52 Scholars Win HEC Outstanding Research Awards

st21 Vice Chancellors Committee Meeting

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January-February 2018

Higher Education Commission - Pakistan

HEC, BC Deliberate on Pak-UK Education GatewayP - 11

Table of Contents

Publisher:Higher Education

Commission, Pakistan

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Graphic Designer

Raja Ahmad Nadeem

Reporter

Syed Muhammad Ittifaq

Editor

Aayesha Ikram

News & Views is published after

every two months. No part of this

publication may be reproduced in

any form without prior written

permission of the publisher.

The views expressed by authors in the a r t i c l e s i s t he i r so l e responsibility and not of HEC. The Commission would like to thank all the institutions and individuals who contributed information and photographs for this Magazine.

Graphic Designer

Raja Ahmad Nadeem

Reporter

Syed Muhammad Ittifaq

Editor

Aayesha Ikram

News & Views is published after

every two months. No part of this

publication may be reproduced in

any form without prior written

permission of the publisher.

The views expressed by authors in the a r t i c l e s i s t he i r so l e responsibility and not of HEC. The Commission would like to thank all the institutions and individuals who contributed information and photographs for this Magazine.

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2 HEC Organises GRE Training Session in

Varsities

HEC Launches Documentary on Allama Iqbal

3000 Scholarships for Afghan Students

HEC, French Embassy Bilateral Committee

Reviews Proposals for PERIDOT Research

Grants

HEC, Hamdard University Receives SATHA

Innovation Award

CDWP Approves 8 Higher Education

Projects Worth Rs. 28.872 Billion

HEC Launches its Web Based Educational

Television Channel

st21 Vice Chancellors Committee Meeting

HEC Holds Curriculum Based Workshops

Team PERN holds meeting in LUMS to

Explore Collaborative Opportunities

HEC, BC Deliberate on Pak-UK Education

Gateway

Tempus Public Foundation Organises

International Conference of Stipendum

Hungaricum Partners

Opening Ceremony to Welcome Pakistani

Students at SEU, China

CPEC Consultant Highlights Varsities’ Role in

Socio-economic Transformation

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HEC Awards 64

Best University

Teachers for 2016

52 Scholars Win

HEC Outstanding

Research Awards

GCWU, Sialkot

holds Laptop

Distribution

Ceremony

As many as 64 university teachers were awarded

Best University Teacher Awards 2016 in recognition

of their outstanding performance during a

ceremony recently held at the Higher Education

Commission Secretariat. Each winner was awarded a

certificate and a cash prize worth Rs. 100,000.

Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman, Minister for Federal

Education and Professional Training was chief guest

on the occasion. Felicitating the teachers on making

distinction, Engr. Baligh-ur-Rehman, said human

development is the key to overall progress of a

country, adding that teachers play the most pivotal

role in ensuring human development. He said the

Government has taken the higher education

funding to Rs. 107 billion in the ongoing fiscal year.

He appreciated HEC for promotion of higher

education and research culture in the country. “HEC

has lived up to the Government’s expectations,” he

remarked.

The Minister urged the teachers to adopt new

technologies and promote teamwork. “Teach your

students how to work as a team,” he stressed. He

observed Pakistan has multiple inspirational stories

to be presented as role models. He informed the

audience that the Government has prepared

curriculum for class 1-5 focusing on character

building of students. He maintained that translation

of holy Quran has also been made mandatory for

HEC Awards 64 Best University Teachers for 2016Teachers Urged to Focus Character Building of Youth

class 6-12 in Islamabad. The practice will be

extended to provinces too, he added.

In his welcome address, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed

underlined that teachers and Imams play key role in

social development. He urged the teachers to train

the country’s youth in line with its social norms and

values. “We have to invest for the bright future of

our youth and coming generations,” he emphasised.

He stressed the need for promoting nationalism

while setting aside non-issues.

Shedding light on the achievements of HEC, he said

Pakistan had only 59 universities before the

inception of HEC, adding that the number has now

reached 188. He said HEC encourages research

based on solution to prevailing problems of society.

The number of research publications has now

reached 1200 annually.

The Chairman revealed that HEC is taking tangible

steps to ensure equitable access to higher

education in the country. He maintained that HEC

has set up campuses of universities in far flung and

less-developed areas in order to impart education

at the doorstep. He said HEC has established a

university campus near the Line of Control where 84

students are acquiring education. He added that a

university campus has been established in Noshki

near Pak-Iran border and over 300 students are

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studying there. He continued to say that FATA

University has also been established, while three

campuses of the university will soon be set up in

tribal agencies.

The Best University Teacher Award Scheme was

launched in 2003 with an aim to recognise the

relentless efforts of faculty members of universities.

The concept of awards was instituted for promotion

of education and research by universities faculty

and to acknowledge their scholarly endeavours

aimed at bringing socio-economic impacts in the

society at large.

The criteria is transparent and efficient. Universities

and degree awarding institutions are asked to

nominate teachers eligible for the Best University

Teacher Award every year. A total of 160

nominations were received from 80 public and

private sector universities. All the nominations were

scrutinised and evaluated on the basis of HEC

approved criteria by an expert committee and 64

faculty members were selected.

Realising the importance and benefits of project

entitled Awards to Best University Teachers, the Best

University Teacher Awards have been made part of

HEC’s recurring programmes making it a regular

activity. Moreover, selected private universities have

also been included in the programme from 2011. As

a whole, 564 awards have been conferred under the

programme during the last 13 years.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan

held a five-week GRE Training session under US-

Pakistan Knowledge Corridor with the help of

United States Education Foundation of Pakistan

(USEFP) at Air University (AU) Islamabad and

COMSATS, Islamabad. The course aimed to groom

MS/MPhil qualified students and faculty members

to achieve high scores in GRE tests.

HEC is in an agreement with the United States

Education Foundation in Pakistan (USEFP) to

facilitate and lead the training on GRE Quantitative

and Verbal sections. A total of 82 candidates

attended the training, out of which 41 candidates

participated from different universities and

organisations of Islamabad.

The training was designed to cover all Verbal and

Quantitative concepts of the GRE test. The

participants were a mix of nominees by the host

universities as well as the short listed applicants of

US-Pak knowledge Corridor by HEC.

Closing ceremony of the course was graced by Dr.

Mehmood-ul-Hassan Butt, Consultant, US- Pak

Knowledge Corridor at both the locations, while Air

Vice Marshal (R) Faaiz Amir, Vice Chancellor Air

HEC Organises GRE Training Session in Varsities

University and senior management of COMSATS,

Islamabad were also present at the closing

ceremony to encourage the participants. The

dignitaries emphasised the need for capacity

building of the Pakistani youth and universities

faculty thus, enabling them to secure PhD positions

in top ranked universities and subsequently

contribute to the prosperity and growth of Pakistani

economy through US-Pak Knowledge Corridor

Scholarship Programme.

On this occasion, Dr. Mehmood-Ul- Hassan Butt

apprised the universities management regarding

the prestigious scholarship scheme and

opportunity for Pakistani scholars to avail 10,000

scholarships to be offered during next 10 years

under this programme.

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The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan

recently launched a documentary entitled “The Real

AfPak Fighting Terrorism through Knowledge”

during a ceremony held at Aiwan-e-Sadr.

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President Islamic Republic

of Pakistan was chief guest of the ceremony, while

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC and Mr. Omer

Zakhilwal, Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan along

with a large number of vice chancellors, faculty

members and Afghan students were also present on

the occasion.

The documentary by Ms. Sameera Aziz, a Saudi

media figure reveals the co-curricular and extra-

curricular activities of Afghan students pursuing

their education in Pakistani higher education

institutions under the scholarship programme. It

includes interviews of Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed and the

Afghan students with regard to the academic

opportunity available to the youth of brotherly

Islamic country under the programme.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain

said that people of Pakistan and Afghanistan share

mutual respect and affection owing to blood,

religious and cultural bonds as well as regional

proximity. The scholarship programme is a

testimony to the mutual closeness. He said students

of Afghanistan are extended the facilities being

enjoyed by Pakistani students in the country’s

universities. He hoped that the Afghan students will

not only help compensate the losses caused by

terrorism and wars but will also work for the well-

being of humanity.

The President stated that Pakistan and Afghanistan

have lost many lives and suffered huge losses due to

terrorism and wars. “Pakistan has borne casualties of

over 70,000 souls apart from immeasurable

infrastructural damages”. He stressed that Pakistan

and Afghanistan need to develop mutual trust and

foil the conspiracies of enemies who create

misunderstandings between the two countries.

Referring to China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

(CPEC), he said CPEC will bring educational and

HEC Launches Documentary on Allama Iqbal 3000 Scholarships for Afghan Students

trade opportunities to not only Pakistan but also

Afghanistan. He advised the Afghan students to

prepare themselves for future challenges. He stated

that Pakistan strongly believes in the development

of Afghanistan.

