1. December 2011
Higher Education
Meant for
Creation of
New Knowledge:
Dr. Laghari
4
g
Goo d Governance, Strategic Plannin
Workshops at NUST, QAU 16
Scholars of
Needs-based
Programme Shine
at IBA Convocation
21

2. Table of Contents
2 Financial Crisis at Universities Discussed
Higher Education
4 Meant for Creation
of New Knowledge:
Dr. Laghari
2 Scholars Complete PhD from UK under
HEC Partial Support Programme
6 US Patent Awarded under HEC's Project
“Patent Filing”
HEC, Pink Ribbon
9 Ink MoU for Breast
Cancer Awareness
Campaign
Knowledge Exchange Trainings held for
7 HEC, Universities
NSMC Awards Indigenous Scholarships
7
on Quota Basis
Good Governance,
Four IEEE Transactions in a Year by
10 Pakistani Research Group
16 Strategic Planning
Workshops for HoDs
of QAU & NUST
11 Accreditation Councils Meet at HEC
Meeting of 30 QECs held at HEC
16 Peshawar
26 15 VCs/Rectors of
Punjab Call on
Governor
18
16th Faculty Professional Development
Programme Concludes
NUST Conference on Application and
20
Methods of Physics
HEC News & Views is published every month.
No part of this publication may be reproduced Education Inevitable for Nation
in any form without prior written permission of 22 Building: Governor KPK
the publisher. The views expressed by authors
in the articles is their sole responsibility and not
of HEC. The Commission would like to thank Development Linked to Quality
all the institutions and individuals who 24 Education: CM
contributed information and photographs for
this Magazine.
Turkish Extension Centre to be
24
Established at UAF
Editor
Aayesha Ikram
Graphic Designer
Raja Ahmad Nadeem
Publisher:
Reporter Higher Education
Waseem Khaliqdad Commission, Pakistan

3. Commission Events
Vice Chancellors Meet Finance Minister
Financial Crisis at Universities Discussed
The Vice Chancellors of 10 Chancellors, Eng Imtiaz Coordination HEC, Rana Asad
public sector universities met Gillani also requested that this Amin, Special Secretary
Dr. Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, relief should be embedded as Finance, Mr. Seerat Asghar,
Federal Minister for Finance part of recurring budget. They Additional Secretary Finance
recently to discuss provision thanked the Finance Minister and Mr. Asif Shaikh, PSDP
of additional grant to for understanding the Specialist Planning
universities to cater for the 50 predicament and assured him Commission.
percent increase announced that they will redouble their
last year and the 15 per cent efforts to be more creative to The vice chancellors included
increase this year by the look for alternative source of Dr. Nasser Ali Khan, Director
Government. The meeting also funding. I M S , Pe s h a wa r, A h m a d
discussed World Bank funded Farooq Bazai, Vice Chancellor
US $ 300 million Tertiary The Finance Minister Balochistan University of
Education Support appreciated the positive Management and Sciences,
Programme. approach of the heads of Quetta, Mrs. Sultana Balouch,
institutions and suggested Vi c e C h a n c e l l o r S a r d a r
The Minister heard the Vice that as two pillars of B a h a d u r K h a n Wo m e n
Chancellors’ point of view Government, such meetings U n i v e r s i t y, Q u e t t a , D r.
patiently and said he should be held more often for Mujahid Kamran, University
understood the delicacy of the better understanding between of the Punjab, Dr.
situation. After a detailed both stakeholders. Nizamauddin, Gujrat, Dr.
discussion he asked Special Nilofer Shaikh, Khairpur, Dr.
Secretary Finance, Rana Asad The meeting was also attended A. Q. Mughal, Sindh
Amin to discuss the issues and by Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, Agriculture University
come up with a rational relief Chairman Higher Education Ta n d o j a m , D r. M a s o o n
for the universities in need. C o m m i s s i o n , D r. S o h a i l Ya s i n z a i , Q u a i d - e - A z a m
Naqvi, Executive Director University and Dr. Najma
The Vice Chancellors who HEC, Dr. Mazhar Saeed, Najam, Karakorum
were headed by Chairman Director General, International University,
Executive Committee of Vice Administration and Gilgit.
Scholars Complete PhD Studies Abroad. Soherwordi completed his
PhD from the School of Social and Political
PhD from UK Studies, Centre for South Asian Studies,
University of Edinburgh. He was awarded
under HEC Partial scholarship in the final year of his studies.
Support Programme His research is entitled “Pakistan Foreign Policy
Mr. Syed Hussain Shaheed Soherwordi and Mr. Formulation: An Analysis of Institutional
Liaqat Ali have successfully completed their Interaction between Pakistani and American
doctorate degrees under Higher Education Policy Making Bodies”. He has to his credit five
Commission’s Partial Support Programme for international and 20 national publications in the
2

4. Commission Events
field of International Relations and Pakistan-US University of Peshawar" completed his PhD from
relations during the War on Terror. His thesis is Camborne School of Mines, University of Exeter,
under process of publication in book form by the UK. He also proceeded abroad under the Partial
Oxford University Press. Dr. Soherwordi is Support Programme.
currently working as Senior Lecturer in the
Department of International Relations, His doctoral research is focused on developing
University of Peshawar. exploration tools for precious and base metals
using advance mineralogical/geochemical
Similarly, Mr. Liaqat Ali, a resident of village techniques and GIS in remote and glaciated areas
Dagai, district Swabi, who was pursuing his PhD of North Pakistan. Dr. Liaqat Ali is currently
degree in Earth Resources (Geology) under HEC working in the National Centre of Excellence in
Programme "Strengthening of NCE in Geology, Geology, University of Peshawar.
HRD Directly Linked to Higher
Education, Research: Dr. Sohail Naqvi
“Pakistan is blessed with the
precious human resource and
mineral wealth of all kinds but
our economic condition is very
dismal. We have previously
neglected higher education,
which is the direct source of
human resource development.
HRD must be welded to the
higher education and research
to exploit the natural resources
of the country to their
maximum potential.”
“Since 2001, HEC has tried its Dr. Syed Sakhawat Shah, Vice
These views were expressed best to promote higher Chancellor, Hazara University
by Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executive education and provide appreciated the role of HEC,
Director, HEC while speaking opportunity to a greater especially opening
during his recent visit to the number of youth so that they universities in the rural areas
Hazara University, Mansehra. c o u l d m a k e Pa k i s t a n a of the country. “Hazara
productive country through U n i ve r s i t y i s o n e s u c h
He said that the secret of their relevant research. institution, which needs
progress in 21st century is total special attention and support
commitment to empowering The number of PhDs and in its early years of growth,” he
our youth with the intellectual productive scientists has said.
firework of modern increased manifold, what we
discoveries and academic need at present is a conducive Dr. Naqvi also inaugurated the
excellence, unfolded through national policy to make higher foreign faculty hostel at the
research and generation of education one of our top University, which has been
knowledge in the universities. priorities,” he added. funded by the HEC.
3

