1. August 2011
HEC, Microsoft Join
Hands to Provide
Genuine Software
to Students 4
HEC Devises New Rating for
Private Universities
3
Foundation Course for Balochistan &
FATA Scholarship Programme Concludes
8

2. Table of Contents
2 HEC Places 415 Fresh PhD Scholar in
HEC, Microsoft
4
Join Hands to 66 Universities
Provide Genuine
Software to
Students 3 HEC Devises New Rating for Private
Universities
3 New Vice Chancellors Take Charge
HEC, Pink Ribbon
6 Join Hands
Against Breast
Cancer
8 Foundation Course for Balochistan &
FATA Scholarship Programme
Concludes
10 HEC Scholar Shahid Farooq Completes
PhD from France
Young Medical
7 Graduates Meet
Nobel Laureates
in Germany
11 2 HEC Scholars Complete Post-
Doctorate from USA
11 HEC scholarship has changed my life:
Shaheen Khan
9
PM Distributes
Certificates
among BZU, IUB 13 Abdus Salam School of Mathematical
Students Sciences Recognized Internationally Yet
Again
HEC News & Views is published every month.
15 HEC Trains 249 University Teachers
No part of this publication may be reproduced
in any form without prior written permission of 19 Architectural Design Idea Competition
the publisher. The views expressed by authors at BUITEMS
in the articles is their sole responsibility and not
of HEC. The Commission would like to thank
all the institutions and individuals who 20 Student Conference on Engineering,
contributed information and photographs for Sciences & Technology at MUET
this Magazine.
23 SPSS Workshop at JUW Karachi
Editor
Aayesha Ikram
Graphic Designer
Raja Ahmad Nadeem
Publisher:
Reporter Higher Education
Waseem Khaliqdad Commission, Pakistan

3. Commission Events
Interim Placement of Fresh PhDs Programme
HEC Places 415 Fresh PhD Scholars
in 66 Universities
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has The placed scholars belong to diversified fields
successfully placed 415 Pakistani PhDs as like Solid State Physics, Poultry and Animal
Assistant Professors at 66 public and private Nutrition, Fisheries, Intelligent Systems and
sector universities across the country. The task Robotics, Geophysics, Rural Developments,
has been accomplished through HEC’s Interim Pathology, Toxicology, Water Resource
Placement of Fresh PhDs (IPFP) Programme. Engineering, Environmental Science, Business
Administration, Anatomy, Genetics, MEMS,
The specific faculty requirements of the host Anthropology, Psychology, Veterinary Science,
institutions and the priority of returning scholars Urban Planning, Electrical and Mechanical
were duly taken into consideration prior to every Engineering, Biomedical Textiles, International
placement so that the services of the PhD scholars Relations, Gender Issues, Islamic Studies,
are optimally utilized by HEC. It is important to Education and other Physical Sciences.
mention here that the
programme has also The scholars have been initially The scholars have been
attracted non HEC initially employed for a
employed for a period of one year
scholars. Out of 415, 168 period of one year on a
are non HEC scholars on a salary package of Rs. 80,000 salary package of Rs.
who have benefited from per month. HEC also offers these 80,000 per month.
IPFP programme. scholars a startup research grant of
HEC also offers these
Rs. 0.5 million immediately upon
Among the new scholars a startup
universities brought on joining the host institution research grant of Rs. 0.5
board this year are mostly million immediately
young HEIs such as Abdul Wali Khan upon joining the host institution. This serves as
University, Mardan, Balochistan University of an impetus for the scholars to excel in their fields
Information Technology, Engineering and and secure permanent positions ahead.
Management Sciences, Quetta, Beaconhouse
National University, Lahore, Dawood College of During the IPFP contract period, these scholars
Engineering and Technology, Karachi, College of are given an opportunity to compete for regular
Business Management, Karachi, Karakorum posts advertised by the universities for securing a
International University, Gilgit, Dow University permanent position on open merit through
of Health Sciences, Karachi, Hazara University, normal selection process. So far, 179 Assistant
Mansehra, Khyber Medical University, Professors have also been provided with the
Peshawar, Kinnaird College for Women, Lahore, startup research grant out of a total 231 who had
Mirpur University of Science and Technology, applied for this grant.
AJK, National Institute of Biotechnology and
Genetics Engineering, Faisalabad, Riphah While HEC is consistently determined to provide
International University, Islamabad, Sindh opportunities to the aspiring talented scholars to
Agriculture University, Tando Jam, Sarhad pursue higher degrees, it is also accelerating the
University of Information Technology, IPFP programme for placement of these scholars
Peshawar, University of Gujrat, University of to overcome skilled faculty shortage at academic
Science and Technology, Bannu and University and research institutions of the country.
of Wah.
2

4. Commission Events
W Category is Minimum Baseline
HEC Devises New Rating
for Private Universities
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has academic, financial and physical
devised new rating for private sector infrastructure will be awarded a W-4 category,
universities by which all categories X, Y and Z which is now the “highest rating”.
will cease to exist and degrees awarded by
universities/degree awarding institutions The revised rating of such universities will be
(DAIs) holding such categories will not be disseminated through print and media by
recognized by the HEC. October 2011.
W category will now be the minimum baseline As per HEC approved criteria, the
requirement for a university/DAI to be universities/DAIs were required to meet a
allowed to admit students and award degrees. certain minimum criteria for award of W
W category is not the “highest ranking” as category by June 30, 2010.
advertised by most universities rather it is the
minimum criteria required of them to admit The institutions not meeting the requirements,
students and award degrees. and based on inspection of HEC prior to June
30, 2010 were placed in X, Y and Z categories.
In an enhanced effort to provide better
educational facilities to students, HEC has The universities not meeting the W criteria
now devised and improved the criteria in have been asked not to offer admissions in Fall
which those universities/DAIs meeting the 2011, and a list of all universities with
minimum HEC requirement will be awarded a minimum W criteria and their approved
W-1 category while those with far superior campuses are placed on HEC website.
New Vice Chancellors Take Charge
Prof. Dr. M. Khaleeq-ur-Rehman, Prof. Dr. Faiz-ul Hassan, Prof. Dr. Samina Amin Qadir and Prof. Engr.
Naib Hussain and Prof. Dr. Sabiha Mansoor have assumed responsibilities as Vice Chancellors of the
Government College University, Lahore, University of Education, Lahore, Fatima Jinnah Women
University, Rawalpindi, Mirpur University of Science and Technology and Lahore College for Women
University, respectively.
Dr. Khaleeq-ur-Rehman Dr. Faiz-ul Hassan Dr. Samina Amin Qadir Engr. Naib Hussain Dr. Sabiha Mansoor
3

5. Commission Events
HEC, Microsoft Join Hands to Provide Genuine
Software to Students
The Higher Education Commission (HEC) in students and faculty members. “It will definitely
collaboration with the Microsoft Pakistan has enhance the capacity of our higher education
launched National Student Software institutions and will be of great help to compete
Accessibility (NSSA) Portal to provide genuine in the modern world. Youth is our real asset and
software availability to higher education sector. we need to facilitate them as much as possible.
The service will streamline software distribution Revolutionary changes may be brought through
to all faculty members and students of public investing in our people. I am happy that HEC has
sector universities in the country. taken many initiatives in this regard,” he said.
All public sector universities Dr. Javaid R. Laghari,
recognized by HEC have been Chairperson HEC said that this is
provided a customizable Portal a great opportunity for
for licensed software universities to gain access to a
distribution. The portal broad spectrum of technology
consisting of around 150 software and enable the country to move
applications will enable over one towards a knowledge-based
million students and about 40,000 economy, ultimately benefiting
faculty members to download the country through
genuine Microsoft software. socioeconomic development.
The event to mark the launch of “I appreciate Microsoft's
the portal as recently held at HEC commitment for development of
Secretariat was attended by the Vice Chancellors, the education sector in Pakistan. It is always
Rectors, Directors, and representatives from fruitful for public sector and private enterprise to
different universities of the country. combine expertise, knowledge and resources to
ensure successful and sustainable education
Mian Riaz Hussain Pirzada, Minister for transformation. Microsoft has facilitated HEC to
Professional and Technical Training was the attain its goals by transforming education,
chief guest on the occasion. He appreciated the fostering local innovation and creating jobs and
initiative of HEC for collaborating with Microsoft opportunities through the Strategic Education
for availability of free latest software to the Alliance,” the Chairperson said.
4

