P -1 1

We Need to Accelerate Efforts to Adopt New Technologies

President Arif Alvi

We Need to Accelerate Efforts to Adopt New Technologies

President Arif Alvi

We Need to Accelerate Efforts to Adopt New Technologies

President Arif Alvi

HEC Starts New Cycle of Progress Review Meetings and Trainings of QECs

Job Portal for PhD Scholars Launched

HEC Initiates Process of Revamping the Undergraduate Curriculum NUST Team Wins Imagine Cup 2019

P -1 6

P -1 8

P - 5

P - 9

Higher Education Commission - Pakistan

March-April 2019

contentNews & Views (March-April 2019)

2

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 articles are their sole 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

EditorAayesha Ikram

4 HEC Reviews Reduction in Funding for FY 2019-20

University Heads Seek Government’s Support to Avoid Financial Crisis

Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

5 Huawei ICT Competition Pakistan 2018-19

7 th6 NBEAC Conference

9 NUST Team Wins Imagine Cup 2019

11 HEC Starts New Cycle of Progress Review Meetings and Trainings

13 262 Students Awarded HEC-USAID Merit & Needs-based Scholarships

16 HEC Launches Job Portal for PhD Scholars

14

18 HEC Initiates Process of Revamping the Undergraduate Curriculum

OBITUARIES:Dr. Tariq Siddiqui - Dr. Tahir Amin - Dr. Abbas Chaudhry

Despite an overall 10 per cent cut in the budgets of Government organisa�ons, Vice Chancellors and Rectors of universi�es have expressed trust in the Government to protect the higher educa�on sector’s budget.

rdIn the 23 Vice Chancellors’ Commi�ee Mee�ng chaired by Dr. Masoom Yasinzai and a�ended by 137 Vice Chancellors and Rectors held recently in Islamabad, the university heads appreciated the Government’s commitment to higher educa�on, while seeking Government’s further support to meet the rising financial requirements of the universi�es.

The mee�ng was also a�ended by Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman Higher Educa�on Commission (HEC) and Lt. Gen.

rd23 VCs Committee Meeting

University Heads Seek Government’s Support to Avoid Financial Crisis

(R) Muhammad Asghar, Execu�ve Director HEC.

The mee�ng discussed that HEC undertook an extensive budgetary assessment exercise jointly with the Ministry of Finance, according to which the es�mated requirement of the higher educa�on sector for FY 2019-20 is Rs. 103.550 billion. However, the higher educa�on sector, as per Indica�ve Budgetary Ceilings (IBCs), has been allocated a recurring grant of only Rs. 58.50 billion for FY 2019-20.

Acknowledging the Government’s support for higher educa�on and research, the Vice Chancellors hoped that it will translate into significant release of funds.

They also resolved to mobilise various non-government and non-tui�on fee fundraising

means and ensure ini�a�ves aimed at efficient use of resources.

The mee�ng discussed in detail various agenda items including higher educa�on sector’s funding and emerging challenges, four-year integrated undergraduate programme, staying relevant in digital age, and HEC policies and regula�ons.

Addressing the Vice Chancellors, Dr. Tariq Banuri highlighted the issues and challenges pertaining to financial crisis facing the higher educa�on sector.

He informed the mee�ng that President of Pakistan Arif Alvi, Prime Minister Imran Khan, Federal Minister for Educa�on and Professional Training Shafqat Mehmood have assured him of their support

2

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

to the higher educa�on sector. “The sector has a strong and unambiguous support from the current Government,” he asserted.

While Government funding is the integral component, the Chairman pointed out that the financial crunch can be addressed through three complementary components which are government support, non-government fundraising, and efficient use of resources. “We are also commi�ed to undertaking complementary ac�vi�es, namely fundraising and service efficiency.”

Proposing measures regarding fundraising, he said the sector needs to mobilise alumni to generate funds, seek philanthropists’ support, urge bilateral dona�ons, non-tui�on fee means like execu�ve trainings, encourage and formalise consultancies, a�ract fee-paying foreign students, strengthen public-private partnership, streamline patents and royal�es, and promote sports.

In his opening remarks, Dr. Masoom Yasinzai said the higher educa�on sector is passing through a tough �me as far as its financial requirements are concerned.

He acknowledged that the Government is facing economic hardships which has created this situa�on, however the sector will come out of these constraints with the government’s support.

“The universi�es must play their role in fundraising and look for new avenues to generate funds, he stressed.

He appreciated Dr. Tariq Banuri for bringing much-needed reforms into the higher educa�on sector. He assured that universi�es stand by HEC in its pursuit for excellence in the higher educa�on sector.

“We all are a family and have to work together for the upli� of this sector,” he stated.

On the occasion, Dr. Zulfiqar Gilani, Consultant Academics HEC briefed the Vice Chancellors on HEC’s plan with regard to four-year integrated undergraduate programme.

Mr. Asif Shahid Khan, Consultant IT, HEC highlighted HEC’s efforts to assist universi�es in staying relevant in the digital age.

Shedding light on HEC’s regulatory reform project, Dr. Daud Munir, Legal Consultant HEC said the ini�a�ve is aimed at making HEC’s regula�ons and guidelines structured in a way that they could create a highly enabling regulatory environment for new and exis�ng higher educa�on ins�tu�ons.

The mee�ng elected Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i-Azam University as the new Chairman of the Vice Chancellors’ Commi�ee.

March

-Ap

ril 2019

3

A special mee�ng of the Higher Educa�on Commission was recently held under the Chairmanship of Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman, HEC to review the implica�ons of ongoing fiscal crisis for the higher educa�on sector, and in par�cular the budgetary projec�ons for FY 2019-20.

It was a�ended by Mr. Shamsh Kassim-Lakha, Dr. Faisal Bari, Prof. Nisar Siddiqui, Dr. Naveed Malik, Engr. Ahmed Farooq Bazai, Dr. Javeid Iqbal, Dr. Bhawani Shankar Chowdhry, Federal Secretary, Ministry of S&T, and representa�ves of the Ministry of Federal Educa�on and Professional Training as well as Provincial Governments.

The Commission was informed that the projected recurring

HEC Reviews Reduction in Funding for FY 2019-20

budget demand of the higher educa�on ins�tu�ons for 2019-20 was Rs.103.550 billion, while development demand was Rs. 55 billion; however the sector could face unprecedented budget cuts of up to 50 per cent. If this turns out to be true, it would bring about a massive disrup�on in the provision of higher educa�on and conduct of research.

The Commission expressed grave concerns about these indica�ons, and called upon the Prime Minister, the Finance Minister and the Educa�on Minister to ensure that adequate resources are provided to higher educa�on ins�tu�ons.

The Commission directed the Chairman to undertake a

sensi�vity analysis of alterna�ve budgetary scenarios, with a view to ensuring that essen�al programmes are not slashed, especially those that sustain the quality of undergraduate educa�on in the country. It also requested Vice Chancellors to invest in greater efficiency and transparency, and iden�fy possible austerity measures which ensure that resources are used most effec�vely.

The Commission decided to accelerate the deployment of the Higher Educa�on Management Informa�on System (HEMIS) in order to enhance transparency and enable increased efficiency.

It directed the Chairman to establish a fund raising programme for Higher Educa�on including mobiliza�on of resources from alumni, philanthropists, industry and by a�rac�ng a broader array of students including students from foreign countries.

The Commission requested the Chairman to arrange mee�ngs of Commission Members with the Prime Minister, Finance Minister and other senior members of the government.

Finally, the Commission directed the Chairman to request Provincial Governments to enhance their support for higher educa�on, including supplementary finances for universi�es.

The projected recurring budget demand of the higher education institutions for 2019-20 was Rs.103.550 billion, while development

demand was Rs. 55 billion.

4

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

President of Pakistan Dr. Arif Alvi has emphasized the need to accelerate efforts to adopt new technologies in every field of life.