5. Commission Events
Higher Education Meant for Creation
of New Knowledge: Dr. Laghari
During his recent visit to
Lahore, Dr. Javaid R. Laghari,
Chairperson Higher
Education Commission
visited various universities of
the city. HEC Regional Centre,
Lahore coordinated the whole
activity.
Pakistan Institute of Fashion
and Design
Ms. Hina Tayyaba, Acting Vice Dr. Laghari is being briefed about students’ work displayed at the Pakistan
Institute of Fashion and Design
Chancellor, PIFD briefed the
Chairperson about the courses Chairpersons and other heartening to note that Punjab
offered by the Institution. She faculty members. Senator University is producing over
also elaborated how they are Jahangir Badar also attended 100 PhDs a year while all
motivating foreign the meeting. Pakistani universities
institutions, organizations and collectively produced 700
faculty members to support Speaking on the occasion, the PhDs last year."
students by sharing their Chairperson said that the
knowledge and experiences of greatest challenge faced by H e s a i d t h a t H E C wa s
industry. higher education was to reach ambitious in ensuring quality
out to the people in remote education and quality
Dr. Laghari emphasized that areas at their doorstep and research. “For this purpose,
commercialization impact financially support the various steps have been taken
should be considered in mind students who cannot afford including establishment of
and the graduating students higher education. He said that Quality Enhancement Cells,
s h o u l d h a v e a n higher education was meant directorates of distance
entrepreneurial aptitude. He for creation of new knowledge education, introduction of
visited the campus and talked and, for this purpose, Pakistan associate degree programmes,
to teachers and students. On would definitely need efforts for regulating colleges,
the occasion, practical work qualified faculty. “It is etc.”
was displayed by students of
various departments, which
was appreciated by the
Chairperson.
University of the Punjab
Dr. Laghari held a meeting
with Dr. Mujahid Kamran,
P u n j a b U n i ve r s i t y Vi c e
Chancellor, Deans, Chairperson HEC addresses the audience at University of the Punjab, Lahore
4

6. Commission Events
training courses for school and
college teachers in the region,
in collaboration with
Secondary and Higher
Education Departments. He
also visited the University
campus.
The University of Lahore
During his visit to the
Dr. Laghari being presented ceramic work during his visit to the Lahore University, Dr. Laghari was
College for Women University. briefed by the Rector, Dr. M. H.
Dr. Mujahid Kamran lauded faculty members and students Qazi, about progress of the
the services of Dr. Laghari for attended the lecture. University.
promotion of higher education
in Pakistan and HEC's help for University of Education Addressing the faculty
gradual improvement of the Prof. Farhat Saleem gave a members and students, the
University and for funding presentation about the courses Chairperson appreciated the
various projects. offered at the University, efforts made by university in
besides faculty strength and private sector for providing an
Lahore College for Women other available facilities. Dr. ideal atmosphere and
University Faiz ul Hassan, Vice resources to knowledge
Dr. Sabiha Mansoor, Vice Chancellor was also present on seekers country.
Chancellor highlighted the the occasion.
role of LCWU in imparting He said that universities must
education to women. She also In his address, Dr. Laghari have Technology Parks like
briefed the Chairperson about stressed the significance of Turkey and other developed
different HEC funded projects. making the admission countries so the students may
procedure centralized at have better career
On the occasion, Dr. Laghari University level. He showed opportunities. He briefed the
gave a lecture based on his his concern on the student audience about the
recent book “The Wizardry of teacher ratio in the University. establishment of Offices of
Leadership”. A large number He added that University Research, Innovation and
of local vice chancellors, administration should arrange Commercialization (ORICs).
INAUGURATION
The Chairperson also inaugurated Reading
Room and Sports Room at HEC Regional Centre,
Lahore. Mr. Muhammad Raza Chohan, Director,
Regional Centre informed the Chairperson that
the Reading Room has been established with
updated books, magazine, journals and
newspapers, while Sport Room is equipped with
indoor sports facilities. Superior Group of
Colleges has provided the sports equipment.
5

7. Commission Events
US Patent Awarded
under HEC's Project “Patent Filing”
A patent, submitted by Dr. Naila Yaqoob from the treatment processes, the final
Lahore College for Women University (LCWU) discharge still poses carcinogenic
has been issued by the US Patent Office. Ms. threats to the surrounding
Naila has been awarded US Patent entitled ecosystem.
“Environmentally benign TCF bleaching
sequences for AS/AQ wheat straw pulp” which is Her invention relates to the
an outcome of a part of the research work design of an alternative eco- Dr. Naila Yaqoob
towards her PhD thesis. friendly bleaching sequences for our indigenous
species in response to the background that our
She has completed her PhD at LCWU under HEC “develop now and clean up later” policy will
scholarship under the supervision of Dr. Bushra steadily leave nothing for future generations
Mateen, former Vice Chancellor, LCWU and co- except a poor ecosystem. The invention provides
supervisor Dr. K. J. Cheema, Dean, Faculty of enough evidence to fill the gap between
Natural Sciences. producing quality products and requirements
for a healthy environment using recommended
Mr. Ishtiaq-ur-Rehman, Executive Chemist and total chlorine free bleaching sequences.
Mr. S. R. Hameed from Packages Ltd. are also the
co-workers in this patent, along with supervisor The work has been carried out in collaboration
and co-supervisor. Pakistan is a country where with Packages Ltd (Paper and Board Mill). It is
wheat straw is one of the major raw materials for important to mention that work included in this
the paper industry. Hypochlorite bleaching patent was carried out in Pakistan only and HEC
process is a conventional and indigenous is a financial contributor to both PhD research
practice to whiten the pulp. Despite the effluent work and patent processing.
NEWS IN PICTURE
Five faculty members of the Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB), who have left for foreign
countries to pursue their PhD studies under the Faculty Development Programme, pose for a
photograph with Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor, IUB. Ms. Aamna Noor and Ms. Shazia
Kanwal left for Great Britain, Mr. Abid Hussain Shahzad for Belgium, Ms. Nazia Sharif for Austria and
Ms. Farzana Manzoor for China.
6

8. Commission Events
capital development,
Knowledge Exchange Trainings knowledge sharing/diffusion,
held for HEC, Universities supporting the community/
public engagement, enterprise
The Higher Education The main purpose of the whole e d u c a t i o n a n d
Commission, in collaboration exercise was to familiarize the entrepreneurship, exploiting
with the British Council, universities with the the university’s physical
organized training and Knowledge Exchange assets.
awareness activities under the concept, which covers all
new initiative of Knowledge activities dealing with the The activities focused on
Exchange (KE) Programme. exchange of information or Knowledge Exchange
knowledge from the Programme and preparation
The trainings, spread over a university to the students, of survey for mapping and
week, targeted the Knowledge business, government and tracking activities related to
Exchange core team from local community. Knowledge Exchange in the
HEC, Knowledge Exchange universities.Mr. Adrian Day
support team comprising Knowledge Exchange is not from Higher Education
people from universities’ s i m p l y a b o u t Funding Council of England
Offices of Research, commercialization of science (HEFCE) was the resource
I n n o v a t i o n a n d through creation of spin offs, person for the training
Commercialization (ORICs) as licenses etc. It stands for a sessions. He has been involved
well as vice chancellors/rectors broader vision and refers to for a long time in developing
of public and private facilitating knowledge/ the measuring and mapping of
universities from all over research exploitation and Knowledge Exchange in UK’s
Pakistan. process, skills and human higher education institutions.
NSMC Awards Indigenous Scholarships
on Quota Basis
The 19th meeting of the National Scholarship meeting held on July 29, 2011 which agreed to
Management Committee (NSMC) was held at HEC’s proposal to award local scholarships on
HEC Secretariat, under the chairmanship of Dr. quota basis after 18th constitutional amendment.
Sohail Naqvi, Executive Director, Higher
Education Commission. The meeting was The participants were informed that the selection
attended by representatives of the four for Batch-7 of the scheme “PhD Fellowship for
Provincial Governments, Planning Commission, 5000 Scholars” was prolonged due to decision at
Ministry of Science and Technology and HEC the Government level. The members were also
officials. apprised that being a Federal Government
organization, HEC would ensure
The Committee, for the first time, approved implementation of quota policy in award of
award of indigenous scholarships under the indigenous and foreign scholarships in future as
project “PhD Fellowship for 5000 Scholars” on well. The members appreciated the decision and
quota basis as per Federal Government policy. As hoped that this would help in promoting inter
many as 650 scholarships were provisionally provincial harmony and removing regional
awarded in light of the decision of the ECNEC disparities.
7