6. Commission Events
Mr. Shoaib Khalid, Marketing Lead, Microsoft Last year, Microsoft and HEC entered into the
Pakistan said Microsoft believes that Information agreement to provide centralized IT services to
and Communications Technology, combined the universities and degree awarding institutions
with education, provides the path to individuals, across Pakistan while maintaining the highest
communities and nations to achieve their standards in the use of ICT across higher
potential. education sector in the country. The alliance
consists of Faculty Connection, Microsoft
“NSSA provides support for a comprehensive Student Partner Programme, Imagine Cup,
joint public/private implementation plan that Course Lab Integration, Student to Business
will sustain Pakistan's objective of achieving Interaction (S2B), .NET clubs and MSDN
education excellence,” he said. Academic Alliance.
HEC Scholar Dr. Qaisar Mahmood
Conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz
Dr. Qaisar Mahmood of Department of environmental remediation of
Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of toxic metals, dyes, inorganic
Information Technology, Abbottabad has been and organic pollutants.
conferred Tamgha-i-Imtiaz by the President of
Pakistan. Dr. Mahmood, who completed his PhD He has special experience in
under HEC's Scholarships for Basic Sciences in phytoremediation of toxic
China, has been given the prestigious award for metals, dyes and anaerobic treatment of domestic
excellence in the field of Environmental Sciences. and industrial wastewaters through processes
like denitrification, Anammox and related
Dr. Mahmood has 15 years of national and nitrogen removal biotechnologies. Moreover, he
international academic and research experience has supervised two PhD, 20 MPhil and 15 MSc
in Life Sciences and Environmental Sciences in students. He was awarded Best University
application of living process biochemistry for the Teacher Award by HEC for 2009.
HEC Indigenous Scholar Wins Gold Medal
Minister for Higher Education was also present.
Dr. Sahib Gul Afridi belongs to Khyber Agency
and has the honour of being first PhD from the
University in Genetics. His PhD research topic
was “Molecular and Phytochemical Elaboration
of Tea Genotypes Grown in Pakistan”. He has
completed his studies under the supervision of
Prof. Dr. Habib Ahmed.
Dr. Syed Sakhawat Shah, Vice Chancellor,
Sahib Gul Afridi, HEC Indigenous Scholar has Hazara University not only greeted Dr. Gul for
been awarded Gold Medal during the recently securing gold medal but also appreciated the
held 5th convocation of Hazara University, efforts of Higher Education Commission
Mansehra. Barrister Masood Kausar, Governor, regarding human resource development. “I am
Khyber Pakhtunkhwa graced the occasion as thankful to HEC for supporting me throughout
chief guest. Qazi Muhammad Asad, Provincial my PhD studies,” said Dr. Gul.
5

7. Commission Events
HEC, Pink Ribbon Join Hands Against Breast Cancer
Pakistan has the highest rate of Breast Farzana Bari and Ms. Noor Amna
Cancer in the whole of Asia while Malik, Director General Learning
prevalence of Breast Cancer is at the Innovation HEC.
highest 38 per cent among all
cancer. HEC also plans to begin a
research project on the
In order to launch a prevalence of breast cancer in
consolidated awareness Pakistan by taking on board all
campaign the Higher Education major medical universities of
Commission will join hands with the country.
Pink Ribbon Pakistan to bring
about creating awareness of the Speaking on the occasion, Mrs.
deadly disease as well as help early Thomson said that we are looking
detection among female students of for established institutions to work
universities. with that's why we have chosen HEC
for this purpose. “We want to
The HEC will soon sign a institutionalize this effort and
m e m o r a n d u m o f make it long-term and
understanding with Pink sustainable.”
Ribbon and set up a task
force. Pink Ribbon is a Dr. Laghari said that HEC
global charity has already run a
organization aimed s u c c e s s f u l
to create global programme on
community to tobacco control. He
support breat cancer nominated Dr.
awareness. Samina Amina Qadir
to head the task force for
This was decided in a launching pink ribbon
meeting held at HEC campaign throughout the
Secretariat between Dr. Javaid higher education sector. “Every
R. Laghari, Chairman HEC and university will be asked to
Mrs. Fariba Shiraz Thomson, nominate a focal point for
Chairperson Pink coordination,” he said.
Ribbon, Dr. Sohail
Naqvi, Executive Dr. Naqvi suggested
Director HEC, Omer formation of a Breast
Aftab, Country Cancer Research
Coordinator Pink Working Group. He
Ribbon, Dr. Samina said that HEC can also
Amin Qadir, Vice set aside funds from
Chancellor, Fatima o u r r e s e a r c h
Jinnah Women programme. “Our
University, Dr. medical universities
Mohammad Latif, have the human
Director General, resource and facilities
R&D, HEC, Dr. to work on it.”
6

8. Commission Events
Young Medical Graduates Meet
Nobel Laureates in Germany
Five Pakistani medical
graduates participated in the
recently held 61st meeting of
Nobel Laureates in Lindau,
Germany. The meeting
provided an opportunity to
these scholars to interact with
23 Nobel Laureates in
Medicine/Physiology and
about 570 young scholars form
78 countries.
The participation of Mr. Bill
Pakistani participants with Nobel Laureates Prof. Ei-ichi Negishi
Gates, Chairman, Microsoft
made the inaugural session a Scientist, PINSTECH Laureates as well as the
mega event. New initiatives accompanied the group as Council Members and sought
like Science Breakfast of Team Leader and guidance from the Laureates
selected students with the Coordinator, respectively. about their research projects as
Laureates, Cruise Dinner and well as opportunities for
Bavarian Grill and Chill Countess Battina Bernadotte, higher studies in advance
gathering fascinated all President of the Council Institutions/Medical Centres.
participants of this unique opened the Meeting and
activity in the world. welcomed the Nobel After the meeting in Lindau,
Laureates as well as young the scholars visited medical
The five Pakistani scholars researchers. The scientific research centres/hospitals,
included Dr. Ehsan Ullah, programme started on June 27, including Ulm University/
University of Health Sciences, 2011. Formal lectures of hospital, Medical Centre of
Lahore, Dr. Kanwal Zulfiqar, Laureates were held in the Heidelberg and Jena School of
Islamic International Dental morning session followed by a Medicine in Eastern Germany.
College and Hospital, few panel discussions each In Heidelberg and Jena, the
Islamabad, Dr. Maryam Alam consisting of 5–6 Laureates. placements of Pakistani
Khan, Khyber Teaching The afternoons were devoted students at these places for
Hospital, Peshawar, Dr. Syed to question / answer session higher studies and
Imran Ali Shah, Central Park and face-to-face discussion possibilities of collaborative
Medical College, Lahore, and among the Laureates and research were offered in
Dr. Wafa Omer, Army Medical young scholars. highly sophisticated state-of-
College, Rawalpindi. the-art laboratories.
Pakistani students
Dr. Mutawarra Hussain, Dean, participated actively in all the Dr. Maryum Alam was
Faculty of Applied Sciences, scientific programmes and selected to prepare a video
Pakistan Institute of personal discussions with about the culture and science
Engineering and Applied Nobel Prize Winners about in Pakistan. This video
Sciences (PIEAS) and Mr. their scientific endeavours. 'Peshawar to Lindau' and an
Waqar Ahmad Butt, Chief They were introduced to many interview of Dr. N. M. Butt
7

