magazine nov-dec 2015

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Seminar Sheds Light on Significance of Intellectual Property Rights P-11 Virtual University Invites Papers for Conference P-15 Higher Education Commission, Pakistan November/December 2015 Higher Education Commission, Pakistan November/December 2015 A Tribute to 1965 War Heroes HEC Speech Contest HEC Speech Contest P- 2 P- 7 HEC, EU Brief VCs on Erasmus+ Programme

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Page 1: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

Seminar Sheds Light on Significance of Intellectual Property Rights

P-11

Virtual University Invites Papers for Conference

P-15

Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

November/December 2015

Higher Education Commission, Pakistan

November/December 2015

A Tribute to 1965 War Heroes

HEC Speech ContestHEC Speech ContestP- 2

P- 7

HEC, EU Brief VCs on Erasmus+ Programme

Page 2: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

Table of Contents

Graphic Designer

Raja Ahmad Nadeem

Reporter

Waseem Khaliqdad

Editor

Aayesha Ikram

Publisher:

Higher EducationCommission, Pakistan

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 is 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.

5HEC Sends Off 73

Scholars to Germany

for PhD Studies

4

8

President Urges

Youth to Learn from

Lives of National

Heroes

US Dy. Sec. of State

Reviews HEC

Collaboration with

USAID

2 HEC to Launch Quality Assurance Review

Process

HEC, EU Brief VCs on Erasmus+ Programme

HEC Pays Glowing Tribute to Allama Iqbal,

Quaid-e-Azam

HEC, IIUI Mark Int'l University Sports Day

Seminar Sheds Light on Significance of

Intellectual Property Rights

Zong Wins HEC Contract to Extend Wireless

Broadband Services to Students

World Bank Mission Reviews TESP Progress

PAMS Role in Recognition of Pakistani

Physicians, Scientists Achievements Lauded

Advancements in Rehab Sciences Vital

Means of Stability for the Disabled

PU Information Management Department

Turns 100

Realize Importance of Research, Urges

DUHS VC

Robotics Competition Held at PAK-KIET

NUST School Hosts DICE Automotive 2015

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9

10

11

12

13

19

21

22

24

26

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Page 3: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, has urged youth to learn from the lives and sacrifices of our national heroes who left no stone unturned to preserve sovereignty of the homeland. He said the role of youth is critical for development of nations.

The President was speaking at the National Speech Competition organized by the Higher Education Commission

th (HEC) to mark the 50anniversary of the 1965 war and to honour the sacrifices made particularly by Pakistan’s armed forces and nation as a whole. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, was also present.

The President appreciated winners and other participants for taking part in the Speech Competition entitled “One Nation, One Destination: Set to Regain its Rightful Place in the Comity of Nations” and expressing their views.

He also appreciated HEC for organizing co-curricular activities for university students, underscoring that such activities provide an impetus to them for engaging themselves in constructive activities.

He eulogized the sacrifices rendered by country’s armed

thHEC holds Speech Competition to Mark 50 Anniversary of 1965 War

President Urges Youth to Learn from Lives of National Heroes

forces in the 1965 war and recalled how they, fully backed by the nation, defeated the enemy. He also mentioned the success of Zarb-e-Azb, stressing that achievements in this war will have positive effects on the entire region. He said that a clear difference can be observed since the current Government assumed charge in 2013.

Mr. Mamnoon said that undoubtedly there are a number of challenges facing Pakistan but at the same time we have a lot of opportunities for advancing towards development. He particularly

mentioned initiation of China Pakistan Economic Corridor which he said will not only bring great change in Pakistan’s socio-economic situation but will also have big impact on the whole region.

Terming corruption a major problem in institutions, he said the current Government is taking steps to get rid of this menace. He also urged the youth to understand how corruption brings destruction in a society and widely spread the message to fight against it.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC said that the youth should be aware of sacrifices of their forefathers, adding that nations never forget their heroes. He appreciated the armed forces for discharging their duties diligently. He underlined the significance of unity and elaborated how division in our ranks will be disastrous for all of us. He called for dealing with the enemy within. He also stressed

Undoubtedly, there are a number of

challenges facing Pakistan, but at the

same time, we have a lot of opportunities to

advance towards development.

2

Page 4: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

the importance of promoting culture of tolerance in the society to become a unified and strong nation. The Chairman said that different HEC schemes were aimed to strengthen human resource, particularly equipping youth with latest knowledge and skills.

Winners of Urdu contest were Makhdoom Shahab ud Din, National University of Sciences

stand Technology (1 position), Zahid Ali, Government College

nd University, Lahore (2 position) and Yasir Rashid, University of

rdthe Punjab, Lahore (3 position).

In the English contest, the students who won first, the second and third positions were Manaal Ayesha, Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi; Khushal Khan, National Defence University (NDU), Islamabad; and Sidra Baig, University of Haripur. A cash prize worth Rs. 50,000 was awarded to the

first position holders each in Urdu and English sessions, while Rs. 40,000 and Rs. 30, 000 were given to the second and third position holders respectively in the both categories.

The Urdu session was chaired by Dr. Najeeba Arif from Islamic International University Islamabad while the English session was chaired by Dr. Shahid Siddiqui, Vice Chancellor Allama Iqbal Open University Islamabad.

Mr. Jesús Zenén Buergo Concepción, Ambassador of Cuba to Pakistan, paid a farewell visit to Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, and called on Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, at the Commission Secretariat.

The Cuban Ambassador stressed the need for enhancing country-to-country collaboration in various academic fields including Agriculture, Biotechnology and Arts. He once again invited the Chairman to attend

Cuban Ambassador Visits HEC Chairman HEC for Using Education as Diplomatic Tool to Boost Relations

ththe 10 International Congress of Higher Education University 2016 in Cuba going to be held in February. The conference entitled “Innovative University for a Sustainable Human Development” will be attended by over 3,000 people.

The Chairman HEC stressed the need for using education as a diplomatic tool to improve relations between Pakistan and Cuba. He accepted the invitation and said that such gatherings are fruitful for future collaboration in the higher education sector.

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Page 5: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

The Higher Education Commission organized a brainstorming session with experts for review of higher education institutions, in which a plan was shared to launch a Quality Assurance (QA) Review Process in universities.

The purpose of this monitoring process is to ensure adherence to defined QA criteria so that quality of teaching and research in the universities, their campuses and sub-campuses could be ensured.

The meeting was chaired by Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, and attended by several academic experts and quality practitioners from across the country both in person and through video conferencing.

Speaking on the occasion, the Chairman HEC apprised the participants about the importance and the dire need of such a review mechanism.

He mentioned an array of quality issues being faced at the HEIs across the country and emphasized initiation of the review process that will not only ensure adherence to the

HEC to Launch Quality Assurance Review Process

quality mechanism of HEC but will also deter any violation of the HEC policies by the existing and future HEIs. The experts appreciated the plan to initiate the review process to ensure a good quality of education in the national HEIs.

They also shared their views about refinement of the proposed review process so that the actual review could meaningfully contribute to improvement of overall governance, teaching and research at universities across country.

Summing up the discussion, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed emphasized that HEC and universities need to work together to improve the state of higher education in the country since it is a joint responsibility of all to put collective efforts for this noble cause.

He advised Quality Assurance Agency to chalk out a review plan on urgent basis and arrange review visits of expert senior academicians to universities across the country.

The Quality Assurance Agency of Higher Education Commission recently organized a Need Assessment Meeting with representatives of Accreditation Councils.

The representatives of National Accreditation Council for Teachers Education, National Agricultural Education Accreditation Council, National Computing Education Accreditation Council, and National Business Education Accreditation Council, attended the meeting at the Commission’s Secretariat.

The objective of the meeting was to review the progress and functions of Councils in the light of Vision/Mission statement.

Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Executive Director HEC, reiterated the strategic focus of HEC in improving the quality of higher education being imparted in the universities.

The increased growth in higher education sector across the world and internationalization of education instigated quality debate among the stakeholders. Accreditation of programmes and institutions and ranking of HEIs have promoted the culture of competition.

Accreditation Councils Progress Reviewed

Ensuring Adherence to QA Criteria

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Page 6: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

5

proposal with the United States, the Chairman said that 10,000 scholarships, 1000 every year, will be extended to students under this programme.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed urged the students proceeding to Germany to develop social and

academic network so that it could benefit them and the country in future. “You are going to be the ambassadors of Pakistan in Germany so a great responsibility lies upon your shoulders. You should adopt an exemplary attitude,” the Chairman said. He urged the students to work hard and come back to serve the country and nation. “You have to

serve not only the country but also entire humanity”.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Barth Manzoori briefed the audience about the DAAD scholarships. She said that since 2004, DAAD has been collaborating with HEC for sending Pakistani scholars to Germany. She said DAAD representatives will guide and assist the students in Germany.