9. Commission Events
Universities–Industry Innovative Research
Showcased at DICE 2011
Leading universities of Pakistan presented their discoveries at
a two-day All Pakistan Digital Innovation Competition and
Exhibition (DICE) 2011 recently held at University of
Engineering and Technology (UET), Peshawar. The annual
event brought together the region's academic research and
technology business communities to explore potential
collaborations for technology development and
commercialization. Barrister Masood Kausar, Governor KPK,
was the chief guest in the opening ceremony. Dr. Sohail Naqvi,
Executive Director was also present.
Speaking on the occasion, the Governor underlined the
importance of industry-university linkage and appreciated
UET Peshawar for organizing the event. Addressing the
students, he said, “As future engineers you should feel proud
in what you are doing. However, you should be mindful what
you owe to humanity.”
Engr. Imtiaz Gilani, Vice Chancellor, UET said that with
HEC's support universities started their journey in 2002 with
mandate of increasing access, improving quality and bringing
in relevant research to resolve nation's problems. Highway Authority, Industrial
Association of Pakistan, Al Hafiz
“From here, universities have moved to the next tier i.e to take Crystoplast (Pvt) Ltd., Ideal Security
paradigm shift and transform its sleepy, isolated and Provider, Marks Razmak Industries,
conventional role into engagement with industry and real PTCL, SUPARCO, and PCSIR
world issues. DICE is a small step to show that universities are Laboratories Complex Peshawar to
getting engaged with industry and creating opportunities for showcase their projects.
economic prosperity, developing leadership and developing
communities.” The whole event was made possible
with the help of Dr. Iftikhar Ahmad
Under the auspices of UET, HEC, Directorate of Science and K h a n , P r o f e s s o r, E l e c t r i c a l
Technology, Peshawar and Bank of Khyber, DICE gathered Engineering Department, Co-Chair
leading universities including COMSATS Institute of DICE, Engr. Asif Ali Shah, Director
Information Technology (Lahore and Islamabad), NED CEEC, Engr. Misbahullah, Director
University, Karachi, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Clubs, Engr. Rashid Nawaz, Student
National University of Sciences and Technology, Islamabad, Societies, Literary and Debating
University of Science and Technology, Bannu, UET Taxila, Society.
Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan and International
Islamic University, Islamabad. These institutions showcased The international collaborators
their projects and participated in quiz, speed programming included Dr. Khurshid Qureshi, Mr.
and robotics competitions. Besides, DICE also attracted local Ashraf Qazi, Dr. Shahid Tahir, and
industry, including PESCO, SMEDA/WBDC, National Dr. Mazher Hussain from USA.
8

10. Commission Events
HEC, Pink Ribbon Ink MoU for
Breast Cancer Awareness Campaign
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and Chancellors and Steering Committee of the Pink
the Pink Ribbon recently signed a Memorandum Ribbon Awareness Campaign.
of Understanding for Breast Cancer Awareness
Campaign in the higher education institutions of Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Laghari underlined
the country. the seriousness of the disease. He said that over
1.5 million higher education students across the
Dr. Javaid R. Laghari, Chairperson HEC was the country can play an important role in spreading
chief guest on the occasion while Ms. Fariba awareness about the disease.
Shiraz Thomson, Chairperson, Pink Ribbon
Pakistan was the Guest of Honour. Dr. Sohail “According to a recent report, 50 per cent of our
Naqvi, Executive Director, HEC and Mr. Omar population lives below poverty line and, in this
Aftab, National Coordinator, Pink Ribbon scenario, the gravity of the situation needs more
Pakistan signed the agreement. focused and passionate effort to reach at the
grassroots level,” he said. The Chairperson
The MoU is a follow-up of a meeting held in appreciated the Pink Ribbon for its role in
August this year between Dr. Laghari and Ms. curbing the disease.
Thomson. It was decided in the meeting that
HEC would make a Task Force for advocacy Dr. Sohail Naqvi said this is a big social issue
campaign of Pink Ribbon Campaign and Dr. which needs immediate measures. “We will use
Samina Amin Qadir, Vice Chancellor, Fatima all our considerable resources for success of this
Jinnah Women University, Rawalpindi was campaign. Extra efforts will be made for
nominated as the Focal person for the Campaign. conducting meaningful research in this area. We
must understand that this is a problem which is
It was also decided that two Focal Persons will be very close to our own homes and it needs a
nominated from HEIs of each province, who will concerted and consistent approach to be dealt
work and coordinate with all the Vice with,” he said.
9

11. Commission Events
Ms. Fariba Shiraz Thomson thanked the Higher besides holding Continuing Professional
Education Commission for acknowledging Education seminars and workshops to highlight
significance of the issue and joining hands with different aspects of breast cancer. HEC will
the Pink Ribbon for spreading awareness disseminate awareness through all available
throughout universities of the country. communication channels.
Dr. Samina Amin said that HEC has become a Awareness Seminar
strategic partner of the Pink Ribbon Pakistan, for A seminar was recently organized at HEC
extending research and development, academic Islamabad for awareness of breast cancer disease,
and technical support for the breast cancer which was attended by 67 female participants,
awareness through provision of its outreach, including HEC employees, faculty members
human resource and facilities. HEC and Pink from 16 universities of the twin cities and spouses
Ribbon will jointly initiate research projects on of male HEC employees. Learning Innovation
different aspects of Breast Cancer in Pakistan, and HRM Divisions arranged the event.
Automotive Fault Diagnostics Research
Four IEEE Transactions in a Year
by Pakistani Research Group
The members of Controls and Signal Processing difficult problems in the automotive engine
Research (CASPR) Group, led by Dr. Aamer Iqbal operations have been solved amicably through
Bhatti at Mohammad Ali Jinnah University, the use of electronics, among them the prominent
Islamabad are actively involved in the area of ones being pollution, fuel efficiency and the
Automotive Fault Diagnostics and Controls engine reliability. Now the fuel is sprayed into
Research for the last seven years. The successful cylinders through Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI).
experiments and ensuing four publications in
IEEE Transactions on Industrial Electronics and The amount of fuel sprayed is carefully
IEEE Sensors Journal [1-4] boosted the manipulated by the Engine Control Unit (ECU).
researchers' confidence a great deal. Engine Control Unit is a computer mounted on
the engine running complex mathematical
The research strategy essentially consists of algorithms in real time. This computer also
multiple phases. In the first phase, Automotive ensures the reliability of the engine by intimating
Fault Diagnostics is focused upon. A handheld to the driver the faults arising in the engine
device is developed to access vital engine (commonly called Fault Diagnostics). This not
variables and detect existing engine faults. To only ensures the reliability of the engine but also
monitor engine conditions and earlier fault helps in reducing pollution.
prediction (like misfire detection), theoretically
involved algorithms are proposed and The next phase of Group's work consists of
successfully tested on a commercially available executing an awareness campaign in the local
1300 cc vehicle. mechanics regarding the use of the developed
device. Also the development of state-of-the-art
With the advent of ruggedized computers and engine control strategies is very much on the
electronic components, the pre-dominantly cards. “CASPR is grateful to the Higher
mechanical industry of automotives has Education Commission and ICT R&D Fund for
undergone a fundamental transformation. Many the sponsorship of this research,” says Dr. Bhatti.
10

