seminar held on education system in

Pakistan and Nigeria at GCUF. Dr. Muhammad Ali,

Vice Chancellor GCUF and Dr. Nuhu Yaqub, VC

Sokoto State University signed the MoU.

During the seminar, Mr. Mohsin, Director Directorate

of Distance Learning gave a presentation on the

GCUF, Nigerian Varsity Sign MoU to Expand Academic Cooperation

topic and introduced the participants to the

education system in Pakistan. He said that HEC has

established Quality Enhancement Cells in

universities which are working efficiently towards

achievement of their objectives. While, Dean Faculty

of Education, Sokoto State University, Nigira briefed

the audience about the education system in Nigeria.

The Vice Chancellor Sokoto State University paid

special thanks to Dr. Muhammad Ali for hospitality.

He said they believed in long lasting and sustainable

relations. He said the two universities will exchange

students and faculty in order to understand and

benefit from each other's experiences.

Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and

Technology, Karachi in collaboration with HEC

organized a national literary conference entitled “A

Literary Review of Desert Areas of Pakistan”.

Mr. Sulaiman Ahmad, Director, HEC Centre, Karachi

said that HEC has been very active to promote Social

Sciences and regional languages in Pakistan in

addition to encouragement of research in Pakistani

languages. He said that HEC has also been helpful in

launching research journals in Brahvi, Seraiki and

Persian, adding that it has also allocated special

funds for promotion of Social Sciences and

Humanities in the country. He urged scholars to

prepare a project to document literature emerging

from the desert areas of Pakistan. He also stressed

the need for steps to translate the literature in local

languages into English.

Literary Review of Desert Areas

In his address, Dr. Suleman D. Mohammad, Vice

Chancellor, FUUAST highlighted the shortage of

facilities and resources in the desert areas. He

appreciated the HEC for funding the conference, as

he said these activities are a good sign regarding

promotion of literature on neglected areas.

Prof. Noor Ahmed Jinjhi observed that people living

in the barren and arid areas have a rich heritage. He

urged the authorities concerned to document this

history in the form of audio-visual recordings along

with transcriptions so that the rich heritage may be

preserved. The people of deserts document their

hardships in a positive way in the form of folk songs,

folk tales and other kinds of folklore. Dr. Inayat

Hussain Leghari, Chairman, FUUAST Sindhi

Department, Prof. D. Alamdar Hussain Bukhari, and

others also spoke on the occasion.

28

The University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences,

Lahore in collaboration with the USAID and Punjab

Livestock and Dairy Development Department

organized a round-table discussion on Foot and

Mouth Diseases at the varsity's Lahore campus.

Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor UVAS,

Dr. Miles Toder, Director USAID Punjab, Naseem

Sadiq, Secretary Livestock and Dairy Development

Punjab, Sajjad Moghal, Senior Development

Advisor, USAID Punjab, and others participated in

the discussion along with the representatives of the

University of Agriculture Faisalabad, Food and

Agriculture Organization of the United Nations,

UVAS holds Roundtable on Foot and Mouth Diseases

L&DD Punjab Lahore, Engro Foods, ICI Pakistan and

private enterprises. The discussion revolved around

the prevalence of foot and mouth diseases among

the livestock sector in Pakistan.

It also covered as to how the diseases are contained

with focus on their prevention. The participants,

hailing from the public and private sectors, believed

that scaling up the production of vaccines for foot

and mouth diseases will go a long way in combating

the threat of diseases. They stressed that public-

private sector collaboration would pave the way for

mitigation and solution of the issue with full

coverage of vaccination of livestock.

A two-day national competition entitled ComBat-

2016 -- The Computing Battle --was held at Pakistan

Air Force-Karachi Institute of Economics and

Technology (PAF-KIET), Karachi recently.

The aim of holding this competition was to bring out

the abilities of students and provide them with a

platform to bolster their expertise in the field of

Information Technology and related disciplines.