He made these remarks while addressing the closing ceremony of HEC-Huawei ICT Skill Compe��on 2018-19 recently held at HEC Secretariat. The ceremony marked the announcement of winners who will compete in the Global Final to be held in China. Congratula�ng the Higher Educa�on Commission and Huawei for successfully conduc�ng the compe��on for students, the President said that there is a huge

We Need to Accelerate Efforts to Adopt New Technologies: President Arif Alvi

poten�al of exports and employment genera�on in Pakistan’s IT and Telecom industry, adding that this actually holds the key for any country’s development.

“Such compe��ons will prepare our younger genera�on to effec�vely contribute for country’s socio-economic development”, he said.

Huawei ICT Compe��on Pakistan 2018-19 was launched in September last year. Roadshow and workshops were held in 53 universi�es and academic ins�tu�ons across Pakistan.

More than 5000 students a�ended the examina�on conducted on Huawei’s learning pla�orm. Top 300 students were invited to a�end the second round, of which 171 students passed HCNA Cer�fica�on.

The top 100 students took part in the Na�onal Final and the most compe��ve top six students were selected for the Middle East Interna�onal Final in China.

In May 2019, the top three students Zohaib Anwar, Jawaria Abbas and Asim Fareed shall par�cipate in the Huawei ICT Compe��on

Huawei ICT Competition Pakistan 2018-19

March

-Ap

ril 2019

5

Global Final in China with other regional winners from all over the globe.

Speaking to the audience, the President stressed the need to realize the swi�ly increasing scope of informa�on age, and implementa�on of right strategies to bring in relevant technologies in different fields.

He gave various examples of educa�on, health and agriculture sectors, and underscored the fact that a proac�ve approach is required to iden�fy and incorporate IT solu�ons in every single field.

Mr. Shafqat Mehmood, Federal Minister for Educa�on and Professional Training congratulated the students who won at na�onal level and wished them luck for par�cipa�on in the Global Final.

The Minister informed the audience that the Government is focusing the areas where technology can help us leapfrog. “Efforts are afoot to link the skill development of our youth to the country’s future requirements, and to ensure that an environment is created where ideas can flourish”, he said.

Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC thanked the President for

taking out �me for the event, and for his con�nuous support to the cause of educa�on.

Giving two examples from news stories that appeared on Friday morning, one about selec�on of five Pakistanis in Forbes’ 30 under 30 and the second about a man’s a�empt

to build a small aircra� in Pakpa�an, Dr. Banuri highlighted Pakistan’s poten�al to grow and take the upcoming technological challenges head-on. “The only thing we need to step up is unleash this imagina�on and crea�vity of our people, par�cularly youth.”

The Chairman emphasized that “technology is an input in the development process, the real source is imagina�on. And I am pleased to say that HEC is trying to create an

environment where our youth is enabled to do so.”

Describing HEC-Huawei partnership, Dr. Banuri said this collabora�on has helped Pakistan in development of ICT setup. He said Huawei has taken different ICT ini�a�ves jointly with HEC.

The Chinese Ambassador Mr. Yao Jing said the global economy depends upon development of ICT, which is a pivotal element for na�on’s progress.

He admired the students who have won the compe��on and wished them good luck in the final compe��on in China. He said Pakistan and China enjoy cordial rela�ons and the two countries are commi�ed to working together to cope with future

challenges.

Mr. Saif Chi, CEO Huawei Pakistan that we will con�nue to see the digital and physical world merge as emerging technologies become a greater part of our lives.

“In order to welcome the arrival of the intelligent world, Huawei has always focused on R&D. In Pakistan, Huawei established office in 1998. Since then it has been playing vital role in making Pakistan go digital”, he said.

6

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

thThe 6 Deans and Directors Conference themed “The Evolving Landscape of Business Educa�on across the Globe” was organised by the Na�onal Business Educa�on Accredita�on Council (NBEAC) of Higher Educa�on Commission (HEC) from April 8-9, 2019 in Lahore.

Designed to increase the effec�veness of business educa�on in Pakistan, the conference brought together over 100 deans and directors of na�onal and interna�onal business schools to engage in strategic level discussions.

The chief guest, Dr. Ishrat Husain, Adviser to Prime Minister on Ins�tu�onal Reforms and Austerity said that Business Schools must take a leading role in finding solu�ons to the economic problems of this country. He advised Business Schools to emphasize experien�al learning that can expose students to the real world issues instead of confining them to lecture theatres.

In his welcome remarks, Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Chairman NBEAC eulogized the services of late Dr. Hasan Sohaib Murad and featured a short video on his contribu�ons. He observed that with the rise in number of Business Schools and Programmes to 142 na�onwide, the Deans and Directors must be concerned about the quality of teaching and other statutory standards. He revealed that out of 142, only 21 Schools are

accredited by NBEAC. He called upon Business Schools to observe the new regional and global changes related to the business environment and forge a way forward.

While sharing NBEAC’s 10 years in the dimensions of accredita�on and development, Dr. Sadia Nadeem, Dean, FAST-NU Islamabad observed that Business Schools are s�ll performing poorly in research and development, external linkages and alumni networks. However, she noted that Schools have registered tremendous success in teaching and enrolment.

Mr. Ahtesham Ali Raja, Programme Director NBEAC thanked the sponsors and universi�es for their support to make this event possible. The Conference Convener, Dr. Kumail Abbas Rizvi, Professor of Finance and Group Coordinator, Lahore School of Economics highlighted themes of the conference with emphasis on the need to embrace current trends and overcome challenges on na�onal, regional and interna�onal pla�orms through collabora�on.

A keynote speaker Dr. Daniel R. LeClair, CEO, Global Business School Networks, USA said management educa�on is progressive and faculty must move with the global trends. He called upon the Schools to embrace diversity, partnership and experien�al learning.

th6 NBEAC Conference

“The Evolving Landscape of Business Education across the Globe” March

-Ap

ril 2019

7

Advancing Regional Collabora�onsBusiness and Management Schools in Pakistan have been advised to build Centers of Excellence with capacity to a�ract both regional and interna�onal collabora�ons.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Husain said, “Build your own niche and be known for it. Centers of Excellence once established will a�ract many partners in building sustainable collabora�on”, adding that more tangible results of collabora�ons can be�er be realized through carrying out joint programmes and research with a compara�ve dimension. Dr. Shahid Amjad Chaudhry, Rector, Lahore School of Economics challenged Business Schools to look for research grants that provide opportuni�es to faculty to collaborate with research experts from the developed countries.

Fostering Business Schools-Industry Partnerships The Deans and Directors of Business Schools observed that there is need to a�ract business en��es to the academic ins�tu�ons through joint applied research, offering relevant courses and nego�a�ng internship opportuni�es to the excellent students. “The business industry does not have confidence in faculty members of our schools. We must make the Faculty excellent to be seen as resourceful. When the businesses begin to come to us for consulta�on, this must be seen as breakthrough,” Dr. Irfan Hyder from Ins�tute of Business Management remarked.

Disrup�ve Technologies and Pedagogical Innova�onsA panel of five experts chaired by Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Chairman, NBEAC deliberated on “Disrup�ve Technologies and Pedagogical Innova�ons” and observed that universi�es must create digital pla�orms from which students can access professionally assorted learning resources with ease regardless of distance.

Dr. Naveed A. Malik, Rector, Virtual University, Lahore shared with the conference par�cipants the success story of his University in embracing new digital technology saying, “Open educa�on is the way to go and VU is already providing online content with ease. We provide online video, audio, and textual learning material and manage exams electronically. We hope other universi�es can also do it.” Dr. Chirstophe Terasse, Director, Interna�onal Projects EFMD, Brussels advised Business Schools to re-invent the way teaching is done, saying that this will be major compe��ve edge for all universi�es.

Civic Responsibili�es of Business Schools and their GraduatesDr. Zaffar A. Khan, Chairman, Board of Directors PCP shared his personal experience of 50 years, his journey from engineering to the corporate world. “Recogni�on in the business world is not acquired by the profit mo�va�on only, but we have to be involved in the CSR ac�vi�es and train ourselves to be be�er versed with social responsibili�es.”