In his welcome address earlier, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed

said the award of scholarships to Afghan students

under the programme reaffirms Government of

Pakistan’s commitment to helping the Afghan

brethren overcome the challenges caused by

terrorism and years of strife. He informed the

audience that after the first phase of Allama Iqbal

3000 Scholarships to Afghan Students, second

phase of the programme has been launched. He

maintained that zero semesters are being arranged

for the students before placing them in their

respective programmes. He hoped the students will

go back to serve their country after completion of

their studies. “You are now the ambassadors of

Afghanistan in Pakistan, however you will play the

role of ambassadors of Pakistan in Afghanistan once

you complete your education,” he emphasised.

Mr. Omer Zakhilwal thanked the Government of

Pakistan for extending scholarships to Afghan

students. He said Pakistan has remarkably

contributed to development of state institutions in

Afghanistan. “I would like to thank Pakistan for

generous hospitality it extends to Afghan students,”

he added. Referring to the documentary, he said the

award of scholarship is not only a fight against

t e r ro r i s m , b u t a l s o a g a i n s t m i s t r u s t ,

misunderstanding, isolation and lack of progress.

He urged the Afghan students to work hard and go

back to serve Afghanistan. “Today, Afghan future

leaders study with future leaders of Pakistan,” he

added.

The Government of Pakistan has initiated different

programmes under the “Committee for

Reconstruction & Rehabilitation of Afghanistan

(CRRA)”. The 3000 scholarships programme is one

of them meant for Afghan students to pursue

undergraduate studies in Pakistani universities. The

project was initially started by Inter Provincial

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Coordination Division in 2009. Later on, it was

transferred to HEC for execution in 2015. The project

envisages strengthening of bilateral relationships

and development of human resource between the

two brotherly states.

After success of the first phase of this project, the

Prime Minister of Pakistan has approved another

3000 scholarships for Afghan nationals at a capital

cost of Rs. 7364.735 million. Under this scheme, 500

MBBS, 100 BDS, 600 Engineering and 1200 general

disciplines scholarships will be awarded to Afghan

students at undergraduate level. Furthermore, 400

MS and 200 PhD scholarships will also be awarded

to Afghan nationals. In addition to this, short

trainings of 3-6 months will also be given to 120

Afghan officials. So far, 294 students have arrived,

but the total number will reach 750 by March 2018.

Apart from providing hostels, security, food and pick

and drop facilities, a zero semester has also been

arranged at Institute of Management Sciences,

Peshawar; University of Haripur; COMSATS Institute

of information Technology, Abbottabad Campus;

and COMSATS Institute of information Technology,

Lahore Campus. These students will be enrolled in

public and private sector universities in different

fields of study including Medical Sciences,

Engineering, Business Administration, Computer

Science, Arts & Humanities, and Social Sciences.

areas including Energy, Health, Human and Social

Sciences, Climate Change, and Information

Technology for Peace and Conflict Resolution.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed,

Chairman HEC along with Mr. Marc Baréty,

Ambassador of France to Pakistan. Dr. Arshad Ali,

Executive Director HEC, Dr. Muhammad Latif,

Advisor R&D, HEC, Ms. Noshaba Awais, Director

R&D, HEC, Mr. André de Bussy, Counsellor for

Culture and Cooperation, French Embassy, and Mr.

Matthieu Gaulon, Attaché for Science and

Technology, French Embassy were among the

participants of meeting.

After thorough deliberation, the committee

scrutinised a number of proposals received under

PERIDOT Phase IV. The results of the award winners

would be announced in due course.

HEC, French Embassy Bilateral Committee Reviews Proposals for PERIDOT Research Grants

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan

and the Embassy of France recently held its bilateral

committee meeting at the Commission Secretariat.

The meeting reviewed proposals submitted for the

award research grants under the Pak-France

PERIDOT Phase IV.

PERIDOT is the Franco-Pakistani Hubert Curien

Partnership (PHC) executed in Pakistan by HEC and

in France by Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs

and Ministry of Higher Education, Research and

Innovation.

The objective of this programme is to develop new

scientific and technological cooperation between

French and Pakistani higher education institutions

and research laboratories by supporting mobility of

researchers. Under the programme, projects are

approved for funding for three years in five priority

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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) bestowed

52 research awards upon faculty members of

different universities and researchers during a hceremony held recently in connection with 6t HEC

Outstanding Research Awards.

Rana Tanveer Hassain, Federal Minister for Science

and Technology was chief guest on the occasion Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, Dr. Arshad Ali,

Executive Director HEC, and Dr. Muhammad Latif,

Adviser Research and Development, HEC along with

a large number of Vice Chancellors and researchers

were also present.

Speaking on the occasion, Rana Tanveer Hussain

said the Government accords due priority to

promotion of higher education in the country. The

Government has remarkably increased the budget

of higher education sector, he added. Admiring HEC

for promoting a research culture in Pakistan, he said,

“HEC has focused quality of higher education,

research and publications, and the results are ahead

of us in the form of outstanding research works.” He

urged the scholars to conduct research based on

solution to social issues. “Research Publications

should carry real impact on society,” he stressed.

52 Scholars Win HEC Outstanding Research Awards

The Minister observed that the education sector is

facing multiple challenges, however the

Government is committed to overcoming them. He

said Pakistan’s geographical location makes the

country a sensitive zone, adding that the country

has been worst affected by terrorism. However, he

continued, the government and armed forces have

efficiently tackled the issue. He said youth are the

country’s asset and HEC has worked on grooming

their talent and capabilities.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed

shared the contribution of HEC towards creation of

knowledge and promotion of higher education and

research in the country. He said HEC emphasises

impact of research on society so as to provide

solutions to the country’s prevailing issues. “We

have to come out of number game and focus on

quality and impact,” he underlined. He urged the

academia to adapt itself to emerging trends so as to

better cope with future challenges. He stated that

the job of universities is not merely to impart

education but also to ensure social integration.

The Chairman informed the participants that the

awards were presented in four categories including

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Best Research Paper, Best Young Research Scholar,

Best Book Publication, and Best Innovator and nine

disciplines including Natural Sciences, Biological

Sciences, Agriculture Sciences, Health Sciences,

Pure Engineering, Computer Science, Social

Sciences, Management Sciences and Arts and

Humanities. The faculty and researchers were

awarded Rs. 70,000, Rs. 150,000, Rs. 300,000, and Rs.

200,000 per award respectively, he added.

In a vote of thanks, Dr. Arshad Ali shared a number of

HEC programmes aimed at promoting a research

culture in the country. He said HEC programmes like

Start-up Research Grant Programme, National

Research Programme for Universities, Technology

Development Fund, University-Industry Research

Support Programme, Thematic Research Grant,

Patent Research Support Programme and

collaborative research programme with foreign

countries have produced remarkable results.

He stressed the need for creating indigenous

solutions to local problems. HEC initiated the

Outstanding Research Awards in 2009 to recognise

the innovative ideas and initiatives of Pakistani

researchers and faculty members and to encourage

promote a research culture in the country.

The purpose of conferring these awards upon

Pakistani faculty and outstanding researchers is also

to acknowledge their high performance and thus

promote a competitive research culture in higher

education and R&D institutions. So far, 213 awards

have been conferred in six award ceremonies.

Higher Education Commission in collaboration with

Hamdard University under its Social Integration

Outreach Programme launched a project entitled

Road to Happiness through Vocational Training and

Social Awareness for the residents of villages in the

outskirts of Hamdard University campus.

The vocational training programme was designed in

three parts including Vocational Training, Health

and Safety Management. The purpose of

conducting training was to give awareness

regarding daily health, safety and hygiene issues

among villagers and to develop skills in rural

population.

Basic hands on training sessions were conducted

that covered electricity wiring of houses, AC and

refrigeration repairing, solar system installation,

basic computer training, traffic awareness, first aid

HEC, Hamdard University Receives SATHA Innovation Award

training and basic firefighting training. These

trainings were conducted by different trainers

including faculty members of the university.

The community service activity was recognised by

South Asian Triple Helix Association (SATHA) which

is South Asian Chapter of International Triple Helix

Association. The organisation honoured Hamdard

University with “SATHA Innovation Award” in a

ceremony recently held at Jinnah University for

Women Karachi.

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To meet critical need for improving communication

with the stakeholders and building awareness about

the National Higher Education Standards, Quality

Assurance Pol ic ies/Procedures, F inancial

Management, Governance and Regulatory

Arrangement Higher Education Commission, (HEC)

Pakistan has recently taken an initiative to launch its

Web based Educational Television Channel.