9. Commission Events
describing the merit based selection of Pakistanis is also Vice President of the Lindau Council,
has been put on the You Tube of the Lindau specially mentioned that representation from
Meeting organizers. Pakistan was very good. It is important to note
that links established with Nobel Laureates and
Prof. Wolfgang Schuere, Chairman, Lindau fellow participants from other countries will go a
Nobel Prize Winners' Meeting Foundation, who long way for scientific collaborations.
Foundation Course for
Balochistan & FATA Scholarship
Programme Concludes
The closing ceremony of the suggested that such courses
foundation course 2011 was should be held on a regular
recently held at University basis to uplift the education
Law College, Quetta. The standards in the region.
course was organized by HEC
under its programme Mr. Habibulah Nasir, Deputy
“Provision of Higher Director, HEC Regional
Education Opportunities for Centre Quetta gave an
Students of Balochistan and overview of different projects He informed the gathering
FATA” in collaboration with initiated by HEC especially for that HEC has successfully
the Balochistan Study Centre, Balochistan, which also launched three batches of the
University of Balochistan, include establishments of two project and 750 scholarships
Quetta. new universities. He briefed were awarded to the
the audience about the undergraduate and
The chief guest of the Commission's efforts for postgraduate students of
ceremony was Dr. Ruqayya establishment of Balochistan during 2008-10.
Hashmi, Provincial Minister infrastructure as well as
for Inter Provincial faculty development of the He said that HEC has
Coordination but due to universities of Balochistan. submitted proposal to the
sudden law and order Planning Commission for 600
situation in the city she could Mr. Waqas Ahmed Chaudhry, local and foreign PhD
not attend the ceremony. Project Director, HEC assured scholarships under the Aghaz-
that HEC is taking tangible e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan
Mr. Zahoor Bazai, Director measures to uplift the Package.
FTDC, University of standard of higher education
Balochistan welcomed the in the province. He said that He also explained the selection
guests and briefly presented there is no deficit of talent in process for the scholarship
the concept of organizing students of Balochistan but project for students of
foundation course and steps due to lack of opportunities Balochistan and FATA. He
taken for its execution. they could not come forward. informed the students that
“With the help of such courses HEC is providing majority of
Dr. Sabir Baloch, Director, and specific scholarship scholarship (90%) to the
Balochistan Study Centre programmes, they will students who have studied in
appreciated the efforts of HEC definitely come at par with the colleges of Balochistan and
in higher education sector students of the others prepare merit list on district
particularly in Balochistan and provinces.” population basis.
8

10. Commission Events
PM Distributes Certificates Bahawalnagar and Rahim Yar
Khan. He congratulated 30
among BZU, IUB Students students of IUB and BZU who
had completed the training
and hoped that they would
promote the education of
information technology.
The Prime Minister advised
the Ministry of Information
Technology to launch similar
programmes with a vision to
provide opportunity to the
students of backward and far
flung areas on priority basis.
Prime Minister Syed Yousaf the students of both the
Raza Gilani recently awarded universities who completed Federal Ministers Dr. Firdaus
medals and certificates to internships under a special Ashiq Awan and Mian Riaz
students of the Islamia training programme. Hussain Pirzada, Mr.
University, Bahawalpur (IUB) Muhammad Saeed Khan,
and Bahauddin Zakariya In his address, the Prime Federal Secretary for
University (BZU), Multan Minister said that youth is the Information Technology, Mr.
during his visit to Bahawalpur. future of Pakistan and Zia Imran, Managing Director,
country's fate is associated Pakistan Software Export
The ceremony was organized with their performance, who Board, Mr. Christiane Albek,
by Pakistan Software Export constitutes 65 per cent of the Chief Executive Officer,
Board (PSEB), a Government total population. He said that Telenor and Dr. Muhammad
body mandated to promote an IT university will be set up Mukhtar, Vice Chancellor, IUB
Pakistan's IT industry in local in Bahawalpur very soon with were also present on the
and international markets, for s u b c a m p u s e s i n occasion.
7th Festival of Postgraduate Research 2011
Pakistani Scholar Presents Poster at University of Leicester
A Pakistani scholar Shujaul Mulk Khan The work of Shuja, who is doing
presented his poster entitled “Life on the Edge: PhD at University of Leicester
balancing the needs of nature and people in the under the Post Quake
remote north-western Himalaya” at the 7th Development Plan of Hazara
Festival of Postgraduate Research 2011 at the University, was highly
University of Leicester, UK. appreciated. He is working on
Plant Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services of
The University organizes Postgraduate Festival Naran Valley Pakistan. He is using the very
every year to give an opportunity to the scholars recent techniques to quantify and classify the
to present the application and implication of their natural vegetation and to assess the services
research work. The seventh successive year the related to it. He believes that his work will be a
University held a one-day exhibition of considerable contribution in the field of
postgraduate research in June 2011. biodiversity and conservation.
9

11. Commission Events
HEC Scholar Shahid Farooq
Completes PhD from France
HEC scholar Muhammad Shahid Farooq has recently
completed his PhD in Educational Science from Université
Lumière Lyon2, France under the supervision of Prof. Jean-
Claude Régnier. He was awarded scholarship under Overseas
Dr. Shahid Farooq (R) with his
Scholarship for PhD in Selected Fields in 2008. superviser Prof. Jean Claude Regnier
After undertaking an intensive French language course at number of seminars in France. Dr.
CAVILAM (Centre d'Approches Vivantes des Languages et des Shahid published eight research
Medias) Vichy, France, he got admission in MS (Educational papers in journals of national and
Science) at Université Lumière Lyon2, France. But on the basis of international repute.
his academic background, outstanding performance and
good level of understanding his Professor recommended that “The experience of education from
he should be promoted directly to PhD. The doctoral school France was a blessing in disguise.
arranged a special meeting and he was promoted to PhD after Although it was very difficult to
two months of admission in MS. He received his PhD in June cope with the French language
this year with Highly Honorable Grade. requirements, it also provided me
opportunity to learn an international
His research entitled "University Students' Cognitive Styles, language. It was a good chance for
Learning Styles and Academic Performance: Evidence from me to consult the research work
Pakistan" was evaluated by Professors from USA and compiled in French language that is
Germany. The potential and significance of the research topic, rare available in other countries. The
quality of work and the approaches adopted by Dr. exposure to the French culture,
Muhammad Shahid Farooq for data analysis and language and contacts with the
interpretations were very much appreciated by the jury. people of France and other
international community helped a
The research of Dr. Shahid, who is also a Gold Medalist of lot in my personal and professional
University of the Punjab in Master of Education, will be grooming,” says Dr. Shahid while
beneficial for the higher education learners, educators, offering special gratitude to the
teacher educators, curriculum developers and is a new Higher Education Commission for
addition in the existing body of knowledge. selection on merit, continuous care
and support in this endeavour.
During his study, he participated in an American research
competition and won a research grant of about 1000 dollars in He is expected to come back in
the form of a Learning Style Inventory. He also participated September and resume duties in his
and presented papers in four international conferences in UK, parent organization, University of
Belgium, Slovenia and France, besides participating in a the Punjab, Lahore.
News Flash
The Bioinformatics Group at Centre of Excellence in Molecular Biology (CEMB) has published a paper
entitled "The Development of Computational Biology in Pakistan: Still a Long Way to Go" in PLOS
Computational Biology, one of the leading journals in Bioinformatics having impact factor 5.7. The
article is about the current situation of Bioinformatics in Pakistan. The authors have suggested many
things for developing Bioinformatics in the country. It may be accessed through
http://dx.plos.org/10.1371/journal.pcbi.1001135
10