Dr. Alnoor Bhimani, Dean, Suleman Dawood School of Business, LUMS presented macro level perspec�ves on how business schools graduates can contribute in the social responsibili�es. Dr. Idrees Khawaja, Dean, Air University, Islamabad was of the view that CSR and profit making work side by side. “CSR should be inculcated in society in such a way that the popula�on prac�ces it in domes�c level in their micro level businesses.”

The conference also had several workshops, seminars and policy round tables that addressed topics such as Fusion of technology and simula�on with case study, NBEAC accredita�on framework, Importance of accredita�on and research impact- how to publish your journal with Emerald, Increasing global visibility for research output through ProQuest Disserta�on and Thesis publishing Programme, Why case study wri�ng is an important component of Business School’s research? and regulatory challenges faced by Pakistani business schools.

8

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

NUST Team Wins Imagine Cup 2019

Peshawar was second runner-up of the compe��on.

Mr. Shafqat Mahmood, Federal Minister for Federal Educa�on and Professional Training was chief guest of the ceremony, which was a�ended by Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Asghar, Execu�ve Director HEC, Mr. Abid Zaidi, Country Manager, Microso�, Vice Chancellors and a large number of students from different universi�es.

Apprecia�ng the compe��on par�cipants, the Minister appreciated the winning students and hoped that many of the innova�ve projects would go into commercial applica�on. “Pakistani students have a lot of talent and an environment is being created to use their talent to

the fullest.” He pointed out that quality of educa�on and relevance of research to the na�onal requirements are the real challenges facing Pakistan.

Apprecia�ng HEC for its proac�ve role, the Minister said that compe��ons like Imagine Cup would improve problem-solving skills of our students. “We are entering a new era of development wherein every individual is going to play his part”.

Mr. Zaidi said Microso� is pursuing the mission of empowering individuals to reshape their work by revolu�onising Informa�on Technology. Pakistan is blessed with youth bulge, so all we need is to learn tangible

thskills and turn the 4 Industrial Revolu�on into an

The team “EKKO-Wave Therapeu�c Device” from Na�onal University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad has won the Na�onal Finals of Imagine Cup 2019, organised by Higher Educa�on Commission (HEC) and Microso� Pakistan.

The winning team would now travel to Amsterdam for the World Regional Finals. Global Finals will be held in Sea�le.

Out of 48 finalist teams, NUST team has won Imagine Cup Na�on Finals by coming up with EKKO-A Wave, a product that proposes solu�on for cogni�ve rehabilita�on using vibra�onal waves. The team “Crea�veCrew” from Sukkur Ins�tute of Business Administra�on was the first runner-up while team “City Care” from City University,

March

-Ap

ril 2019

9

opportunity for Pakistan. He stressed the need for focus on innova�ons to meet the real life challenges. Technology needs to be used to create opportuni�es for the benefit of people, he emphasised.

For this compe��on, students were ini�ally evaluated in

regional finals, held in different ci�es and the best teams competed to win the Na�onal Finals. This �me around it gained a bigger and a be�er momentum when it was telecasted live on HEC’s EduTV with coopera�on of the four media universi�es including Lahore Garrison

University, Shaheed Zulfiqat Ali Bhu�o Ins�tute of Science and Technology, Sindh Madrassatul Islam, and University of Balochistan. The winning teams showcased their innova�ve thinking, technical skills and ground-breaking solu�ons to address everyday challenges.

A cost-effec�ve technology has been developed by University of Agriculture, Faisalabad and Jaffer Agro Services (Private) Limited for applica�on of bioherbicide to control weed in wheat.

This project was approved and undertaken under Technology Development Fund (TDF) of the Higher Educa�on Commission (HEC).

The project en�tled “Development of Bioherbicide Containing Allelopathic Bacteria for Biocontrol of Weeds of Wheat” was awarded to Dr. Zahir Ahmed and his team at the Ins�tute of Soil and Environmental Sciences, University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) along with Jaffer Agro Services (Pvt.) Limited.

The team has already iden�fied useful strains of rhizobacteria, a root-colonising bacteria suitable to develop a bioherbicide, which may be applied to wheat crop through the technology and a specified process. The team is

Technology Developed for Application of Bioherbicide to Control Wheat Weeds

also fostering to offer it to farmer community in a user-friendly form.

Wheat is Pakistan’s major crop and, unfortunately, its annual produc�on is witnessing 24 per cent decrease annually by weeds causing Rs.37.9 billion loss to the country’ economy.

Various weed control strategies are being employed, including manual weed control, which on one side is �me consuming and labour intensive, while on the other side is suitable only for crops grown in rows, besides causing crop injury and eleva�ng the cost due to high energy inputs.

Chemical control is �me-saving and cost-effec�ve, but it causes harmful environmental impacts, destroying beneficial organisms, pollinators, terrestrial and aqua�c life in different ways.

Field trials of the technology conducted in collabora�on with the industrial partner have already proven its ability

to suppress weed growth and promoted wheat growth by more than 15 per cent. It is es�mated to increase 567 tons of wheat crop yield worth Rs.18.44 million annually by applying bioherbicide to only 15 per cent of total area under wheat cul�va�on.

Moreover, along with other mul�ple benefits to biodiversity, ecosystem and economy of the country, three million rupees can be saved from import of harmful insec�cides and pes�cides.

The project a�er successful comple�on may not only save import costs but establish ways to fulfil the objec�ves of mul�lateral environmental UN agreements to which Pakistan is signatory and empower the ambi�on of knowledge economy.

TDF is the first ini�a�ve of its kind by HEC to harness the exper�se of scien�sts for commercially viable prototype and product development with inbuilt mechanism to have industry partner.

10

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

The Quality Assurance Agency (QAA) of Higher Educa�on Commission has started the new cycle of Progress Review Mee�ngs and training ac�vi�es for Quality Enhancement Cells (QECs).

HEC has established QECs in 184 higher educa�on ins�tu�ons in order to strengthen their Internal Quality Assurance mechanism and develop a quality higher educa�on system relevant to na�onal needs and enabling higher educa�on ins�tu�ons to demonstrate excellence in teaching, learning and research.

All the QECs have been divided into 10 groups and two-day ac�vi�es will be held for each group. The ac�vity of the first group was a�ended by representa�ves of 17 QECs. They also gave presenta�ons on their last year’s performance. The second day included training on modali�es of Ins�tu�onal Performance Evalua�on, MS/MPhil and equivalent programmes review, PhD programmes review and Yearly Progress Report of QECs.

Ms. Noor Amna Malik, Adviser, Monitoring and Evalua�on HEC was chief guest in the opening

184 Quality Enhancement Cells at Universi�es

HEC Starts New Cycle of Progress Review Meetings and Trainings

ceremony. Addressing the par�cipants, she shed light on HEC’s vision for quality enhancement. She emphasised the need for steps to turn QECs into statutory bodies wherein the head of a QEC should have a statutory posi�on. She also highlighted the role of Directors at QECs in achieving the aim of se�ng up these Cells.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Nadia Tahir, Managing Director, QAA briefed the par�cipants about the current scenario and future plans of HEC pertaining to quality assurance. She said it is �me to gauge the impact of QECs with respect to employability and skills enhancement.

Under the umbrella of HEC, QAA is striving to promote quality culture in the Degree Awarding Ins�tu�ons (DAIs). For this purpose, QECs have been established in 184 DAIs to strengthen their Internal Quality Assurance (IQA) mechanism. These QECs are annually assessed by QAA for their performance against the defined parameters. Whereas for External Quality Assurance (EQA), different mechanisms have been devised at ins�tu�onal level as well as programme level.

In order to mark Nowruz, the Persian New Year, the Higher Educa�on Commission in collabora�on with the Ins�tute of Management Sciences (IMSciences), Peshawar celebrated a one-day Spring Fes�val.

The aim of celebra�ng fes�val was to strengthen Pakistan-Afghan bilateral rela�ons. Over 400 students of IMSciences as well as Afghan students from other universi�es of

HEC, IMSciences Celebrate Spring Festival to Mark Nowruz

HEC, IMSciences Celebrate Spring Festival to Mark Nowruz

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa a�ended the event. The event was organised by Mr. Sikandar Khan Tangi,

faculty member, IMSciences.