The aim of launching this channel is to help building

better image of higher education sector, foster clear

perception about programmes and policies of

higher education sector and to enhance public

access to the information related to the higher

education institutions.

The Web based Educational TV Channel is

capitalising on National Video Conferencing

Network (NVCN) which is available in 103

universities/ institutions across the country to act as

a recording studios. The initiative of launching the

Web-based TV Channel was taken due to the fact

that penetration of 3G/4G has been increased to

above 40 million. Therefore, web based TV would be

an excellent medium to outreach wider population.

HEC Launches its Web Based Educational Television Channel

There are 26 universities offering media and mass

communication degrees in Pakistan out of which 15

universities have built-in studios.

HEC in the first stage integrated NVCN with live

streaming tools and streaming of video

c o n f e r e n c i n g a r e m a d e a va i l a b l e o n

edutv.hec.gov.pk. To develop the content of Web TV,

media and mass communication departments of

the universities were directed to build a cluster base

model in which media and mass communication

departments of the universities will be made

responsible for developing content.

The technical team of IT Division, HEC visited studios

of Allama Iqbal Open University, Islamabad, Riphah

University, Rawalpindi, Sindh Madrassatul Islam

University, Karachi and Virtual University, Lahore for

integration of traditional TV Studios with IP based

video conferencing. The concept was implemented

successfully and studios of said universities were

integrated with video conferencing. The success has

given opportunities to universities to develop

collaborative programmes with other universities

regardless of geographical locations.

The Central Development Working Party (CDWP)

has recently approved eight projects of the higher

education sectors worth Rs. 28.872 billion for

providing scholarships and strengthening of

infrastructure and other facilities.

A mega project worth Rs. 20.904 billion for Overseas

Scholarships (Phase-III) has been approved to send

2000 Pakistani scholars to foreign universities for

doctoral studies. Other approved projects include

establishment of College of Nursing & Community

Medicine at Peoples University of Medical Sciences,

Nawabshah with a cost of Rs. 603.093 million,

establishment of sub-campus of National Textile

CDWP Approves 8 Higher Education Projects Worth Rs. 28.872 Billion

University at Karachi at a cost of Rs. 875.563 million,

establishment of Science Laboratory and Creative

Art Centre, Sukkur IBA University worth Rs. 852.694

million, development of academic and research

facilities at University of Kotli worth Rs.13388.875

million, establishment of Women Campuses at

Kohat and Bannu worth Rs.1957.893 million and

Institute of Science Technology at Bahawalpur at a

cost of Rs. 2290.009 million.

It is pertinent to mention that most of the

development projects will be executed in less-

developed areas such as Nawabshah, Sukkur, Kotli,

Bahawalpur, Kohat and Bannu.

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The Vice Chancellors of a large number of public

and private universities reposed their confidence in

the Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan stduring the 21 Vice Chancellors Committee Meeting

recently.

The meeting, chaired by Dr. Masoom Yasinzai,

Chairman Vice Chancellors Committee, was

attended by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC and

a large number of Vice Chancellors physically and

through video conference. The meeting was held to

discuss governance and quality of higher education

in universities and their affiliated colleges.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai briefed

the Vice Chancellors about the purpose of Vice

Chancellors Committee meeting. He appreciated

the Senate Standing Committee for calling Vice

Chancellors in a provincial consultation seminar.

Speaking on the occasion,

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said the

Vice Chancellors are the

major stakeholders of

higher education sector and

the meeting of universities

h e a d s h a v e g r e a t

importance in terms of

development of the sector.

He said HEC accords high

importance to governance

and quality of educational

institutions and their affiliated colleges. He said

despite having made significant development in

quality of teaching in universities, there still remains

a lot to correct. He stressed the need to set up

Quality Enhancement Cells for affiliated colleges to

monitor and ensure their performance.

He revealed that this is high time to take the higher

education sector forward in Pakistan and

strengthen universities with, of course, strong

accountability. “Our priority has to be working for

development of higher education sector,” he

emphasised. He affirmed that the sector’s

development over the past 15 years has earned

Pakistan good name across the world. Mauritius,

st 21 Vice Chancellors Committee MeetingUniversities Heads Repose Confidence in HEC Policies for Promotion of Higher Education

Bangladesh, Belarus and many other countries have

requested HEC to help them set up their higher

education bodies on the pattern of HEC, he

informed. “The higher education sector lacks

nothing now, but teamwork,” he said, adding that

HEC fully advocates national integration and

harmony through education.

During the course of meeting, Vice Chancellors

expressed their confidence in HEC and appreciated

its vision and the support that HEC has been

extending to higher education institutions since its

inception. They also shared problems facing their

respective universities. To this, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed

assured them of HEC’s support. “HEC is committed

to facilitation of universities,” he underlined.

Vice Chancellors from Balochistan said “We are

making progress owing to the judicious and

generous support of HEC”.

T h e y o b s e r v e d t h a t

Balochistan was not ready

for a provincial HEC and

asked for at least four to five

years to build capacity to

take the responsibility.

Vice Chancellors from

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa said

that the credit for the

current state of universities

in the country goes to HEC.

They said the 15 years of HEC speak volumes of the

Commission’s success and role in development of

higher education sector. They admired HEC for

judiciously distributing funds among all the

universities. Vice Chancellors from Sindh also

expressed their views on the developments taking

place in the higher education sector and shared

issues of their respective universities.

Vice Chancellors also spoke on the need to

continuous support by HEC as it was uninterrupted

and forthcoming. They appreciated role of Higher

Education Commission in providing a vision and

support for the development of universities through

policy guidelines for academics.

Vice Chancellors from Balochistan said “We are making

progress owing to the judicious and generous support

of HEC”. They observed that Balochistan was not ready for a provincial HEC and asked for at

least four to five years to build capacity to take the

responsibility.

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Learning Innovation Division (LI), HEC recently

organised a three days Curriculum Based Workshop

on Home Economics for the faculty members of

Home Economics from higher education

institutions (HEIs) of Pakistan whereas three days

Curriculum Based Workshop on Orientation of

Computer Sciences Revised Curriculum for the

faculty members of Computer Sciences from HEIs of

Pakistan. The aim of holding the workshops was to

provide participants an opportunity to provide

orientation on latest additions in different fields of

Home-Economics Curriculum and revised

curriculum of Computer Sciences.

Dr. Nomana Anjum, Chairperson Home and Health

Science, Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad

and Dr. Ayub Alvi, Rector National University of

Computer and Emerging Sciences, Islamabad were

the main resource persons in the workshop.

The resource persons explained in detail about

vision behind conducting the workshop and

elaborated changes and new additions in the field of

Home Economics and Computer Sciences.

HEC holds Curriculum Based Workshops

The Pakistan Education and Research Network

(PERN) in collaboration with Lahore University of

Management Sciences (LUMS) held a meeting at

LUMS Computer Science Smart Lab to explore

col laborative oppor tunit ies about PERN

collaborative opportunities for the researchers of

the community.

The meeting was attended by faculty members from

LUMS, Information Technology University, (ITU)

Lahore and Punjab University College of

Information Technology, Lahore.

Team PERN holds meeting in LUMS to Explore Collaborative Opportunities

During the meeting Ch. Abdullah Fayyaz Chattha,

Director Operations PERN briefed the participants

and gave an overview about PERN Infrastructure

and PERN operations under the Trans-Eurasia

Information Network (TEIN) membership.

Afterwards, the team from LUMS introduced

themselves and informed the audience about the

collaborative research projects submitted by LUMS

under the flagship of PERN to TEIN. Concluding the

meeting, it was decided that PERN will continue

conducting meetings to other universities as well.

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The Learning Innovation Division (LI), HEC, in

collaboration with the Office of Research Innovation

and Commercialisation (ORIC) and Department of

Humanities and Linguistics, University of

Agriculture, Faisalabad recently organised a 3-Day

English Language Teaching Training Programme.

The Resource Persons made interactive sessions to

sensitise faculty members regarding improvement

in English language proficiency. Dr. Muhammad

Iqbal Zafar, Vice Chancellor of the University of

Agriculture, Faisalabad emphasised on participants

to use content of this training for contributing

positive change in the society.

He further said that there is no age limit for learning,

every one of us should learn new skills and

contribute for the betterment of society.

HEC, UAF hold 3-Day English Language Training Programme

Higher Education Commission, (HEC) Pakistan and

British Council Pakistan sent a senior delegation to

London to discuss prospects of Pakistan-UK

Education Gateway to promote research and

partnership opportunities between Pakistan and

the UK.

The primary aim of this visit was to discuss core

education challenges of Pakistan, and possible

collaborative solutions by developing Pakistan-UK

Education Gateway, to help address these

challenges and to develop the knowledge and

social economies of both countries.