The scholarship holders also included a visually impaired student, Mr. Imran Qaisar, who lauded and thanked the HEC and the Governments of Pakistan as well as Federation of Republic of Germany.

HEC Sends Off 73 Scholars to Germany for PhD Studies

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) Pakistan recently organized a send-off ceremony in honour of 73 HEC scholars proceeding to Germany for doctoral studies.

Ms. Ina Lepel, Ambassador of Germany, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, and Dr. Barth Manzoori, Section Head of DAAD, the German Academic Exchange Service, were also present.

Interviews were held for selection of scholars under the Overseas Scholarship Scheme Phase-II and Aghaz-e-Haqooq-e-Balochistan Project in May 2015, wherein 56 and 17 scholars were recommended for PhD scholarship respectively. Out of 73 candidates, 13 were recommended for MS-cum-PhD, while the rest were selected for PhD studies.

Speaking on the occasion, Ms. Ina Lepel congratulated the students selected from different universities for scholarship through a meritorious, tough and demanding procedure.

She said Pakistan’s national poet, Allama Muhammad Iqbal, also studied in Germany and the students proceeding to Germany are lucky to follow in his footsteps. She said as many as 300 Pakistani scholars have already completed their studies in German universities. She said the academic and social life in Germany will provide the students a great opportunity to learn and have new exposures.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said HEC ensures merit in selection of students and 58 per cent students are from small towns and remote areas. He said the Government is committed to facilitating students to acquire higher education in the country as well as abroad. Referring to the Knowledge Corridor

13 Students to Pursue MS Leading to PhD

Page 7: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

6

Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Muslim Philanthropists, a welfare Non-Government Organization, for joint collaboration in promotion of girls education.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, said that HEC has always been struggling to promote girls education in the country, adding that the purpose of striking the MoU with Muslim

HEC Active to Promote Girls Education: Chairman

Philanthropists is a continuation of HEC efforts for promotion of female education.

He said that HEC and Muslim Philanthropists will work under Pakistan Alliance for Girls Education (PAGE), a network recently launched by the Muslim Philanthropists.

The Chairman said that HEC is endeavouring to ensure equitable access to higher education for girls and boys

through its various initiatives as well as agreements with different national and foreign organizations. He said that acquiring education is the right of all students and promotion of girls education is a need of the hour.

Giving details of the objectives of PAGE, Zulfiqar Cheema, Chief Executive Officer, Muslim Philanthropists, said that it is a network aiming at bringing all the stakeholders concerned to a platform and work on promotion on girls education in the country.

He said that the Muslim Philanthropists have started accelerating efforts to make a remarkable progress in the field of female education, as education is a vital course that leads nations to development.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has launched a physical exercise plan to help its employees remain physically fit, as being a premier organization regulating higher education in the country, HEC accords due importance to exercise and sports activities alongside its academic endeavours not only in universities and but also at its Secretariat.

The plan is the pursuance of initiative of Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, regarding promotion of healthy activities in the Commission as well as universities and higher education institutions.

Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Executive Director HEC, was also present on the occasion. He appreciated

the launch of the plan and joined the HEC employees in the first physical exercise session.

The HEC employees participated in the session with great vigour and enthusiasm. The first session continued for an hour and the participants took part in various physical activities.

HEC Launches Physical Exercise Plan

Page 8: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, and the Delegation of the European Union (EU) to Pakistan organized recently a ceremony to brief Vice Chancellors and Rectors of public and private sector universities about the ERASMUS+ Programme for the period 2014-2020. The consultation session, held at the Commission Secretariat in Islamabad, was attended by Vice Chancellors and Rectors from a number of universities, while several universities were linked through the HEC video conferencing facility. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, and Jean-François Cautain, Ambassador of the European Union to Pakistan, briefed the academia heads and managers in detail about the ERASMUS+ Programme and the opportunities offered under this initiative for Pakistani higher education institutions, students and staff. In his opening remarks, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed welcomed the Ambassador and the EU delegation in the HEC Commission. He said that HEC will create a link on its official website to give details about the ERASMUS+ Programme so that students and faculty of universities and educational institutions could access the relevant information. He said they will ensure follow-up steps in order to monitor progress with regard to the initiative. The Chairman said that HEC has been facilitating Pakistani students to benefit from such programmes, as the Government of Pakistan and HEC accord due importance to international collaboration in the higher education sector.

The Ambassador thanked Chairman HEC for organizing the event and said that the European Union recognizes the important role that higher education plays in the economic and social development of any country. Higher education increases entrepreneurship, creates jobs and

HEC, EU Brief VCs on Erasmus+ Programme

contributes to a strong civil society and good governance. The Ambassador added that the capacity building component of the programme is very important from the development perspective as it aims to strengthen the relationships between higher education systems and the wider economic and social environment.

ERASMUS+ funding for Asia in 2014-2017 is 211.7 million EUR. The programme, which is currently

open for applications, offers scholarships to students and staff to study in Europe and funds capacity building projects between Pakistani and European universities. Opportunities under ERASMUS+ include full Master and Doctoral degrees, short-term scholarships to staff and students at all levels, Jean Monnet grants for European

Union studies and research and funding for inter-university capacity building projects.

The capacity building component will finance joint projects based on multilateral partnerships to fund curriculum development and modernization, joint or double degrees, new diploma, modern teaching and learning practices, upgrading of facilities and equipment, improving university governance and creating better links between higher education and the world of work.

In 2015, 140 Pakistani students and staff received ERASMUS+ scholarship.

Considering the population of Pakistan and the

funding levels, there is space to increase the

number of beneficiaries from Pakistan.

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Page 9: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

The Higher Education Commission organized an event in collaboration with the US Agency for International Development (USAID) at its Secretariat to mentor the students and teachers who have participated in educational programmes funded by the US Department of State and USAID. Mr. Antony Blinken, US Deputy Secretary of State, who was on visit to Pakistan, was the Chief Guest.

Speaking at the occasion, Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman HEC, highlighted the historical collaboration of the United States in various facets of education. He announced plans to fund up to 125 Fulbright PhD Scholarships.

“The fact that numerous Pakistani students are competing to study in the best US universities of USA, the platform of Fulbright scholarship programme can offer a good opportunity to progress their ambitions further and can play an important role in building educational links.” He added that "the United States has been a dedicated and long-term partner for the progress of HEC, Pakistan, and I believe our joint efforts will continue to support economic prosperity and stability here in Pakistan."

US Dy. Sec. of State Reviews HEC Collaboration with USAID

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed thanked the United States for its collaboration on initiatives supporting the Pakistani

education system at every level. He recalled the idea of the US-Pakistan Knowledge Corridor, saying that it will enhance cooperation in

education, science, and technology.

"Working together, we have given young women the opportunity to go to universities, helped new teachers gain the tools they need to succeed in the

classroom, and supported research in areas critical to Pakistan's development," Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said.

He also mentioned that the present government is committed to increasing the budgetary allocation in higher education and fully supporting activities of the sector.

Antony Blinken reiterated the commitment to intensify cooperation in the education sphere made by Barack Obama, US President, and Nawaz Sharif, Prime Minister Pakistan, during their meeting in October 2015.

He encouraged students and teachers to take full advantage of their educational opportunities and experiences to benefit their communities.

The students asked the Deputy Secretary various questions about the educational collaboration and opportunities for Pakistani students in the United States.

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Page 10: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

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Celebrations held at Aiwan-e-Sadr

HEC Pays Glowing Tribute to Allama Iqbal, Quaid-e-Azam

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, has urged the youth to wage jihad against corruption as the menace is incurring a huge loss to the nation.

Speaking at a ceremony organized by Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, at Aiwan-e-Sadr to celebrate birth anniversary of Quaid-e-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah, the President said that observing such ceremonies and recalling efforts of forefathers helps reiterate commitments to the national causes and objectives.

The President highlighted many of the aspects and salient characteristics of the charismatic personality of Father of the Nation including his awareness of religious values, self-

confidence, political acumen, perseverance, optimism and hard work.

Talking about the significance of education, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain said that the government was working to revise the national curriculum in order to acquaint the coming generations with the heroic achievements of ancestors. He said that the Ministry of Education has been tasked to formulate a uniform basic standard for academic syllabus in consultation with all the provinces.

Engr. Balighur Rehman, State Minister for Federal Education and Professional Training, said on the occasion that a National Curriculum Council has been established to align country’s academic syllabus with the national needs. He said that Quaid-e-Azam had termed seeking knowledge a matter of life and death for the nation to survive in the comity of nations.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, announced to establish new Quaid Chairs at selected universities across the

country in addition to strengthening the already existing ones. He also announced that HEC will give Quaid Award on excellence in research, governance and social integration in universities.

Similarly, Iqbal Day was also celebrated by HEC at Aiwan-e-Sadr with President as the chief guest. Speaking at the occasion, Mr. Mamnoon Hussain stressed the need for understanding teachings of Allama Iqbal, as his poetry carries a message of hope and unity among Muslims.