The event featured 22 competitions and more than

1000 students from different universities including

Institute of Business Administration, NED University,

FAST, University of Karachi, Sir Syed University of

'ComBat-2016' held at PAF-KIETEngineering and Technology, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali

Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology

(SZABIST), Bahria University, Muhammad Ali Jinnah

University, BIZTECH, Iqra University, Usman Institute

of Technology, Federal Urdu University, Sindh

Madrasatul Islam University, Karachi, DHA Suffa

University and Mehran University participated in it.

Professionals from the industry and academia

attended the event in a large number.

Mr. Tubrez Asif, President PAF-KIET commended the

innovative skills displayed by the young

participants. An amount of Rs. 250,000 was awarded

to the winners of various competitions.

thRiphah International University organized the 4

International Conference on Islamic Business (ICIB)

with the theme of Islamic Economics, Finance,

Entrepreneurial Development, and Public Policy for

Socio-economic Well-being.

There was a consensus among participants that

Islamic Finance has become a global feature.

However, there is a need for reconstructing the

society and economy on the basis of Islamic values.

It was observed that the acceptance level of Islamic

Finance is still very low, as people consider it as

replication of conventional finance. The speakers

stressed that the policy makers, regulators and the

practitioners need to ponder seriously on the point

as to why conversion to Islamic finance is so slow

even in Muslim majority countries. They said the

Islamic Finance Institutions (IFIs) need to change

their model to undertake real business and to focus

on financing of real sectors and sub sectors.

Riphah Conference on Islamic Banking

29

prepare doctors and other health professionals with

an aim to serve the nation.

With regard to Vision-2025, Ahsan Iqbal pointed out

seven factors as most important for preparation to

cope with future challenges including energy

security, self-reliance in growth rate, development of

human resources, social development, value

addition in production units, promotion of small and

medium enterprises, and democratic governance.

“Vision-2025 is a long term project for socio-

economic prosperity of the country on sustainable

basis”, he remarked.

Ahsan Iqbal Lauds UHS Services in Health SectorMr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning,

Development and Reforms has said that the

government is determined to make Pakistan one of

the top 25 economies of the world in next 10 years.

Addressing an award distribution ceremony

organized at the University of Health Sciences (UHS)

for position holders of various disciplines, Ahsan

Iqbal said that the world has entered into a

knowledge revolution. “This is not the age of war of

political forces but an era of clash of economic

theories”, he said, adding that Pakistan has to follow

the agenda of socio-economic uplift instead of

political gains. He further said that the country is

emerging out of darkness and entering into an era of

enlightenment.

Stressing the need for development of human

resource, which is a key for inclusive and sustainable

growth, the minister said that a holistic approach

was needed for human resource development by

synergizing efforts on education, health, nutrition

and population. The minister lauded the UHS for its

efforts to promote health education and urged it to

The Central Library, Quaid-e-Awam University of

Engineering, Science and Technology (QUEST),

Nawabshah organized a three-day training

workshop on 'Koha and D-Space' for the staff of

nearby libraries in Nawabshah.

The topic of workshop was “Integrated Library

System: Koha and DSpace”. As many as 27 library

professionals attended the workshop, which

included 17 sessions.

Mr. Ghulam Farooque Channar, Librarian, QUEST,

Nawabshah was the coordinator of the workshop.

Mr. Sher Afzal, Chief Librarian, Bahria University,

Islamabad was the resource person of the training.

He delivered 14 lectures on “KOHA & DSpace”.

KOHA and DSpace is a multilingual library

QUEST Workshop for Librarians on Use of Koha Software

management software that is effectively being used

in most of the countries around the globe by

providing free access to users. The objective of the

workshop was to equip the librarians with practical

skills to use Koha and DSpace in the management

system of libraries. This training workshop was held

for the first time by Central Library, QUEST for the

library professionals working in central and

departmental libraries of QUEST and also for the

librarians of nearby educational institutions like

PUMHS, SBBU, Isra University, and Khawaja

Memorial Public Library.