The gateway aims to facilitate comprehensive

programmes to help build the capacity of higher

education institutions. The key elements include

innovative and collaborative research in emerging

disciplines including man made materials, artificial

intelligence, nanotechnology, as well as climate

change and water management, food security,

energy, leadership courses, mentoring schemes and

formal trainings, distance learning and scholarships

and split PhD programmes besides Transnational

Education.

HEC, BC Deliberate on Pak-UK Education Gateway

Dr Arshad Ali commended efforts of HEC and the

British Council in Pakistan and said that we believe,

education diplomacy holds genuine potential for

development of the people and bringing together

societies. Therefore, we are seeking partnerships for

higher education research and development across

Pakistan and the UK.

Rosemary Hilhorst, Country Director British Council

Pakistan said that the “Pakistan-UK gateway has

immense potential for knowledge exchange both

ways. Many stakeholders who are here today have

already worked in Pakistan and I hope that you will

be able to encourage others in the field to

collaborate too.”

The Tempus Public Foundation (TPF) recently

organised an International Conference of

Stipendium Hungaricum Partners at Budapest,

Hungary. The objective of the Conference was to

discuss various matters of Stipendium partners and

to further develop cooperation in between partner

countries for improved higher education

opportunities.

During the formal proceedings of the conference in

Budapest, Engr. Waheed Ahmed Mangi, Director

Human Resource Development, (HRD) HEC

delivered multiple presentations to TPF

management and 56 partners from other countries

with major focus on HEC, Higher Education

Tempus Public Foundation Organises International Conference of Stipendum Hungaricum Partners

Scientific Exchange Programme and Good practices

related to application cycle of HEC.

Engr. Waheed Ahmed visited Hungarian institutes of

higher learning namely Eotvos Lorand and Karoli

Institute to discuss various issues pertaining to

language problem faced by Pakistani students

11

studying at Hungarian institutions, duration of three

years bachelor degree, efforts to nominate more

Hungarian students in Pakistani universities and

further collaboration in the field of Archaeology.

A meeting was also held with Ms. Maryam Rehman,

Head of Chancery, Pakistan Embassy at Budapest.

During the meeting, the issues of Pakistani students

studying at Hungarian institutions and placement of

Hungarian students at Pakistani universities were

discussed in length.

HEC is an active partner of TPF since December 2015

when a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was

signed in between Ministry of Human Capacities,

Government of Hungary and HEC in December

2015 for grant of 80 scholarships to Pakistani

students under Higher Education and Scientific

Exchange Programme.

Thereafter, a revised MoU was signed in between

Hungary and Pakistan enhancing the number of

scholarships from 80 to 200 scholarships per year.

The laptop distribution ceremony under the Higher

Education Commission, (HEC) Pakistan in

collaboration with Government College Women

University, Sialkot and Abbottabad University of

Science and Technology was recently held

separately in the universities.

During the laptop distribution ceremony at

Government College Women University, Sialkot Mr.

Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister of

Foreign Affairs was Chief Guest whereas Prof. Dr.

Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC was Guest of

Honour.

The ceremony was arranged in continuation of

marking 15 successful years of formation of HEC.

Other sidelines of the ceremony included poster

presentations of MS students of the university.

GCWU, Sialkot holds Laptop Distribution Ceremony

Mr. Khawaja Muhamad Asif, along with distributing

laptops among students inaugurated Smart Class

Room project in the university. The ceremony

brought over eminent personalities including Ms.

Leila Khan, Chairperson Prime Minister Youth

Programme (PMYP), Mr. Makhdoom Adeel,

Coordinator PMYP, MNAs and MPAs along with over

1000 students.

Meanwhile, another laptop distribution ceremony

was held at Abbottabad University of Science and

Technology in which Mr. Murtaza Javed Abbasi,

Deputy Speaker National Assembly was the Chief

Guest whereas, Dr. Iftikhar Ahmed, Vice-Chancellor

of the university was the guest of honour. Over 200

students attended the ceremony and 113 students

were awarded with laptops over their excellent

academic performance.

12

An opening ceremony to welcome the first batch of

Pakistani students selected under the China Road

and Bridge Corporation (CRBC), fully funded

scholarship programme was recently held at the

main campus of South East University, (SEU) China.

The first batch of 10 students was selected through a

highly competitive selection process jointly

coordinated by HEC Pakistan, CRBC China and SEU

China. The students selected under the programme

will study Masters in Transportation Engineering at

SEU China as part of a commercial sponsorship

programme by CRBC.

Under the support of education department of

China and Pakistan, CRBC in this year would also

CRBC Scholarship Programme

Opening Ceremony to Welcome Pakistani Students at SEU, China

launch another project which will fully fund 100 in-

service staff from federal/provincial government,

technical personnel and prominent graduates to

study in China for higher education.

Dr. Arshad Ali, Executive Director, Higher Education

Commission graced the occasion as the chief guest

of the ceremony. During the ceremony, CRBC and

SEU also signed an agreement aiming to jointly

carry out talent training, exchange of teachers and

scientific research, based on Belt and Road initiative.

During his speech on the occasion, Dr. Arshad Ali

thanked CRBC for its support for development in

Pakistan. The Executive Director said that Pakistan is

located at the junction of South, Central and West

Asia which is also the junction of belt and road

initiative.

He maintained that the selected students will

become young generation inheritor and promoter

of Pak-China Friendship and also devote themselves

to the development of Pakistan after completing

their study and contribute to the nation-building.

Mr. Zhang Guangjun, the President of SEU said that

SEU attaches high importance to cooperate with

Belt and Road countries based on belt and road

Initiative.

The Learning Innovation Division, Higher Education

Commission (HEC), Pakistan in collaboration with

the Department of English at Fatima Jinnah Women

University (FJWU) recently organised a 3-day

training workshop on Computer Assisted Language

Learning (CALL).

The workshop was attended by 18 English language

faculty members from Government Postgraduate

College for Women, Rawalpindi, Fatima Jinnah

Workshop on Computer Assisted Language Learning

Women University, Rawalpindi, National University

of Modern Languages, Islamabad and Government

Viqar-un-Nisa Postgraduate College, Rawalpindi.

The main objectives of the workshop were to

develop skills necessary to understand various uses

of computers in language classrooms; to increase

learners’ awareness of diverse sources to be used as

teaching tools and to enable the learners to use and

design computer-based and web-based teaching.

13

HEC, Microsoft Organise Boot Camps

With an aim of broadening access to higher

education, enable student-centric learning,

enhance education with powerful software tools

and improve efficiency of education systems, the

Higher Education Commission, (HEC) Pakistan has

partnered with Microsoft for last four years to create

positive impact on students and faculty alike as HEC

is committed to provide highest standards and use

of genuine software for all universities.

HEC in collaboration with Microsoft has planned to

deliver 27 two-day hands-on boot camps, to be

completed by April 2018. The boot camps will focus

on administrative technologies, Azure, Dynamics,

SharePoint, SQL, Windows Server, etc.

Nine boot camps are planned in Karachi, Lahore and

Islamabad whereas 12 boot camps have been

delivered, including boot camps on Office 365,

Azure, Windows 10, SharePoint, SQL and Dynamics.

The focus of these boot camps is to enhance the

Universities’ IT Support teams to be able to do their

own infrastructure implementation.

Previously, more than 300 IT staff have been trained

in these boot camps. The feedback collected at the

end of the trainings indicate a high level of

satisfaction, and the participants are enthusiastic

about these training opportunities.

HEC, Microsoft Organise Online Trainings on IT

HEC’s Pakistan Education and Research Network is

one of the visionary ideas where the universities get

internet access and connectivity to HEC’s state-of-

the-art Video Conferencing facility. This facility is

used to deliver trainings for universities across the

country, to host live PhD thesis defense with remote

faculties, etc while Microsoft uses Video Conference

to deliver technical trainings to Students and Faculty

on a multitude of topics, ranging from Azure &

Cloud Computing, Windows Server Management,

SharePoint to discussions on Microsoft’s Volume

Licensing, Imagine Cup and demonstrations on

Microsoft Imagine (previously Dreamspark) portal.

The objective of these technical trainings is to build

an awareness among the students and faculty about

the software and facilities they have available

through HEC’s platform, as well as to give them an

introduction to the technology/ topic. The plan is to

conduct 30 online sessions, with 10 focused on

Licensing, 10 focused on Technology and 10 on

Imagine Cup.

During the current Academic Year 2017-18, eight

online sessions have been conducted, out of these

six sessions on technologies such as Azure and

Windows Server, a session on Licensing and one

session on Imagine Cup were conducted.

14

Higher Education Commission, (HEC) Pakistan in its

Strategic Partnership with Microsoft selected

Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification for

the students under the banner of Prime Ministers

Laptop Scheme.