The Iqbal Day celebration was attended by Government dignitaries, foreign diplomats, academics, scholars of Iqbaliaat and students. The President shed light on the vision of Allama Muhammad Iqbal on the occasion.

Page 11: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

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The Higher Education Commission (HEC), Pakistan, in collaboration with International Islamic University Islamabad (IIUI) and Federation Internationale du Sport Universitaire (FISU -- International University Sports Federation) organized a three-kilometre hiking event to mark the International University Sports Day.

A large number of students from different universities including IIUI, National University of Sciences and Technology, Fatima Jinnah Women University, COMSATS Institute of Science and Technology, and Preston University participated in the hiking adventure held at Track-6 near Faisal Mosque, Islamabad.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Ghulam Raza Bhatti, Executive Director HEC, said youth are

HEC, IIUI Mark Int'l University Sports Day

HEC is taking concrete steps to

promote curricular and extra-curricular activities in Pakistani

universities and it encourages the

development of a healthy environment

for students.

the future of Pakistan and HEC holds such events on a regular basis to promote healthy habits among them. He said that HEC is taking concrete steps to promote co-curricular and extra-curricular activities

in Pakistani universities, and it encourages the development of a healthy environment for students.

Dr. Masoom Yasinzai, Rector IIUI, urged the youth to actively take

part in sports activities and lauded the role of HEC in promotion of quality education as well as sports and games among students.

Dr. Javed Akram, Vice Chancellor, Shaheed Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto Medical University highlighted the importance of sports activities in human health, saying that sports and exercise help ward off diseases.

th The 11 meeting of National Agriculture Education Accreditation Council (NAEAC) of HEC was held at the Commission Secretariat.

Dr. M. E. Tusneem, Chairman NAEAC, presided over the meeting. Dr. Riaz Hussain Qureshi, former Adviser HEC, and other Council Members representatives of the agriculture universities and Research and Development (R&D) institutions in public and private sector also attended the meeting.

The Council reviewed progress on Accreditation activities during 2014-15 carried out in different agriculture institutions in the country.

It was noticed with concern that evaluation rating of the newly initiated degree programmes generally in the newly established institutions is low and unsatisfactory implying these programmes do not meet some of the major criteria/standards of HEC.

On the occasion, the Annual Work Plan for the Fiscal Year (FY) 2015-16 was endorsed subject to minor modifications. Approval of the budget for FY 2015-16 was also accorded.

NAEAC Reviews Progress on Accreditation

Page 12: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

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In collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC), the Intellectual Property Organization (IPO) of Pakistan organized a seminar on Intellectual Property Awareness at the Commission’s Secretariat recently.

The seminar, which was followed by a four-day training workshop on Intellectual Property Rights -- patent drafting, licensing and valuation -- was funded by European Union with the support of Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA II) Programme, UNIDO, International Trade Centre and World Intellectual Property Organization. It highlighted the importance of awareness among researchers and innovators about their rights in addition to shedding light on the role of Intellectual Property Rights in development of a country’s economy.

Seminar Sheds Light on Significance of Intellectual Property Rights

Four-day Training Workshop Evaluates Patent Drafting, Licensing, Valuation

In his welcome address, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, said that HEC is jointly working with various organizations to create awareness in universities about the importance of Intellectual Property. He said the HEC is also extending technical support to different entities to help researchers protect their Intellectual Properties by achieving patents for their innovative work. He underlined that HEC is putting strenuous efforts to develop a research culture in Pakistan and it is paying due attention for promotion of R&D. He also briefed the participants about

establishment of Centres of Advanced Research and their functions in this regard. Analyzing the progress with regard to filing of research papers in Pakistan, the Chairman said that the number of research papers registered in 2002 was only 800 and reached 12000 in the last year, which is a remarkable development.

Mr. Shahid Rashid, Chairman IPO, pointed out the lack of awareness as the weakest area in IP regime. He lamented that only 1050 patents could be filed in the country during the last 50 years.

Turnitin's Global Innovation Awards programme has recognized the excellence of four Pakistani educators among several others from around the world in promoting academic integrity, student engagement and the innovative use of Turnitin and other educational technologies to support learning in their institutions. The Pakistani winners of the award include Mr. Muneer Ahmed, Deputy Director Quality Assurance, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan; Mr. Muhammad Athar Hussain, Assistant Professor of Education, Allama

HEC Officer, 3 Others Win Innovation AwardsIqbal Open University (AIOU), Pakistan; Mr. Athar Mahboob, Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Sciences, DHA Suffa University, Pakistan; and, Mr. Muhammad Shahid Soroya, Director National Centre for Academic Integrity and Information Technology University, Pakistan.

Mr. Muneer Ahmed has been conducting training of university administrators under the supervision of HEC management and helping resolve queries related to the Turnitin.

Page 13: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

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The Higher Education Commission (HEC) and CMPak (Zong) recently signed the contract for provision of 3G Wireless Broadband Services to all the students who will be the recipients of laptops under Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme (Phase-II).

Mr. Arshad Kamran, Director General (Services) and Mr. Niaz A. Malik, Deputy CEO CMPak signed the contract. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC and Mr. Liu Dianfeng, Chairman and CEO, CMPak (Zong) were also present.

The objective of the agreement is to provide reliable and efficient connectivity access to students by provision of 3G Wireless Broad Band Services to enhance their knowledge base across the country.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed said that HEC is committed to efficiently providing services to students, adding that the provision of internet service to students along with laptops

Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme

Zong Wins HEC Contract to Extend Wireless Broadband Services to Students

will help them have an easy access to information and digital resources. He said that under the second phase of Prime Minister’s Laptop Scheme, 200,000 laptops would be provided to talented students of various universities across Pakistan and AJK. He said the students will have direct access to HEC Digital Library while carrying out their research.

Mr. Liu Dianfeng said education plays vital role in the progress of any nation. Zong takes it as its responsibility to contribute to the uplift of different social sectors.

The Higher Education Commission organized the

thopening ceremony of 26 Master Trainers-Faculty Professional Development Programme.

Prof. Dr. G. Raza Bhatti, Executive Director HEC, was the Chief Guest of the opening ceremony, while Ms. Shaheen Khan, Adviser Learning

thHEC Kicks Off 26 MT-FPDP

Innovation Division, was also present on the occasion.

Dr. G. Raza Bhatti said that teaching is the most respected profession in the developed countries. “You should feel the joy of being a teacher and you are among those privileged teachers who have got an opportunity to attend MT-FPDP which is being appreciated by

international organizations. HEC has been paying special attention to the professional development of the higher education faculty members.

Ms. Shaheen Khan briefly introduced the Learning Innovation Division and its programmes. She shared the achievements of Division with the participants and guests. “The main objective of programme is to equip the teachers of Higher Education Institutions with pedagogical and research skills, highly imperative for professional teachers,” she said.

Page 14: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

invaluable for the participants to get the real-time exposure from field experts.

He added that the Government is particularly focusing on education sector to increase the overall literacy rate and education quality for all segments of society.

He urged the participants to utilize the knowledge they gained during the training sessions, at their workplace to perform in a better way. He also hailed the sponsor agencies like World Bank for their contribution in socio-economic uplift of Pakistan, particularly in the education

A World Bank mission, led by Mr. Halil Dundar, Lead Education Specialist, Ms. Scherezad Joya Monami Latif, Sr. Education Specialist, Mr. Benoit Millot, Consultant, recently reviewed the implementation status of the Tertiary Education Support Programme (TESP).

The main objectives of the mission were to review the implementation status of the Government's Medium Term Development

TESP Training in Project Planning

sector. “The Higher Education Commission with the Technical Support of TESP has trained 2754 Higher Education Institutions staff members from the public sector universities through its different training programmes,” he said.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad said that such a training is very important for capacity building of public sector universities.

He said that administrative and non-teaching staff is the backbone of any institution and HEC wants to build their capacity.

World Bank Mission Reviews TESP ProgressFramework for Higher Education, supported under the programme, and the way forward for the MTDF-III; to review progress on the DLI-10; to review implementation status of Component 2 (TA) and discussion on action plan for the next one year; and to review the status of both legal covenants and safeguard requirements, including the implementation of the Environment Management and Social Framework.

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) with the technical support of Tertiary Education Support Programme (TEST) and IMSciences organized five days training in Project Planning.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman HEC, who was the Chief Guest at the closing ceremony, said that their prime objective to fund and support such trainings was to enhance the professional capacity of higher education institutions’ staff for better performance in line with the minimum required standards by using modern tools and techniques. He said these trainings are certainly

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Page 15: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

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Research Lab Set up at IST

The Institute of Space Technology (IST) Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) recently conducted a seminar on Quality Assurance Framework to create awareness among the newly enrolled undergraduate students.