12. Commission Events
2 HEC Scholars Complete
Post-Doctorate from USA
HEC scholars Dr. Khalid instant messaging, social
Mahmood and Dr. Ishfaq Ali networking sites, mashups,
Bukhari have successfully podcasts, vodcasts, wikis, Dr. Khalid Mahmood with his research
supervisor Dr. John Richardson
completed their post- photo sharing, presentation
doctorate studies from the sharing, virtual worlds, research in the field of
University of California, Los customized webpages and Biological and Medical
Angeles and The Medical vertical search engines have Sciences. The topic of his Post
College of Wisconsin, USA, helped libraries to involve Doctorate research was
respectively. their users in service delivery. “Pharmacological Studies on
The research found that there novel hybrid Compounds
Dr. Mahmood, who is a was a significant positive with a nitric oxide donor”. Dr.
Professor of Library and correlation between the extent William B Campbell
Information Sciences at of Web 2.0 adoption in supervised his research.
University of the Punjab, libraries and librarians’
Lahore surveyed US academic opinion about their Dr. Bukhari has developed
librarians and library websites advantages,” says Dr. new compounds that are
to study the impact of Web 2.0 Mahmood. i m p o r t a n t t o h i s
technologies. Dr. John understanding of the causes of
Richardson supervised his He has re-joined his parent hypertension and ischemic
research. organization where he intends heart disease and provide
to incorporate his learning insights into new therapies.
“In my research, I have found about North American Ongoing investigations of
that Web 2.0 technologies have academic culture in eicosanoid metabolites in the
played a significant role in curriculum design, classroom laboratory have led to the
delivering library services to teaching, student discovery of novel therapeutic
their users particularly beyond management and conducting targets for cardiovascular
library walls. Web 2.0 tools like and supervising research. diseases.
blogs, micro blogs, RSS, Dr. Bukhari completed his
HEC scholarship has changed my life: Shaheen Khan
HEC Scholar Ms. Shaheen Khan is a doctoral is among few of the outstanding
researcher at University of Warwick currently young Pakistani women scholars
pursuing 3rd year PhD study in Women and whose profile is published in a
Gender Studies. During her study, she published book on “Women Managing
five international papers, presented her work in Water: Inspiring Stories from
three international conferences (Sweden, Nepal South Asia- 2010” by SacciWaters
and Pakistan) including as panel expert and India.
received award for highly commended research
poster by the Vice Chancellor of the Warwick Shaheen thinks that PhD scholarship by the
University, UK. Higher Education Commission has been a life
changing experience, which has opened the
She also organized “South Asia Women and doors of opportunities and advanced learning for
Water Exhibition” at University of Warwick. She her.
11

13. Commission Events
Young Scientists HEC Sponsored Project
of NUST Develop Arid University Produces
Blast Protection Material Off Season Vegetables
The young scientists of the National University of
Science and Technology (NUST), Islamabad have
developed Blast Protection Material having
capacity to absorb shock and can be applied upon
existing construction.
The material when used on existing structures
will be able to protect these and the inmates from
explosion, blast and seismic activity or
earthquakes. During the research Intelligent
viscoelastic composites based on segmented
nano-polymer technology were developed and The Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi has
tested for Seismic and blast protection. completed an HEC sponsored research project on
commercial viability of hydroponic vegetable
The blast protection material protects the inmates production and its marketing at international
from the aftermath of a nearby explosion. It can level. The research project has been completed by
be gainfully used on all types of construction sites faculty members and students of the University,
both civil and defense platforms, including which is now capable of exporting about one ton
sensitive installations and buildings. It is a potent of high quality off season vegetables to Middle
safeguard against any seismic activity, or East on daily basis.
earthquake. The material being tough, resilient
and flexible, allows only minor deflection, This ongoing activity is generating valuable
thereby absorbing the shock effectively. The foreign exchange through export promotion for
structure remains intact mitigating the the already foreign exchange deficit country.
possibility of injury, or death to the inmates. Major products include tomato on vine, cherry
tomato and coloured bell pepper (orange, yellow
The polymer system and the defining material and red).
properties such as impact Strength, Tensile
Modulus, Elongation, Dynamic Mechanical Previously, Pakistan was importing beef tomato,
Properties (Storage Modulus, Loss Modulus and coloured bell pepper and cherry tomato from
Loss Tangent), Tear Strength were evaluated. international market. With the success of this
The material development was assisted by project, the University is now able to substitute
computer simulations using autodyne that helps these imports saving valuable foreign exchange
to optimize far-field and structural parameters. for the country. These products are also available
Initial field trials were conducted to prove the in Pakistan in major cities on superstores.
practical viability of the blast protection material,
namely, (a) the DROP TEST and (b) the BLAST The University is also conducting research on
TEST. These tests basically determine the production of different vegetables under the
mechanical shock-induced response of the same hydroponics system including tomato on
retrofitted material. Initial tests conducted with vine, beef tomato, cherry tomato, strawberry
extremely encouraging results. tomato, cucumber, bitter gourd, egg plant and
white onion. This hydroponics system ensures
The material will benefit the Security agencies disease and pesticide free vegetables in the
including Defense Forces and Civil Installations country. These products are recognized for their
situated in whole of the country. taste, shape, colour and quality.
12

14. Commission Events
Abdus Salam School of Mathematical Sciences
Recognized Internationally Yet Again
The Abdus Salam School of no research centre recognized community is a recognition at
Mathematical Sciences at this level yet. the highest forum.
(ASSMS), Government
College University, Lahore has Second, UNESCO – ICTP in It is the success of its course
received two more collaboration with world- work and research
recognitions from famous famous Centre International programme that has brought
world organizations. de Mathématiques Pures et the international recognition
Appliquées (CIMPA), choose to ASSMS. The School is
First, European Mathematical only two centres of advanced mainly supported by the
Society (EMS) has announced studies every year from all Higher Education
a number of attractive over the world to fund the Commission (HEC). Its main
scholarships for the foreign advanced level workshops. achievement is the
students to study at ASSMS. ASSMS is one of the two establishment of a versatile
EMS is one of the world's most chosen centres this year. The and strong PhD programme.
prestigious societies. Award of resource persons and main
such scholarships for students speakers at this workshop will The School started in late 2003
from other countries to study be the ASSMS faculty. and produced its first PhD
at ASSMS is definitely an open graduates in 2007. Since then,
recognition of the fact that UNESCO, ICTP and CIMPA 63 young scientists have
EMS considers the ASSMS a will be inviting young received their PhD degrees at
world-class institution for researchers from all over the ASSMS and this has doubled
advanced studies and world for learning from the the existing tally of
research. faculty of the ASSMS. All University's Math faculty at
expenses of the foreign doctoral level in Pakistan.
EMS awards scholarships to delegates coming to ASSMS
most talented students from will be paid by UNESCO, HEC's Foreign Faculty Hiring
all over the world for study at CIMPA and ICTP. The Programme (FFHP) is surely
different centres of excellence selection of ASSMS by the one of the key factors for the
around the globe. ASSMS is world-class organizations, for rapid growth and success of
the first Pakistani institution to carrying out high level this Pakistani institution for
be recognized at this level. research workshops to train advanced studies and
Surprising fact is that India has the international scientific research.
News Flash
Mr. Walayat Hussain, Assistant Professor, year Postgraduate Diploma from
Department of Computer Science, Balochistan Asian Institute of Technology
University of Information Technology, (AIT), Thailand.
Engineering and Management Science
(BUITEMS), Quetta has published seven “I am very thankful to HEC for developing
international research papers during the last research capacity through scholarship under
year. the Faculty Development Programme for one
year Diploma at Thailand because of which I
Hussain did his BS (Hons) from Hamdard was able to publish all these papers,” says
University, Karachi, MS from BUITEMS and one- Hussain.
13