The chief guests of the event were Mr. Bilal Ameri, Culture and Educa�on Department, Afghan

consulate and Mr. Noor Agha Behzad, Administra�on

Department, Afghan consulate. Ms. Afsheen Akhtar, Project Manager (HRD) HEC

was also present.

March

-Ap

ril 2019

11

A delega�on of Kyrgyz academicians led by Dr. Osman Tongusakov, Director Ins�tute of Philosophy and Legal Research, Na�onal Academy of Science, Kyrgyzstan visited Higher Educa�on Commission and called on its Execu�ve Director Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Asghar, and other senior officers at the Commission Secretariat.

The two sides agreed to develop collabora�on in various academic fields including medical, engineering and agriculture.

HEC, Kyrgyzstan to Strengthen

Higher Education Ties

The Execu�ve Director briefed the delega�on about the main objec�ves, func�ons and future plans of HEC. He said HEC is playing a pivotal role for evalua�on, improvement and promo�on of higher educa�on in Pakistan. He said HEC is focusing to increase access to higher educa�on, improve quality, and ensure relevance of educa�on and research to na�onal needs.

Dr. Tongusakov said Kyrgyz ins�tu�ons aspire to develop collabora�on with HEC, accredita�on councils of Pakistan and Pakistani universi�es. He said that Kyrgyz universi�es are looking forward to having collabora�on with HEC in order to improve its educa�on system.

Belarusian Ambassador Visits HEC

Ambassador Ermolovich emphasised that Pakistan and Belarus have a great poten�al to work together in the higher educa�on sector and ini�ate mutually beneficial programmes. The Ambassador was accompanied by Dr. Alena Dastanka, Head of Academic Affairs Unit of the Belarusian State University.

Mr. Andrei Ermolovich, Ambassador of the Republic of Belarus to Pakistan called on Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Asghar, Execu�ve Director HEC.

The two sides discussed a large range of academic issues pertaining to promo�on of bilateral collabora�on in the higher educa�on sector.

The Execu�ve Director said HEC values academic and research linkages with its partner countries, adding that HEC is keen to strengthen rela�ons between Pakistani and Belarussian ins�tu�ons.

He stressed the need for measures to iden�fy areas wherein Pakistani and Belarussian higher educa�on ins�tu�ons could develop collabora�on.

12

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

As many as 262 undergraduate students from Pakistani universi�es were awarded scholarships under HEC- USAID Merit and Needs-based Scholarship Programme, during a ceremony recently held at the Commission Secretariat.

The ceremony was a�ended by Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC, Mr. Paul W. Jones, Chargé d'affaires US Embassy and a large number of students and the Programme alumni.

The scholarship recipients are the latest cohort to benefit from this Programme, which was started in 2004. More than 5300 talented youth from financially disadvantaged families across Pakistan have received these scholarships. The grant covers student housing, textbooks, s�pend and tui�on. The scholarship recipients come from different provinces and areas of Pakistan including Gilgit, Sindh, Balochistan, South

262 Students Awarded HEC-USAID Merit & Needs-based Scholarships

Punjab, and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They will a�end 16 different ins�tu�ons, and pursue degrees in Agriculture, Business, Engineering, and Social Sciences.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Tariq Banuri congratulated the scholarship recipients. The Chairman said the real resource of Pakistan is its people. “Inves�ng in our people will help the country overcome its socio-economic challenges.”

He said that Pakistani youth have tremendous talent which needs to be tapped. “The Government of Pakistan is commi�ed to increase access and quality of educa�on, and the development of higher educa�on sector is one of the highest priori�es of the Government.”

Ambassador Jones said the young people of Pakistan represent Pakistan’s future.

“Unfortunately, fewer than 10 percent of them currently pursue higher educa�on. Our partnership with HEC was forged by the idea that we should help open doors and opportuni�es to as many promising students as possible. Every bright and curious young person should be able to a�end university and develop his or her full poten�al.”

March

-Ap

ril 2019

13

Dr. Tariq Siddiqui

A memorial reference in honour of Dr. Tariq Siddiqui was held at the Quaid-i-Azam University. Dr. Siddiqui’s family members, friends and colleagues a�ended the ceremony to recall his excep�onal contribu�ons as an eminent scholar, bureaucrat, and educator.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Ishrat Husain, Special Adviser to the Prime Minister highlighted his outstanding career. He quoted a number of examples from his ac�ve career as a bureaucrat. “He never bowed to moun�ng poli�cal pressures and I am proud, what I have learned from Dr. Siddiqui. We should remember the people who served our ins�tu�ons and na�on with honour, integrity and upheld the values and rules.”

Mr. Sartaj Aziz, former Finance Minister said that Dr. Tariq Siddiqui was an iconic figure and a rare combina�on of a modest personality and high intellectual capacity.

Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC said that Dr. Siddiqui was a truly compassionate person and an inspiring teacher I ever came across. He had all those quali�es that a teacher must have, including command on the subject, excellent communica�on skills and a role model for the students.

Remembering his interac�on with Dr. Tariq Siddiqui at Planning Commission, Dr. Pervez Tahir said that Dr. Siddiqui was a pa�ent, courteous and cul�vated person. “We were pleasantly surprised that he was a PhD in Economics from Syracuse University. He understood why some policies, projects, programmes, plans had no chance to be implemented, despite being based on sound economics.”

Dr. Muhammad Ali, Vice Chancellor, Quaid-i- Azam University, Mr. Shoaib Sultan Khan, Chairman, Rural Support Programme Network, and Mr. Ejaz Qureshi, former Chief Secretary also payed homage to Dr. Siddiqui by shedding light on his services for the na�on. A large number of students, faculty and staff members a�ended the memorial reference.

O B I T U A R I E S

Dr. Tariq Siddiqui, former Vice Chancellor of Quaid-i- Azam University who passed away on April 9 - 2019, was widely admired by his colleagues and friends for his erudition, professionalism, integrity, and courage. Dr. Siddiqui, who also remained Vice Chancellor of Allama Iqbal Open University, had joined the Civil Service of Pakistan in 1955 and served on a number of senior government positions, including Director General, Civil Services Academy, and Federal Secretary, Cabinet Division.

14

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

Dr. Tahir Amin

A PhD in Poli�cal Science from Massachuse�s Ins�tute of Technology, a Masters in Interna�onal Rela�ons from Carleton University, Canada, and MSc in Interna�onal Rela�ons from Quaid-i-Azam University, Dr Amin was the Iqbal Chair at the Centre for Interna�onal Studies, University of Cambridge, UK during 1997-2001.

He received King Faisal Scholarship to study at MIT, and a Fulbright Award at Harvard University, where he worked on a research project en�tled Reac�ons of the Non-Western world to the Thesis of the Clash of Civilisa�ons by Samuel Hun�ngton. He was a visi�ng Fellow at the Watson Ins�tute of Interna�onal Studies, Brown University, Providence, USA, and at the Centre for Interna�onal Affairs (CFIA) at Harvard University.

Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC expressed deep condolences on the sad demise of Dr. Tahir Amin, former Vice Chancellor of Bahauddin Zakariyya University on behalf of the en�re higher educa�on sector. The Chairman appreciated the services of Dr. Amin to higher educa�on sector. He prayed for the departed soul and his bereaved family.

Dr. Tahir Amin was a renowned academician who served various higher education institutions including Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, and Women University Multan.

Dr. Abbas Chaudhry

Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC, on behalf of the higher educa�on sector has expressed deep condolences on the sad demise of Dr. Abbas Chaudhry, Rector, Virtual University of Pakistan. The Chairman appreciated services of Dr. Chaudhry for higher educa�on sector and prayed for the departed soul.

Dr. Chaudhry held a PhD in Engineering Management from The George Washington University, USA and served as Vice Chancellor, NAMAL, Vice Chancellor, University of Engineering and Technology, Taxila and was the founding Vice Chancellor of Balochistan University of Informa�on Technology, Engineering and Management Sciences, Que�a.