This enables students to acquire the certification

free of cost in Pakistan that people otherwise pay

for. Microsoft in collaboration with its global partner

Certiport and local partner TEC held an Exam

Festival in 22 universities in November and

December 2017.

The 22 universities that are also Certiport Certified

Testing Centres were selected on the basis of their

last years’ consumption. The idea was to create

HEC, Microsoft Offers Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) Certification

awareness about the importance of this initiative

and eventually guide and help students in getting

certified in their labs. The visiting partner of

Microsoft TEC went to these certified universities

and reached out to students through different

means to help them consume and certify them. The

entire process of the exam was revisited for the

students where they actively participated and went

through test trials for the exam to prepare

themselves for the actual ones.

Over 30000 students were certified at the end of

year 2017 due to the initiative of HEC to encourage

students to actively participate in getting certified

from Microsoft for their professional growth and

better future.

The Faculty of Electrical, Electronic and Computer

Engineering Mehran University of Engineering and rd Technology, (MUET) Jamshoro held 33 IEEEP

(Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineers

Pakistan, Karachi centre) All Pakistan Students’

Seminar at MUET.

Dr Rana Abdul Jabbar Khan, IEEEP President and

National Transmission Dispatch Company (NTDC)

technical general manager was Chief Guest while Lt-

Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Asghar, Consultant CPEC

was the Guest of Honour in the event.

While speaking on the occasion, Lt-Gen. (Retd.)

Muhammad Asghar, threw light on University

Support Programme (CUSP) and said that the HEC

would enhance potential of higher education

institutions for supporting socio-economic

transformation under CPEC with a focus on

development of quality human resource,

civilisational harmony and knowledge inputs. He

further spoke on planning parameters of Pakistan

Vision 2025 that there were seven priority areas

including connectivity, people first, sustained

indigenous and inclusive growth, governance,

security, entrepreneurship and knowledge

economy.

Dr. Jabbar Khan said that this event gave

opportunity to all young students and future

engineers to present their project based research

work which could lead towards conducting

collaborative industrial research in order to meet

indigenous technological needs of the country. Dr.

Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, MUET Vice Chancellor

said that the university transformed and evolved

from undergraduate degree awarding institute to

Research University in the past 10 years.

CPEC Consultant Highlights Varsities’ Role in Socio-economic Transformation

15

The Department of Education, Shaheed Zulfikar Ali

Bhutto Institute of Science and Technology,

(SZABIST) Karachi, recently conducted a 2-day

workshop entitled Outcome Based Education (OBE)

for its faculty members of various departments and

higher management.

OBE is an emerging phenomenon to ensure the

quality of education at higher education level. The

objectives of the workshop were to introduce the

concept of the OBE approach, to highlight

effectiveness of the OBE education system, to

SZABIST Conducts Training on Outcome Based Education

enable participants to differentiate between

SZABIST course outline design and OBE design to

tweak their existing course outlines and to help

participants develop course SLOs’ with the help of

Bloom’s Taxonomy.

Dr. Najmunnissa and Ms. Sadiya Durrani were the

training facilitators. The facilitators said that OBE is a

paradigm shift from Content Based Education to

Outcome Based Education. It is an educational

philosophy that bases each part of an educational

system around outcomes.

The Department of Management Science, Shaheed

Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science and

Technology (SZABIST) recently organised two days nd2 National Research Conference Management and

Business entitled Building Bridges between

Academia and Industry.

Mr. Jahangir Siddiqui, Head of JS Group was the

Chief Guest of the Conference. While speaking on

the occasion, he suggested that for better industry-

academia association we have to learn from leading

universities of the developed countries. He also

proposed that Pakistan has to focus on the

sustainable technologies as it has a crucial role in

the long term economic development.

National Conference on Building Bridges between Industry and Academia

Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, President SZABIST

emphasised on scholars to go on contributing

through their active participation in bridging link

between industry and academia. She appreciated

the role of HEC in advancing the academic research

based on the problems of the industry.

Mr. Javed Ali Memon, Director HEC-Regional Centre

Karachi informed the audience that the citation

impact from Pakistan is more than the BRIC

countries.

In his opinion the bridge between industry and

academia would be strengthen when both work

together for resolving the industrial problems.

16

The Department of Theriogenology, University of

Veterinary and Animal Sciences, (UVAS) Lahore in

collaboration with Society for Animal Reproduction

of Pakistan (SARP) recently organised a five-day

training workshop entitled Reproductive

Ultrasonography in Five Species of Domestic

Animals in City Campus Lahore.

The objective of the workshop was to equip the

participants with required knowledge and skills to

diagnose reproductive issues and to improve farm

fertility through ultrasonography.

UVAS holds Workshop on Ultrasonography

Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering

Sciences and Technology (GIKI), Swabi and Squeaks

Foundation have recently signed a Memorandum of

Understanding to provide scholarships to those

female students of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

The scholarship is for four years undergraduate

programme and is only for those students who do

not have financial resources to afford expenditures

of university education, but who demonstrate high

academic capability and passion for learning.

GIKI, Squeaks Foundation to Provide Scholarships to Female Students

Ms. Ana Castro, founder trustee of the foundation

said that the foundation stands committed not only

to support the students financially but also in many

other aspects that become relevant to their

academic and professional performance.

Mr. Jehangir Bashar, Rector GIKI briefed the visiting

team about various scholarships and loan schemes

available for the institution students. “Around 30 per

cent students of the GIKI are recipients of financial

support for their studies”, he claimed.

A reference was held at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute

of Engineering Sciences and Technology for Dr.

Ishfaq Ahmad, former Chairman, Pakistan Atomic

Energy Commission (PAEC) and member Board of

Governors GIK Institute.

The speakers said that his tremendous

contributions as a great scientist would be

remembered for ever. The reference was attended

by his closed associate scientists and academia of

Reference GIKIfor Dr. Ishfaq Ahmad at GIK Institute. Speakers on the occasion said that Dr.

Ishfaq was instrumental in establishing various

cancer treatment centres and played a key role in

establishing Pakistan’s civil nuclear plants at

Chashma and Pakistan Nuclear Regulatory

Authority (PNRA).

During his distinguished scientific career of over 60

years, he held many important positions, including

Chairman PAEC.

The American Society of Mechanical Engineers

(ASME) recently awarded its Heat Transfer Memorial

Award to Dr. Zahid Ayub at the International

Mechanical Engineering Congress and Exposition

(IMECE-2017) in Tampa, Florida.

Dr. Zahid Ayub is Adjunct Professor in the Faculty of

Mechanical Engineering of the Ghulam Ishaq Khan

Institute of Engineering Sciences and Technology

(GIKI), Swabi.

The Award is bestowed on those individuals who

make outstanding contributions in the field of heat

transfer through research, practice and design, or a

Academician Wins ASME Heat Transfer Memorial Award

combination of such activities. Each award is based

on achievement through publications, patents or

invention, in an area of heat transfer.

17

Institution of Engineers Pakistan (IEP) in

collaboration with NED University of Engineering

and Technology, Karachi recently organised an

International Civil Engineering Conference (ICEC-

2017) under the theme entitled Striving towards

Resilient Built Environment at the IEP Convention

Centre.

The conference brought together the latest civil

engineering knowledge, research and development

efforts from scientific community, engineers and

practitioners that can help in contributing towards

enhancing resilience of society and thus, establish a

better built environment.

Engr. Sohail Bashir, the Chief Organiser from IEP

highlighted the rich heritage of the conference by

discussing the state of events in past eight

conferences. Dr. Sahibzada Farooq Ahmad Rafeeqi,

Chairman IEP Karachi Centre delivered the formal

welcome note and emphasised the need for

sustained efforts in research and development

towards topics that can enable and help planners to

establish resilient built environment.

Engr. Dr. Izhar ul Haq, President IEP was the Chief

Guest at the occasion. In his speech, Dr. Izhar

acknowledged and appreciated the sustained

IEP, NED University Organise International Civil Engineering Conference

organisation of the conference through excellent

collaboration between NED University and IEP

Karachi Centre. He stated that the resilient built

environment is the need of the day specifically due

to rapid urbanisation.

Dr. Sarosh H. Lodi, Vice Chancellor NED University

delivered keynote speech entitled Tsunami Risk to

the Coast of Pakistan-A perspective from Built

Environment Resilience.

Dr. Lodi highlighted probable threats caused to the

coasts of Pakistan by Tsunami, its possible impact on

built environment and preparatory-cum-mitigation

measures in order to make these areas more

resilient under the threat of Tsunami.

A total of 40 peer-reviewed papers were presented

at the Conference. The authors from countries

around the world contributed as authors and co-

authors. They presented their research in eight

different technical sessions.

Dr. Farrukh Arif and Ms. Mahanoor Afzal Khan

presented paper entitled Quantifying the

Performance of Green Roof from Environmental

Standpoint and were awarded with the Chairman's

Medal for Best Paper.