15. Commission Events
HEC Workshop on Dr. Haider Shah Jadoon, Vice
Chancellor, Islamia College
Research Methods in Psychology University was the chief guest
in the closing ceremony.
Dr. Johar Ali, Director,
Institute of Social Work,
Sociology, Gender Studies and
President, Peshawar
University Teaching
Association (PUTA), Dr.
Madiha Asghar, Chairperson,
Psychology Department and
The Learning Innovation Division, Higher Education Commission Director, Quality
(HEC) organized a workshop on importance and application of Enhancement Cell, Islamia
Research Methods in Psychology at Bara Gali in collaboration with College University, Dr. Sareer
Islamia College University, Peshawar. Badshah, Chairman,
Department of Statistics,
As many as 30 participants attended the six-day workshop. Islamia College University
Renowned resource persons in the field of Psychology were invited were also present on the
for this workshop. occasion.
The training covered different topics, including Research: Need, Speakers praised the efforts
Significance and Types of Research; Hypothesis Formulation and and initiatives taken by HEC
Testing; Projective tests used in Clinical Research; Descriptive and for development of the higher
Inferential Statistics; Presentations of Research Findings and How education sector. The chief
to Find a Referred Journal; Preparation of Proposal for Research guest distributed certificates
Project; SPSS and Data Entry into SPSS. among successful participants.
Workshop for Editors of
Islamic Studies and Arabic Journals
The Social Sciences and Humanities Research abstracting, peer-reviewing and publication
Council of Pakistan (SSHRCP), Higher process involved in their respective journals.
Education Commission organized a three-day Leading academicians were invited to offer their
workshop for Editors of Journals of Islamic expertise as resource persons.
Studies and Arabic journals at Bara Gali Camp,
University of Peshawar. The workshop was The participants lauded contributory role of HEC
aimed at enhancing the quality of research in setting-up guidelines and criteria which
journals, making the editing process more substantially improved quality of research. They
contemporary and at par with international thanked HEC for delivering a presentation on
standards, discussing modern research HEC criteria for recognition, publication and
methodologies in editing, introducing emerging funding of a research journal.
trends in editing, building an interaction among
editors and promoting code of ethics. The Council is planning to conduct similar
workshops for Editors of research journals of
The participants highlighted issues and other subjects falling under Social Sciences, Art,
challenges faced by them relating to indexing, Humanities and Business Education.
14

16. Commission Events
Continuous Professional Development Programme
HEC Trains 249 University Teachers
The Learning Innovation
Division (LID), Higher
Education Commission (HEC)
has successfully trained 249
university teachers under its
Continuous Professional
Development (CPD)
programme through a series of
10 workshops held over five
weeks during July-August,
2011.
LID engaged a visiting
Pakistani Canadian Academic
Mr. Ahmad Salman PMP,
from the University of
Victoria, Canada to design and
deliver two remarkably
innovative faculty
development programmes.
The programmes addressed Teaching” was to introduce teaching through a design than
“Case Based Teaching the highly acclaimed Harvard would engage students in a
Methodology” and Case Method teaching highly effective manner.
“Understanding the Adult technique to a variety of
Learner”. teaching faculty members It may be mentioned here that
from multiple disciplines to faculty development is one of
Both the programmes started enhance the quality of the key pillars of Higher
on July 6 in Islamabad. teaching at various Education Commission
Thereafter the programme institutions of higher learning. strategic vision and an
was taken to Lahore, Karachi, important component of the
Quetta and Peshawar. Similarly the two-day Medium Term Development
workshop on “Understanding Framework (MTDF) (2010-15).
University teachers with the Adult Learner” was
background of Management designed to equip the faculty Quality of education is highly
Sciences, Social Sciences, Life members with the skills they dependent on quality of
Sciences, Biological Sciences, need in order to design and teachers and education
Medical Sciences, General deliver courses towards managers. In the absence of a
Sciences and Engineering m a k i n g l e a r n i n g formal pre-service mechanism
disciplines from different environments more for the professional training of
public and private sector meaningful and conducive. HE academics and
universities attended the management it was highly
sessions. The overarching theme of the imperative to fill up the gap
workshops was to give the through in-service academic
The purpose of the two day teachers more control over the orientation and certification.
workshop on “Case Based contents and process of
15

17. University News
University of Agriculture, Faisalabad – A Profile
The University of Agriculture,
Faisalabad (UAF) was
established in 1961 by upgrading
the former Punjab Agricultural
College and Research Institute,
whose foundation stone was laid
in 1906.
The University has six faculties
including Faculty of Agriculture,
Faculty of Agricultural
Economics and Rural Sociology,
Faculty of Agricultural
Engineering and Technology,
Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, curricula after assessing the The University has excellent
Faculty of Animal Husbandry and qualitative as well as quantitative hostel facilities for male and
Faculty of Sciences and a needs of manpower training under female students, who come from
Division of Education and the semester system. all over the country as well as
Extension. Besides, there are five foreign countries. Hall Wardens
institutes namely Institute of The central library of the and superintendents guide and
Horticultural Sciences, National University has a covered area of facilitate the students in solving
their day to day problems.
Business Incubation Centre Students are provided
economical, hygienic and
The Competitive Support Fund of USA, in collaboration with nutritious food.
the Higher Education Commission has established a
Business Incubation Centre at the University to accelerate A Central Hi-Tech Laboratory
the successful development of startup and fledgling was established in 1997 at Faculty
of Agriculture with the
companies by providing entrepreneurs with an array of
cooperation of Japan
targeted resources and services. The Centre aims to provide International Cooperation
management guidance, technical assistance and consulting A g e n c y ( J I C A ) . I n i t i a l l y,
tailored to young growing companies, develop linkages specialized and highly
between academic/ R&D institutions and private sector thus sophisticated equipment were
creating knowledge based enterprises, and facilitate provided by JICA. Later new
entrepreneurs with well-equipped laboratories, extensive equipment were purchased
libraries, powerful computer systems, technology expertise, through a Higher Education
a well-educated workforce and subject matter experts. Commission funded project. The
laboratory offers opportunities for
scientific research that enable
Institute of Food Science and 45000 square ft and the total researchers to pursue research in
Technology, Institute of Soil and collection is around 2,46,220 disciplines of biological,
Environmental Sciences, Institute which includes 21,035 chemical and physical sciences.
of Animal Nutrition and Feed manuscripts and 51,800 volumes Services are offered not only to
Te c h n o l o g y, I n s t i t u t e o f of national and international
Microbiology and Institute of research journals covering
Business Management. The various discipline taught in the
University has two sub-campuses University.
one at Dera Ghazi Khan and the
other at Toba Tek Singh. The library has database under the
Oracle based module developed
The University has developed by University's IT team, besides
flexible and comprehensive, availability of online public
purpose–oriented and updated access catalogue terminals.
16

18. University News
the students and researchers from this university but
also to other universities, research institutions, non-
government organizations and industries.
The University is fully committed to implement
policies of the Quality Assurance Agency of the
Higher Education Commission through its Quality
Enhancement Cell. UAF strongly adheres to the
concept of quality assurance in institutions of higher
learning with enhanced levels of international Ms. Aayesha Ikram, Director (Media) HEC calls on
compatibility through capacity building. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor, UAF.
A Few of the UAF Success Stories
Intermittent Poultry Feeding System
To provide poultry farmers a reliable automatic feeding system, scientists from UAF have
developed an electro-mechanic feeding system, which relieves the farmers from the hassle and
threat of over/under feeding.
Certified Citrus Nursery
A certified nursery system developed at UAF provides congenial environment for nurturing
healthy citrus budwood and plants. The products (citrus budwood and plants) from these
nurseries will be more disease resilient and more beneficial for the citrus growers. It has the
potential to eliminate or replace diseased citrus plants.
Vaccine for Mastitis Control in Cows and Buffaloes
Mastitis Vaccine is very useful innovation from UAF, which is designed to overcome mastitis
disease within the mammary gland of the udder in cattle and buffaloes.
Zone Disk Tiller Drill
ZDTD has been designed to cater the planting needs of wheat, barley and chickpea growers. This
machine carries a special feature of sowing without removing the residuals of previous crop thus
providing much savings to the farmers in terms of labor time and energy.
Rose Perfume
Rose perfume is very unique innovation from UAF which caters to the market of perfume in the
country. There is no competitive product available at the moment in the market. This alcohol free
product has perfect match with our religious society. The product is prepared with highest
possible purity standards.
Sitara-i-Imtiaz Conferred on Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan
President Asif Ali Zardari has conferred prestigious civil award Sitara-i-Imtiaz
on Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmed Khan, Vice Chancellor, UAF for his valuable
contribution to the field of agricultural education and research. Dr. Khan has a
long career in education and agriculture. He earned a PhD from the University
of California, Riverside in 1988. He has released a potato variety (PARS-70),
pioneered the research on breeding seedless Kinnow and discovered new
varieties of wheat. He is also the author of 252 publications which includes five
books and several book chapters. He has initiated an internationally acclaimed
programme to solve a problem called Witches' Broom Disease of Lime, which poses a global threat
to citrus fruits, the vitamin-C provider for masses. He is currently leading international projects to
combat citrus greening disease and mango sudden death.
17