Before his appointment in Virtual University, Dr. Chaudhry headed a number of other higher learning institutions, and had vast experience in the field of higher education management.

March

-Ap

ril 2019

15

HEC Launches Job Portal for PhD ScholarsThe Higher Educa�on Commission (HEC) has launched a Job Portal, phdjobs.hec.gov.pk, which aims to improve matching of PhD scholars with job opportuni�es.

The Job Portal has been built on Rozee.pk, Pakistan's largest job placement pla�orm, with over 30000 ac�ve jobs and addi�on of around 1000 new jobs daily.

The Portal will provide PhD scholars with access to opportuni�es in academia, research ins�tu�ons, and in the private sector that can leverage the unique skills they developed in pursuance of PhD degree.

Over �me, the increased use of Portal will provide HEC with job data analy�cs that will help shape future policy. The Portal is linked to unemployed PhD data already collected.

The PhD scholars who are already registered with the HEC now have profiles created on Rozee.pk. These PhD scholars can start taking advantage of Rozee's sophis�cated job matching algorithm and job aler�ng features. PhD scholars that have not already registered with the HEC can register themselves.

The candidate’s profile has been enhanced to include specific areas that are relevant to academia/research job seekers, including publica�ons, teaching experience, grant experience, etc. PhD scholars are encouraged to complete the enhanced profiles on the job portal in order to improve overall job matching results and provide more informa�on to the prospec�ve employers.

Universi�es will be provided access to the Portal and have been requested to post their academic jobs on the portal. Employers already using Rozee will have access to the PhD Scholars that have been added to Rozee's candidate database. Portal can be accessed via phdjobs.hec.gov.pk and queries may be sent to dcup@hec.gov.pk.

Laptop Distribution under PM Youth

Programme

Prime Ministers’ Laptop Scheme is part of a series of projects ini�ated by the Government of Pakistan under the Prime Minister Youth Programme. The Scheme is aimed to equip students with the latest tools and technology in order to bridge the Informa�on Technology gap and decrease the digital divide.

The Scheme provides students with a complete package of technology which includes a laptop with bag, an internet device, a Microso� Office Specialist (MOS) Cer�fica�on Voucher and access to subsidized Coursera Online Courses.

A total of 500,000 laptops have to be distributed on merit among meritorious students of public sector universi�es and technical colleges across Pakistan which includes degree colleges of Islamabad and FATA region. As many as 400,000 laptops were distributed in Phase I-IV along with 71641 laptops distributed in Phase-V so far.

Moreover, 18 mega distribu�on events of Phase-V were held from January to April this year across Pakistan at different universi�es.

As many as 400,000 laptops have been distributed in Phase I-IV along with 71,641 laptops distributed in Phase-V so far.

16

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

Ms. Ingrid Johansson, Ambassador of Sweden to Pakistan visited Higher Educa�on Commission Secretariat and called on its Execu�ve Director, Lt. Gen. (Retd.) Muhammad Asghar.

She was accompanied by Mr. Hans Pohl, Programme Director STINT (Swedish Founda�on for Interna�onal Coopera�on in Research and Higher Educa�on).

The two sides discussed measures to promote

Pakistan, Sweden to Enhance Collaboration in Higher Education

Swedish-Pakistan collabora�on in higher educa�on and research fields.

The Execu�ve Director informed the guests about HEC ini�a�ves to increase access, improve quality and ensure relevance of higher educa�on and research.

The Ambassador said Pakistan and Sweden have huge poten�al to enhance academic rela�ons. “We want to encourage Pakistani students to choose Swedish

universi�es for higher educa�on and research.” Mr. Pohl said STINT’s mission is to interna�onalise Swedish research and higher educa�on. He said Pakistan is demonstra�ng tremendous progress in research ini�a�ves and its publica�on volume is rapidly growing.

Ci�ng Scopus, he said that Pakistan was third among 48 countries preceded by Iran and Saudi Arabia in having over 10,000 publica�ons in 2017.

Punjab University Wins HEC Women Tennis Championship

ndUniversity of the Punjab, Lahore has won 42 All Pakistan HEC Women Tennis Championship 2018-19 organised by the Higher Educa�on Commission in collabora�on with Pakistan Tennis Federa�on (PTF) at PTF Tennis Complex, Garden Avenue, Islamabad. Punjab University clinched the �tle a�er defea�ng Lahore College

for Women University (LCWU) during the final game held recently.

Meanwhile, University of Central Punjab, Lahore beat Bahauddin Zakariyya University, Multan for the third posi�on. As many as 16 universi�es par�cipated in the Championship.

March

-Ap

ril 2019

17

HEC Initiates Process of Revamping the Undergraduate Curriculum

By Dr. S. Zulfiqar Gillani

In its ongoing mission to enhance the quality of higher educa�on, the Higher Educa�on Commission (HEC) has started the process of revamping the four-year undergraduate curriculum in general universi�es.

The overall aim is that on comple�on of undergraduate studies, the student should have the habits of cri�cal and analy�cal thinking, evidence-based observa�on, a deeper sense of civic and social rights and responsibili�es, and should have grown personally as an individual. Such graduates will be be�er able to lead personally fulfilling lives, and will be produc�ve members of society who can contribute to socio-economic development of the country.

HEC is focusing on undergraduate studies because it is the backbone of higher educa�on. As in the rest of the world, the undergraduate degree should be a terminal degree for most students, who on gradua�on should have adequate knowledge and skills for employment or other gainful work. Also, graduates interested in further educa�on, like Masters or MPhil or Doctoral studies, should have sufficient knowledge and adequate grounding in research.

Tangibly, the revamped undergraduate curriculum will provide much greater freedom to the student to choose the subject area in which they want to specialise or Major, have a well-rounded and broader educa�on, and in- depth knowledge of their chosen subject.

The revamping effort was started in January 2019. The bedrock of the effort is coopera�ve partnerships with universi�es in revamping the curriculum structure, and then implemen�ng it ins�tu�onally.

To that end, HEC has ini�ally iden�fied 30 general universi�es across Pakistan and grouped them into five regions, including Balochistan, Islamabad-Rawalpindi/AJK/ Gilgit Bal�stan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab and Sindh. To begin with, HEC engaged with the Vice Chancellors and Rectors region-wise, who shared their views on problems of the current four-year integrated curriculum, and unanimously agreed on the urgent need for revamping.

It is encouraging that the Vice Chancellors and Rectors are suppor�ng the HEC in taking forward the revamping effort. On HEC’s request, the university heads have nominated a curriculum reform team of faculty and administra�on from each university. These teams will contribute to the development of curriculum structure, and provide the lead in their respec�ve ins�tu�ons to implement the revamped curriculum.

In the next step, HEC has planned a series of five regional consulta�ve workshops. The first workshop of the series was organized at the Interna�onal Islamic University, Islamabad from April 5-6, 2019. The par�cipants were nominated teams from five iden�fied universi�es in the Islamabad-Rawalpindi/AJK/Gilgit-Bal�stan region and an observer from each of the remaining 24 general universi�es in that region, again nominated by the concerned university head.

The workshop was designed to foster a be�er understanding of the needs and purposes of revamping the curriculum, obtain cri�cal inputs in development and implementa�on of revamped curriculum, and to develop par�cipants’ know-how and skills so as to enable them to lead the revamping effort in their universi�es. HEC will organise a follow-up workshop with the par�cipa�ng teams from five iden�fied universi�es, and con�nue providing technical and other support to them in the implementa�on process.

18

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

The Ins�tute of Business Administra�on (IBA), Karachi in collabora�on with the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has recently started conduc�ng Business Confidence Survey (BCS) at a bi-monthly frequency.

The BCS aims to obtain opinion of firms in industry and services sector about current and expected business condi�ons and major factors affec�ng their businesses. This telephonic survey targets large firms spread across the country to seek their opinions on demand for credit and economic condi�ons etc.