Prof. Dr. Bashir Ahmed Memon, Dean Faculty of

Engineering, Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed Memon, and

Prof. Dr Aslam Pervez Memon, Chairman Library

Committee, also spoke on the occasion.

30

Science Society of Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of

Engineering Sciences and Technology recently

organized a three-day ‘All Pakistan Science Fair’.

Speaking on the occasion, speakers stressed the

need for involving the country's youth in result-

oriented research activities as it will prove helpful for

them in achieving desired results in the diverse fields

of science. Students from various educational

institutions participated in the fair. The categories

adopted in the fair included Kasoty, Eureka, Span the

Science Fair Enthralls Visitors at GIKIBridge, Forensics, Sweep the Distance and Science

Marathon. The participants of exhibition competed

one another in an enthusiastic way.

Addressing the prize distribution ceremony at the

end of exhibition, Prof. Dr. Jameel-un-Nabi, Dean,

Faculty of Engineering Sciences said that the spirit of

youth can help them acquire contemporary

education and make their dream of a prosperous life

come true while playing their due role in

strengthening the country’s economy.

The Department of Information Technology, Quaid-

e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and

Technology, Nawabshah, Sindh, in collaboration

with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), storganized the 1 National Conference on Trends and

Innovations in Information Technology, 2016.

The main purpose of the conference was to create a

linkage between academia and industry to explore

the recent developments in the field of Information

Technology. Experts from various universities and

National Moot on Trends in IT at QUESTindustries participated in the event and exchanged

their ideas and information with the other

participants.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC

participated in the closing ceremony of the

conference as a chief guest. He appreciated the

efforts of the university for arranging such the

conference. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Ibrahim Channa,

who chaired the meeting, thanked the experts for

their participation and technical support.

UCP Clinches Title of Intervarsity Cricket Championship 2015-16The University of Central Punjab (UCP), Lahore has

won the title of Intervarsity Cricket Championship

2015-16 organized by

at Bhutto Cricket Ground, Islamabad.

The UCP marked the victory by eight wickets in a

match against the University of Peshawar. The latter

made 199 runs in 40 overs which were chased by thUCP in 28 over. The University of the Punjab, Lahore rdhas got 3 position in the championship. Dr. Arshad

Ali, Executive Director, HEC was the chief guest in the

closing ceremony. He gave away trophies and cash

prizes to the top three teams.

The event was organized by HEC in Islamabad with

the assistance of local universities and Islamabad

Higher Education

Commission

Cricket Association. Sixteen teams from all over the

country took part in the championship.

Gomal University Dera Ismail Khan, Hazara

University, University of Peshawar, University of

Engineering & Technology Peshawar, International

Islamic University Islamabad, COMSATS Institute of

Information Technology Islamabad, University of the

Punjab, University of Sargodha, Government

College University Faisalabad, University of Central

Punjab, University of Engineering and Technology,

Lahore, University of Karachi, University of Sindh,

Jamshoro, NED University of Engineering and

Technology, Karachi, Shah Abdul Latif University and

University of Baluchistan were among the

universities which took part in the event.

31

An international workshop on Outcome-based

Education was organized by the Quality

Enhancement Cell of Ghulm Ishaq Khan (GIK)

Institute recently.

Prof. Dr. Abul Fazal Arif from King Fahad University

of Petroleum and Minerals, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

also attended the workshop. A step-wise

development of a functional assessment process

was discussed in the workshop. Speakers urged the

faculty to put efforts for broadening of their

Significance of Outcome-based Education Highlighted

understanding about the continuous improvement

of student learning through the design of

assessment processes satisfying the framework

provided by the PEC manual.

Dr. AbulFazal Arif shared a detailed report

summarizing the activities, observations and

recommendations based on the findings during his

visit. Meanwhile, short visits of experts along with

the QEC team to various engineering programmes

were organized by GIK Institute.

The Karachi University Teachers’ Society (KUTS) in

collaboration with Kidney Centre organized a

seminar to mark the Work Kidney Day and sensitize

the masses on the deadly effects of kidney diseases

and diabetes.