The seminar also focused on educating students about their significant role in the process of ameliorating quality. Students were introduced to the key components of Quality Framework of IST including Programme Design and Delivery, Cyclic Internal Programme and Process Review, External Review and Accreditation, and the students involvement. At the Programme Design & Delivery Level, the IST recently adopted Outcome Based Education (OBE) in accordance with the Pakistan Engineering Council guidelines.

Students were made aware of the fact that IST relies on their feedback for quality enhancement. The QEC explained in detail the advantages of feedback from

IST Seminar on Quality Assurance Framework

geospatial education at schools and colleges. It aims to provide free geospatial education to school and college students all over Pakistan using a Moodle-based eLearning platform.

The ICA-OSGEO-ISPRS has the responsibility of proliferation of “Geo for All” vision. The members of GREL constitute a strong and active research group, with faculty in the areas of both core and applied geographic information science and remote sensing.

The Geospatial Research and Education Laboratory (GREL), an ICA-OSGEO-ISPRS, has been established at the Institute of Space Technology (IST), Islamabad.

The objective of launching the GREL, which was inaugurated by President Mamnoon Hussain, is to spread geospatial awareness across Pakistan by providing education from grass root level to the high levels. The IST is planning to develop a national curriculum for

students. The course and teacher evaluation questionnaires were discussed on the occasion in order to make question statements

clear to the students. Students were encouraged to give honest reflection of their learning experiences in the feedbacks.

The NED University Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) organized a three-day Indigenous On-Campus Training Programme on Project Management for the university’s managerial cadre. The training, attended by a total of 27 participants, was conducted by senior experts of the field. The objective of this training

NED University Conducts Training on Project Managementprogramme, funded by Higher Education Commission, was to enable the participants better comprehension, in general, the project management framework and, specifically, the Project Management key knowledge areas and to introduce the engineers, managers and executives to the best practices in Project Management.

Page 16: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

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The Virtual University of Pakistan, has called for papers

rdfor the 3 e-Learning and Distance Education Conference 2016.

The two-day conference is scheduled for March 14-15, 2016, in Lahore. The theme of this international conference is “e-Learning and Distance Education: Evolution, Challenges & Solutions”. It aims to hold a dialogue on the potential of e-Learning and Distance Education in socio-economic development.

Other areas to be addressed by the conference include quality assurance mechanisms for Distance Education, future directions and trends in technology that assist distance

rd3 e-Learning, Distance Education Moot

Virtual University Invites Papers for Conference

learning. The conference is inviting experience-based quantitative papers, case studies, reports of work on both the theory and practice of all aspects of the conference.

The submissions are welcome from academics, teachers, practitioners, vendors, and Government policy and decision makers. Eminent scholars from various countries are expected to attend the conference.

Meanwhile, Virtual University organized a seminar to mark World Fisheries Day at M.A. Jinnah campus, Lahore, under HEC-BC Knowledge Economy Partnership Project with the University of Aberdeen, UK.

The University of Science and Technology (UST), Bannu in collaboration with Higher Education Commission organized a six-day “Indigenous On-Campus Training” for University's non-teaching staff. Mr. Hafizullah Khan was the course coordinator. Over 40 members of the staff attended the training, which covered different topics including Office Management, Financial Management and Leadership.

Dr. Abdur Rahim, Vice Chancellor UST said, “the need for learning new trends and approaches never lose its importance. This training is a unique opportunity under the auspices of HEC for universities’ non-teaching staff to enhance their capacity and productivity.”

Virtual University (VU) of Pakistan organized a seminar to mark the International Anti-Corruption Day at M.A. Jinnah Campus, Lahore.

Director Financial Crimes Investigation Unit, NAB, Mr. Sajid Nadeem, renowned columnist Dr. Ajmal Niazi, and other notables including Rauf Tahir, Sajjad Mir, and Dr. Mehdi Hassan were the guest speakers who elaborated various aspects of corruption and its cruel effects on the society.

The objective of the event was to raise awareness among masses about ill effects of corrupt practices. It also aimed at active involvement of all stakeholders in a combat against this menace. Dr.

VU Marks International Anti-Corruption Day

Mehdi Hassan emphasized proper planning and strict implementation of policies with the public support. Mr. Sajid Nadeem stressed the need for sensitizing all the segments of society about the negative effects of corruption and also highlighted the ways and means to overcome it.

Training for Non-Teaching Staff at UST

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The University of Kastamonu, Turkey, and the University of Agriculture Faisalabad (UAF) recently inked a Memorandum of Understanding in the area of research and education.

The MoU was signed by Dr. Sayit Aydin, Rector University of Kastamonu, and Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF. The two sides agreed to enhance bilateral collaboration by exchanging faculty and students at graduate and

UAF, Turkish Varsity to Conduct Joint Research Activities

undergraduate level. They also agreed to carry out joint research activities. Both the institutions will organize academic meetings and symposiums in addition to exchanging academic information and publication materials.

Speaking on the occasion, Rector of the University of Kastamonu hoped that mutual cooperation between will help lay the foundation of R&D activities. He observed that the increasing collaboration among the institutions of the Muslim world in science and technology will pave the way for economic development.

Meanwhile, the Seluck University, Turkey, and the UAF also signed MoU to develop a collaboration for promotion of educational and research activities. Prof. Dr. M. Musa Ozcan, Vice President Seluck University, also held a meeting with Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, Vice Chancellor UAF. Dr. M. Musa Ozcan said that the universities will jointly conduct researches and they will also launch faculty and student exchange programmes.

The Centre for Advanced Studies in Agriculture and Food Security, University of Agriculture Faisalabad, recently organized a five-day workshop entitled "Climate Changes Resilient Agriculture Systems".

Dr. Hasrul Sani Bin Mujtabar, Malaysian High Commissioner to Pakistan, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that climate change is the real challenge playing havoc with lives of the people, livestock and agricultural sector worldwide. He urged all the nations to expedite their efforts to fight the challenge.

He urged the researchers, farming community, governments, industry and all the stakeholders to join hands to mitigate the increasing impact of climate changes.

Malaysian HC Terms Climate Change Major Challenge

Prof. Dr. Iqrar Ahmad Khan, UAF Vice Chancellor, said that agriculture is the worst hit area, adding that a conference on climate change in Paris also highlighted this issue. He said that Pakistan, which is worst hit by climate changes, was among the lowest contributors to carbon and green house impact.

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As many as 757 students of the University of Veterinary and Animal Sciences received degrees

thas the University held its 7 Convocation recently.

Mr. Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Governor Punjab, was the chief guest on the occasion. Thirty eight students clinched medals in various disciplines.

Addressing the convocation, the Governor congratulated the graduating students and said that it was now their responsibility to pay back to the society and contribute to the nation building and development. He lauded the UVAS for its struggle and achievements. He said the University should enhance its role as a major support institution for the development of local innovation in livestock and allied sectors and for provision of skilled human resource to the country. “We need readiness to respond to animal disease incursion in a timely and cost-effective

757 Students Awarded Degrees at UVAS Convocation

way and to have up-to-date policies and response structures in place to achieve this. He said the development of livestock in the country is priority of the government, adding that there will be no compromise on quality of education. He sought help from media and society to achieve this goal.

In his welcome address, Prof. Dr. Talat Naseer Pasha, Vice Chancellor UVAS, presented the details of different programmes related to academics, research, development, and community services.

seven MPhil scholars were also awarded degrees. Degrees were given to students of six faculties and 49 departments.Addressing the convocation ceremony, the Governor felicitated the graduating students, their teachers and parents. He underlined that the increasing number of universities in the country is quite meaningless without focus on research activities. He appreciated the university administration for improvement in quality of education.

Mr. Mehtab Ahmed Khan announced Rs. 1,00,000 each for two disabled students as a token of encouragement for

494 UoP Students Awarded Degrees

Governor KPK Urges Focus on Research Activities

Sardar Mehtab Ahamd Khan, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, conferred 494 degrees upon the students of University of Peshawar during its convocation.

Thirty five students received gold medals for obtaining first position in their respective departments. They comprised 19 female and 16 male students. Besides, 26 PhD and

completing their Masters degrees with distinction. He also announced to ensure their free admission in their research degree programmes ahead. The students included Mr. Owais Alam, who did Masters in Political Science, and Ms. Sakina Afridi. who did her Masters in Urdu. Prof. Rasul Jan, Vice Chancellor UoP, briefed the Governor and audience that over 23,000 students are studying in six different faculties comprising about 49 departments, institutes, centres, colleges and schools. He said the university produced 163 PhDs in 2014-15.

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Bahria University, Islamabad th

campus, held its 14 Convocation at Jinnah Convention Centre recently. Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman, Higher Education Commission, Pakistan, was the Chief Guest on the occasion. He conferred degrees upon the graduating students of various programmes.