The survey results are disseminated in the form of a composite index namely Business Confidence Index (BCI). This index measures business sen�ments and is based on six parameters including current and expected economic condi�ons, current and expected produc�on, sales of businesses and current and expected hiring of employees by large scale firms. It provides an opportunity for businesses to contribute in policy formula�on process by sharing their percep�ons of current and future economic condi�ons.

IBA, SBP Business Confidence Survey

The Ins�tute of Plant Breeding and Gene�cs and Department of Agronomy, Muhammad Nawaz Shareef University of Agriculture, Multan recently organised an interna�onal Conference on Pulses for Food Security: Science for Growers and Entrepreneurs.

The stakeholders including academia and researchers together with chickpea progressive growers par�cipated in this event along with Interna�onal scien�sts from Australia. The scien�sts share their experiences to solve contemporary issues of pulses produc�on through technological advances.

Dr. Ata ur Rehman from the Graham Centre for Agricultural Innova�on, Charles Sturt University, Australia said that current interven�ons by the Australian Center for Interna�onal Agriculture Research (ACIAR) on increasing produc�vity and profitability of pulses in the cereal based cropping systems in Pakistan has luckily come at the right �me when leguminous len�l, chickpea and ground nut have gained governmental support and are fast a�aining prominence in connec�on with their nutri�ous status worldwide. Prof. Chris Blanchard, Director, Func�onal Grains Centre, Charles Sturt University, Australia discussed challenges in Australian pulse produc�on. Dr. Gavin Ramsay on behalf of ACIAR pulse project urged the need to shi� from research for development to development driven research.

In his remarks at the workshop conclusion, Dr. Tariq Banuri, Chairman HEC emphasised the centrality of undergraduate studies for overall enhancement of the quality of higher educa�on. He said that the purpose of revamping curriculum is to make undergraduate degree a terminal one and produce graduates who are truly educated. Similar workshops will be held in the other four regions in the coming months. In this manner the structure of revamped curriculum will be developed and implemented ini�ally in 30 iden�fied universi�es in the five regions.

As this process unfolds, other general universi�es in the country will be brought on board. HEC is also mindful of the reality that postsecondary or undergraduate educa�on is also being provided in Colleges and Professional or Technical ins�tu�ons of higher educa�on. So, in close consulta�on with all stakeholders, HEC will also work on curricula frameworks for these types of ins�tu�ons.

As far as possible, their curricula will be aligned with the revamped curriculum so that the broader purposes of revamping are also achieved in those ins�tu�ons.

Conference on Pulses for Food Security

March

-Ap

ril 2019

19

The concluding ceremony of two-day Interna�onal Buffalo Congress 2019 was recently held at University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences, (UVAS) Lahore in collabora�on with Livestock and Dairy Development Department. The Governor Punjab, Ch. Mohammad Sarwar chaired the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor said that livestock has a huge poten�al and we need to increase per animal yield. He said that the Government of Punjab is working on various strategies to overcome challenge of ensuring availability of sufficient, safe and secure food to the masses. He said that livestock is raised as an easily conver�ble currency and a reliable living bank to provide day-to-day financial needs of the people. “Buffalo farming is playing a pivotal role in the na�onal economy by producing significant propor�on of milk and meat and we have to develop it further”.

Sardar Hasnain Bahadar Dareshak, Minister for Livestock and Dairy Development Punjab called for gene�c improvement of animals with be�er management strategies to increase their produc�vity i.e. milk and meat. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor UVAS said that the congress was aimed to review and

Buffalo Congress Concludes at UVAS

update the work in thema�c areas of nutri�on, reproduc�on, gene�cs, management, health, and socio-economics of buffalo with its main Subsistence to Commercialisa�on. He said that the informa�on generated in the congress will help in bringing economic prosperity of buffalo farmers.

More than 500 delegates from Pakistan and abroad a�ended the congress, which was spread over one plenary and 14 technical sessions, a farmer-industry forum, 12 business mee�ngs, seven pre-congress workshops, 100 each posters and oral presenta�ons on 10 different aspects of buffalo.

The congress recommended transforma�on of subsistence to commercial farming needs, input of technology packages combining breeding, feeding, disease control, management and marke�ng instead of piece meal approach, so an integrated approach similar to the model of Swedish project in Sri Lanka be adopted.

The congress further recommended adop�ng successful methods of buffalo breeding such as Fixed Time AI in smallholder buffalo farms and alternate non-conven�onal local feed resources be explored using R&D to make these safe for cost effec�ve use in buffalo feeding.

20

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

The Department of Molecular Biology, Faculty of Science and Technology, Virtual University, (VU) Lahore recently organised two-day interna�onal symposium on Gene�c Disorders and Preven�on.

The event brought together interna�onal spectrum of visionaries and delegates from academia across the country and abroad. A total of 10 research paper presenta�ons were split in two technical sessions. The par�cipants discussed preven�ve strategies for gene�c diseases, tumor gene�c profiling in hereditary cancer, molecular gene�cs of hereditary re�nal

VU Symposium on Genetics Disorders & Prevention

degenera�on and infec�ous diseases and drug response in pa�ents with genotype. Different experts and prac��oners presented latest innova�ons, advances and shared their experience for trends and opportuni�es in related fields.

The second day of the symposium included the discussion of possible collabora�ons to fight with the gene�c disorders in Pakistan. In this regard, Memorandum of Understanding was signed between VU, Gustave Roussy Cancer Centre, France and University of Geneva Medical School, Switzerland.

A one-day interna�onal seminar en�tled Pakistan-Japan Bilateral Rela�ons: A Mul�-dimensional Engagement was recently organised by Area Study Centre (Far East and Southeast) Asia, University of Sindh, Jamshoro.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Fateh Muhammad Barfat, Vice Chancellor, University of Sindh said that Japan has served as an enviable model of economic development in Asia and that excep�onal a�ributes of Japanese na�on like adherence to core and universal human values, commitment, dedica�on and indefa�gable labour are worth emula�ng.

Mr. Ryohei Kasai, Visi�ng Researcher, Centre of

Seminar on Pakistan-Japan Bilateral Relations

South Asian Studies, Gifu Women’s University, Japan said that Japan had shi�ed to a foreign policy with free, open and possible connec�vity with all na�on states through academic, cultural, people to people contact and engagement focusing on promo�on of peace.

March

-Ap

ril 2019

21

The Isra University, Hyderabad conferred degrees to around 397 students belonging to Medical Sciences, Den�stry, Nursing, Vision Sciences, Physical Therapy, Management Sciences, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, Informa�on Technology, So�ware Engineering and Telecommunica�ons.

Out of 397 graduates, 265 received degree for Bachelor in Medical Sciences, Den�stry, Nursing and Physical Therapy whereas, 24 postgraduate degrees were awarded in different programmes of medical and allied medical sciences. Apart from this, one student was also conferred a PhD

thIsra University holds 15 Convocation

degree in Biochemistry. In addi�on, 107 students received degrees for Bachelors and Masters in Business Administra�on, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Electronics, Informa�on Technology, So�ware Engineering and Telecommunica�ons.

Addressing the students, Dr. Asadullah Kazi, Chancellor, Isra University said that everything changes with �me, except the change itself. “We live in an age of innova�on and change and now the universi�es have a special obliga�on. They must hold fast to the best of the past, and do more for best of the future.”

An interna�onal conference on Linguis�cs and Literature was organised at Islamia University, Bahawalpur (IUB). The three-day event was a�ended by over 100 delegates including scholars from Turkey, Indonesia, Thailand, France and Pakistan.

Dr. Aamir Ijaz, Vice Chancellor IUB was chief guest in the concluding ceremony. He said that Southern Punjab is rich in cultural heritage and has always enjoyed the patronage of scholars. Dr. Mamuna Ghani, Dean, Faculty of Arts and conference focal person said that this forum

IUB Conference on Linguistics and Literature

provided a pla�orm for interac�on to na�onal and interna�onal delegates, researchers, scholars and experts in the field of linguis�cs and language teaching.