Addressing on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Muhammad

Qaiser, Vice Chancellor, Karachi University, Prof. Dr.

Shakeel Farooqui, President KUTS, and other

notables urged the masses to understand the

complexities of kidney related issues, as if kidney

diseases are not diagnose timely, they can go

uncontrollable.

They said that the causalities and loss of precious

lives due to diabetes and kidney disease can be

avoided by adopting safety measures and creating

public awareness. They said diabetes is a very

complex disease and its patients may also face heart

diseases, strokes and blood pressure.

Diabetes is a constantly increasing in the whole

world including Pakistan due to lack of awareness,

they lamented. They said that according to a survey,

415 million people of the world are suffering from

diabetes, while seven million of them are from

Pakistan. They feared that this figure might reach up

KU Seminar Calls for Precautions against Diabetes, Kidney Diseases

to 642 million in 2040 with 14 million people

affected by the disease in Pakistan. They stressed the

need for practical efforts to face this challenge.

Youth must be fully aware about this disease so that

they could play their vital role in minimizing it in the

country, they emphasized.

The speakers said that public awareness about the

kidney diseases and diabetes needs to be increased

in Pakistan. They lamented that the developing

nations even lack clean drinking water, which is a

global tragedy.

They stressed the need for establishment of a Kidney

Centre at KU. They said that KUTS will leave no stone

unturned to facilitate teachers and students to raise

awareness against the diseases.

32

The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC), Institute of

Space Technology (IST), organized a two-day

workshop on 'Teaching Competency through

Microteaching Approach' for newly inducted faculty

members to help them learn the

art of teaching.

Microteaching, a teacher training

technique practiced worldwide,

provides teachers an opportunity

to enhance their teaching skills,

speakers said on the occasion.

They said microteaching employs

real teaching situation for

development of skills and it also helps acquiring

deeper knowledge about teaching methodology. A

number of faculty members from different

departments of IST participated in the workshop. Dr.

IST Workshop Sheds Light on MicroteachingZahid Majeed from Allama Iqbal Open University,

who was the resource person of the workshop,

emphasised on a few basic skills and components of

teaching.

The participants delivered lectures

on the topic. Immediate verbal and

written feedback was then

provided by the resource person

and peers. The whole activity

provided a useful insight into the

teaching process.

The closing ceremony was

c o n d u c t e d b y M r. A r b a b

Mahmood Ahmad, Director QEC. He thanked Dr.

Zahid Majeed for his valuable pedagogical guidance

and awarded certificates of participation to all the

faculty members.

rdThe two-day 3 e-Learning and Distance Education

Conference 2016 was organized at Ali Institute,

Lahore with the theme of "e-Learning and Distance

Education: Evolution, Challenges and Solutions".

Notables from academia and corporate world

attended the activity along with a large number of

delegates from Canada, United Kingdom, Germany,

Malaysia, Philippines, and Sri

Lanka. Apart from seven keynote

speeches, presentation of 35

technical papers split over five

sessions was a remarkable feature

of the conference.

Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, former

Chairman HEC, Prof. Asha S.

Kanwar, President Common

Wealth of Learning, Canada, Prof.

Dr. Shironica Karunanayaka, Professor in Educational

Technology, Open University of Sri Lanka, Dr. Robert

Farrow from Institute of Educational Technology,

Open University, Milton Keynes, UK, and other

rd3 e-Learning, Distance Education Conference Assembles Academia, Industry Representatives

renowned international speakers highlighted the

significance of e-Learning and Distance Education

on the occasion.

Dr. Naveed A Malik, Rector, Virtual University of

Pakistan said the conference provided a unique

forum where innovative developments in e-

Learning, applications, issues, and strategies to

explore new technologies were

exchanged and discussed by all

stakeholders. He said it explored

the innovative ways of using

technology to enhance the

learning experience beyond the

dimensions of ‘Anywhere and

Anytime’ to ‘Ubiquitous Learning’.