12. Commission Events
Accreditation Councils Meet at HEC
The Quality Assurance Agency Pakistan Bar Council, Pakistan Registrar PEC to look into the
(QAA) of the Higher Education Veterinary Medical Council, possibility of standardizing
Commission organized a National Council for Tibb, the procedures amongst the
meeting of all Professional/ Pharmacy Council of Pakistan, Councils that should be
Accreditation Councils at HEC National Council for followed by all the universities
Secretariat. H o m e o p a t h y, P a k i s t a n while initiating any new
Medical and Dental Council, programme in any discipline.
The main objective of the Pakistan Nursing Council,
meeting was to strengthen Pakistan Engineering Council, It was also agreed by all the
the already existing bond National Accreditation participants that the entry test
between the Councils and HEC C o u n c i l f o r Te a c h e r system should be reviewed to
for the improvement of Education, National Business have a common testing
quality education at Education Accreditation system for each discipline.
programme level. Council, National Computing
Education Accreditation Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executive
Representatives of all the 13 Council, and National Director, HEC ensured the
Councils participated in the Agriculture Education continuous support to
meeting and fully supported Accreditation Council. Councils in the area of capacity
the idea of mutual building of the Councils in
coordination and All the Councils agreed to general and the programme
collaboration amongst the adapt the best practices evaluators in particular.
Councils and HEC to promote followed all over the world to
importance of quality standardize their All the Councils agreed to
education in the country. accreditation processes and conduct such a meeting at
harmonize the rating process least twice a year to further
The Councils included of accredited programmes. A enhance the coordination and
Pakistan Council for committee will be convened collaboration amongst all the
Architects and Town Planners, by Dr. Nasir Mehmood, Councils and HEC.
Workshop on person. Twenty four heads of examination
departments of HEIs from all over Pakistan
Empowerment of attended the capacity building activity.
Examination Speaking to the participants, Dr. Sohail Naqvi,
Executive Director, HEC emphasized the
System importance of role of heads of examination units
for betterment of assessment system of the
A workshop for the Empowerment of universities.
Examination System of the higher education
institutions was organized by the Learning The workshop is first of the series and more such
Innovation Division, HEC. Dr. Norman Reid workshops for heads of examination units of
from the University of Glasgow was the resource HEIs will be held in 2012.
11

13. Commission Events
Mr. Rahim Bux Channa Retires Shaikh, fromer Member
(Academics) HEC reminisced
about his long association
with Mr. Channa. He said it
was always a pleasure to work
with him.
Hailing from Shikarpur and
armed with a Masters degree
in Economics Mr. Channa
joined UGC in 1971 and
Mr. Rahim Bux Channa, Higher Education Islamabad his home. He spent
Director General Attestation Commission lauded the three fourths of his career in
and Accreditation bade services of Mr. Channa for the Administration and
farewell to the Higher both UGC and HEC. headed it till 2007 when he
Education Commission on assumed the charge of DG
November 30 after serving the Dr. Sohail Naqvi, Executive Academics and DG Sports. He
erstwhile University Grants Director HEC while sharing managed to infuse in these two
Commission for 21 years and his views on the occasion said Divisions the dedication and
HEC for the last 10 years. “It is that while Mr. Channa had commitment to tasks he is well
an honour to be retiring from provided the strong backbone known for. He spent the last
HEC as I have served this to the Administration leg of his career in the
organization to the utmost of Division, he was glad that the Attestation and Accreditation
my ability,” he said in his strong foundation would Division and became
address to the jam packed remain even in the absence of synonymous for HEC staunch
auditorium where the entire Mr. Channa. This was how stance in verification of
HEC staff had gathered to bid institutions grow and mature degrees of Parliamentarians.
him adieu. he added. Dr.
M u k h t a r
Sharing his views on the Ahmed, former
occasion he said that the Member O and P
association with the joined in from
organization and his Rabat and
colleagues was indeed a p r a i s e d M r.
difficult hurdle to overcome at Channa's by
such a time but he was saying that HEC
satisfied in his heart that he would not forget
had reciprocated in turn. Dr. his services. Dr.
Javaid R. Laghari, Chairperson Altaf Ali G.
NEWS FLASH
Mr. Rifat Ullah Khan, HEC scholar of Batch IV, published five papers in ISI impact factor
journals in 2011. The papers have been published in high ranking animal science journals
such as World's Poultry Science, Tropical Animal Health and Production and Animal Feed
Science and Technology. Currently, the scholar is perusing PhD in Physiology from
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad.
12

14. Commission Events
British Council,
HEC Organize
Series of CALL
Workshops
A series of workshops on Computer Assisted endeavouring to ensure that, along with the
Language Learning (CALL) were organized by universities, the quality of teaching process is
the English Language Teaching Reforms (ELTR) also enhanced at the college level.
Project of the Higher Education Commission
(HEC) in collaboration with the British Council The CALL workshops provide the participants
from November 30 to December 17 at Islamabad, not only the international level understanding of
Multan and Karachi. The first workshop of the E-Learning, but also focuses on other computer
series opened at HEC Secretariat Islamabad, technologies. Innovative modern techniques are
which was attended by 20 participants from used to impart the new concepts of CALL.
different universities and colleges .
The workshop focused on need analysis and
Prof. Dr. Khwaja Azam Ali, Managing Director, classroom research tools, social book marking,
Quality Assurance Agency, HEC was the chief RSS and information feeds and sources, working
guest. Mr. Nik Peachy was the resource person in virtual learning environment, twitter and
for the whole series. Mr. Ray Brown, English creating personal learning.
Language Adviser, British Council and Mr.
Murad Khan, Head of Programmes (English) Mr. Nik Peachy said that online learning and
represented the British Council. modern technology are quite important in
effective learning process. He emphasized that
The workshops are aimed at providing all-out an online community will be developed for
international exposure to English faculty of continuous learning process.
colleges and universities. HEC has been
HEC Scholar Delivers Talk in Int’l Conference
HEC scholar Shujaul Mulk, doing his PhD at environmental gradients in the
the University of Leicester, UK, delivered a talk We s t e r n H i m a l a y a s " i n
e n t i t l e d " Ve g e t a t i o n a b u n d a n c e a n d international conference
anthropogenic pressure in the remote Western "Spatial Ecology and
Himalayas; the Naran Valley, Pakistan" in an Conservation" at University of
international conference "People and Nature in Birmingham, UK.
Mountains: Changing Land Use and
Landscape Dynamics" at Museum of Natural Shuja is working on Plant Biodiversity and
History, Norway. Ecosystem Services of Naran Valley. He is
using the robust techniques to quantify and
He also presented a poster entitled "Plant classify the natural vegetation and to assess the
communities vegetation indicate anthropogenic pressure on it.
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15. Commission Events
Successful Scholars of Indigenous
PhD Programme
Dr. Haroon Sarwar Awan
Belonging to a village in Soon valley of district Khushab, Dr. Haroon Sarwar Awan has
completed his PhD in Economics from University of Sargodha. “My elder brother, a
PhD in Economics, was a source of inspiration for me to go for higher education.
Therefore, I applied for HEC scholarship. The deteriorating macroeconomic situation of
Pakistan has always enticed me to study this aspect. I selected monetary side of
Pakistan's economy for my research and tried to explore the solutions for monetary
problems. During my PhD studies, I also published four research papers,” says Dr. Haroon who has
joined Macroeconomics Section of Planning and Development Division, Government of Pakistan, after
completion of his studies.
Dr. Shah Jahan
Dr. Shah Jahan, who has completed his PhD from Punjab University’s National Centre of
Excellence in Molecular Biology, has the remarkable achievement of producing 22
international publications with 50 Impact Factor. “During my studies, I did a lot of
research on Molecular basis of HCV pathogenic pathways. I have identified therapeutic
targets and biomarkers for HCC progression,” says Dr. Shah Jehan. Presently working
as Assistant Professor at University of Health Sciences, Lahore, he is also an HEC
Approved Supervisor.
Dr. Somia Gul
Dr. Somia Gul has completed her PhD in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from University of
Karachi in 2011. Her field of specialization is Drug-Drug interaction studies and organic
synthesis, the research topic being “Drug-Drug Interaction Studies of Sparfloxacin”.
After completing her studies, Dr. Somia has been selected as an Associate Professor in
the Faculty of Pharmacy at Jinnah University for Women, Karachi. She has, to her credit,
seven international publications in refereed journals with good impact factors. “I am
grateful to the Higher Education Commission for providing me the wonderful opportunity for PhD
studies,” says Dr. Somia.
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad
Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad has completed his PhD in Management Sciences, specialization
in Finance, from Foundation University, Islamabad. Earlier, he completed his MPhil
and some part of his PhD studies from Federal Urdu University of Arts, Science and
Technology, Islamabad. “I want to contribute towards learning by blending research
and practice in Pakistan,” says Dr. Ashfaq who is currently working as In-Charge,
Department of Business Administration, University of Sargodha. He has published
21 research papers in HEC recognized journals.
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16. Commission Events
NCRC Meets to Review
Industrial Engineering Curriculum
Te c h n o l o g y, K a r a c h i a s
Convener and Secretary of the
Committee, respectively.
Dr. M. Tahir Ali Shah, Deputy
Director (Curriculum), HEC
briefed the committee about
standard template for
development of curricula in
The preliminary meeting of The Committee unanimously Engineering degree
the National Curriculum selected Prof. Dr. Iftikhar programmes.
Revision Committee (NCRC) Hussain, Chairman,
in Industrial Engineering was Department of Industrial The Committee discussed in
recently held at HEC Regional Engineering, University of detail the existing curriculum
C e n t r e , K a r a c h i . M r. Engineering and Technology, in Industrial Engineering and
Muhammad Javed Khan, Peshawar and Dr. Maqsood made certain modifications,
Adviser (Academics), HEC Ahmed Khan, Associate developed the draft
welcomed the members of the Professor, Department of curriculum at BE/BS and
committee and highlighted the Industrial and Manufacturing ME/MS level which will be
importance of the curriculum Engineering, NED University finalized in the final meeting
review/revision. of Engineering and of the Committee.
History Curriculum for BS and
MS Programmes Reviewed
The preliminary meeting of the The Committee unanimously The meeting discussed the
National Curriculum Revision selected Prof. Dr. Mumtaz entire curriculum and each
Committee (NCRC) in History Bhutto, Chairperson, Faculty course was discussed with
was held at HEC Regional of Social Sciences, Department necessary focus.
Centre, Lahore. of Pakistan Studies, Preston
University, Karachi and Prof. After thorough deliberations,
Malik Arshad Mahmood, Dr. Shahid Ahmad Rajput, the Committee unanimously
Director (Curriculum) HEC Associate Professor / approved the draft curriculum
briefed the participants about Chairman, Department of of History for BS (4-year) and
objectives of the meeting with History, International Islamic MS (2-year) programmes,
emphasis on reviewing the University, Islamabad as which will be finalized in the
course outlines for BS (4-year) Convener and Secretary, final meeting of the
and MS Programme. respectively. Committee.
15