19. University News
Conference on Prospects and Challenges
to Sustainable Agriculture
A three-day International promoting research as its share planning rather than crises
Science Conference on was 50 per cent in publishing management for upcoming
“Prospects and Challenges to research papers of diseases and pests.
Sustainable Agriculture” was international repute in the last
recently organized by the year. Biotechnology sector was also
Faculty of Agriculture, urged to solve specific
University of Azad Jammu The scientists urged the problems faced by agriculture
and Kashmir at Rawalakot. Agriculture Department of community and to avoid
AJK and Ministry of repetition in order to save
The conference was attended Agriculture, Government of monitory and manpower
by about 400 delegates. The Pakistan to create a liaison resources.
Agriculture Scientists showed between Department of
grave concern on a dire need of Agriculture Extension and the It was also emphasized that
a paradigm shift in agriculture University for promoting improvement in quality of
as the community is feeling problem based research and food and its nutrition be made
threatened due to research based solutions, and by breeding or by fortification
unprecedented changes in the special emphasis be given to and efforts should be made to
environment which is directly comprehensive collection, process according to
undermining food security. documentation and international standards
conservation of Germplasm whatever food is produced in
While addressing concluding from AJK and Northern Areas. the country in order to
session, Dr. Manzoor Hussain facilitate its export.
Soomro, Chairman, Pakistan They emphasized on Plant
Science Foundation said that Breeders to restructure the The Animal Scientists were
Faculty of Agriculture, genotypes of staple and cash urged to do aggressive
Rawalakot has sufficient to be crops to enable them to cope research on production of
given charter of a full-fledged with high and low vaccines for various diseases
university. temperature, draught and of poultry and animals, and
flooding situations. development of quality animal
Dr. Habib-ur-Rehman, Vice feed using the culturally
Chancellor, AJK Varsity said They stressed on acceptable and locally
that the Faculty has Entomologists and Plant available ingredients.
contributed significantly in Pathologists for strategic
18

20. Commission Events
Architectural Design Idea Competition at BUITEMS
The Department of
Architecture, Balochistan
University of Information
Technology, Engineering and
Management Sciences
(BUITEMS) organized its
second annual exhibition in
Expo Centre, Takatu Campus.
The theme of the exhibition
was “Architectural Design
Idea Competition” for low cost
houses suitable for flood-
affected areas of Pakistan,
particularly in Balochistan. Chancellor, BUITEMS, were authorities of her support in
Entries were invited from 3rd also present on the occasion. nation building programmes.
semester architecture students
for designing houses up to Arch. Muhammed Sohail Alvi She also offered full
covered area 500 sq ft. explained the aims and cooperation in the
objectives of the exhibition. construction of the main
Ms. Ghazala Gola, Provincial The Vice Chancellor boundary wall of BUITEMS.
Minister for Women highlighted services of the
Development inaugurated the University with regard to First, second and third prizes
exhibition. Ms. Hussan Bano grooming competent and were won by Ehtesham
Rakhshani and Ms. Zarina productive youth. Jogezai, Adeel Zahoor and
Zehri, Advisers to Chief Abdul Majid Malghani,
Minster Balochistan, and Engr. In her address, Ms. Ghazala respectively.
Ahmed Farooq Bazai, Vice Gola assured the University
Lecture on Interdisciplinary Research
in Medical Textiles
The Faculty of Life Sciences, Baluchistan medical textiles and developing motivation in
University of Information Technology, the medical textile study, and identifying
Engineering and Management Sciences potential areas for local postgraduate studies in
(BUITEMS), Quetta organized a lecture medical textiles.
presentation on “Interdisciplinary Research in
Medical Textiles” by Prof. Dr. Faheem Uddin, A number of medical textile products surgeons
Chairman, Textile Engineering, BUITEMS. wear, wound dressings, masks, bandages,
artificial ligaments, sutures, artificial
The speaker began the presentation with the liver/kidney/lungs, nappies, sanitary towels,
identification of aims that included the vascular grafts/heart valves, artificial
realization of medical textiles discipline as an joints/bones, eye contact lenses and artificial
interdisciplinary subject of study, introducing cornea were discussed.
19

21. University News
Student Conference on Engineering, students as well as inculcate a
fruitful discussion among the
Sciences & Technology at MUET experts from industry and
academia. “I hope that papers
presented in the SCONEST
event may find direct
commercial application. Such
seminars also gauge status and
standard of our engineering
education throughout the
Mehran University of Committee and Dean, Faculty country,” he added.
Engineering and Technology of Electrical, Electronics, and
(MUET), Jamshoro in Computer Engineering, Students and researchers from
collaboration with the Higher MUET said that SCONEST is NED University of
Education Commission (HEC) the most vital series of Engineering and Technology,
and IEEE Inc USA (Karachi research paper competition Sir Syed University of
Section) recently organized a from IEEE, to introduce new Engineering and Technology,
two-day Student Conference scientists and engineers with National University of
on Engineering Sciences and the field of purposeful Computer and Emerging
Technology (SCONEST). research. Sciences, Jinnah University of
Undergraduate and Women, Sukkur IBA,
postgraduate paper Engr. Parkash Lohana, Chair University of Faisalabad,
presentations were made on IEEE Karachi Section Balochistan University of
first and second day, mentioned that a total of 58 Information Technology,
respectively. Over 200 papers from undergrad Engineering and Management
delegates from academia and students and graduate Sciences, Hamdard
industry attended the students were submitted from University, Federal Urdu
conference. around the country, which in University of Arts, Science and
fact is an indication of its Technology, COMSATS
In his inaugural speech, Dr. importance. “After rigorous Institute of Information
Muhammad Aslam Uqaili, Pro exercise of reviewing, nine Technology and MUET took
Vice Chancellor, MUET postgraduate and nine active part in the conference.
appreciated holding of a undergrad papers were
comprehensive technical accepted for oral Speakers from academia and
event devoted to research presentations.” industry highlighted
issues in Electronics, emerging trends in
Electrical, Computer, Speaking at the concluding technological innovation.
Telecommunication, ceremony, Dr. AQK Rajput, Experts from universities
Biomedical and Software Vice Chancellor, MUET said evaluated paper presentations
Engineering. Dr. BS that exposure of such technical in terms of scope, usefulness,
Chowdhry, Chairman, events will go long way in technical strength and
SCONEST Organizing developing confidence among research contribution.
News Flash Pakistan Botanic Gardens Network Secretariat, Government College
University, Lahore is organizing the 3rd International Conference on “Role of Botanic Gardens in
Conserving Natural Vegetation” from February 2-4, 2012. Conference themes include Conservation
and Habitat Restoration, Botanic Gardens and Gene Banks, Ethnobotany and Environmental Services,
Horticulture and Urban Green Spaces, Environmental Education for Sustainable Development and
Ecotourism.
20