D r. Shah id S idd iqu i , V i ce

Chancellor, Allama Iqbal Open

University graced the closing ceremony as chief

guest. The conference was concluded with

distribution of shields, souvenirs and certificates

among the organizers.

33

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of

Pakistan conferred Pride of

Performance award upon Prof. Dr,

Abida Taherani, Vice Chancellor,

University of Sindh (SU) in

recognition to her meritorious

achievements in the field of education during a

ceremony held at the Aiwan-e-Sadr, Islamabad on

Pakistan Day.

Dr. AbidaTaherani has been a dedicated teacher of

39 years standing and a devoted researcher par-

excellence with her expertise and profound

knowledge covering vast canvas of fields ranging

from Economics, Agricultural Economics,

Developmental Economics and Sustainable

Development and Environment, Gender and Poverty

Studies, Water Resources, Drainage and Coastal and

Indus Delta Mangroves.

Apart from completing many research projects

funded by Government and other agencies,

including World Bank and Asian Development Bank,

she has supervised 10 doctoral studies spanning

over all these diverse fields of her expertise, with

SU VC Dr. AbidaTaherani Achieves Pride of Performance

another nine scholars presently pursuing PhD

research under her supervision along with six others

studying for MS/ MPhil degrees.

Dr. Taherani’s educational background is studded

with top positions and gold medals, starting from

Masters in Economics culminating to the PhD

degree in Agricultural Economics in 1995 from

Colorado State University, USA. She also rejoined

Colorado State for her postdoctoral studies in 2005.

She was awarded USAID fellowship for her PhD

studies and Sindh University fellowship for post-

doctoral studies.

Starting her teaching career at the University of

Sindh as lecturer, Dr. Taherani rose to full

Professorship in 1997 and finally earned Meritorious

Professorship (BPS-22) in 2014. She has to her credit

numerous research publications mostly in HEC

approved journals.

Dr. Taherani received the Best University Teacher

Award of the HEC in 2008. In 1998, she was awarded

Gold Medal by Sindh University for outstanding

performance.

Malik Rafique Rajwana, Governor Punjab on behalf

of the President of Pakistan decorated Prof. Dr. Talat

Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor, University of

Veterinary and Animal Sciences (UVAS) with Sitara-i-

Imtiaz in an investiture ceremony at the Governor

House on Pakistan Day.

Prof. Pasha has been awarded the presidential award

for his outstanding performance and excellence in

the field of Veterinary Science. He has the honour to

be appointed as UVAS VC for the second

consecutive term. Under his leadership, the UVAS

has attained its position among the top 10 Pakistani

universities according to the HEC ranking.

UVAS VC Prof. Pasha Decorated with ‘Sitara-i-Imtiaz’

Prof. Pasha was earlier awarded the

Best University Teacher Award by

the HEC in 2009. He is a PhD in

Animal Nutrition from the West

Virginia University, USA, and has a

vast experience in education,

research and livestock sector.

He published 81 research papers in scientific

journals, supervised 118 MPhil students and 11 PhD

scholars. He drafted the PC-1 of the UVAS, Lahore

and is the focal person for establishment of

Cholistan University of Veterinary and Animal

Sciences, Bahawalpur.

34

The first ever model United Nations was organized

at the Capital University of Science and Technology

(CUST) as CUST Youth Model United Nations 2016

(CYMUN’16).

The three-day event was attended by more than 200

students from National University of Science and

Technology, Pakistan Institute of Engineering and

Applied Sciences, International Islamic University

CUST CYMUM'16 Fascinates Audience Islamabad, Beaconhouse School System, EME

College, and other institutions. The purpose of

holding the CYMUM'16 was to provide the

participants with an absolute source of information,

recreation and entertainment.

The participants witnessed a very intellectual debate

during the committee sessions on the issues

prevailing in the world.

stThe 1 National Research Conference on Business

and Management was organized by the College of

Management Sciences (CoMS), PAF-KIET with the

theme of “sharing knowledge and ideas”.