A total of 427 degrees were awarded to the undergraduate and graduate students of various departments including the Management Sciences, Humanities, Computer Sciences, Earth and Environmental Sciences, Electrical Engineering, and Software Engineering.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed along with Dr. Tanveer Faiz, Rector Bahria University, awarded 12 gold

thBahria University holds 14 Convocation427 Students Receive Degrees; 12 Grab Gold Medals

and 12 silver medals to students who achieved top positions in their respective programmes.

Addressing on the occasion, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed congratulated the students on their splendid success and lauded Bahria University for providing exceptional knowledge skills to students in various disciplines, which he said will enable them to lead a professionally rewarding life. He urged the

academia to come forward with a strong commitment to contribute to the nation-building process.

The Rector appreciated the efforts of HEC for promotion of higher education in the country. He said that universities have a great responsibility to produce skilled graduates who could contribute positively to promotion of a research culture in the country.

Riphah International University, Islamabad, held thits 10 Convocation at Jinnah Convention Centre,

Islamabad.

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, was the chief guest on the occasion, while the other dignitaries included Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission; Mr. Hassan Muhammad Khan, Pro-Chancellor Riphah; Prof. Dr. Anis Ahmad, Vice Chancellor Riphah; and Mr. Sadik Babur Girgin, Ambassador of Turkey to Pakistan.

As many as 890 students of the University belonging to various faculties, including Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, Pharmaceutical

Riphah University Awards 890 DegreesSciences, Management Sciences, Engineering and Applied Sciences, Computing, Social Sciences and Humanities, Basic Sciences and Media Sciences were awarded degrees at the convocation.

Prof. Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, in his speech, said that it is only an opening to the new world as students’ success will be measured by the capabilities, achieved during their education, to address the future challenges.

Muhammad Zulfiqar Ali Khan, founder Chancellor Riphah, emphasized upon the students that the acquisition of knowledge does not end with the obtaining of a degree, as it is a continuous process.

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Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto Institute of Science th

and Technology (SZABIST) held its 12 convocation recently at PAF Convention Centre.

The ceremony included speeches by Dr. Azra Fazal, Chancellor SZABIST, Ms. Shahnaz Wazir Ali, President, and others. All the speakers extended their heartiest congratulations to the graduates of

th12 Convocation and their parents in their speeches.

As many as 837 degrees were awarded and a total of 11 Merit Gold Medals were won by graduates for their outstanding academic performance. Over

837 Students Receive SZABIST Degrees

2500 people including graduates, parents, corporate delegates, faculty and staff of SZABIST attended the event.

Pakistan Academy of Medical Sciences (PAMS) recently

thorganized its 17 convocation at the University of Health Sciences.

Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Governor Punjab, Dr. Muhammad Humayun, President PAMS, Prof. Muhammad Aslam, Vice Chancellor UHS, and other notable figures shed light on the role and mandate of PAMS and urged the doctors to serve the poor considering it their national obligation.

PAMS Role in Recognition of Pakistani Physicians, Scientists Achievements Lauded

Speaking on the occasion, the Governor Punjab said that “if we sincerely wish to develop and grow in future, we have no other option but to take the discourse of scientific development”.

The speakers said that the basic objective of the academy was the recognition of meritorious and scholarly achievements of physicians and biomedical scientists of Pakistan background. They said that PAMS encouraged young scientists with special

recognition awards besides managing scientific research, publishing papers and journals and presenting the scientific work conducted in Pakistan at international level. PAMS provides funds for development of scientific research projects.

In the convocation, fellowships were awarded to Prof. Dr. Farhat Abbas, Dean Aga Khan Medical College, Karachi; Prof. Dr. Khalid Hussain Janbaz, Principal Akson College of Pharmacy, Mirpur University of Sciences and Technology; Prof. Dr. Mohammad Wasay, Professor of Neurology, Aga Khan University Karachi, and Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mukhtar, Chair Department of Biotechnology, American University of Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates.

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thThe Superior College held 6 consecutive international conference on Green Economy with the collaboration of IESEG School of Management, France; ICMR, Italy; and Turkish, Italian and French embassies.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning and Development, who was the chief guest on the occasion, said that the conference is testimony to the dedication of Superior College and it gives a platform to share experiences and research based work. Referring to the theme of Green Economy, he said that “Green Economy will help check the pollution that casts hazardous effect on clean environment.”

The theme of the conference was ‘Green Economy -- Renewable Energy Role in Sustainable Development of Emerging Markets.’ Researchers from all over the world, academicians of different local and international universities, representatives of French, Italian and Turkish embassies, political personalities, industrialists

Superior College Moot Elaborates Green Economy

and heads of national and multinational companies were present in the conference.

In his welcome address, Dr. Sikander Khan, Pro-Rector Superior College, highlighted the role of research in local and international industries. He stressed the need for promotion of a research culture. He also highlighted the new challenges and proposed solutions for them in the light of research.

The University of Management and Technology th

(UMT), Lahore, organized its 11 annual convocation, in which 1350 students were awarded degrees.

Malik Muhammad Rafique Rajwana, Governor Punjab, was the chief guest on the occasion, while Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister of Planning, Reforms and Development, Mr. Muhammad Mian Soomro, former Chairman Senate, and Mr. Zachary Harkenrider, US Consul General Lahore, were also present in the convocation.

UMT holds Annual Convocation 2015The Governor Punjab said that he has found Pakistani students possessing excellent skills and abilities that could be utilized for the country’s development. He said that trustworthiness, honesty, integrity and loyalty were the only principles that would upgrade Pakistanis as a nation.

Mr. Ahsan Iqbal laid stress on the graduates to support the Vision 2025 that aims at placing Pakistan among top 25 economies of the world.

The number of UMT alumni after this convocation has reached 15000 with 10,000 existing students. Around 959 Bachelor, 364 Masters, and 3 PhDs were awarded degrees. Besides, 47 Patron’s medals, 45 Rector’s medals, seven special medals, 10 extracurricular medals and five awards of exceptional academic excellence and cash prizes were given away to the winners.

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The latest advancements in Rehabilitation Sciences can play a vital role in stabilizing the lives of disabled people.

Dr. Mukhtar Ahmed, Chairman Higher Education Commission said this while addressing the closing ceremony of International Conference on Rehabilitation Sciences organized by Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences recently.

During the two-day conference, the world's leading scientists and rehabilitation experts discussed multiple issues related to the future of Rehabilitation Sciences in Pakistan.

The Chairman HEC lauded the holding of conference on the crucial topic of Rehabilitation Sciences and said that such events enrich the knowledge of professionals and practitioners in the field. The contribution of rehabilitation practitioners to the advancement of healthcare system should properly be acknowledged, he added.

Isra Conference on Rehabilitation Sciences

‘Advancements in Rehab Sciences Vital Means of Stability for the Disabled’

Speaking on the occasion, Dr. Naveed Babur, Principal Isra Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences, emphasized arrangements and steps for promotion of research in the field of Rehabilitation Sciences, as the country needs quality rehabilitation practitioners.

Andy Charley, an internationally known rehabilitation expert, highlighted the role of family medicine in rehabilitation in the United Kingdom. Earlier, experts of the Rehabilitation Sciences held various sessions and discussed various aspects of the topic.

A Pakistani student, Sajid Iqbal, rd

has received the 3 HIT Harmony Sunshine Ambassador Award 2015 in a ceremony held at the Harbin Institute of Technology (HIT).

Only 10 Sunshine Ambassadors were selected out of 28,000 students on the basis of their academic performance and excellence in co-curricular activities. Sajid Iqbal, who had gone to China under HEC project “HRD Initiative-MS leading to PhD Programme for Faculty Development of

Pakistani Student Awarded in China USTEPs” in 2012, was the only Pakistani student among the 10 international students chosen for the award.

He published papers in Science Citation Index (SCI) journals apart from the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) conferences. He also participated in Model United Nations (MUN) conferences at HIT. He also represented HIT at BEIHANG International Summer School 2015. Out of the 2,000 international students studying

at HIT, he and Ms. Nadezda Koryakina, a PhD candidate from Russia, were chosen to represent the HIT at this summer school.

BEIHANG invited Chinese teachers and professors from universities around the world to teach at the summer school and about 60 courses were offered

Five Pakistani undergraduate and graduate students studying in different Chinese universities attended the summer school.

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An international conference was held on Information Management and Libraries at University of the Punjab (PU), Lahore, recently to mark the completion of a century of the Department of Information Management. The theme of this centennial celebration conference was “Looking Back, Moving Forward”.

The response of the LIS professionals was overwhelming as 450 registered delegates from all over the country besides foreign delegates including invited guest speakers from Malaysia, Singapore, Bangladesh, India, Iran, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Nigeria, Turkey, France, UK and USA attended the event. Three parallel pre-conference workshops were also conducted with the topics like Strategic Planning; Data Mining; and Communication Skills.

Rana Mashhood Ahmad Khan, Minister for Education, Punjab, was the chief guest of the inaugural ceremony.