17. Commission Events
Good Governance, Strategic Planning Workshops
for HoDs of QAU & NUST
Wo r k s h o p s o n G o o d
Governance and Strategic
Planning for Heads of
Departments were separately
held at Quaid-i-Azam
University and National
University of Sciences and
Technology (NUST), under
HEC’s Modern University
Governance Programme for Participants of the workshop at NUST, Islamabad
University Management.
Dr. Mary Linda Armacost,
former President of two
American universities, was the
resource person for both the
workshops, which aimed to
equip participants with basic
principles, processes involved
in strategic planning and good Participants of the workshop with Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad
governance as well as
strategies to overcome barriers respective institutions. They capacity building and
to strategic planning. appreciated HEC programme professional development
and initiatives for improving through latest tools,
Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Vice University Governance. techniques and international
Chancellor, QAU and Engr. practices in university
Muhammad Mushtaq, Pro- “It is a revolutionary step for governance and leadership,”
Rector, NUST were chief the Management Cadre of said Engr. Mushtaq.
guests in the events at their universities for continuous
Meeting of 30 QECs held at HEC Peshawar
The 16th meeting of 30 Quality Programme self-assessment is the purpose of improving
Enhancement Cells (QECs) a systematic process of student learning and
functioning since 2006 was gathering, reviewing and evaluating whether academic
recently held at HEC Regional using important quantitative and learning standards are
Centre, Peshawar wherein the and qualitative data and being fulfilled.
impact of programme self- information from multiple
assessment within the and diverse sources about Self-assessment is
university was discussed. educational programmes, for internationally accepted as an
16

18. Commission Events
stakeholders. Feedback from
stakeholders, including
students, alumni, employers,
teachers etc, has provided a
factual basis for decision
making.
At the same time, the academic
processes and sense of
accountability amongst the
university management and
faculty members has begun to
improve.
important tool for academic participants of the meeting QEC representatives also put
quality assurance and agreed that through this HEC forth suggestions to bring
provides feedback at initiative, awareness and improvement in the Self-
programme level for sensitivity regarding Quality Assessment processes based
undertaking remedial Assurance measures has on their experience and
measures, if required. The i n c r e a s e d a m o n g interaction with stakeholders.
NEWS IN PICTURE
Ms. Zia Batool, Director
General, Quality Assurance,
HEC recently visited The
University of Faisalabad
(TUF) where she was briefed
about the performance of
various schools of the
University with special
reference to different quality
assurance criteria.
Prof. Muhammad Ashfaq,
Additional Registrar, TUF
gave the presentation. Mian
Muhammad Hanif,
Chairman BoGs, Dr. Abdul underlined the need to harness Assurance Division of HEC
Karim Baloch, Pro Rector and best practices in teaching, and the role it was playing for
Dr. Abdul Majeed, Director learning and research. elevating the standards of
Quality Enhancement Cell education in all the
were also present. Speaking She also elaborated the universities of the country.
on the occasion, Ms. Batool mission of the Quality
17

19. Commission Events
16th Faculty Professional Development
Programme Concludes
The 16th Master Trainers-Faculty Professional
D e ve l o p m e n t P r o g r a m m e ( M T - F P D P ) ,
organized by the Learning Innovation Division,
Higher Education Commission concluded at
HEC Secretariat recently. As many as 28 faculty
members of 21 public sector universities from
across Pakistan participated in the programme.
Dr. Ruquiya Saeed Hashmi, Provincial Minister
for Inter-Provincial Coordination, Balochistan
was the chief guest in the closing ceremony. Dr.
Javaid R. Laghari, Chairperson, HEC was also
present on the occasion. conducted various sessions and highlighted
basic features of different modules, including
So far, 469 faculty members have benefitted from Teaching as Profession, Academic Planning,
MT-FPDP in 16 batches. This rigorous training Androgogical Skills, Testing and Evaluation,
programme, designed specifically for in-service R e s e a r c h M e t h o d o l o g y a n d L e a r n e r ’s
teachers, includes 11 core modules and Psychology.
additional sessions on different important social
topics. Additional sessions on Citizenship,
Entrepreneurship and Gender Harassment
The main objective of the training is to enhance policy were also arranged to amplify the
and enrich the teaching abilities of the faculty exposure of participants. These Master Trainers
members to ensure quality education which is will now replicate the similar training in their
entirely dependent on the quality of teachers. respective institutions.
The programme aims to enable University The Divisional Heads of various divisions of
teachers to use innovative teaching strategies and HEC were also invited during the programme as
communication skills that blend academic “Guest of the Day” to brief the participants about
concepts with workplace applications. Besides, functioning of their Divisions. Recreational and
the intensive training on different modules, some study trips were also arranged to different
general topics were also covered by the resource historic places.
persons. Eminent scholars from across Pakistan
Inter-University Consortium for
Promotion of Social Sciences
Five public sector universities of Pakistan have recent meeting attended Vice Chancellors of
formed the country’s first-ever Inter University Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, University
Consortium for Promotion of Social Sciences, of Gujrat, Islamia University, Bahawalpur
Arts and Humanities. This was decided in a Institute of Managements Sciences, Peshawar
18