“Through oral and poster presenta�ons and plenary talks, the conference provided our academic staff, indigenous scholars and postgraduate students exposure to the latest research achievements made in the field. It has also provided an opportunity to build academic rela�onships and explore possibili�es and capabili�es of research collabora�ons.”

22

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

Professional folk singers, choreographers and performers from six different countries mesmerised the audience with cultural performances at the Centre of Excellence in Art and Design (CEAD), Mehran University of Engineering and Technology (MUET) Jamshoro.

The programme en�tled “dQ19 (dancingQ19) Dancing on Cyber Cloud” that was awarded by TEIN*CC (organisa�on that connects Asian Educa�on and Research Network with Global counter peers) in their 1�� Asi@ Connect Call for Proposal. The countries included in the project were Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, South Korea, India, Malaysia and Vietnam.

The idea to conduct live one-way and two-way cyber performances over TEIN high speed network was that each country can represent culture through music and dance performance.

Final event of the project was organised as a th

mega event in the 47 mee�ng of Asia Pacific Advance Network (APAN) at Daejeon South Korea where main stage set up was heading the en�re programme. The mega event was a�ended by renowned researchers, academicians and field experts from Asia Pacific, Europe and America.

Pakistan Educa�on Research Network (PERN) collaborated with CEAD, MUET Jamshoro for the Performance which was moderated by Director

PERN & CEAD, MUET Jamshoro Jointly organise dQ19 (dancingQ19) Dancing on Cyber Cloud

CEAD, Dr. Bhai Khan Shar and renowned journalist Naaz Sahito. Technical team of PERN provided audio/video and network support.

Almost ten minutes were allo�ed to each country as all six countries gave seven minutes dedicated and three minutes synchronized performance. In Pakistan, local eminent folk singers won the hearts of na�onal and interna�onal audiences by singing famous songs in Urdu, Sindhi, Punjabi, Pashto, Balochi and Seraiki. The performance is available at Higher Educa�on TV channel: edutv.hec.gov.pk.

The project has been successfully completed and Pakistan has made its mark in show-causing not only diversity of its regional cultural but also its high speed network capabili�es through PERN. It is per�nent to men�on that the performance is also rewarded in the next project where Pakistan has formally become

rdmember of the 3 Asi@ connect project “Cyber Performance, Collabora�ve produc�on, Streaming and Archive”.

The Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) of Jinnah Sindh Medical University (JSMU) Karachi recently organised an orienta�on session on the role of senior management in effec�ve func�oning of QEC. The purpose of the session

QEC holds Orientation for JSMU Managementwas to enlighten the par�cipants on the responsibili�es and func�ons assigned by Quality Assurance Agency of HEC and how the senior management can play their role to strengthen the QEC at the University.

Dr. Abdul Wahid Usmani, Director QEC elaborated the Cell’s scorecard parameters and their requirements in detail and discussed the support needed from all concerned departments and officials.

March

-Ap

ril 2019

23

The Comsats University, Islamabad (CUI) recently signed an Intellectual Property Commercialisa�on agreement with the Co�on Cra�, a local industry partner.

The agreement would address an ongoing collabora�ve research en�tled “Conver�ng Inexpensive Indigenous Chitosan to High Value Commercial Pro-angiogenic Tissue Engineered Skin Gra�s for Burn Pa�ents.”

The research project was awarded to Dr. Muhammad Yar, Associate Professor,

CUI, Cotton Craft Join Hands for Patent Commercialisation

Comsats University, Lahore under Higher Educa�on Commission’s Technology Development Fund.

The project is aimed at formula�ng quick, safe and low priced products to immediately stop blood by procuring grail scale-up of chitosan and its water soluble deriva�ves, conduc�ng chemical and biological re-evalua�on of those products and then conver�ng prototypes to commercially valuable outcome. It is expected that the gra�s will become very effec�ve for

treatment of burn and Diabe�c Foot Ulcer (DFU) pa�ents in Pakistan and all across the world.

The IP Commercialisa�on agreement is a step towards knowledge economy expected to benefit the society with sustainable industrial growth and innova�ve local products.

The agreement is expected to commercialise the wound care applica�on, using de-oxy sugar releasing materials that promote blood vessel growth and reducing the overall �me for wounds to self-heal.

A Chinese delegation, led by

Dr. Chen Quanjia, Vice Dean,

Faculty of Agriculture, Xinjiang

Agriculture University recently

visited University of

Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)

and agreed to jointly work on

identification of heat tolerant

cotton and wheat varieties.

The meeting was attended by

Dr. Zafar Iqbal, Vice Chancellor

and other university officials.

Dr. Zafar Iqbal, said that

institution-to-institution

agriculture ties between China

and Pakistan would help our

governments to address the

Xinjiang Agriculture University, UAFto Identify Cotton-Wheat Varieties

issue of poverty alleviation and

productivity enhancement. He

suggested to include skilled

manpower and technician

training section in the China

Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Dr. Yang, Dean Confucius

Institute, Xinjiang Agriculture

University said that Confucius

Institute is not a place of

language learning but also

increases people-to-people

interaction that would help in

boosting trade, education and

other bilateral relations.

Dr. Ashfaq Ahmad, Vice

Chairman Confucius Institute,

University of Agriculture said

that China had developed

modern irrigation system on

which our scientists are

learning from them.

He added that collaborative

work on heat and drought

resilient cotton, wheat

varieties, and other fruits and

vegetable would pave new

ways of socio-economic

development.

He said that under the

Confucius Institute, as many as

300 students and faculty

members would be sent to

China for education.

24

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

An Interna�onal Workshop on Cell Culture was recently organised by the Department

UAF Workshop on Cell Culture

of Anatomy, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF). Speaking on the occasion,

Dr Zafar Iqbal Randhawa, Vice Chancellor UAF said that adop�on of modern prac�ces in livestock and agriculture sector is essen�al to increase produc�vity and to ensure food security as a step towards poverty allevia�on.

The Vice Chancellor stressed upon the scien�sts to produce the tangible research work to address the problems of the common man and the farming community.

The University of Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF) has recently staged three-day Gur Mela in collabora�on with Agri Tourism Corpora�on at its Heritage Museum, Directorate of Farms. The event comprised cultural food stalls and agriculture products along with display of rural culture to a�ract the people.

Dr. Zafar Iqbal Randhawa, Vice Chancellor, Dr. Shahid Afzaal Gill, Director Farm, UAF and Dr. Athar Javed, Senior Tutor inaugurated the mela. The Vice Chancellor said that the University has organized the event to promote rural culture,

UAF Celebrates Gur Mela

tradi�on and food. He maintained that such infotainment pla�orm

provided an opportunity to students to learn in an entertaining way.

An Aviary and Hatchery facility has recently been established in the Department of Poultry Husbandry, Sindh Agriculture University (SAU), Tandojam. Dr. Mujeeb u ddin Sahrai, Vice Chancellor formally inaugurated the Bird Aviary and Hatchery and visited its different sec�ons.

Aviary and Hatchery Inaugurated at SAU Tandojam

March

-Ap

ril 2019

25

The Centre for Advanced Electronics and Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE) at Interna�onal Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) originated from several na�onal and interna�onal grants awarded to their proponent and principal inves�gator, Dr. Ahmed Shuja Syed, which were successfully executed with support of the Office of Research, Innova�on and Commercialisa�on (ORIC) and the funding agencies including Higher Educa�on Commission and Islamic Development Bank.

CAEPE is a viable large-scale experimental facility developed for research access in the cross-disciplinary areas of Advanced Electronics (engineering of devices and systems at nanoscale) and Photovoltaic Engineering.

The development of this facility is important for the

International Islamic University, Islamabad

Centre for Advanced Electronics & Photovoltaic Engineering (CAEPE)

convergence of nano-scale electronics, energy and photonics avenues for tangible support to research needed for the economic growth in the country. This is being achieved through sustainable source of research training for developing qualified manpower with a focus on future requirements, and facility access services in these fields that are applied to the na�onal needs.

The Centre is currently catering the needs of hundreds of local and na�onal scien�fic users and projects, and hosts an academic programme in Advanced Electronics under the umbrella of Faculty of Engineering and Technology.