The response from universities and the industry to

the call for papers was overwhelming, as 74

manuscripts were accepted for presentation while

three manuscripts were received from the People’s

Republic of China on which presentations were

made through Skype. The conference was kicked off

with a panel discussion wherein PhD programme

coordinators from various universities of Karachi

participated. The panelists provided an overview of

the PhD programmes and the facilities available at

PAK-KIET Research Conference on Business, Management

their campuses. They also discussed the issues faced

by the management and scholars.

The papers were presented in 10 concurrent

sessions chaired by seasoned researchers belonging

to various institutions. Encouraged by the positive

response to the First NRCBM, the College of

Management Sciences is planning a follow-up

international conference in the near future.

This first ever transgenic, double BT gene cotton, has

been developed by the scientists of CEMB under the

supervision of Prof. Dr. Tayyab Husnain, Director

CEMB and Dr. Idrees Ahmad Nasir.

Commercialization of CEMB 33 across Pakistan was

approved by National Biosafety Committee of thPakistan during its 13 meeting.

CEMB 33 has already passed biosafety trials

conducted at various places in the Punjab and has

CEMB Scientists Develop Double BT Gene Cotton Variety

successfully shown ability to control all cotton boll

worms and tolerance against cotton leaf curl virus.

This high yielding cotton variety is expected to

contribute significantly by decreasing foreign

exchange being spent on the import of hazardous

pesticides.

Dr. Tayyab Husnain said that this tremendous

achievement has given motivation to CEMB

scientists to do more valuable and productive

scientific research for the betterment of society.

35

genes and their functions, and genome preserves

biodiversity in the society. He added that genome is

a laboratory process that determines the complete

DNA sequence of an organism's genome at a single

time. He stressed that the whole genome

sequencing should not be confused with DNA

profiling, which only determines the likelihood that

genetic material came from a particular individual or

group, and does not contain additional information

on genetic relationships, origin or susceptibility to

specific diseases.

Dr. Javed Ahmed Ujjan, Secretary at the workshop

and Dr. Abdul Manan Shaikh, Chairman, Department

of Zoology appreciated HEC for its financial support

in organizing the workshop for the capacity building

of faculty and students.

Training Workshop on Applications of Bioinformatics held at SALUA three-day training workshop on “Application of

Bioinformatics for Analysis of whole Sequences

Data” was organized by the Department of Zoology,

Shah Abdul Latif University (SALU), Khairpur in

collaboration with HEC.

Inaugurating the workshop, Prof. Dr. Noor Ahmed

Shaikh, Pro-Vice Chancellor, SALU said that DNA can

provide the genetic material necessary for full

genome sequencing, adding that the whole

genome sequencing has important application in

human physiology, biochemistry, microbiology and

environmental sciences. He revealed the benefit of

sequencing and said it could provide new

information on the genetic basis of poorly

understood diseases.

Dr. Ishtiaque Ahmed Khan from University of Karachi

presented his keynote speech on Genomic

Reshaping Biology. Arguing that life is more

complex than galaxy, he said genomic is the study of

The National Centre of Excellence in Analytical thChemistry, Jamshoro organized a two-day 11

International Symposium on Analytical and

Environmental Chemistry (ISAEC-2016).

The symposium was dedicated to Late Prof. Dr. Gul

HussanKazi, former Director of the Centre.

Delegates from Turkey, Malaysia, Czech Republic,

Saudi Arabia, Oman and various Pakistani

universities participated in the event. The major

focus of symposium was on Analytical and

Environmental Chemistry with particular emphasis

on Innovative Methods for remedies of emerging

organic and inorganic pollutants, nano-materials

synthesis using environmental friendly approaches

and their applications in sensor and catalysis. The

role of metal ions in progression of diseases was also

discussed alongside the future prospects of

biodiesel as green source. Different methods for

th11 Int'l Symposium on Analytical,

Environmental Chemistry at SU Centredrug analysis using modern analytical methodology

were discussed in detail for practical applications.