22. University News
The Pakistan Institute of
Fashion and Design (PIFD) PIFD Holds Fashion Show
recently held a fashion show at
its campus in Lahore. The
school, which has produced
many renowned designers for
the country, exhibited the final
collection of 35 students of
Fashion and Marketing,
Merchandising, Fashion
Design and Textile Design
from the class of 2011.
The collections showcased a
blend of traditional and
western designs depicting
architectural inspirations with garnered a personal desert. The collection featured
references to buildings like the understanding of every vivid colours and traditional
Taj Mahal. The designs varied student's designs. embroidery.
with themes based on Kalash
culture and F1 racing. The The top few designers selected While introducing the
diverse themes were reflective from the class will mark their graduating class, Ms. Hina
of the fact that the graduating debut in the upcoming Tayyaba, Principal, PIFD
designers were aware of Pakistan Fashion Week. emphasised the effort that
global, as well as local, fashion Winner of the show, Zonia went into developing the
trends. Anwar's collection Aurora designs displayed at the show,
Luminescence: The Glowing adding that it was important
Makhdoom Amin Fahim, Murk, was what the designer that the young designers
Federal Minister of Commerce calls “an amalgamation of two explored their cultural
and Dr. Sohail Naqvi, tremendous natural wonders heritage. She said that it was
Executive Director, HEC were to achieve a man-made always harder to sustain
present on the occasion. termination in the form of four culture, because it took an
experimental garments”. added effort to explore the
While many of the creations According to Anwar, the culture and differing fashions.
featured sleek and all-weather inspiration for the silhouette in
looks, it was the inclusion of her design had come from “Initially, the students were
themes that were based on unique bioluminescent not exploring their cultural
Pakistani culture which mushrooms. heritage. It was after some
received appreciation from the students took the initiative
audiences. The young Another talent and the runner- that this trend changed,” said
designers' works were also up of the show, Raza Tayyaba. “Students have
reviewed by a jury comprising Muhammed Batur's collection taken inspiration from far-
fashion industry's bigwigs like was a surreal visualisation of flung areas. It's difficult
Deepak Perwani, Kamiar society's good and evil side. because, unlike western
Rokni, Nilofer Shahid, Rizwan The outfits had a very history which is more
Beyg and Sehyr Saigol. contemporary feel. The other documented, you have to
Though the jury had to select runner-up, Muhammad Irfan research through archives and
the top designers, the judges Ali was inspired by the look at the ancient buildings to
later spent extra time with Punjab, with touches of Indian find inspiration and imagine
them to ensure that they Rajasthan and the Cholistan something new.”
21

23. University News
NUST, University of Manchester Collaborate for
Internship Programme, Scholarships
A one-month summer internship was arranged The students include Haseeb Shaikh from School
for three students of the National University of of Chemical and Materials Engineering, and
Sciences and Technology at the National Waleed Ahmad Mirza and Muhammad Junaid
Composites Certification and Evaluation Facility Akhtar from College of Electrical and Mechanical
(NCCEF), The University of Manchester, as part Engineering.
of the British Council sponsored DelPHE project
“Capacity building for enhancing R&D in The opportunity exposed the students to the
designing, manufacturing, testing and expertise required to forward research and
certification of composite materials”. industrial development in Pakistan.
The Project coordinator from Pakistan's side is Dr “The magnitude of learning can be gauged
Rizwan Saeed Choudhry, Assistant Professor, simply from the fact that we saw almost 50 new
Department of Mechanical Engineering and the machines and worked on nearly half of them. We
coordinator from Manchester side is Prof. Paul worked on projects related to NASA, with the
Hogg, Head of the School of Materials. latest in mechanical testing technology from
Instron, and our work also encompassed Henry
The internship was one of the series of activities Moseley X-Ray Imaging Facility, the best in all of
planned for enhancing bilateral research Europe. From state of the art composite
between the two Universities and in the next year manufacturing technology to machines for
of project (starting this September) more than 10 testing and evaluation, combined with mentors
scholarships (travel grants) will be available for and researchers from the American continents,
students for presenting research work related to Europe and Asia, including Pakistan, NCCEF
composites or performing experiments related to was the complete learning package,” the students
composites in Manchester. remarked.
Dr. Nilofer Shaikh Reappointed VC SALU
Dr. Ghulam Mohiuddin Veesar, General
Secretary SALUTS have welcomed the selection
of Dr. Shaikh and hoped that University will
further progress under her leadership.
Independence Day
Independence Day was observed with
traditional fervour, enthusiasm and solemnity at
SALU. Dr. Nilofer Shaikh hoisted the national
Dr. Ishrat-ul-Ibad Khan, Governor Sindh has flag at a ceremony held in central lawn of the
reappointed Prof. Dr. Nilofer Shaikh as Vice University. Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Shaikh
Chancellor of Shah Abdul Latif University said Muslim leaders, under the visionary
(SALU) Khairpur, owing to meritorious services leadership of Quaid-e-Azam, rendered great
for the promotion of education, research and scarifies for the emergence of Pakistan. “At
overall development of the University. Her present, Pakistan is confronting several problems
tenure has started from July 30, 2011. which could only be eradicated through unity,
education, tolerance and spirit of democracy and
Dr. Noor Shah Bukhari, President, Shah Abdul institutional building. Education is an important
Latif University Teachers Society (SALUTS) and agent of change and development,” she said.
22

24. University News
SPSS Workshop at JUW Karachi
A one-day training workshop MS and PhD scholars, do simple statistical data
on Statistical Package for students, business analysts, analysis, including use of
Social Sciences (SPSS) statisticians and medical correlation, creating frequency
software was organized by doctors. tables, producing bar charts,
Jinnah University for Women, moving data from other
Karachi in collaboration with In her welcome address, Dr. applications into SPSS and
the Business Research Shazia Tabassum Hakim, moving SPSS output into word
Consultants (BRC), Karachi. Dean Research, JUW processor application. Dr.
Over 50 participants of highlighted the significance Naeem Farooqui, Vice
different disciplines attended and purpose of the workshop. Chancellor, JUW awarded
the workshop, including The workshop mainly covered certificates among the
faculty members, researchers, the use of SPSS programmes to participants.
Book on Child Labour in Pakistan
Dr. Rana Ejaz Ali Khan, Department of The first and only Child Labour
Economics, Islamia University of Bahawalpur Survey (CLS) was held in 1996 at
has written a book entitled “Child Labour in national level, which has
Pakistan: Estimated and Determinants”, which is remained the basic data for
published by an international publishing house, researchers. The second CLS was
VDM – Publishing Germany. expected in 2000, which has not
been conducted yet. However, the Dr. Ejaz
The author has pointed out the reasons for annual Labour Force Surveys
curbing child labour in Pakistan. According to provide the data about child labour in 10-14 years
him the negligence of the state department has age group. The research work of Dr. Ejaz is
failed to produce any viable data to assess the expected to attract the policy makers, researchers,
magnitude of child labour in different age academicians along with general public having
groups. interest in the subject.
Students Selected for US Space Camp Visit IST
The US Embassies in astronauts face during their Pakistan Space and Upper
Islamabad and New Delhi voyages. They also Atmosphere Research
sponsored five students and experienced hands-on Commission, they had an
an educator each from training, including interactive session with the
Pakistan and India to attend underwater exercises and Dean and faculty members in
the Advance Space Academy centrifuge simulator sessions. which they were advised
at the US Space and Rocket about different studying and
Centre in Huntsville, On their return, the team career options in the field of
Alabama. educator visited several places Science and Technology in
to share their experience with Pakistan.
During the 10-day camp, the the students. At Institute of
students and teachers learnt Space Technology (IST), a They visited laboratories and
about the mental, emotional, technology-focused academic interacted with students in
and physical changes institution sponsored by IST.
23