Dr. Kanwal Ameen in her welcome address narrated the 100 years journey of the department from a certificate course to PhD level of education and from one room to a proper independent

UoP Centre Hosts Seminars on Pashto, Sikh Community The Pakistan Study Centre, University of Peshawar, held two different seminars on Pashto language and the Peshawar Sikh community.

Inaugurating the seminar entitled “Pashto Language: History, Script and Lexigraphy”, Prof. Dr. Fakhr-ul-Islam, Director Pakistan Study Centre, said that one of the objectives of Pakistan Study Centre is to promote regional languages and conduct research on different dimensions related to them. In his keynote address

Prof. Dr. Nasrullah Jan Wazir, Director Pashto Academy University of Peshawar, apprised the audience about origin, history and development of Pashto language. His particular focus was script and lexigraphy of the language.

He said that Pashtuns living in Afghanistan and Pakistan have been reviewing style and lexigraphy of the language.

Meanwhile, the seminar on the Peshawar Sikh community

encompassed its history, rituals and current status. It was held at Pakistan Study Centre with Miss Naheed Hussain, Asstt. Prof. Frontier Women College, Peshawar, as a keynote speaker.

Ms. Naheed Hussain gave a detailed historical background of the Sikhs community and its settlement in Peshawar. She declared it as a matter of great satisfaction that both the Sikhs and Pashtuns are living in complete harmony in Peshawar.

PU Information Management Department Turns 100

building. Three keynote speeches were delivered by Prof. Sanda Erdelez from USA, Prof. Yasar Tonta from Turkey, and Prof. Widad Mustafa El Hadi from France at the beginning of every day during the conference.

In the concluding session, Dr. Kamran Mujahid, Vice Chancellor PU, appreciated the organizers of the conference and the faculty. He also said that the conference opened the door for international connectivity at the departmental level and it should be continued. The conference also included a cultural night and a visit to Lahore Shahi Qila.

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Sardar Mehtab Ahmed Khan Abbasi, Governor Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, inaugurated the new campus of National Centre of Excellence in Geology at the University of Peshawar recently.

The new campus has been constructed through PC-1 project under the auspices of the Higher Education Commission, Pakistan. It contains administration and

News in Picture

academic blocks, hostels for boys, girls and faculty alongwith a foreign faculty guest house and apartments for faculty.

The Academic Block has state-of-the-art facilities including 17 laboratories, a geological museum and a National Library of Earth Sciences.

Experts, researches and academia, with expertise on Spate Irrigation System, hailing from all the provinces of Pakistan's all provinces, have stressed the need for investment in this area to produce grain crops to cope with the challenges of food security in the country.

They were speaking at the ‘National Conference on Spate Irrigation: Potential and Challenges’ jointly organised by Sindh Agriculture University (SAU) Tandojam and Research and Development Foundation (RDF).

Dr. Mujeebuddin Memon Sehrai, VC SAU, appreciated the efforts of Sindh Government for rehabilitation of Sukkur Barrage, which is the main source of irrigation in the province. He said proper construction of Spate System should be introduced, as it could be the only way out of the development. Because, it has been observed that spate development is being initiated where there is no need. This development should be initiated after realising the baseline to move on progress of the country, the VC said.

Dr. Frank van Steerbergen, CEO Meta Research & Spate Foundation Netherlands, sharing his experiences, said abundant work on Spate Irrigation is underway in the world. But there is a need to improve the Spate Irrigation System in

SAU Moot Stresses Investment in Spate Irrigation Sindh, because Sindh has huge potential in arid zone to save the water through this technology. He further added that through spate the experts can save the water and produce more grain crops to cater to the needs of the population of livestock as well as human being. He said floods are assets and it should be taken for the prosperity through agriculture development of the country. He also shared the world spate irrigation experiences of the world with stakeholders.

Masood Mahesar, Executive Director RDF, shared the objectives of the conference and said that they have conducted a study on Spate Irrigation, covering all the areas, including Jamshoro, Dadu, Thatta, Khairpur, Kambar Shahdadkot and Malir Karachi, which shows that it could be effective for promoting alternate irrigation system. He said the Punjab and KPK provincial governments have developed infrastructure about spate, but in Sindh there are only communities working on themselves, conventionally.

Allah Bakhsh Khan of Spate Foundation of Pakistan, Islamabad, working on operational and management of spate irrigation, proposed to have national level networking of farmers, experts and researchers representing all the provinces to work together.

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The Foundation University Institute of Rehabilitation Sciences recently organized a seminar and exhibition at International Day of Persons with Disabilities.

Khadim Hussain, Rector Foundation University, Islamabad, was the chief guest on the occasion while Dr. Tassawar Hussain, Acting Director Foundation University, and others were also present. The purpose of the event was to create awareness among the masses about the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in general and regarding the access and empowerment of people of all abilities in particular. People from different walks of life participated in the event. The event included lectures by the eminent experts, presentations, short videos, drama as well as posters exhibition. Addressing the gathering, the Rector FUI said that today we are more aware of the needs of the disabled, owing to the advancement in the fields

FUI Marks Int’l Day of Persons with Disabilities

of mass communication, education and the IT boom. He said, the disabled are no more disabled as through fast growing interaction with outside world, new methods, techniques and technical knowhow, we have learnt to transform the disabilities into abilities. This of course will add to their usefulness for the society in general and will make them self-reliant. The chief guest said that empowerment involves investing in people, jobs, health, nutrition, education as well as social protection. The Rector FUI said “World Disability Day” will go a long way to bring the handicapped into the main stream and givie them confidence to be an effective part of the society.

He urged the students and faculty of FUIRS to make this event a regular feature of their academics calendar and positively contribute towards alleviating the physical, mental and psychological disabilities of the affected persons and convert them into abilities.

Dow University of Health Sciences (DUHS) organized an orientation session for the new batch of postgraduate research programmes. The session was held at Dow International Medical College, OJHA campus, to give a brief overview of the curriculum and teaching methodology to the new entrants.

Realize Importance of Research, Urges DUHS VC Dr. Kashif Shafique, Vice Dean, School of Public Health, DUHS, gave a brief overview of the functions of Department of Research.

He informed that the number of publications has increased, adding that the university is also providing research grant to students for research.

Prof. Dr. Masood Hameed Khan, founding Vice Chancellor, DUHS, welcomed the students of new batch and briefed them about the aims and objectives of university. He urged the students to realize the importance of research, saying that “we will not be able to find solutions to our problems until we conduct researches.”

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The University of Engineering and Technology (UET), Lahore, distributed cheques among students of far flung areas under the Prime Minister’s Fee Reimbursement Project during a ceremony held recently.

The cheques worth Rs. 7,78000 were distributed among 17 PhD candidates.

Prof. Dr. Fazal Ahmad Khalid, Vice Chancellor UET, and Nazir Hussain, Director Higher

UET Distributes Cheques under PM Fee Return Policy

Education Commission, Lahore Regional Office, attended the ceremony.

Speaking on the occasion, the VC said that the scheme was beneficial and they should avail

themselves of this higher education opportunity. He said that students would get higher education opportunities under this scheme. Mr. Nazir Hussain also explained the importance of the scheme.

Health experts termed Pakistan a country with the highest prevalence of breast cancer in Asia during a Breast Cancer Awareness Session organized at the International Centre for Chemical and Biological Sciences (ICCBS), University of Karachi (UoK).

The speakers noted that breast cancer is the most common cancer in women around the world while Pakistan has the highest prevalence of the disease in Asia. Breast cancer may be a devastating disease but it is potentially curable, they said.

Dr. Esha Saqib and Ms. Atika from SKMCH&RC, Lahore, Dr. Ghazala, Dean Pharmacy UoK, and Dr. Sadia expressed their views on the occasion. Dr. Esha Saqib said that the progression of breast cancer was associated with genes. Some women inherit changes in breast cancer genes. These women are at a much higher risk of developing breast cancer, which may be at a young age, she maintained. “Estrogen is a hormone which is normally produced in females and takes part in reproductive function. Women who are overexposed to estrogen due to early

UoK Organizes Breast Cancer Awareness Sessionperiods, late menopause or late childbirth, may be at a relatively increased risk of breast cancer. Post-menopausal women who take hormone replacement therapy have also been shown to have an increased chance of breast cancer. Once a woman stops taking hormone replacement therapy, her risk of developing breast cancer decreases. Women who gain weight especially with increased waist girth, around the age of menopause, have been shown to have increased

chance of breast cancer and breast cancer related death,” she said.

There are several treatment modalities used for breast cancer patient, while surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy and new therapies are of them, Dr. Esha said. She clarified that breast cancer was not caused by the use of

microwave, colours of cloth, caffeine, and use of cell phone and deodorant. The disease is not communicable, she said. “The causes of breast cancer are not fully understood. However, there are risk factors that are known to affect women, including alcohol, smoking, radiation, overweight, family history, age and exposure to oestrogen.”