Prof. Dr. Abida Taherani, Vice Chancellor, University

of Sindh, Jamshoro presided over the event.

Appreciating the efforts of the NCEAC, Prof. Dr.

Abida Taherani said that such events do not only

boost up academic and research studies but also

strengthen bonds among various institutes of the

country in addition to creating opportunities of

promoting the standard of research and

technological education.

Prof. Dr. G. A. Miana, Rector Riphah Institute of

Pharmaceutical Sciences, Islamabad, who was the

chief guest on this occasion, Prof. Dr. Rasool Jan, VC,

University of Peshawar, Dr. Hussain Kara, Vice Rector,

Selcuk University, Konya, Turkey, Prof. Dr. Iqbal

Bhangar and others also spoke on the occasion.

36

Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto University of Law

recently held a three-day conference on legal

education entitled 'the Continuum of Education in

the Legal Profession: Enhancing Quality'.

The conference was attended by eminent

personalities from judiciary as well as executive

including Mr. Anwar Zaheer Jamali, Chief Justice

Supreme Court of Pakistan and Mr. Ishrat-ul-Ebad,

Governor Sindh. As many as 15 sub-topics were

identified during the activity while 84 research

papers were also presented.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Anwar Zaheer Jamali

stressed the need for promotion of legal education

and its virtues in the country.

Dr. Sikandar Ali Mandhro, Provincial Minister for

Environment, Coastal Development Authority &

Cooperation chaired the closing ceremony on

behalf of Honorable Chief Minister Sindh. Besides,

Univeristy, Islamabad during a ceremony at National

Centre of Excellence in Geology, in which a number

of senior faculty members of both the universities

were present. The MoU will enable both the

institutes of higher learning to exchange scientific

information. They will also jointly organize

workshops, seminars and symposia. The researchers

of both the institutes will also carry out collaborative

research.

Speaking on the occasion, Prof. Dr. Irshad Ahmed

said that collaboration among researchers in the

field of Earth Sciences is a need of the hour, adding

that collaboration between the two universities will

prove fruitful for the advancement of Earth and

Environmental Sciences research in the country and

will provide a progressive learning environment to

the students of both the institutions.

SZABUL Conference Mulls Improvement of Legal Education Quality

UoP, BU Strike MoU for Collaboration in Earth Sciences

Mr. Qazi Khalid Ali, Vice Chancellor, SZABUL, Dr.

Sikandar Ali Mandhro, and other notables also

spoke on this occasion.

Before the conclusion of conference, it was resolved

that SZABUL will offer Barrister-at-Law and Solicitor

Programmes in collaboration with the Bar Standards

Board, UK, Solicitor Regulatory Authority, BPP Law

University, London, University of London, and some

other competent authorities of the UK on mutually

agreed terms and conditions.

The National Centre of Excellence in Geology,

University of Peshawar, and Bahria University,

Islamabad recently signed a Memorandum of

Understanding to enhance collaboration in Earth

and Environmental Sciences.

The MoU was signed by Prof. Dr Irshad Ahmed,

Director National Centre of Excellence in Geology,

and Mr. Saleem Akhtar, Director General, Bahria

37

A Chinese delegation led by Mr. WU Xian, Director

General, Xinjiang Foreign Affairs visited National

University of Modern Languages (NUML) and met

Major General (R) Zia ud Din Najam, Rector NUML.

The delegation included Mr. Yoan Jianman, Deputy

Secretary Sinotrance ltd, Mr. Yang Hongxin

President Xinjiang TV and Mr. Zhan Kongchao

Assistant Director Journal of Xinjiang Foreign Affairs.

The Chinese delegates said that China is keen to

enhance cooperation in language training and

cultural promotion, and ready to provide

scholarships for NUML students. Mr. WU Xian said

that his province will assist NUML in setting up

NUML International Center of Education in Xinjiang

Normal University under China-Pakistan Economic

Corridor (CPEC) as signed by the both the countries.