25. University News
RACE Discusses Academia-Industry Collaboration
Riphah Advisory Council for Excellence (RACE) represented RIU on the occasion. They discussed
held its fourth meeting at Riphah International matters relating to the requirements of job
University (RIU) Islamabad, which discussed oriented quality education.
collaboration of the university with industry and
business concerns in different disciplines. Various aspects of university industry
collaboration, human resource development,
Senior executives from public and private sector research project linkages, career counseling,
organizations including NADRA, HEC, Value faculty development and social welfare
Resources, ICMA, Society for Sustainable programmes came under discussion. Executive
Development, Allaninet (Pvt), Pakistan Officers from various public and private
Accumulators, Renewable Resources and Gillani organizations offered internship to the
Solutions attended the meeting. Deans and graduating students of RIU in their industry and
senior faculty members from various disciplines business concerns.
CALL FOR PAPERS
NUML Journal of Critical Inquiry (JCI) has invited papers that engage a deconstructive/
theoretical/ideological critique of the standardized predicament as well as offer an intellectually
challenging education that is international in scope, interactive in process, and interdisciplinary in
content and approach.
Topics from all areas of Research, Language, Literature, Linguistics and Education are welcome without
any limitations as long as there is conviction and reasoning. For submission of papers and further details
please visit http://www.numl.edu.pk/QEC/Research%20Magzine/cop.htm
Focal Person
Dr. Sohaila Javed (Editor)
NUML Journal of Critical Inquiry,
National University of Modern Languages, Islamabad
Ph: +92-51-9257646 (Ext: 214)
E-mail: numl.editor@gmail.com
NEWS
IN
PICTURE
A ceremony was recently
organized at HEC
Regional Centre,
Peshawar to welcome the
new Director Mr. Hazrat
Bilal and bid farewell to
the outgoing Director, Mr.
Farman Ullah, who has
been transferred to the
Learning Innovation
Division, HEC Islamabad.
24

26. University News
UoP Conference on Computer Networks & IT
The Department of Computer Science, The aim of the conference was to provide a
University of Peshawar (UoP) recently organized platform to academics and professional to
the first International Conference on Computer facilitate effective knowledge sharing. Dr. Azmat
Networks and Information Technology, in Hayat Khan, Vice Chancellor, UoP inaugurated
collaboration with IEEE Islamabad Chapter, the conference.
IEEE Peshawar Subsection, and John Moores
University Liverpool, UK. Dr. Amir Qayum from Muhammad Ali Jinnah
University, Islamabad was the keynote speaker.
The main focus was on Computer Networks, He talked about the Vehicular Ad Hoc Networks
Wireless Communications, Sensor Networks, (VANETs). Other speakers included Dr. Azzam
Databases, Web Semantics, Natural Language Ul Asar, Dean, UET Peshawar who spoke on
Processing and Software Engineering. Almost “IEEE Aims and Objectives”, Dr. Akhtar Hussain
120 delegates from various national and Khalil from UET Mardan Campus who
international universities/organizations, deliberated on Academia, Intellectual Property
including Bradford University, Lancaster and Commercialization and Mr. Imran Malik,
University, East Englia (Norwich) University CEO Supernet, Karachi who spoke on the
and John Moores University participated in the Importance of Satellite Communication in the
conference. Current Era.
UAF Chemists, Biochemists Participate in ESDev-2011
The 4th International
C o n f e r e n c e o n
Environmentally Sustainable
Development (ESDev-2011)
was recently organized by the
Department of Environmental
Sciences, COMSATS, Institute
of Information Technology
(CIIT), Abbottabad.
About 35 students and eight
faculty members from
Department of Chemistry and
Biochemistry, University of
Agriculture, Faisalabad (UAF)
attended the event.
Most of the students and
teachers presented their Bajwa chaired different Conference 2011 from
scientific research work in the sessions of ESDev-2011. November 21-23, 2011 under
different sessions. the auspices of the Chemical
The Department of Chemistry Society of Pakistan, as part of
Dr. Tahira Iqbal, Chairperson, and Biochemistry, UAF is also the Golden Jubilee and the
Department of Chemistry and organizing the 10th International Year of
Biochemistry, Dr. Haq Nawaz International and 22nd Chemistry 2011 (IYC 2011)
Bhatti and Dr. M. Asghar National Chemistry celebrations.
25

27. University News
National Essay Writing Competition
The Centre for Civic Education, Pakistan, in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission is
organizing a National Essay Writing Competition. The competition is for regular students of public and
private universities (age 18-25) and aims to promote writing and analytical skills with futuristic approach
among university students along with encouraging research, analysis and argument development on
this important theme.
Topic
What does federalism mean to me?
Guidelines
1. Students can write on the topic either in English or Urdu.
2. The essay shall be original and unpublished and must not exceed 2500 words, including footnotes or
endnotes.
3. Ensure that all sources for research which are used are given proper reference. Nothing should be
copied from books/newspapers without using references. Plagiarism will be checked through
software made for this purpose.
4. The essay must be typed using font 12 in Times Roman and saved in Word file, or typed by using the
In-page. For print outs, use only one side of the paper.
5. Do not place the author's name on the text pages. Include a cover page to mention the name, mailing
address, phone number, educational institution (department and registration number) and email
address.
Criteria for Judgment
Primary consideration will be given to the essay's originality and its contribution to new knowledge,
insights and creative approach. English and Urdu essays will be judged and awarded separately.
Essays will be judged according to the following criteria:
1. Substance and originality (Understanding and arguments): 50 marks
2. Idea development (Clarity, creativity, practicality): 25 marks
3. Writing style, composition and organization: 25 marks
Prizes
• The authors of three best essays in English and Urdu will be awarded.
• First prize Rs. 20,000, second prize Rs. 15,000 and third prize Rs. 10,000 along with certificates of
honour and shields.
Submission
Deadline for submission of essays is September 30, 2011. No entries will be accepted after the deadline.
Only one submission per student will be accepted. All entries will be property of the Centre for Civic
Education and may be published in future with writer’s names. Essay can be submitted either through
email to contact@civiceducation.org, mnoor@hec.gov.pk or by post to The Centre for Civic Education
Pakistan, G.P.O. Box 1123, Islamabad.
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28. Listings
Travel Grants
Following grants were sanctioned by the Higher Education Commission (HEC) during June-2011:
Name and Address of Applicant Title of Conference Venue
The 2011 SIBR Conference
Dr. Zaheer Abbas, Assistant Professor, on Interdisciplinary
Thailand
Department of Accounting and Finance, IIUI Business and Economics
Research
The 2011 SIBR Conference
Mr. Sohail Amjed, Lecturer, Department of on Interdisciplinary
Thailand
Commerce, AIOU, Islamabad Business and Economics
Research
The 2011 SIBR Conference
Mr. Zaryab Sheikh, Lecturer Department of on Interdisciplinary
Thailand
Management Sciences, CIIT, Lahore Business and Economics
Research
The 2011 SIBR Conference
Mr. Muhammad Irfan Khan, Lecturer,
on Interdisciplinary
Department of Business Administration, Iqra Thailand
Business and Economics
University, Karachi
Research
The 2011 SIBR Conference
Mr. Naveed Ahmed, PhD Scholar, Department on Interdisciplinary
Thailand
of Management Sciences, CIIT, Lahore Business and Economics
Research
5th Conference of ASSP
Dr. Abdullah Dayo, Department of
(Asian Association of Indonesia
Pharmaceutics, University of Sindh, Jamshoro
Schools of Pharmacy)
Dr. Muhammad Hamid Ullah, Assistant The 22nd International
Professor, Department of Social Sciences, Conference on Higher Turkey
Riphah International University, Islamabad Education (ICHE)
International Conference on
Dr. Muhammad Zafar, Associate Professor,
Environment and
Department of Earth and Environment Malaysia
Industrial Innovation-
Sciences, Bahria University, Islamabad
ICEII-2011
Dr. Farrukh Nawaz Kayani, Assistant
Chinese Economist Society
Professor, Department of Management China
2011 Annual Conference
Sciences, CIIT, Islamabad
Dr. Asma Salman, Assistant Professor,
International Conference on
Department of Business Administration,
Sociality and Economics Malaysia
Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU),
Development
Rawalpindi
Mr. Muhammad Rafi, Assistant Professor,
Department of Computer Science, NUCES, ICIWE 2011 Malaysia
Karachi
Mr. Muhammad Ishfaq Khan, Lecturer, Global Business and Social
Department of Management Sciences, MAJU, Sciences Research China
Islamabad Conference
Dr. S. M. Amir Shah, Assistant Professor, Management Challenges in
Turkey
Department of Commerce, AIOU, Islamabad Global Economy
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