The progression of breast cancer is associated with

genes. Some women inherit changes in breast cancer

genes. These women are at a much higher risk of

developing breast cancer, which may be at a young age.

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A four-day event featuring an annual robotics competition, RoboSprint-2015, was held at the main campus of PAF-KIET with an aim to promote passion in undergraduate students in the field of robotics.

The first ever competition of its nature held at Karachi, provided a platform for promotion of robotics. PAF-KIET had won the open bidding at

Robotics Competition Held at PAK-KIET CASE, Islamabad, to host this year's RoboSprint competition. A total of 22 teams from various institutes, universities and colleges across Pakistan, including the Centre of Advanced Studies in Engineering (CASE), Islamabad, PAF-KIET Karachi, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, IBA Sukkur, NED UET, Karachi, Iqra University, Karachi, Sir Syed Engineering University, Karachi, University of Karachi, and Dawood University, Karachi, participated in the competition.

Young students representing various schools from Karachi, Sukkur and Khairpur eagerly participated in the event and displayed their nascent skills in the field of robotics.

The event was witnessed by highly professional members from the industry and academia. Tubrez Asif, President PAF-KIET, praised the efforts of the organizing team headed by Syed Najeeb Jafri, Director College of Engineering, PAF-KIET.

A one-day international seminar was held at the University of Sindh entitled “Sino-US Quest for ASEAN Cooperation: Impact on Regional Security” organized by Area Study Centre, Far East and South East Asia, University of Sindh. A number of scholars, diplomats, students and faculty members attended the seminar.

Prof. Dr. Abida Taherani, Vice Chancellor University of Sindh, presided over the seminar. Najam A. Shaikh, former Foreign Secretary, was the keynote speaker.

Dr. Ravichandran Moorthy, Associate Professor School of History, Politics and Strategy,

Seminar Weighs Sino-US Quest for ASEAN CooperationFaculty of Social Sciences, University Kebangsaan Malaysia, was the keynote speaker of the day.

Prof. Dr. Hamadullah Kakepoto, Director of the Centre, highlighted the importance of the theme of the seminar. He remarked that both China and United States are the super powers of the world. China is the economic super power capturing the economic market of the world, while the United States is a military super power. He said China’s foreign policy is not anti-US but it needs to be given equal importance by USA.

Dr. Kakepoto said ASEAN is an organization with to member

countries having the importance in the region. No one can ignore ASEAN due to its geo-political importance.

Dr. Abida Taherani remarked the importance of the theme. She said that due to Sino-US cooperation new chances of development will be of equal importance for the world. She said that no country can ignore ASEAN due to its role in world. Najam A. Shaikh highlighted importance of ASEAN as an organization and Sino-US interest in the rejoin.

Dr. Ravichandran Moorthy, Dr. Naseem Ahmed and Dr. Manzoor Isran also presented their papers in the seminar.

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The Indus University’s Quality Enhancement Cell (QEC) recently organized a seminar on “Lean Six Sigma, a way to Academic Excellence in Emerging Markets” as a continuation of its efforts for the upbringing of the university standards.

Muhammad Jiyad Shaikh, a certified trainer having Black Belt in Six Sigma and Lean Six Sigma from Japan, attended the seminar among other participants of different QECs of DUHS, ISRA University, Ziauddin University, SMIU, Biztek, and

Indus University holds Seminar on “Lean Six Sigma”Kasbit as well as the alumni and corporate professionals. Speakers said on the occasion that Six Sigma has now become an effective tool to measure weakness and strengths of an organization as a whole, adding that it will provide an effective way to develop the course.

Mr. Jiyad Shaikh underscored that a framework with key stakeholders, faculty and students is needed to successfully implement the Six Sigma in an academic institution.

The Capacity Building and Alumni Affairs (CB&AA) organized the second workshop of the series of workshops on Talent Grooming/Career Counselling and Capacity Building for the students and staff of Financial Aid Offices of the 31 partner universities under USAID Merit & Needs Based Scholarship Programme (MNBSP).

The workshops are exclusively conducted for the newly enrolled USAID MNBSP graduates at the partner universities across the country, to polish and groom their personality.

The first workshop of this series has been organized at Sardar Bahadur Khan Women University, Quetta. The second workshop was organized at Fatima Jinnah Women University (FJWU), Rawalpindi, in collaboration with Quaid e Azam University (QAU) and COMSATS, Islamabad.

The main purpose of the workshop was to support students and mitigate some of the challenges especially faced by female students.

The content of the workshop dealt with career counseling, supporting internship and providing work opportunities to increase the skills and confidence of students. Resource persons from industry and academia rendered lectures during the workshop.

The CB&AA has taken the initiative to involve the alumni of phase I, therefore, initially four alumni were introduced as resource persons in the

nd2 Workshop of Talent Grooming Series at FJWU

workshop. Apart from Mr. Adil Iftikhar Khattak, another alumni, who is currently working in Sydney, had an online discussion with the workshop participants.

The Vice Chancellor, FJWU, thanked the HEC and USAID for organizing this workshop at the university. She appreciated the efforts of USAID for taking the initiative of awarding scholarships to the meritorious and deserving students across the country.

Ms. Nidal Khan, Education Specialist (USAID), lauded the efforts of CB&AA for assembling a large number of graduates on the premises.

Workshop dealt with career counselling, support for internship, provision of work opportunities

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An event entitled DICE Automotive 2015 was organized at National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST), Islamabad, which was graced by Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, as Chief Guest.

The event was hosted by NUST School of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering and DICE Foundation, USA. The primary purpose of DICE Automotive was to set up a platform to provide an opportunity to students to showcase their knowledge and skills in the field.

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, in his speech, acknowledged the

National University of Sciences and Technology (NUST) has been ranked at 85 among the world’s top less-than-50-year-old universities by QS (UK).

NUST School Hosts DICE Automotive 2015

NUST Ranked High

efforts of NUST and DICE in bridging the gap between industry and academia. He highlighted the impact of automotive industry on the economy. He also stressed the need for innovation and research in this field.

Dr. Abdur Gafoor, Principal SMME, expressed his gratitude to the guests and sponsors and

highlighted the need for such collaborations among the academia, industry, government and entrepreneurs. He announced the inauguration of DICE Automotive Innovation Centre, which is a collective effort of DICE, NUST, NED Karachi, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology and Muhammad Ali Jinnah University. Chairpersons of prominent automotive industrial organizations attended the event.

In the closing ceremony, Mr. Ahsan Iqbal, Federal Minister for Planning, lauded the efforts of NUST for bringing foreign industry leaders from DICE, USA on a collaboration platform together with PAAPAM.

The ranking is aimed at recognizing the fast-emerging young universities, who have made their mark internationally.

It is pertinent to mention here that NUST has acquired a strong academic reputation in just 24 years of its inception. Its core values of quality, merit, entrepreneurial character, community engagement and sustainable development promotion have earned it a good name globally. NUST is today the dream of every young aspiring man and woman.

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The Quality Enhancement Cell of Khyber Medical University organized a workshop for the non-teaching staff of KMU under Indigenous On-Campus Training Programme of Higher Education Commission, Islamabad.

Ms. Shaheen Khan, Adviser Learning Innovation Division, HEC, attended the workshop as chief guest. Prof. Dr. Muhammad Hafiz Ullah, Vice Chancellor KMU, appreciated the contributions of facilitators and participants.

MS. Shaheen Khan shared her feedback with the participants saying that HEC intends to encourage higher education institutions for their staff

Workshop Held for KMU Non-Teaching Staff

capacity building, and more opportunities will be given to KMU to hold such healthy activities.

Ms. Asiyah Bukhari, Dr. Jamil Ahmed, and QEC officials thanked the guests from HEC as well as the participants and facilitators of the workshop.

Prof. Dr. Atta-ur-Rahman, former Chairman Higher Education Commission, inaugurated Mrs. Shahida Khalid Video Conference Hall at Indus University recently. According to details, the Video Conferencing Hall was dedicated by Mr. Muhammad Ahmed Amin, Vice Chancellor Indus University, to his beloved mother, Mrs. Shahida Khalid, to fulfilled her dream by turning her small initiative of religious

Dr. Atta Inaugurates Video Conferencing Facility at Indus University

school in to a University. After the inauguration ceremony, Dr. Rahman delivered a lecture on “Wonderful World of Discovery”, followed by interactive question-answer session.

He said that we need to change our teaching practices into a practical approach and this can only be possible when we induct professional teachers who shall have real passion and love to their profession.

Mitsuaki Tosa, Director of Japan Information and Culture Centre, Counsel for Cultural and Public Affairs, called on Prof. Dr. Abida Taherani, Vice Chancellor, University of Sindh, in her office.

In this meeting, various avenues of cooperation between the university and Consulate were discussed and it was agreed in principle that the Consulate will extend its cooperation to Sindh University to encourage its ongoing researches on various aspects of Japan.