20. Commission Events
and Government College University, Faisalabad. research projects, joint linkages with national and
The areas of cooperation, under the consortium, international organizations, joint
will include faculty development/exchange, seminars/conferences/workshops and other
exchange of students and publications, joint programmes of mutual interest.
NCRC Reviews Curriculum of Electrical, Electronics,
Telecommunication and Computer (System) Engineering
The Committee unanimously
selected Prof. Dr. Muhammad
Ali Maud, Chairman,
Department of Computer
Engineering and Information
Technology, UET Lahore and
Dr. Muhammad Inayatullah
Babar, Department of
Electrical Engineering, UET
The preliminary meeting of briefed the participants about Peshawar as Convener and
the National Curriculum the objectives of the meeting Secretary, respectively.
Revision Committee in and elaborated the procedure
Electrical, Electronics, for revision of curriculum. After thorough deliberation,
Te l e c o m m u n i c a t i o n a n d the Committee unanimously
Computer (System) He emphasized on making it approved the draft curriculum
Engineering recently held at compatible with international of BE/BSc Electrical
HEC Regional Centre, Lahore. standards while ensuring Engineering with four
uniformity of academic specializations which will be
Mr. Muhammad Javed Khan, standard and demand within finalized in the final meeting of
Adviser (Academics) HEC the country. NCRC.
Preliminary Meeting of NCRC in Civil Engineering
The preliminary meeting of HEC briefed the participants Engineering, Wah Engineering
the National Curriculum about the objectives of the College, University of Wah as
Revision Committee (NCRC) meeting. Convener and Secretary,
in Civil Engineering was respectively.
recently held at HEC Regional The Committee unanimously
Centre, Lahore. The purpose selected Prof. Dr. Abdul Sattar After thorough deliberation,
o f t h e m e e t i n g wa s t o Shakir, Dean, Faculty of Civil the Committee unanimously
review/revise the curriculum Engineering, University of approved the draft curriculum
of Civil Engineering. Engineering and Technology, of BSc Civil Engineering which
Lahore and Dr. Anwar Khitab, will be finalized in the final
M r. M u h a m m a d R a z a Assistant Professor, meeting of NCRC.
Chohan, Regional Director, Department of Civil
19

21. University News
NUST Conference on Application and Methods of Physics
A two-day Conference on participated in the conference. development of science and
Application and Methods of Students and researchers gave technology. He also urged
Physics was recently presentations during the two- other universities to conduct
organized by the Centre for day event. application-based research.
Advanced Mathematics and
Physics (CAMP), a constituent D r. J a v a i d R . L a g h a r i , Engr. Muhammad Asghar,
institute of NUST. Chairperson HEC, was the Rector NUST, emphasized the
chief guest in the inaugural importance of committed
The aim of the conference was session. He termed the leadership and the
to provide a forum where the conference a step forward involvement of scientists in
new developments occurring towards the promotion of policymaking at a broad level.
in the domain of Physics could Physics in the country.
be discussed. A number of He also elaborated on the
renowned physicists from the He said that the University is rapid progress of NUST as an
country's leading universities playing a leading role in the integrated research university.
Workshop on Water Reclamation and Reuse
“In the wake of rapid urbanization and Islamabad. Eminent scholars from within and
industrialization, pollution and scarcity of water outside the country attended the event.
resources are becoming more serious concerns
than ever. To increase sustainability, water must Dr. Samar Mubarakmand was the chief guest in
be used efficiently and multiple times by the inaugural session. Addressing the gathering,
cascading from higher to lower quality needs. he said that the population growth rate in
This emerging paradigm requires establishing Pakistan is very high, which has direct impact on
autonomous and decentralized water recycling the water sector. He said that industrial and
systems in which diverse water resources are domestic water, occupying the major portion of
created, conserved and utilized effectively.” total water demand, could be provided by high
grade reclaimed wastewater using advanced
This was the crux of a two-day International technology.
Workshop on Technological Advances and
Challenges in Water Reclamation and Reuse Engr. Muhammad Asghar, Rector NUST, said
organized at the School of Civil and that Pakistan is rapidly depleting its available
Environmental Engineering (SCEE), National water resources and is on the verge of becoming a
University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), water-scarce country. He said it is imperative that
20

22. University News
we improve efficiency in meeting the challenges
regarding water reclamation and its reuse.
Intervarsity Sports
ŸUniversity of Central Punjab, Lahore
Prof. Roger Ben Aim, the key resource person, said that h a s won t h e 2 8 t h In t e r va r si t y
membrane processes are regarded as a positive Bodybuilding Championship 2011-12
advancement in wastewater treatment ensuring held recently in Lahore. Pakistan
increased water reclamation and reuse. “The main Bodybuilding Federation Technical
advantages of this technology are no chemical Officials supervised the
requirement, relatively low energy consumption and a Championship, in which 13 teams
lower footprint,” he said. from all over the country participated
Other prominent speakers included Prof. C. ŸHEC boxers won one silver and one
Visvanathan, Dr. Parneet Paul, Dr. Nick Hankins, Dr. bronze medal in the National Boxing
Sher Jamal Khan, Dr. Zahir-ud-Din Khan and Dr. Imran Championship recently concluded at
Hashmi. P e s h a w a r. M r. G u l s h e r f r o m
University of Peshawar clinched silver
while Roffus from Sind Agriculture
Scholars of University, Tandojam won bronze
medals
Needs-based Programme ŸGovernment College University,
Shine at IBA Convocation Faisalabad won the 35 t h HEC
Intervarsity Football Championship
recently held in Faisalabad. University
of Karachi finished runners up
th
ŸThe 29 Intervarsity Wrestling
Championship held at Lahore was
won by University of Central Punjab,
The recently held convocation ceremony of the Lahore. Nine teams participated in the
Institute of Business Administration (IBA), Karachi championship, in which University of
was a big day for the graduates who studied under the the Punjab secured second position
USAID Funded Merit and Needs-based Scholarship
Programme of HEC. ŸHEC won one silver and one bronze
medals in the National Beach
A total of 36 students funded through this Programme Wrestling Championship, held in four
were awarded degrees on the occasion, who are now in weight categories. Four players of
a position to secure good jobs to support their families. HEC participated in the
It is worth mentioning that two of these students won Championship
gold medals, proving the point that many of talented
young people can excel in all fields, if provided Ÿe
Th 3 5 t h Wo m e n B a d m i n t o n
adequate financial support. Championship, held at NUST
Islamabad, was won by University of
The scholarships under this programme are available the Punjab, Lahore. Lahore College for
in the fields of Agriculture and Business Women University and Government
Administration at 11 participating universities. So far, College University, Faisalabad
1440 scholarships have been awarded. finished second and third, respectively
21

23. University News
Education Inevitable for Nation Building: Governor KPK
“It is education which matters in building nations
socially, culturally and economically and ensures
better future for their coming generations. At the
same time, it is the conducive environment of
educational institutions which grooms students,
constructs their personalities in making them
good scientists, teachers and leaders in every
walk of life.”
This was stated by Barrister Masood Kausar,
Governor, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa while
addressing as the chief guest at the Convocation
2011 of the Gomal University, D. I. Khan. He said
that there is no substitute to education and the “Frontiers of knowledge keep expanding, what is
time is not far when our educational institutions new today becomes obsolete next day, hence we
will be in a position to the optimum level in need to keep abreast with latest knowledge
making this possible in our country too. otherwise our diplomas and degrees will become
worthless pieces of paper,” the Governor said.
In all, 149 graduates of 32 departments of the last
four academic sessions of the University received Dr. Mansoor Akbar Kundi, Vice Chancellor said
gold medals while 21 graduates of Agriculture, that Gomal University which was established in
Arts, Pharmacy and Sciences were awarded PhD 1974 is the second oldest and biggest amongst all
degrees on the occasion. the universities of the province.
UN Model Conference Calls for Social Change
There was a consensus among senior journalists Syed Talat a social change which is really
the delegates and speakers of Hussain and Javed Iqbal. felt by the masses. Educated
the three-day UN Model youth of the country must
Conference held at Ghulam Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Pro- come forward to play their
Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) Rector (Academic) was the constructive role,” he said.
that Pakistan urgently needed chief guest at the prize
a result-oriented "social distribution ceremony. He said Marvi Memon said the voters
change". that youth are a valuable asset should be careful in the
of Pakistan and they could put selection of the candidates
The conference was organised the country on the track of during the critical election
by the GIKI Students Society progress and prosperity. process and they should give
for the Promotion of Higher votes only to those leaders
Education in Pakistan . Mr. Talat Hussain said that the who could really introduce
Middle East like revolution is reforms for progress and
Among others, it was attended neither possible in Pakistan prosperity of the country.
by Ms. Marvi Memon and nor it is our culture. “We need
22