The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) at NED

University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi

organised two day training programme entitled

Outcome Based Education (OBE) System Design.

The aim of organising the training was to enlighten

participants about the OBE basics and process of its

implementation in their respective teaching

departments/affiliated institutions.

Dr. Abdul Jabbar Sangi, Professor Civil Engineering

Department and Dr. Farrukh Arif, OBE Focal Person,

NED University, were the resource persons of the

QEC Training on OBE System Design at NED University

training and are also approved programme

evaluators (PEVs) of Pakistan Engineering Council.

During sessions of the training, the trainers briefed

the participants about importance of implementing

OBE System by focusing and organising everything

in an educational system and what is essential for all

students to be able to do successfully at the end of

their learning experiences.

In addition, classroom reform, programme

alignment, external accountability and system

transformation were also discussed.

18

The Quality Enhancement Cell, Institute of Space

Technology, (IST) Islamabad recently organised a

seminar on “Bloom’s Taxonomy in Design &

Assessment of Course Learning Outcomes”. The

resource person was Dr. Abdul Wahid Usmani, Head

of Quality and Planning Unit, King Saud University,

Saudi Arabia. The participants included faculty

members of IST and various universities of

Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Taxila, and Lahore.

Dr. Abdul Wahid started his lecture from

introduction of Outcome Based Education (OBE),

learning outcomes and its requirements. He

informed par t ic ipants about Cognit ive ,

Psychomotor and Affective Domains of Bloom’s

Taxonomy. He also presented Audience, Behaviour,

Seminar on Bloom’s Taxonomy in Design & Assessment of Course Learning Outcomes

Condition, and Degree (ABCD) approach for

developing learning outcomes effectively.

During the second session, the resource person

explained use of action verbs from Bloom’s

Taxonomy for assessing course learning outcomes.

He introduced Table of Specifications (TOS) for

ensuring all learning outcomes throughout the

course content with appropriate assessment

techniques.

He further explained various assessment methods

that were of interest to participants including

Simulated Environment, Observation Form,

Concept Maps, Rubrics, and some of the Class Room

Assessment Techniques (CAT).

Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad th recently organised 5 International Conference on

Aerospace Science and Engineering (ICASE 2017).

President Islamic Republic of Pakistan Mr.

Mamnoon Hussain inaugurated ICASE 2017 and

graced the occasion as Chief Guest.

In his inaugural speech, he said that Pakistan’s

position is going to become prominent on the

educational map of the world in coming years. He

urged the youth and senior scientists to set new

examples in their fields of research and

development by setting aside traditional methods.

Engr. Imran Rahman, Vice Chancellor IST said that

th IST Organises 5 International Conference on

Aerospace Science and Engineeringthe Government has to provide ample resources

and funding, which in turn will have a major

beneficial financial impact on our economy.

The Conference started off with the plenary session

including distinguished international speakers

followed by different technical sessions. A total of

100 research papers were presented in the

conference along with 25 poster presentations.

There were 26 technical sessions during the

Conference covering different themes and tracks

related to aerospace science and engineering. In

addition to this, there were three plenary sessions,

seven panel discussions, and 20 tutorials.

19

The University of Faisalabad (TUF), Faisalabad

recently organised a seminar on Oncoplastic Breast

Surgery in Madinah Teaching Hospital, an affiliated

hospital of TUF. Dr. Saira Saleem, Department of

Surgery, Madinah Teaching Hospital (MTH), in her

comprehensive lecture on Oncoplastic Breast

Surgery method said that 90,000 breast cancer

cases are being annually reported in the country

and over 40,000 deaths are caused due to the

disease. “Pakistan has the highest rate of breast

cancer in Asia”, she added.

Dr. Sadia Hameed, Head Department of Pathology,

University Medical & Dental College, Faisalabad in

her address briefed about Role of Pathology

Department in Integrated Breast Clinic Services.

Seminar on Breast Cancer in TUF

Dr. Muhammad Saeed, Pro Rector, Health Sciences

Campus, TUF in his address emphasised the need to

create awareness amongst the women as early

detection of breast cancer can make the disease

easier to treat and increases survival rates.

Dr. Nayab Alia, Head of Department of Radiology,

MTH gave her views on Role of Radiology

Department in Integrated Breast Clinic Services.

Afterwards, a panel discussion was held on breast

cancer diagnosis and treatment, actively

participated by the senior doctors from MTH and

Allied Hospital, Faisalabad. Later, state-of-the-art

Breast Cancer Clinic was inaugurated by a cancer

patient in the hospital.

The students of Air University have successfully

unveiled an energy-efficient vehicle, entitled

Markhor on the occasion of Car & Bike Show held at

Giga Mall, Islamabad. The Markhor is a project by

team called Mech The Tech (MTT) which consists of

final year students of Mechatronics Department of

Air University, Islamabad.

Muzamil Imran, team lead informed that the aim of

Markhor project is to design and fabricate

prototype energy efficient electric car. “Our main

focus was to make an electric prototype vehicle,” he

stated. Solid modelling and analysis were

performed to validate the design before fabrication.

He further informed that estimated target mileage

for the Markhor car is 550km/kWh.

Air University Students Showcase Electric Car Umer Farooq, faculty adviser and other MTT team

members including Abdul Ghani Zahid, Saad

Sheikh, Hammas Ahmed, Ahsan Islam, Bassim

Faridy, Yahya Abrar Khan, Aden Salim and Sayed

Usama Sabir were also present at the event.

20

thThe 24 Convocation of University of Engineering

and Technology, (UET) Lahore recently held where

2233 degrees including 22 PhD, 557 MPhil and MSc,

1654 BSc were conferred on the graduates.

An honorary Doctorate degree was awarded to Mr.

Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Interior by

acknowledging his services and contribution for

strengthening the university and his role for

development of higher education in Pakistan.

While addressing faculty and students Ahsan Iqbal

said, “Government of Pakistan has initiated many

programmes to engage youth in different projects”.

While congratulating the graduates, he said that

graduates must concentrate to develop their career

for betterment of their country and their personal

development. He also stressed on empowerment of

women in his speech.

Dr Fazal Ahmad Khalid Vice Chancellor UET Lahore

while sharing his views on the occasion said that

th UET Lahore Holds 24 Convocation

universities play vital role to build a nation on

scientific basis with the help of outcome based

research and other ways of learning.

He highlighted the output of the university with

important statistics in capacity building, new

pedagogical techniques, laboratory and research

centres up gradation of courses, construction,

expansion and signing of memorandum of

understandings with academic and industrial

institution at national and international level.

Honorary Doctorate Degree Conferred upon Ahsan Iqbal

The Institute of Business Management (IoBM), thKarachi recently conducted its 20 Convocation in

which over 1000 graduates of business

management and allied disciplines were awarded

with laurels and degree certificates to mark

completion of their studies. The graduating

students were awarded with 10 gold medals and 36

merit certificates.

On this occasion, Mr. Muhammad Zubair, Governor

of Sindh was the Chief Guest and Mr. Khalid Nawaz

Awan, President, TCS was the Keynote Speaker.

While speaking on the occasion, Mr. Mohammad

Zubair highlighted education as a process that must

nurture students with rational thinking, wise

decision-making and prudent reasoning to develop

their personality and character to make them noble

Graduates Vow to Serve Pakistan in th

20 Convocation of IoBMand gentle professionals having sound knowledge

and command over their respective fields. He also

shared with graduates importance of positive

thinking and healthy competition.

The Governor related importance of positive

thinking and healthy competition to survive in the

competitive corporate world with the graduates. He

hoped that the graduating students will also

comprehend the importance of managing time,

prioritising tasks and multitasking as result-

oriented professionals.

Mr. Khalid Nawaz Awan emphasised the need for

technology to connect our financial, emotional and

intellectual capital towards sustainable businesses.

He advised graduates to acquire right set of skills

and to enhance their prospects in concern fields.

21

The Directorate of Quality Enhancement, University

of Peshawar (UoP) and The Pakistan Standards and

Quality Control Authority (PSQCA) have recently

signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to

promote need based standardisation as well as

quality control assurance of the educational

programmes besides transfer of technology to the

industry for the socio-economic development in

the country. A formal agreement to this effect was

signed by Dr. Muhammad Asif, Vice Chancellor UoP

and Engr. Muhammad Khalid Siddiq Director

General PSQCA.

The agreement states that both the parties shall

explore market oriented research and develop

projects and other activities in the area of common

interest. The organisations will also share their

human and material resources including

instruments services and facilities for the purpose.

To attain the set objectives, PSQCA will give

representation to UoP experts and researchers in

Technical Committees of PSQC and UoP will give

representation to experts from PSQCA in their

advisory bodies.