The team in the Centre carries about 10 Years of con�nual “Micro- and Nano-scale Device Design Experience on Industrial Simulators/

Modeling Tools (Pioneering effort in the academic environment of Pakistan). It has also developed a viable Fabless solu�on for industry aligned lab-scale teaching and research in Advanced Electronics, which also got connected to World-wide FABs and interna�onal facili�es such as Lawrence Berkeley Na�onal Labs, USA.

Rigorous Quality Assurance of Process Characterisa�on Tools and Indigenous Machine Engineering is part of the Centre’s framework.

The Centre has over 170 na�onwide returning users on different projects focused on Nanoscience and Engineering since the formal inaugura�on of the facility. The Centre is also house to several na�onal and interna�onal funded projects on the forefront of Advanced Electronics and Photovoltaic Engineering.

Int’l Conference at University of Educationth

A two-day 7 Interna�onal Conference on Educa�on under the theme “Research and Development in Educa�on for Sustainable Future” was recently organised by the University of

Educa�on, Lahore. Educa�onists, scholars and delegates from around the globe a�ended the Conference. A total of 134 research papers were presented by na�onal and

interna�onal scholars during the Conference.

Raja Yasir Hamayun, Provincial Minister for Higher Educa�on was chief guest in the opening ceremony.

26

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

NED University of Engineering and Technology, Karachi has launched a Blockchain Technology-based system for degrees verifica�on.

The system has been developed in-house with the technical support of BlockShi� Technology, a startup of the NED University Alumni, that will help degrees’ verifica�on using Ethereum pla�orm, an authen�cated public blockchain through a unique ID from anywhere in the world. The system was inaugurated by Ms. Ava Ardeshir Cowasjee, Member University Syndicate along with Mr. Hakim Ali Talpur, Ac�ng Regional Director, HEC Regional Centre, Karachi.

Several reputed ins�tu�ons including MIT (USA), University College London (UK), Southern New Hampshire University (UK), University of Melbourne (Australia), Interna�onal Islamic University (Malaysia), ECPI University (USA) are among those ins�tu�ons using this technology for degrees

NED University, Karachi

Degree Verification System based on Blockchain Technology

Sindh Research Incuba�on Centre at the Ins�tute of Business Administra�on (IBA), Karachi funded by Informa�on, Science and Technology Department, Government of Sindh welcomed its first batch during a ceremony for Seed Capital Distribu�on where a seed capital for each Startup was provided. A total of eight teams out of hundreds of applica�ons were selected for the year-long incuba�on programme at IBA.

The ceremony was presided over by Dr. Sikandar Ali Shoro, Special Assistant to Chief

IBA: Sindh Research Incubation st

Centre Welcomes 1 BatchMinister for Informa�on Science and Technology. Dr. Farrukh Iqbal, Director, IBA Karachi, Mr. Imran Batada, Director ICT, IBA Karachi, Agha Zaheeruddin, Secretary, Informa�on Science and Technology and dignitaries from public and private sectors also a�ended the ceremony.

Addressing the ceremony, Dr. Shoro said that the project aims to promote entrepreneurship culture among the youth so that they can may play their part for the prosperity of Sindh and get it a dis�nc�ve standing in the global economy.

and cer�ficates verifica�on. This system saves �me and cost and provide a swi� mechanism especially for the

ins�tu�ons where graduates of the University are in process of seeking admission for higher educa�on.

The Quality Enhancement Cell,

NED University, Karachi

recently organised Faculty

Development Programme for

newly inducted faculty

members.

The training programme

consisted of 13 sessions and a

total of 57 faculty members of

the University and its affiliated

colleges attended the

programme. The purpose of

the programme was to

develop and improve

knowledge and teaching skills

NED Training for New Facultyof faculty members including

development of diversified and

enriched teaching skills,

assessment techniques,

effective ways of designing

and implementing curriculum,

class management, different

aspects of viewing the

student–teacher relationship,

student counseling, research

management, increased

commitment to educational

perspectives, enhanced skills

for professional growth as well

as management, and

leadership abilities.

March

-Ap

ril 2019

27

The students of Pakistan Ins�tute of Fashion and Design (PIFD) Lahore recently won 10

th awards in the 16 Annual Naqsh All-Pakistan Arts and Fashion Fes�val 2019 organised by Ghulam Ishaq Khan Ins�tute of Engineering Sciences and Technology, Swabi. Students from 17 ins�tu�ons from all over the country par�cipated in three-

PIFD Wins 10 Awards in Art and Fashion Festival

day event in which there were mul�ple compe��ons held to cover many fields of Arts and Fashion. PIFD won 10 awards in various categories including Best Delega�on Award. The other categories were Fashion Illustra�on, Best Bridal Dress, Makeup Art, Beaux Arts, Fine Arts Compe��on, Face Paint, Graffi�, Mixed Media, Fan Art, Landscape, and Glass Pain�ng.

Aiman Arooj, Maria La�f and Ammar Tariq Cheema, students from 6�� semester of Kni�ng, Weaving and Design Department, Na�onal Tex�le University (NTU) Faisalabad won SATHA award for their project en�tled Compression Bandage for Hypertrophic Scars whereas Muhammad Saqlain Akhtar and Anas Ashiq

thstudents from 4 semester of Kni�ng, Weaving and Design Department, NTU won SATHA award for their project

en�tled Bandage for Burnt Wounds.

The SATHA Award is established to honour those heroes who contribute excep�onally in their respec�ve fields. It is an interna�onal award by South Asia Triple Helix Associa�on as part of Interna�onal Triple Helix Associa�on aimed at developing academia, industry, public and social sector.

NTU Students Win SATHA Award

Kainat Tariq and Areej Qadir, third year students of Tex�le Design Department of Pakistan Ins�tute of Fashion and Design (PIFD), Lahore

rdstood first in 3 Knit to Achieve Compe��on. Students from 12 universi�es par�cipated in the compe��on, which was organised by Na�onal Tex�le University (NTU), Faisalabad in collabora�on with All Pakistan Hosiery Exporter Associa�on.

The compe��on aimed to introduce new ideas related to kni�ed products especially for export purposes. PIFD students developed kni�ed products of Winter Collec�on 2020. The students were awarded with 50,000 rupees cash prize in category of Design Development.

PIFD Students rd

Win 3 Knit to Achieve Competition

Entrepreneurship Training at SSUETSir Syed University of Engineering and Technology (SSUET) Karachi conducted a voca�onal and entrepreneurship training for young individuals was spanned over a period of four months. The programme comprised four modules including technical knowledge training to entrepreneurship. A total of 40 candidates were selected out of 800 applicants from various disciplines.

28

Marc

h-A

pri

l 2019

NEWS & VIEWS

Any other university/institution which is not listed among HEC recognised universities or campuses available at our website will not be considered a recognised institution.

In the larger interest of general public and in view of the forthcoming admission season, students and their parents are advised to verify legal status of the university/institution or its campus from the above-mentioned links.

Students are advised NOT to take admissions in those institutions which are not listed among HEC recognised universities/institutions/campuses given on HEC website.

Degrees obtained from non-recognised institutions/campuses will not be recognised.

NOTE

Students and parents are cautioned not to get admission in the universities/DAIs wherein admissions are banned due to various irregularities as mentioned on HEC website.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) recognises degrees of chartered universities/institutions from public and private sector in Pakistan along with their approved campuses as mentioned at following website links.

List of Recognised Universities/Institutions

hec.gov.pk/site/HEIs

List of Recognised Campuses of Public and Private Sector Institutions

hec.gov.pk/site/recognizedcampuses

List of Illegal/Fake Institutions

hec.gov.pk/site/Illegal-DAIs

@HECPakistan2002 @hecpkofficialwww.hec.gov.pk

Page 1Page 2Page 3Page 4Page 5Page 6Page 7Page 8Page 9Page 10Page 11Page 12Page 13Page 14Page 15Page 16Page 17Page 18Page 19Page 20Page 21Page 22Page 23Page 24Page 25Page 26Page 27Page 28Page 29Page 30