He said that Xinjiang is in process of signing various

MoUs with NUML regarding students exchange

programmes, construction of library and

enhancement of mutual cooperation.

The Rector NUML briefed the delegation about the

University. He said that a large number of students

are getting admission in Chinese language courses

and to provide them excellent skills NUML needs

native Chinese teachers and Xinjiang can help

NUML in this regard.

The University of Engineering and Technology (UET), ndLahore held its 22 convocation, wherein Mr. Javed

Saleem Qureshi, Chairman Pakistan Engineering

Council was the chief guest.

As many as 13 PhDs, 53 MPhil students, 187 MSc, 44

MBA and 1380 bachelors were awarded with

degrees in addition to distribution of 58 medals. The

PhD scholars also included Ms. Sharia Hussaini, an

Iranian student, who got her degree in Architecture.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Guest said that

Engineering education plays a key role in the

progress of a country. Keeping this in view, the

Government is taking various measures with the

nd22 Convocation of UET Lahore

collaboration of other institutions to equip the

youth with different technical skills at country level,

which will certainly help stabilising the country's

economy. He emphasized the need for

modernization of Engineering education and other

pedagogical techniques up to the mark. "Only then,

we will be able to grab domestic and global markets

properly," he concluded.

Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Vice Chancellor, UET

Lahore congratulated the graduating students and

advised them to work hard in the practical life as

well. He hoped that they will play their due role in

establishing a moderate and modernized society

with their thinking and actions.

38

Chinese Delegates Visit NUML

Engr. Iqbal Zafar Jhagra, Governor Khyber

Pakhtunkhwa conferred degrees upon 1078 thgraduates during the 8 convocation of City

University of Science and Information Technology,

Peshawar.

The graduates who received their degrees belong to

various disciplines including Management Sciences,

Computer Sciences, Education, MBA, MCS,

Mathematics, English, M. Com, M.Ed, BCS/BSE/BBA

(Hons), B. Com, B. Ed and Engineering. Forty-eight

The Indus University organized a four-day workshop

on ''Ladies Fund Vocational Scholarship in Media

Studies and Entrepreneurship' ' with the

collaboration of Dawood Global Foundation.

The objective of holding this workshop was to

highlight the importance of communication in

effective writing. Leading start-up trainers took

classes on how effective global communication is

necessary to become a successful entrepreneur that

would create a healthy competition. They said

journalism has played a major role in global

communication, as it enhances creative writing skills

and generates in-house income source for females.

Prof. Dr. Ishrat Lindblad from University of

Stockholm, Sweden emphasized on the ways of

opening and closing of a paragraphs in an effective

global communication. He spoke on the significance

of writing beyond borders and communicating

City University Awards th1078 Degrees in 8 Convocation

gold medals were also given to the graduates on the

basis of their outstanding academic performances.

Engr. Prof. Dr. Attaullah Shah, Vice Chancellor, City

University thanked the Chief Guest, Members of

Board of Governor and other respected delegates.

He shared with them the details of various initiatives

undertaken by the City University for academic

uplift. Mr. Muhammad Sabur Sethi, President, City

University congratulated the graduates on the

completion of the degrees.

Speaking on the occasion, the chief guest

emphasized upon the importance of education and

research for development of the country. He advised

the graduates to discharge their duties with

sincerity, commitment and professionalism, as it

would contribute to the national advancement. He

also showed his trust and confidence in the

capabilities of young generation.

Indus University holds Workshop on 'Ladies Fund Vocational Scholarship’

effectively with a short introduction in the start to a

creative piece within.

Sadia Khan, honorary Consul General, Finland

underlined that women can become very effective

entrepreneurs and contribute to the society side by

side with men. She urged girls to use their skills and

start up their modules without any fear of failure. Mr.

Amin Guljee, renowned sculpture artist shed light on

building one's career in the field of one's choice.

39

P U B L I C N O T I C E

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