Under the agreement, the UoP will create

standardisation, quality and Technology

Management wing in the University and will provide

expertise to carry out studies in PSQCA.

UoP Signs MoU with PSQCA for Standardisation and Quality Assurance

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Muhammad Asif said

that attaining the desired quality assurance in the

academic programmes and making it up to the

demands of the job market was priority of the

varsity. He said that accreditation of the University

programmes is being made for the purpose in order

to add value to our degree. He further stated that

accreditation of the UoP laboratory will also be

initiated with the help of PSQCA under the

agreement.

Engr. Khalid Siddiq said that PSQCA works under the

control of the Ministry of Science and Technology

with an aim to set up standards in quality of

products. The MoU signing ceremony was followed

by one day Quality Assurance Gala in which 20

industrial units of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

participated.

thThe 12 Convocation of Beaconhouse National

University (BNU) was recently held at Tarogil

Campus, Raiwind Road, Lahore. Mr. Shahid Hafiz

Kardar, Vice Chancellor presided over the ceremony

while Mrs. Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri was the Chief

Guest. A total of 384 graduates were awarded

degrees out of which 291 conferred Bachelor, 91

Masters and two doctoral degrees.

Twenty gold medals were awarded this year out of

which 15 recipients were girls. The Arfa Karim gold

thBNU Awards 384 Degrees at 12 Convocation medal was awarded to Zunaira Arif of the BS (Hons.)

Software Engineering programme while Nasim

Hijazi gold medal was awarded to Muhammad Firas

Shams of the BA (Hons.) Journalism programme.

In recognition of the services of Prof. Salima Hashmi,

Mrs. Nasreen Mahmud Kasuri, the founding Dean of

the School of Visual Arts and Design at BNU

conferred the title of Professor Emeritus on

Professor Hashmi for her contribution to Art and

Design Education.

22

The National University of Medical Sciences

(NUMS), Islamabad held a Symposium at Army

Medical College, Rawalpindi to build linkages

between medical educationists from North America

and Pakistan.

Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Lehri, President Pakistan Medical

and Dental Council (PM&DC) graced the occasion

as Chief Guest and Lt. Gen. Syed Muhammad Imran

Majeed, Vice Chancellor NUMS, as Guest of Honour.

The event was attended by Maj. Gen. (Retd)

Muhammad Aslam, Pro-Vice Chancellor NUMS,

Maj. Gen. Saleem Ahmed Khan, Principal, AMC, Maj.

Gen. Nigar Johar, Vice Principal, AMC, Educationists,

faculty members of AMC and NUMS, Postgraduate

Residents, Post-Doctorate Researchers and final-

year medical students.

In his inaugural speech, Lt. Gen. Syed Muhammad

Imran Majeed, Vice Chancellor NUMS emphasised

upon need of a platform to contribute in addressing

the healthcare needs of the country.

Dr. Shabbir Ahmed Lehri, President Pakistan Medical

and Dental Council (PM&DC) said that need of hour

is to provide outcome based training to medical

graduates in Pakistan. The symposium also

NUMS, AMC hold Symposium on Medical Education & Practice

consisted of poster presentations displaying

research work of AMC undergraduate students,

which were appreciated by participants of

symposium.

This symposium served as a platform for bringing

together renowned Educationists and Physicians to

share their experience and latest developments in

various fields of Medical Education and Medical

Practice. On this occasion, a Memorandum of

Understanding (MoU) was signed between NUMS,

Amcolians Alumni Association (AAA) and

Association of Physicians of Pakistani Descent of

North America (APPNA) which entails collaboration

with regard to capacity building, knowledge sharing

by bringing together leading academicians from

medical profession in North America and Pakistan

and assist in placements, if and when required.

Quality Assurance (QA) Directorate at National

University of Medical Sciences (NUMS) recently

conducted an interactive Awareness Session on

Creating Dignified Workplace at NUMS’

Professional Development Centre (PDC). Ms. Maliha

Hussain, National Resource Person was invited to

create awareness and impart trainings to maximise

adult learning and bring social change as the

keynote speaker.

Ms. Noor Amna Malik, Director QA and Quality

Enhancement Cell (QEC) NUMS, opened the session

with a talk on Role of Quality Assurance in Creating

NUMS Conducts Awareness Session to Promote Integrity

Dignified Workplace. Ms. Noor Amna elaborated

and shared the terminologies related to the topic

with the audience, the Laws pertaining to the issue

and Anti-Harassment Policy laid down by HEC to be

complied by the universities all over Pakistan.

The audience that comprised all levels of NUMS

Secretariat Management and participants from the

constituent Army Medical College, Armed Forces

Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Nursing,

Rawalpindi and Armed Forces Institute of Pathology

(AFIP) and Armed Forces Institute of Radiology and

Imaging (AFIRI).

23

The Department of Biosciences, Capital University thof Science and Technology recently organised the 5

Conference on Biological and Computational

Sciences. Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Rector International

Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) was the Chief

Guest of the event. The Conference provided an

ideal platform to the academicians, researchers and

emerging scientists to share their ideas and work

with eminent scientists and experts.

The conference also offered a strategic think tank to

enhance a constructive dialogue and collaboration

on themes relevant to Biological Sciences and to

present latest research results in all areas. The

conference included 149 participants and 32

authors for Oral and 13 Poster presenters from

almost 20 different institutions from all over the

Pakistan.

Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, in his inaugural address,

emphasised the need for inter-disciplinary research

th5 Conference on Biological and Computational Sciences

to solve real problems. The keynote talk was

delivered by Dr. Yousaf Zafar. He talked about pros

and cons of current technologies and how

biotechnology can play a role in solving problems

faced by the society and humanity in general.

The poster session also started in parallel, where

more than 13 posters were displayed. The

concluding ceremony was chaired by Dr.

Muhammad Abdul Qadir, Dean, Faculty of Health

and Life Sciences, CUST.

Pakistan Institute of Fashion Design (PIFD) in

collaboration with Pakistan Scientific and

Technological Information Centre (PASTIC) and

Pakistan Librarians Welfare Organisation (PLWO)

recently conducted one day hands on training

workshop on Mendeley, which is a Citation

Management Software.

The faculty members from PIFD, researchers and

professionals from other academic institutions

Workshop on Citation Management in PIFDjoined this workshop. The participants were given a

comprehensive briefing about Mendeley, value of

citation, different citation styles and citation

management.

The participants of the training workshop were

taught skills related to the Mendeley which is one of

the leading softwares for managing citation in the

present age of information and communication

technology.

24

As many as 1962 students were awarded with thdegrees during 28 Convocation of University of

Karachi (UoK) held recently at the campus’ Valika

Ground where 187 gold medals were also awarded

to the students who secured first position in their

respective departments.

Speaking on the occasion, Governor Sindh

Muhammad Zubair congratulated the graduating

students, faculty and the Vice Chancellor for holding

1962 Students Awarded Degrees th

in UoK 28 Convocation one of the largest convocations of the country. He

said that UoK is one of the most distinguished

academic institutions of the country and has

remained amongst top priorities of the federal

government.

While addressing the convocation, Dr. Muhammad

Ajmal Khan, the Vice Chancellor UoK said that

universities are the seats of learning where

knowledge is not only created but also dispensed.

25

PAF-Karachi Institute of Information and

Technology (KIET) in collaboration with Professional

Development Centre recently held a seminar

entitled Intellectual Property Rights, Patents and

Trademark. The aim of conducting the seminar was

to create awareness among the faculty members

and other researchers of PAF-KIET on how to

register their innovative work.

Mr. Nasrullah Khan, Deputy Director, Intellectual

Property Office (IPO), Pakistan shed light on the

importance of Intellectual Property Rights,

Copyrights, Patents and Trade Marks. He

highlighted their importance and what actions are

to be taken by an individual to protect his/her

innovative work.

Seminar on Intellectual Property Rights at PAF-KIET

He also explained what measures IPO, Pakistan is

taking to secure rights of researchers and

innovators. Ms. Zobia Hassan from IPO, Pakistan

explained in detail the procedure of filing patents.

The Isra University recently conferred degrees upon

453 students belonging to various disciplines thduring its 15 Convocation. Five students were

awarded gold medals and nine others were

presented silver medals for their outstanding

results.

As many as 254 students received Bachelors

degrees in Medical Sciences, Dentistry, Nursing and

Physical Therapy whereas 27 postgraduate degrees

were awarded in different programmes of Medical

and Allied Medical Sciences. Apart from this, three

thIsra University holds 15 Convocationstudents were also conferred upon a PhD degree in

Computer and Management Sciences.

Dr. Asadullah Kazi, Chancellor, Isra University

stressed on students to uphold image of our

country, by letting the world know that we are a

peaceful nation.