24. University News
243 Receive Degrees at 6th BNU Convocation
The 6th convocation of the
Beaconhouse National
University (BNU), Lahore was
recently held at its Tarogil
Campus. Sardar Muhammad
Latif Khan Khosa, Governor
Punjab, who is also Chancellor
of the University, presided
over the convocation.
Mrs. Nasreen Mahmud
Kasuri, Chairperson, BNU
Board of Governors and Mr.
Sartaj Aziz, Vice Chancellor,
were also present on the medals were awarded to the institution”. In his address, the
occasion. A total of 243 distinction holders. Vice Chancellor presented the
s t u d e n t s r e c e i ve d t h e i r annual report of BNU's
degrees, out of which 78 were Speaking on the occasion, the achievements. He also
from the MPhil, MS and Chancellor said, “It is not brick congratulated the graduating
Masters programmes while and mortar but the soul within students and their parents on
165 were from the Bachelor a scholar that signifies the this momentous occasion.
programmes. A total of 19 gold academic excellence of an
Air University Seminar on Pakistani English Literature
The Faculty of Social Sciences,
Air University Islamabad
recently organized a two-day
seminar on “Pakistani English
Literature in Local and Global
C o n t e x t ” . D r. D a v i d
Waterman, Universite de La
Rochelle, France and co-editor
of online journal 'Pakistanniat'
was invited as resource
person. Fundamentalist and H. M. fragmented interdependence
Naqvi's Home Boy. and contact zones.
Dr. Waterman dilated upon
the works of four Pakistani The themes which were Dr. Samina Amin Qadir, Vice
fiction writers including In the mirrored through their Chancellor, Fatima Jinnah
City by the Sea by Kamila works range from identity, University and Dr. Anwar
Shamsie, The Wasted Vigil by both personal and political, to Ahmad, Chairman, National
Nadeem Aslam, Mohsin the notion of “constituency,” Language Authority also
Hamid's The Reluctant or membership in a group, spoke on the occasion.
23

25. University News
Development Linked to Quality Education: CM
Mian Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, Chief
Minister Punjab has linked the national
development with the quality education and
upholding the merit and justice in every
institution. He was addressing a gathering of
students at the University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad (UAF).
He said that during the last 64 years, the culture abroad for studying in well–reputed institutions.
of merit had been grossly violated in the country. He also announced aid of Rs. 70 million for the
Talking about livestock, he said that even India UAF to uplift infrastructure and other facilities.
was earning the foreign exchange by exporting
halal meat. “Although, we were enjoying best Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, UAF
breeds and other factors, but we are lagging said that the University has received grants
behind,” he said. amounting to Rs. 120 million from the Punjab
government since 2009. “This grant was used for
The Chief Minister said that the Government setting up women complex, women medical
under the Punjab Educational Endowment Fund centre, student counselling centre, hostels, green
had provided 30,000 scholarships for needy houses and completion of many other projects,”
students across the province. He also announced he said.
that 300 scholars of the UAF would be sent
Turkish Extension Centre to be Established at UAF
Turkish Extension Centre will be set up at the
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) with
the financial assistance of the Turkish
International Cooperation Agency (TICA) in
order to increase meat and milk production as
well as enhancing crops productivity by setting
up seed centre.
In this regard, a delegation of UAF, headed by its
Vice Chancellor Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan visited
Turkey on the invitation of TICA. gathering about the progress being made by
Pakistan in the seed sector and activities of
The delegation visited different institutions and professionals of Plant Breeding and Genetics.
held meetings with officials of various
a g r i c u l t u r a l , ve t e r i n a r y a n d l i ve s t o c k Other members of the delegation included Dr.
departments. Besides meeting Dr. Cemal Laique Akbar Lodhi, Dr. Muhammad Sarwar, Dr.
TALUĞ, Rector, Ankara University, the Zafar Iqbal Qureshi, Dr. Rashid Ahmad, Dr.
delegation visited Agri Business Centre at Muhammad Jalal Arif, Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad
Istanbul and held meeting with officials of the Chatha, Dr. Mahmood Ahmad Randhawa, Dr.
Seed Union. Addressing the participants of a Safdar Ali, Dr. Mehar-un-Nisa and Dr. Ayesha
Seed Conference, Dr. Iqrar informed the Siddiqa.
24

26. University News
Int'l Conference on CECOS
Dendrochronology & Plant Ecology University,
The 3rd six-day International conference. Foreign experts KNU Sign MoU
Conference/Workshop on from China, Turkey, Nepal, The CECOS University of
Dendrochronology and Plant America, and New Zealand Information Technology and
Ecology was organized by the also presented their scientific Emerging Sciences, Peshawar
Department of Botany, Federal papers and participated in recently signed an MOU with
Urdu University of Arts, workshop sessions. the Kangwon National
Science and Technology, University (KNU), South
Karachi. The conference was mainly Korea. The MoU was signed by
supported by the Higher Dr. Riaz Khattak, Director,
D r. M u d a s s i r A s r a r, Education Commission while Research and Development/
Chairperson, Pakistan Council farewell dinner and some Quality Assurance, CECOS
for Science and Technology, assistance were provided by University during his visit to
Islamabad was the chief guest the Geolink (Pvt) Ltd. South Korea, where he was
while Dr. Muhammad Qaiser, Australia/Pakistan. Ecological invited as one of the five
Vice Chancellor, FUUAST was field trip to terrestrial and international speakers in a
the guest of honour. Mangrove ecosystem was conference jointly organized
hosted by Port Bin Qasim by the Korean Society of
A large number of experts and Authority. In the end, the Applied Chemistry and
research students from all over conference made several Korean Society of Soils and
the country participated in the recommendations. Fertilizers.
Dr. Khattak presented a paper
LCWU These included television
commercials, public services
on Trace Elements
Contamination of Soil, Plant
Media messages, documentaries,
radio talk shows and drama
skits. The competitions were
and Food. After the
conference, on the invitation of
KNU, he spent a week at the
Students held among the students of
Media Studies Departments of
campus and delivered a series
of lectures on Environmental
Win Prizes LCWU, Government College
U n i v e r s i t y, F a i s a l a b a d ,
Soil Chemistry and role of soil
scientist in mitigating climate
The students of Department of University of Gujrat, change.
Mass Communication, Lahore University of Sargodha and
College for Women University I s l a m i a U n i v e r s i t y, During his stay in the
participated in competitions Bahawalpur. Department of Biological
organized by Insan Environment, the agreement
F o u n d a t i o n Tr u s t , i n Dr. Sabiha Mansoor, Vice was signed with the
partnership with Canadian Chancellor, LCWU Departments of Regional
International Development congratulated the winners and Infrastructure Engineering
Agency, and won cash prizes Dr. Anjum Zia, Chairperson, and Biosystem Engineering for
amounting Rs. 1,70,000 in all Mass Communication exchange of students, faculty
five categories of media Department on their and effective cooperation in
products. achievement. R&D.
25