It was also agreed to sort out the possibilities of fellowships, scholarships and short visits to Japan by researchers of the university in addition to establishing a network to create awareness among the people of Sindh about acquiring education in Japan.

Japanese Envoy Meets SU VC

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Mr. Asad Qaisar, Speaker of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Assembly, inaugurated the refurbished Natural Fluids Refrigeration Centre (NFRC) laboratory at Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute of Engineering Science and Technology.

Established in the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, the NFRC laboratory was partially financed by Isotherm Inc., USA, and its total cost was about half million dollars. Mr. Jehangir Bashar, Rector of GIK Institute, Prof. Dr. Javed A. Chattha, Pro-Rector Academics, Dr. Zahid Ayub, President of Isotherm Inc., USA, Dr. S. M. Ahmad, Dean FME, Dr. Haider Ali, Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Corruption, Muhammad Shiraz Khan, Member of Provincial Assembly, Dr. Atta-ur-Rehman, Provincial Secretary for Higher Education, and Dr. Khalid Khan, Additional Secretary, also graced the inaugural ceremony.

GIK Institute in collaboration with Isotherm Inc., USA, has established the NFRC to provide refrigeration solutions on a global scale.

Speaker KPK Assembly Inaugurates Lab at GIKI

Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Asad Qaisar said that the students who acquired contemporary engineering education in GIK Institute have played

a dominant role in development of the country in numerous fields.

He lauded the modern techniques adopted by GIK Institute academia to impart quality education to youth. He assured that the government will provide adequate help in

imparting contemporary engineering education to the country’s youth.

The Rector acknowledged and thanked Mr. Asad Qasiar for his Government’s on-going support to GIK Institute.

The students who acquired contemporary engineering education in GIK Institute

have played a dominant role in development of the

country in numerous fields.

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As many as 932 degrees were awarded at the convocation of Institute of Business Management (IoBM). Mr. Muhammad Mian Soomro, former President, was the Chief Guest on the occasion.

In his keynote address, Mr. Kamal A. Chinoy, Chief Executive Pakistan Cables, urged the students not to underestimate any situation and be prepared for eventualities in life. He stressed the need for acquiring knowledge and education in

IoBM Awards 932 Degrees in Various Disciplinesaddition to learning about the value of strategic management in personal as well as corporate life. “Dream big, aim high and keep your feet on ground,” he said, adding that patience is a virtue but perseverance is an art.

Mr. Mian Soomro highlighted the importance of helping less privileged people through philanthropic work. He motivated graduates, saying that “You are the future of Pakistan and Pakistan is your future”.

Mr. Najmuddin A. Shaikh, Chancellor IoBM, Mr. Shahjehan Karim, IoBM President, and other notables also spoke on the occasion. They urged the students to “have confidence in yourself”. They urged them to always respect their parents, as their success in academic sphere is due to the special attention of their parents.

Eleven IoBM new graduates were awarded gold medalists. Certificates of merit were awarded to 18 graduates.

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Capital University of Science and Technology (CUST) recently held its convocation and awarded degrees to 433 successful students of PhD, MS and BS level in various disciplines along with 49 medals to position holders.

Mr. Mamnoon Hussain, President of Pakistan, has given assent to the establishment of Capital University of Science & Technology under Act No. XVI of 2015 of the Parliament. Prior to promulgation of the Act, CUST had been operating as a campus of Mohammad Ali Jinnah University since 1998 and offering degrees through Departments of Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Computer Science, Bioinformatics, Mathematics and Management and Social Sciences.

All programmes are duly accredited by the Higher Education Commission and

Establishment of Capital University of Science & Technology Okayed

Pakistan Engineering Council. The University was ranked

amongst W-4 category of Universities by HEC.

Prof. Dr. Muhammad Mansoor Ahmed has assumed the charge of Vice Chancellor of Capital University of Science & Technology, Islamabad. Prof. Dr. Mansoor received the PhD degree in Microelectronics from the University of Cambridge, UK. He has been associated with academia at various levels for the last 20 years. He is a chartered engineer from the United Kingdom and also a fellow of Institution of Engineering and Technology, UK. He was awarded the title of European Engineer in 2002 by European Federation. He is a senior member of the Institution of Electrical and Electronic Engineering, USA.

Dr. Muhammad Mansoor Ahmed has authored more than 100 research papers in the field of Microelectronics. He holds IEEE technical activities chair and has rendered services as an organizer, session and general chairs of several IEEE International Conferences.

Prof. Dr. Mansoor Assumes Charge as VC

CUST Convocation

Minister Lauds Varsities for Promoting Education

Speaking on the occasion, Engr. Baleegh ur Rehman, Minister for Education and Professional Training, congratulated the graduates and hoped that they will contribute to the scientific and technological development of the country

through their ability and commitment. He said that the role of higher education has become more prominent and vast now. He said Pakistani universities are playing vital role for the growth of higher education. The government is determined to support universities in their noble cause as its prime manifesto.

Prof. Dr. Anwar-ul-Hassan Gillani, Chairman Pakistan Council for Science & Technology, graced the occasion as the Guest of Honour.

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The second three-day workshop, as part of Indigenous On-campus Training for administrative and non-teaching staff, was held at the University of Health Sciences (UHS) amidst rounds of applauses and accolades by the participants. The training workshops, comprising five different sessions, were planned by the UHS Department of Medical Education in collaboration with the Higher Education Commission (HEC) under the Modern University Governance Programme.

Dr. Amina Ahmad was the focal person and Dr. Umaira Ahsan was the coordinator of the training workshop in which more than 80 staff members of UHS and its affiliated institutions got training in office administration.

Training Arranged for UHS Administrative Staff

Shaheen Khan from Learning Innovation and Sports Division, HEC, was the Chief Guest at the closing session.

She said that the Indigenous On-campus Training was a unique opportunity under the auspices of HEC for universities’ non-teaching staff and employees to refresh their knowledge and enhance their capacity and productivity. Welcoming the HEC initiative, Prof. I. A. Naveed, Director Department of Medical

Education, UHS, said that such an exercise will help lessen the communication gap among different stakeholders within and outside the universities.

He added that the training was aimed at improving the efficiency of non-academic staff and promoting good governance on the campus.

At the end, certificates were distributed among the participants and the facilitators of the workshop.

A two-day training Workshop on Pedagogical Innovation was held at Bahria University, Islamabad, by experts of Valparasio University, USA, for the faculty of Bahria University.

The objective of the training was to optimize learning through strategies that maximally engage students and the instructor. These strategies include interactive in-class demonstrations requiring analytical thinking, project-based learning, flipped classrooms, and writing assignments as means to foster active learning and problem solving. Advantages of these approaches help students of all abilities to excel, increasing the level of student-teacher interaction, providing real-time feedback to

students and teachers about current levels of understanding, and helping students gain deep understanding of course material.

The topics of the training included engaging students as critical thinkers in large classes, flipping the Classroom: Why and How, Problem solving through Project-Based lab courses and Organizing Pedagogical Innovation through Learning Circles.

Speakers at the training workshop, covering four different sessions each day, included Prof. Dr. David Rowland, Professor of Psychology and Executive Director of the Office of Institutional Innovation, and others.

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Optimization of Learning through Strategies Stressed

Page 34: Magazine Nov-Dec 2015

NEWS & NEWS & VIEWSVIEWS

TEXTBOOK

AND

MONOGRAPH

WRITING

SCHEMEBROADENING THE AUTHORSHIP CADRE

HigherEducationCommission

Format for writing Textbook/Monograph, proposal submission form along with all

guidelines may be downloaded at http://www.hec.gov.pk

Muhammad Javed IqbalDirector Library

C

Higher Education CommissionSector H-9, Islamabad.

Phone No. 051-90401912, Fax No. 051-90401913, Email: [email protected]

The Higher Education Commission (HEC) has embarked upon a

programme on “Textbook and Monograph Writing Scheme (TMWS)”

to enhance the competitiveness in Research & Development and to

create a strong team of authors in the Country.

Who can write?The opportunity to write is open for researchers and faculty members from HEC

What topics can be covered?The authors may write in diverse/selected topics following HEC approved curricula in

new emerging field such as IT, Robotics, Biotechnology, as well as Basic Sciences, Social

Sciences, Management Sciences, Behavioral Sciences, Arts and Humanities, Agriculture,

Engineering and Health Sciences.

What are the financial incentives?HEC offers Rs.100,000/- for writing textbook at master and doctorate level while

Rs.80,000/- at bachelor level. HEC also offers Rs.80,000/- and Rs.70,000/- for writing

monograph at the master and bachelor level respectively. 100 copies of

textbook/monograph will also be given to the author as gratis on one time basis.

How to submit the proposals?The interested authors who meet the eligibility criteria available on the website may

submit their proposals (soft & hard copy) along with all required documents on the

address given below via surface mail not later than February 29, 2016.