On this occasion, Dr. Ghulamqadir Kazi, Vice

Chancellor, Isra University felicitated the students

and said that the main purpose of such events is to

honour those who have performed meritoriously.

The Department of Medical Sciences (DMS) at

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied

Sciences, (PIEAS), in collaboration with Pakistan

Education Research Network (PERN), in the field of

Tele-Medical Education with specific emphasis on

Oncology and Nuclear Medicine Education recently

signed a Document of Understanding (DoU).

The signing of DoU was part of the inauguration

ceremony of the International Trans-EuroAsian

Information Network (TEIN) Annual NOC Workshop-

2017, recently held at Higher Education Commission

(HEC) Secretariat, Islamabad.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister of Interior, graced

the occasion as Chief Guest. He appreciated the

importance of long distance learning through tele-

education resources.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, HEC on behalf of

PERN, Dr. Masroor Ikram, Director Academics on

behalf of PIEAS; and Dr. Muhammad Iqbal

PIEAS Inked DoU on Tele-Medical Education

Choudhary, on behalf of Hussain Ebrahim Jamal (HEJ)

Research Institute of Chemistry signed the DoU.

Moreover, HEJ Research Institute of Chemistry, a

public-sector institute for Higher Education would

additionally be responsible to arrange online video

conferencing lecture under Virtual Education Project

Pakistan according to the DoU.

Pakistan Institute of Engineering and Applied

Science (PIEAS), Islamabad also organised a cash

award ceremony to recognise academic

performance of its students who are enrolled in BS

programmes at PIEAS Auditorium.

Maj. Gen. (Retd.) Munawar Ahmed Solehria,

Member Admin., Pakistan Atomic Energy

Commission, Dr. Nasir Majeed Mirza, Rector PIEAS,

and Dr. Mansoor Hameed Inayat, Pro-Rector PIEAS

graced the occasion.

Dr. Anila Usman, Controller of Examinations, PIEAS,

presented summary of the students’ performance

and the cash awards were given to top three BS

students of Electrical Engineering (BSEE),

Mechanical Engineering (BSME), and Computer

and Information Sciences (BSCIS) programmes on

Recognition of Academic Performance Ceremony

the basis of their academic performances in the

academic year 2016-17. Mr. Solehria, encouraged

students and congratulated them for being high

performers in their respective semesters.

The criterion for PIEAS BS Cash Award is to obtain

an overall CGPA of three or more on the scale of four

with no repeated or failed courses and to have st nd rdattained 1 , 2 , or 3 positions on the basis of

aggregate GPA of two semesters in an academic

year for first three years.

Twenty-eight cash prizes were distributed among

the top three position holders of the three BS

programmes for the sessions 2014-18, 2015-19 stand 2016-20, amounting to Rs. 20,000 for 1

ndposition holders, Rs. 15,000 for 2 position holders rdand Rs. 10,000 for 3 position holders.

26

Prof. Julius Kibet Bitok, Kenyan High Commissioner

with a delegation recently visited University of

Veterinary and Animal Sciences, (UVAS) Ravi

Campus Pattoki to hold a meeting with Dr. Talat

Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor UVAS. During the

meeting, they identified areas of collaboration in

livestock, exchange of students and faculty for

studies, training and joint research.

The Vice Chancellor briefed the Kenyan delegation

on UVAS academic, research, extension in dairy

advisory services, clinical and disease diagnostic

facilities, development projects, vaccine production,

various training programmes, national and

international linkages, etc.

Later, the Kenyan delegations visited various

departments of Ravi Campus Pattoki including

An eight-Week Research Excellence Course was

recently conducted at Bahria University, (BU)

Islamabad. Dr. Sheikh Zahoor Sarwar, Senior

Associate Professor in collaboration with

Leadership Development Centre (LED) organised

and conducted the course.

Trainers from Bahria University, University of

Arizona USA, Manchester Metropolitan University

UK, London School of Economics UK, and Gallop

International Organisation imparted training to the

participants. The course was registered by 35

In order to develop a core team of lead auditors,

Quality Enhancement Cell, (QEC) IBA Karachi

recently organised a four day IRCA/LRQA Certified

ISO 9001:2015 QMS Lead Auditor Course for its

head of functional departments and staff members.

The course was based on an interactive session that

helped boost motivation and participation. At the

Kenyan High Commissioner Aims to Collaborate in Livestock Research

Central Laboratory Complex (CLC), Milk Plant, Pet

Breeding and Training Centre, Ostrich and

Indigenous Poultry Farm, Dairy Animal Training and

Research Centre, Sheep and Goat Research Centre,

Poultry Broiler Farm, clinics and Buffalo Research

Institute.

The Kenyan High Commissioner said that Pakistan

and Kenya have close relations and Kenya wants to

further promote these ties in all sectors, especially

livestock, research and education.

BU Organises Research Excellence Courseparticipants from industry and academia. Out of

which 29 participants successfully completed the

course.

The participants were given training on art of

conducting research in organisational settings and

in academia. Latest research based softwares

including ZOTERO, NVIVO, SPSS, AMOS, SMART

PLS, Qualtircs, Endnote, Ref Works, Evernote,

TURNITIN and many others were communicated

with the help of hands on training in computer

laboratory.

th end of 4 day, a two-hour exam was conducted to

evaluate learning level of participants.

In the closing session, Dr. Shahid Raza Mir, Director

QEC encouraged them to implement it in their

respective departments. In the end, certificates of

attendance were distributed amongst the

participants.

Lead Auditor Course at IBA Karachi

27

Dr. Asim Shahzad, HEC Scholar edited a book

entitled Biocomposites: Properties, Performance

and Applications which has recently been published

from USA.

Biocomposites are exciting materials which have stexperienced a renaissance in the 21 century in

response to the societal concerns regarding global

warming and environmental pollution, shifting the

focus towards materials made from renewable,

biodegradable and recyclable resources. As a

consequence, research and development of these

materials has increased in recent years which is

reflected in their increasing application in industries.

HEC Scholar Edits Book on BiocompositesThe book contains 21 chapters from leading experts

of the world with various backgrounds and

expertise. Apart from review articles, the book also

contains chapters on recent developments in this

field. A distinguishing feature of this book is the

emphasis on the uses of these materials in

biomedical applications.

Dr. Asim Shahzad availed HEC Overseas Scholarship

from 2005-2009 at Swansea University, UK. He

completed his PhD research on Mechanical

Properties of Biocomposites. He is the author of six

chapters in edited books and 20 conference papers,

published by Elsevier, Wiley and Springer.

Dr. Farzana Khan Perveen, Chairperson and

Associate Professor, Department of Zoology,

Shaheed Benazir Bhutto University (SBBU),

Sheringal, Upper Dir authored a book entitled

Recent Advances in Biopolymers.

The book contains 10 chapters which are divided

into 3 sections. Section A covers synthesis of

biopolymers while Section B describes applications

of biopolymers in biomedical, antimicrobial,

industrial, nanotechnology, laser-based thin films,

and regenerative medicines and Section C is

Scholar Authors Book on Biopolymersdedicated for advancement and engineering in

biopolymers for personal protective garments,

equipments, membrane separation processes,

purifications, and new generation of high-

performance biomaterials.

A new numerical-cum-graphical method called

TI2BioP (Topological Indices to BioPolymers) has

been developed to estimate topological indices

(TIs) from two-dimensional (2D) graphical

approaches for the natural biopolymers DNA, RNA,

and proteins.

The Learning Innovation Division, Higher Education

Commission, (HEC) in collaboration with Shah

Abdul Latif University, Khairpur organised three

days training workshop on Research Methodology.

The purpose of this workshop was to train and

update knowledge and skills of the teachers of the

university and affiliated colleges in the subject of

English with particular focus on research

methodology. Research Methodology is a big issue

SALU Organises Workshop on Research Methodology

faced by young scholars. Keeping this notion in

mind, HEC organised this programme to solve

research related issues.

28

NEWS & VIEWSNEWS & VIEWS

ILLEGAL CAMPUSES / INSTITUTIONS

It has been observed that a number of universities/institutions/ campuses/affiliated

colleges/foreign collaborative arrangements are operating illegally in Pakistan without

permission of the Higher Education Commission (HEC).

All such institutions are hereby to immediately stop their CAUTIONEDoperations, which are functioning.

If such institutions fail to comply, their operations shall be shut down with the

assistance of Law enforcement agencies and provincial governments as per rules.

Students and their parents are also warned that degrees from such non-recognised

and fake institutions/illegal campuses will not be verified by HEC.

Director General(Accreditation & Attestation)

Higher Education Commission, Sector H-9, Islamabad.

Without prior approval/ NOC of HEC

Have opened illegal campuses

Offering foreign collaborative degree programmes without HEC NOC

OR

OR

For details visit www.hec.gov.pk/site/HEIs