In a significant engagement aimed at fostering educational opportunities and resilience in the face of adversity, U.S. Consul General Ms. Kristin K. Hawkins graced the premises of Islamia University of Bahawalpur (IUB).

The focal point of her visit was to meet with the deserving recipients of the USAID Flood Affected Areas Scholarship program at IUB. Stepping onto the campus, Ms. Hawkins commenced her itinerary with a meeting at the office of Prof. Dr. Naveed Akhtar, the acting Vice Chancellor, located at the Baghdad ul Jadeed Campus.

A distinguished gathering welcomed the Consul General, including Director General Scholarships of the Higher Education Commission, Aayesha Ikram, Prof. Dr. Rubina Bhatti, Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences, Prof. Dr. Irshad Hussain, Dean of the Faculty of Education, and other esteemed officials. The Vice Chancellor provided a comprehensive overview of IUB’s rich history and its vibrant student body.

Expressing admiration for the university’s proactive measures in catering to the diverse needs of its student community, CG Ms. Hawkins conveyed her eagerness for prospective collaborations across various domains, notably in the realm of scholarships.

During her stay, Ms. Hawkins actively engaged in a roundtable discussion with the beneficiaries of the USAID Flood Affected Areas Scholarship program. Moved by their tales of resilience in the aftermath of devastating floods, she listened intently to their narratives of overcoming obstacles. The students, grateful for the lifeline provided by the scholarship, shared how it had not only resurrected their aspirations for higher education but also instilled in them a sense of responsibility to effect positive change in their localities.

The scholarship, a beacon of hope amidst adversity, has empowered these students to become catalysts for change, fostering diversity and advocating for climate action to mitigate future disasters.

The event witnessed the presence of key stakeholders including Rao Muhammad Azhar, Project Director of the US Funded Merit and Need-Based Scholarship Program at HEC, Hassan Saif, PD/Digital Production, IO Methew Wilson, Control Officer, Arshia Bano, USAID Lahore Team Lead, and faculty members Dr. Asif Nadeem, Fatima Junaid, Aga Sadaf Mehdi, and Muzammil Fayaz, further underscoring the collaborative spirit driving these initiatives forward.

In essence, the visit of Consul General Kristin K. Hawkins epitomized a shared commitment towards fostering educational resilience and empowering communities to thrive amidst adversity.

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The Board of the Capital Development Authority (CDA) has sanctioned the lease of a parcel of land for the Ghulam Ishaq Khan Institute (GIKI) of Engineering, Sciences, and Technology, allowing it to establish a new campus in Islamabad.

The approval came after discussions led by the Member (Planning & Development), culminating in the decision to allocate a plot of land measuring 645’x680’ (which is roughly 80 Kanals or 10 Acres). This plot is located next to the space designated for SUPARCO, covering partial areas of Plot Nos. 22, 23, & 24 within the Kuri Agro Farming Scheme (Concept Plan), Zone-4 of Islamabad.

Several stipulations accompany the land allocation for the GIK Institute. To begin with, CDA’s Planning Wing will integrate the designated land into the master layout plan.

Following this, the Estate Wing is tasked with disposing of the land in accordance with established regulations and procedures, ensuring compliance with all requirements as stipulated by the ILDR2005/ CDA Policy. Additionally, the Building Control Wing must ratify the construction plans in line with regulatory standards. The Finance Wing, on its part, is responsible for appraising the land’s value prior to issuing the allotment letter.

Moreover, the GIK Institute is obligated to secure a Federal Charter for the operation of their campus within the Islamabad Capital Territory. It is also mandatory for them to gain endorsement from the Higher Education Commission (HEC) for the campus’s establishment in Islamabad and to obtain the Federal Cabinet’s consent as per the ILDR, 2005 regulations.

The Board has further resolved that henceforth, the land allocation for university plots will be standardized to a maximum of 10 Acres.

Related: GIKI Alumni Reunion 2023 to celebrate 30 years of excellence

In a momentous step towards strengthening academic and research ties, the University of Management and Technology (UMT), Lahore, and Government College University (GCU) Lahore, have solidified their partnership through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on December 6, 2023. The ceremonial signing ceremony was graced by the esteemed presence of Prof. Dr. Ahmed Adnan, Vice Chancellor of GCU, Lahore, and Dr. Asif Raza, Rector of UMT, Lahore.

The historic MoU marks the commencement of a series of collaborative efforts aimed at enriching educational and research prospects for both institutions. Highlighted areas of collaboration encompass faculty and student exchange programs, joint research ventures, and the co-organization of national and international conferences, workshops, and seminars, among other shared interests.

Building upon this foundational agreement, a significant stride was achieved with the formalization of the Inter-University Memorandum of Student Exchange Agreement on February 28, 2024, at UMT, Lahore. This agreement, endorsed by Dr. Asif Raza and Prof. Dr. Ahmed Adnan, establishes a structured framework for the exchange of graduate students between the two universities. This initiative not only streamlines student mobility but also fosters opportunities for students to enrich their academic horizons and pursue excellence in education within diverse settings.

These accords signify a mutual dedication towards cultivating a collaborative academic environment conducive to innovation, research, and educational prowess. Through these strategic alliances, UMT and GCU Lahore are charting a path for higher education institutions to emulate, underscoring the potency of collaboration in enhancing the caliber and reach of education.

The Registrar of UMT and the Director of Academic Planning & External Links at GCU Lahore will serve as the focal points for the Student Exchange program and facilitate communication between the two universities, ensuring smooth implementation of these collaborative initiatives.

Related: UMT Hosts HEC Chairman to Shape Tomorrow’s Education