27. University News
15 VCs/Rectors of Punjab Call on Governor Dr. Umar Saif - First
Pakistani to Receive
Google Faculty
Research Award
Dr. Umar Saif, Associate
Professor, Lahore University
of Management Sciences
(LUMS) is the first Pakistani to
win the prestigious US$
100,000 Google Faculty
A delegation led by Dr. Riaz HEC in bringing positive Research Award, for the low-
Hussain Qureshi, Adviser changes and improving cost rural telephony systems
(HRD), HEC and Dr. Haroon quality in higher education he has been working on for the
Rashid, Director, National sector of Pakistan within a past three years along with
Testing Service, recently met short span of time. colleagues at UC Berkeley.
Sardar Muhammad Latif Khan
Khosa, Governor Punjab. Speaking on the occasion, the His collaborators on the
Governor appreciated the joint research include Eric Brewer,
The delegation comprised 15 efforts of HEC and NTS for VP of Infrastructure at Google,
Vice Chancellors/Rectors of organizing 4th workshop on currently on leave from his
public and private higher Te s t I t e m C o n s t r u c t i o n work as Professor of
education institutions from all techniques. He was of the view Computer Science at UC
over Punjab as well as that Pakistan's transition to a B e r k e l e y, Ta p a n Pa r i k h ,
participants and organizers of middle income economy is Assistant Professor at the
4th TOT Workshop on Effective critically dependent on the iSchool at UC Berkeley and
Te s t I t e m C o n s t r u c t i o n scale and performance of its Kurtis Heimerl, a graduate
Techniques, jointly organized tertiary education sector. student working with Dr.
by HEC and NTS at HEC Brewer.
Regional Centre Lahore. “The research at universities
should focus on the issues and Dr. Saif was also the first
Dr. Qureshi briefed the problems of direct relevance to Pakistani to be acknowledged
Governor about various HEC the socio economic by the MIT Technology
programmes and initiatives development of the country Review as one of the top 35
for promotion of higher and build the economy by innovators (TR35). He was
education. Dr. Haroon Rashid p i o n e e r i n g t h e honoured for his work on
shared the objectives and commercialization of technologies for the
background of HEC-NTS innovative ideas, products, developing-world which are
collaboration for launching and processes resulting from being used by millions of
Master Trainers Programme in research work. people. Notable among them
t h e a r e a o f Te s t I t e m are BitMate - that enhances the
Construction. They must also nurture close speed of Internet in the
relationship with their local developing-world using peer-
The vice chancellors and community, industry and to-peer technology, and
faculty members in their brief organizations employing their SMSall.pk - Pakistan's largest
remarks lauded the efforts of graduates,” the Governor said. SMS Social Network .
26

28. University News
IST Course on Environmental Monitoring
The Institute of Space Technology (IST), Karachi with ground based information, an advanced
Campus in collaboration with Pakistan Space approach to study environmental issues is now
and Upper Atmosphere Research Commission possible.
(SUPARCO) organized a five-day course on
“Integrating Ground Based Methods and Spatial The course was inaugurated by Dr. Badar Ghauri,
Techniques for Environmental Monitoring” at Head of Department, RS and GIS, IST. A number
the National Centre for Remote Sensing and Geo- of participants hailing from different Islamic
Informatics (NCRG), Karachi. countries, students from local universities, and
environmental professionals from various
The objective of this course was to impart organizations including Sindh Environmental
training to various stakeholders in an area where Protection Agency (SEPA) and National Institute
integrated approach utilizing geospatial and for Oceanography (NIO) participated in the
ground based monitoring techniques are course.
required to address environmental issues.
Mr. Mahboob Elahi, National Programme
Different training modules were designed for the Manager of National Environmental Information
course comprising Environmental Monitoring Management Systems (NEIMS), was invited as a
and Modelling for Water, Soil and Air. guest speaker to talk about the environmental
profile of Pakistan.
Recent advances in application of satellite
Remote Sensing (RS) for environmental Another guest speaker and renowned
monitoring have provided the capacity to environmentalist Mr. Shahid Lufti identified
acquire the needful information at spatial and environmental problems of Pakistan and their
temporal scales. Through integrating RS data possible solutions.
Punjab Government to Provide Paper Presentation
Dr. Rao Muhammad Afzal
Solar Energy Plant to IUB Khan, Director, Advanced
Studies and Research, IUB
A Memorandum of a n d M r. R a b N a wa z , attended the Korean Congress
Understanding was recently Provincial Secretary, Energy of Radiology (KCR 2011) at
signed between the Islamia Department signed the MoU. Seoul and presented his paper
University of Bahawalpur on “Brain imaging by using
(IUB) and Energy Department, The project is expected to be magnetic transfer contrast-a
Government of Punjab. completed in a year time. better approach”.
Under the agreement, the The electricity produced by Scientists and researchers
Punjab Government will the plant will be consumed by from all over the world
provide a solar energy plant of IUB and the surplus electricity working on different areas of
2.5 megawatt capacity to the will be provided to the local radiology and medical
University. Dr. Muhammad community through national imaging attended the event
Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor, IUB power grid.
27

29. University News
IBA National and Sindh Talent Hunt Programme: A Success Story
The Institute of Business Administration (IBA), are then able to become successful business
Karachi launched the National Talent Hunt leaders of Pakistan and serve the nation. This
Programme (NTHP) in 2004 with the objective to year, 21 NTHP and STHP students were enrolled
prepare candidates from less privileged areas of in the BCS and BBA programmes of the Institute.
the country for the IBA aptitude test for BBA/BS
degree courses. IHSAN Trust collaborated with The achievements and career pursuits of NTHP/
IBA to jointly finance the fully funded NTHP. In STHP graduates have been prolific. Akash
2009, a similar initiative, Sindh Talent Hunt Soomro, a student of NTHP batch-2004, is
Programme (STHP) was launched. Focusing on currently working for Philip Morris Pakistan as a
talented students from the rural areas of Sindh, Financial Analyst. Hira Jawed, NTHP batch-2005,
STHP is a fully funded programme jointly passed level-I of the Chartered Financial Analyst
financed by IBA Karachi and the Government of (CFA) Programme and is presently working with
Sindh. Meezan Bank Limited as a Relationship Manager.
Mir Yahya Ismail, NTHP batch-2006, cleared the
Both the programmes are expanding constantly highly sophisticated Energy Risk Professional
and are providing opportunities to meritorious Exam conducted by Global Association of Risk
youth from Balochistan, Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Professionals, USA and has the honour of being
Pakhtunkhwa, Gilgit Baltistan and FATA, who the youngest ERP certified in the world.
KIU, University of Bonn Sign MoU Rector of Bonn University on
behalf of the Geography
Karakuram International of Bonn University. A three- Department. The MoU
University (KIU), Gilgit and year programme “Reading the envisages to strengthen
the University of Bonn will Landscape” will also be activities of KIU with the
cooperate in research and launched with the financial Himalayan University
teaching on regional topics of support of DAAD. Consortium (HUC) through
Hindukush, Karakoram and organizing training
Himalayan region. In this regard, a Memorandum programmes for faculty and
of Understanding (MoU) was students of KIU at ICIMOD, as
Summer schools will be recently signed by Dr. Najma well as organizing summer
organized at KIU with the help Najam, Vice Chancellor, KIU schools and data exchange.
of the Geography Department and Dr. M. Winiger, former
Shuja Ahmad Completes PhD in Philosophy
Mr. Shuja Ahmad has successfully completed his Dr. Sarfaraz Khan, Director,
PhD in Philosophy from the University of Area Study Centre, Peshawar.
Peshawar. He is currently teaching Logic and 20th His research thesis was
Century Philosophy. reviewed by two foreign
experts, including Prof. Peter
His research topic was “Language and Logic of S . F o s l , Tr a n s y l v a n i a
War with Special Reference to War on Terror in University, USA and Dr. Ismaeel Latif
Afghanistan: Appearance and Reality”. Dr. Shuja Hacinebioglu, Trinity Saint David, University of
completed his PhD under the supervision of Prof. Wales, UK.
28